TTHEHE GENEVAGENEVA SSCHOOLCHOOL TTHEHE COURIERCOURIER NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER JJUNEUNE 110,0, 22009009

The Geneva School Class of 2009

Back Row Middle Row Front Row Joel Baumgarten Elizabeth Schaffer McKenzie Fletcher Jonathan Seneff Ryan Delk Taylor Fletcher Raymon Garcia Luis Perez Caroline Mitchell Zachary Schutz Christopher Bonarrigo Samantha Cowan James Calhoun Neely Patton Rebecca Lopdrup Kyle Barker Damian Campbell Katherine O’Driscoll Ryan Killoran Josiah Nethery Lauren Padgett Stephen Wilkes Veronika Nyberg Lindsey Warner Jonathan Spilman Ashley Yates Abigail Pugh Return of the Kings Revelation 4:8–5:10 Baccalaureate Address delivered by Rev. Michael Francis on Th ursday, May 21

It’s a great privilege for me to be with you this evening, and I thank Reverend Ingram and the Board for entrusting me with the responsibility of issuing the charge to you, Geneva’s largest graduating class (thus far).

It boils down to this, my friends: the world won’t lift a fi nger to help you learn the things you most need to know. Th e sooner you realize this, the safer and wiser you will be. But take heart: God is not like the world; He is eager for you to know these things, which is why He throws open the doors to His heavenly throne room for us in Revelation 4 and 5, to show us three Kings who are central to the Christian world- view. God willing, I will charge you tonight to build a vision for your life on the true identities of these three kings: (1) God (the Father); (2) Jesus Christ; and (3) Man.

I. Th e First King: God on His Th rone (5:1-4) Make no mistake about it: the world is perfectly willing to let you get away with murder when it comes to God, particularly when it comes to speaking about Him. You’ll fi nd that not only will God be a frequent topic of the world’s conversation, but also that the world will be very generous in granting you permission to speak about God, provided, of course, that you restrict yourself to counterfeits and impostors that demean His glory, His majesty, His power, His goodness, and His beauty. Th ey will also be generous to you provided that you’re willing to reduce Him to the punchline of a joke, to use Him as pious fi ller for conversation, or to invoke Him as the target of self-righteous indignation when things in life don’t go according to your plan.

And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are cause no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the cease to say, Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so “Holy, holy, holy, that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” is the Lord God Almighty, And between the throne and the four living creatures and among who was and is and is to come!” the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. Th ey And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and by your will they existed and were created.” and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people Th en I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the for God throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with from every tribe and language and people and nation, seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” and they shall reign on the earth.” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to Rev. 4:8–5:10 (English Standard Version) open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly be- Page 2 Yes, the world will be perfectly happy for you to speak about man ever could be! What breaks John is the vision of God he God in such terms, and it will very likely applaud, promote, has just been shown in Chapter 4. Th e angel’s question and and reward you for doing so. But what the world will not the search it triggers (5:2–3) underscore the incomparable tolerate from you, and what it will never be willing to lift a worth of God: no one, nothing, in all Creation approaches fi nger to do for you, is to speak of Him with reverence as His worth, His value, His glory! the King, to show you God on His throne: eternal, holy, almighty, worthy—as Creator and therefore Owner of all that Th e relevance of John’s experience here to our lives becomes is, including you. But this is the very thing that God is most plain when we remember who John was. By this point, he willing to make known to us. had already been an apostle for 60 years. He was the author of the fourth Gospel. He had been one of Jesus’ inner circle of Th e world will never do what God has three disciples who done for us in Revelation 4–5, which is had been with the to usher us into the very heart of ultimate Lord on the Mount reality itself, something no tool or theory of Transfi guration devised by men could ever do, no mat- and who saw Jesus’ ter how skillfully designed or sublimely unveiled glory. He conceived. What we’re shown in these had spent 40 days chapters is that the root and ground of with the resur- all reality is a Th rone: eternally, securely, rected Lord prior and happily occupied by God. Th e world to His Ascension will never show this Th rone to us, which (Acts 1), and he is why I am so grateful for John’s weep- had been present ing in this passage. John’s weeping (v.4) at Pentecost (Acts is a gift that brings 2). He had even the worth of God been given a vision into focus for us. If of the exalted Lord we accept his tears Jesus Himself in Revelation 1. And yet as genuine and not none of these experiences adequately pre- merely symbolic, pared him for the vision of the Father in then we have to His glory sitting on His throne. It was an probe further to encounter he could not manage, or take ask why the great in stride. In the perfect clarity of heaven, Apostle is weep- John sees the Father in His full authority, ing? Is he weeping glory, and majesty, and the sight of God’s because, even for reality breaks him. the slightest mo- ment, he fears that John by this time would have been an old the risen, reigning man who had walked for decades in faith- Jesus Christ is un- fulness with the Lord. Yet here is a man worthy to take the who is not done being grown by God’s Book from the Father’s hand and to break its seals to look grace, who discovers that 60 years of faithful apostleship is not inside? No! John isn’t weeping over the unworthiness of Je- enough to exhaust the glories of God’s reality. Th e same King sus Christ, but over the shocking reality of the worth of God John saw is still King. Th e same throne John saw still exists, a Himself. throne still happily and securely occupied by an eternal King.

We must interpret John’s weeping in its context. And in I charge you to build your life by gazing as John did upon that the immediately preceding context of Chapter 4, what have same Th rone. I charge you to remember that this King— John’s eyes and ears been fi lled with? Th e holiness of God, alone—is worthy of your crowns, your fascination, your pas- the authority of God, the power of God, the transcendence sion, your devotion, your delight, your joy, your loyalty, your of God—all of which has triggered the explosion of the el- energies, your best thinking and deepest feeling, your most ders’ praises in 4:11: “Worthy are You…!” John tells us that costly sacrifi ces. I charge you to remember that there is no he weeps “because no one was found worthy” in all creation. treasure, no cause, no dream, no aspiration, no pleasure, no Well, why not? Because when compared to the worthiness accomplishment, and no recognition as worthy of your devo- of the One sitting on the throne in heaven, no creature—no tion and pursuit as He is.

Page 3 Of course, the world won’t lift a fi nger to teach conquered by others, we’re to comprehend Him as the true you that, to reward you for believing that, Conqueror. or to applaud you for celebrating it. But God will. We’re given one image here, not two. We’re given a single vision of a Lamb, and a guiding interpreta- II. Th e Second King: Jesus tion that this Lamb is in fact a Lion. Th e Lion’s Christ (5:5–6) appearance as a Lamb is not a disguise or cam- If the Father’s identity oufl age: the Lion fulfi lls His true identity is disclosed primarily and destiny as a Lion, by actually being, through the reality of His not pretending to be, a Lamb! throne, the true identity of Jesus Christ is revealed through What’s the point? Th e Lion the contrast between what John takes His rightful throne by hears from the elder (v.5), and what laying His life down. Th e he sees (v.6). John hears about a Lion, King of kings and Lord but sees a Lamb. In response to John’s of lords willingly puts weeping, the elder tells John about a King, Himself beneath the boots using two images from the Old Testament: (1) of the kings and princes of the “Lion from the tribe of Judah”, and (2) “the the earth. Jesus conquers evil by Root of David.” When John looks (v.6), however, he subjecting Himself to its darkest and sees the opposite of a lion: he sees a lamb, a young and most vicious fury. Jesus Christ’s triumph vulnerable sheep. He sees a living lamb who has sustained as the Messianic King (Lion) of God’s people and survived fatal wounds, which are still visible. In other is achieved by, not in spite of, His willing sacrifi ce words, John sees a resurrected Lamb. of His own life (Lamb). He is a Messianic Lion by giving Himself as a Messianic Lamb. Th e way the Lion John is told to expect a Messianic Lion, but what he sees is conquers and establishes God’s Kingdom on the earth is by a Messianic Lamb. Th e elder gives John the interpretive key dying as a sacrifi cial Lamb. (“Lion”) before the vision, implying that his interpretation of the vision’s true meaning would otherwise be mistaken. Th e To understand the implications of this vision for us, we must world doesn’t teach us to regard an execution as a corona- begin by remembering that we are being shown the heart of tion. Verse 5 (Lion) interprets the vision of verse 6 (Lamb). reality in Revelation 4 and 5. And once we’re brought there, We’re meant to think triumphant Lion when we see the still- what are we shown? We see sacrifi cial love, a love that emp- wounded Lamb. When we see the Lamb who has been a ties itself, that lays aside rights and entitlements in order to victim, we’re meant to understand Him as the Messianic vic- advantage others, occupying the position of greatest honor tor. When we look upon the One who has apparently been and acclaim in all the universe. Such a vision must transform

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Page 4 our understanding of ambition’s proper objects. For the most ation (Genesis 1:26–28), and now the Lamb has overcome the highly rewarded and commended ambition in the universe, fall to secure this original design for all eternity. Th e consum- we see here, was an ambition not to seize power and honor mation of all things in the New Heavens and the New Earth but to lay it aside. In the years and experiences ahead of you, will mean the coronation of the redeemed sons of Adam and don’t be fooled by appearances: real power and real honor in daughters of Eve to reign upon the earth. Th e great design the universe over which God on His throne rules lie in love of God in Creation—the rule of His image-bearers upon the that sacrifi ces itself, that lays itself down for the establishment earth for and under His rule, is fulfi lled now by Jesus Christ of God’s Kingdom. In the universe ruled by the God who is and His work. eternally on His throne, the Meekest is the Mightiest, and the Mightiest is the Meekest. I labor to set this vision before you because I know you will be bombarded in the years to come with invitations to become Th e world won’t lift a fi nger to teach you that, to reward you cynical about the heart of God, to believe the lie that high for believing that, or to applaud you for celebrating it. But views of God and high views of man are incompatible. Let take heart: God will. heaven’s celebration of the Lamb’s accomplishments on behalf of men increasingly become your own as you journey from III. Th e Th ird King: Man (5:10) this place. Let the generosity of God, both in His original One of the tragic iro- design for you as His nies of the fall is that, image-bearers, and in in seeking to make a His design for redemp- name for himself by tion, be your own turning away from heart’s song. God, man in fact plundered his own Take your life as seri- dignity. Because we ously as God does. Do have been made in the not fritter, wander, or image of God (Genesis squander your way 1:26–28), the glory of through it as though God and the dignity it didn’t matter. Th is, of man are inseparable: I believe, is one of the the devaluing of God most fundamental and leads inexorably to serious of our sins: we the devaluing of man. think less of our lives Conversely, the higher than God Himself our view of God, the does. Th e living God is higher our view of man will necessarily be. reminding each of us this evening that His vision for human life is that “they will reign upon the earth,” (5:10) and that He God’s vision of man is infi nitely greater than man’s vision of has given His Son to secure that future destiny for any who man. Th e greatest things that men say about man can never will repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ alone for all begin to approach the things that God says about man. Th e their confi dence before God. greatest things that men can plan for man can never begin to approach the plans that God has for man. Revelation 5:10 I charge you tonight to remember God’s vision for man is, confi rms this for us. has always been, and will always be, greater than man’s! Th e greatest things that men say about man can never begin to We expect a heavenly vision to show us God the Father and approach the things that God says about man. Th e great- Jesus Christ as Kings, but do we expect in that same vision to est things that men can plan for man can never begin to ap- see man described as a king? Yet that’s precisely what we hear proach the plans that God has for man. in 5:10 as the Lamb’s worth is being celebrated: Th e world won’t lift a fi nger to teach you that, to reward you “You have made them to be a kingdom, and priests to our for believing that, or to applaud you for celebrating it. But God, and they shall reign on the earth.” take heart: God will. Amen.

We see here that the Lamb’s work is to recover and advance Th is homily can be heard online via Th e Geneva School God’s original design for His image-bearers. God had made webiste (www.genevaschool.org)—go to the About Us man and woman to be His vice-regents in the midst of Cre- pulldown and click on Audio Soundbites.

Page 5 Charge to the Junior Class Zachary Schutz Vice-Regent of the Round Table

and recognize the hard work and education, and where the faculty passion they bring to the classroom,” and administration want you to real- or, “Avoid the all too common and ize your full potential and will not insipid senioritis.” And while all give up on you. of these things are important, one thing kept coming to mind, and Th ese gifts are great things. And it that is using one’s potential and gifts is important to remember, as it says from God to the fullest. As Roger in Luke 12:48, “Everyone to whom Williams said, “Th e greatest crime in much is given, from him much will the world is not developing your po- be required; and to whom much has tential. When you do what you do been committed, of him they will best, you are helping not only your- ask the more.” self, but the world.” So, today, Junior class, as you move Good afternoon Board members, All of you have been richly blessed into your senior year, as well as honored guests, faculty, administra- by God with many abilities—abili- into the rest of your lives, I charge tion, parents, students, fellow gradu- ties in athletics, academics, the arts, you with the responsibility to real- ates, and most importantly, mem- and leadership capabilities. Th ese ize your gifts—to realize they have bers of the junior class. are all gifts that must be nurtured been given to you by God, and to and used to their fullest, for to leave do all in your power to realize your In trying to decide exactly what to them undeveloped, or underdevel- full potential through those gifts, so charge you, the junior class, with oped, hurts not only you, but those that you can do as Erma Bombeck today, an endless stream of plati- around you who could be aided by desired, “When I stand before God tudes came to mind. Some would your God-given skills. at the end of my life, I would hope be, “Enjoy your senior year to the that I would not have a single bit of fullest because it will be fi lled with You have also been blessed to have talent left, and could say, ‘I used ev- many exciting times, as well as last been placed at a school like Geneva erything you gave me.’” times,” or, “Respect your teachers where you will receive an excellent

Page 6 Salutatorian Lindsey Warner

to all of you about whatever I we fall, instead of a hand up, our so chose. As I pondered what to failure is likely to be met with an say to you, my friends, I began approving pat on the back. And to think soberly about what tri- when we stand our victory will be als are ahead of us. How “college met with coldness. life” will tempt and try us. How easy it will be to get pulled in by It will cost us something to follow the crowd and be carried away Christ. It may cost some of us ev- from what we know is right. Af- erything and, to be sure, it will at ter these thoughts I knew what to least cost us popularity and par- say. ties. But what use is it to gain the Hello friends and families of Ge- whole world if you lose your soul? neva graduates, my name is Lind- I want to appeal to you, to ex- Put like this, parties and popular- sey Warner, and in case the cap hort you, to plead with you, my ity lose their seductive charm; and gown didn’t give me away, I dear friends, my brothers and but we’ve all had friends, or even am a graduating senior and I’ve sisters, to keep the faith—hold brothers or sisters, who’ve turned spent most of my waking hours tight to the anchor of your soul, their back on Christ for the sake these past three years with these to CHRIST. Don’t be pulled into of these two things. equally fashionable people sitting the ways of the world. Don’t cast before you. They are more than off the teachings of your parents Don’t fall for it guys. What the my classmates; they’re my dear and teachers. Stand fast to the world is offering you is noth- friends. truth. ing but empty promises and poor counterfeits. The love, ac- As Lily (Schaffer) so fitly said the I don’t pretend to say that it will ceptance, self-forgetfulness, and other night, our class is really more be easy for us. Christ makes that peace that we all crave are no- a family and Geneva has been clear in the Gospel. Remember where to be had except in Christ. our home. We have stuck it out how he said: “The gate is wide And even if one day you find together through thick and thin: and the way is broad that leads to yourself adrift, lost and scared through early mornings and late destruction, and there are many and hungry, remember the beau- nights prepping for finals, divid- who enter through it. For the tiful story of the prodigal son and ing up and conquering Dr. Bro- gate is small and the way is nar- run back to the arms of your mer- drecht’s history terms, frantically row that leads to life, and there ciful Father who saw you afar off studying for the Calculus tests, are few who find it.” Each day and has longed to embrace you and scraping together ... hmm, I will be a battle, the victory or and to bring you home. mean writing last minute essays. loss of which will be unseen and uncelebrated. We will have to Remember, my friends, eternity So, when I found out I would be fight against the current that has hangs in the balance, and that ev- giving you all a graduation ad- engulfed the collegiate culture. ery step we take brings us closer dress I was excited. For one, I We will have to resist the lure of either to glory or damnation. knew no matter how my speech temptation without the help of went I could by sure that at least our parents and school. Instead I again plead with you, appeal to 26 people would clap and love of godly counsel against drunk- you, and exhort you: Keep the me anyway. And two, I’d be get- enness and immorality we will Faith. ting four whole minutes to talk likely be encouraged to it. When Page 7 Valedictorian Rebecca Lopdrup

look at the academic denigration of From these, your parents and your the intellect, the familial rejection of friends and your future children will values, the human abandonment of remember and enjoy the moment. humanity—and the hopeless and di- But this is not your business. Your rectionless wandering that pervades business is the future. And so, press it all. I ask you to look because there on. you must walk. For we live in a time of great challeng- Your time at Geneva has been one of es requiring great leadership and great seed-planting. For the farmer to reap, service. In every area where there is he must fi rst sow. For the past twelve great crisis, there is great opportunity. Members of the Board, ladies and years it has been your duty to learn And it is our duty to pursue this op- gentlemen, Class of 2009. Th is is the and to prepare. You have learned. portunity. Geneva has prepared you day and now is the moment that for You have prepared. And now, you for this. Or rather, Geneva has pre- the past few weeks or, perhaps, years, must go. pared you to become this. But realize you have looked forward to in earnest Geneva did not make you this. anticipation. You have arrived and, Granted, your next step is also a time for that, congratulations. of preparation. But it is a preparation Frankly, Geneva did not make you of a diff erent sort: a preparation pur- into a complete individual, ready But there I stop. Today, quite obvi- posefully seeking and pursuing the to face the world. It did not make ously, ought to be a day of celebra- matter to which you must dedicate you men and women of courage or tion. From our fi rst lessons in fi rst your life and the learning that accom- strength or ability. It did not even grade on just how bad sentences panies that dedication. make you learned. Nor does it claim could be without grammar, to our to do such. It only claims to give you last lessons in aesthetics on the na- Over the next few days, you will be the tools to learn and the opportunity ture of art and beauty, we have as- bombarded with congratulations of to become. Th e rest is yours. And pired; we have striven; we have suc- all sorts: for the student you have the rest, you must take. ceeded. But the challenges we faced, been, for the character you have devel- like the successes we attained, were oped, for the achievements you have We live in an age of crisis and of op- relative. In the context of our edu- made. All of these are well intended. portunity. In every stage of life and cation so far, our class collectively Accept them with graciousness, and every fi eld of work, in every culture has achieved some of the highest know you are deserving of them. But on every continent, it is our duty to successes and accepted some of the then, put these things aside. For just seize every opportunity. Your duty highest honors. as there is a time for celebration, so begins today. there is a time for work. And while But I ask you today to look past the graduation is generally given as the You must not stop, you must not give lavish walls of this church, down the day marking the end of a twelve-year in. You must not slow down or up. rutted brick avenue, and into the eff ort, it is, too, the day upon which Even in this hour of great honor, you world. I ask you to look at the series you enter into a stage of life with must press on, not only holding the of fi nancial crashes that constitute work far greater. tools given to you, but using them to our current economic crisis. I ask sow and to reap, to shape yourself and you to look at the state of the morali- So cherish the celebration. But then to shape the world. ty and virtue of our society—at truth put it aside. Leave it in rolls of fi lm lying slain in the street. I ask you to and saved bulletins and mementos. Your duty begins today. Press on. Page 8 The Lord is my Shepherd Psalm 23 Commencement Address delivered by Rev. Dr. Sinclair Ferguson on Friday, May 22

of a prayerful faculty. Th erefore, as you have already been reminded today, your responsibility and privileges are very great indeed.

Several things surprise me about today. One is how Head- master Ingram was able to arrange Scottish weather for us this afternoon, which is a great joy to me. Th e other is the passage of Scripture to which I want to draw your attention. Th is passage came to me when I was thinking about the graduation. Sometimes in preparations for such occasions one says what Simon Peter said to the Lord Jesus, “Not so, Lord; never this passage.” I say that because the passage is the 23rd Psalm. I want to read it to you and then I want to underline some of its most important lessons for us.

Th e Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. Mr. Chairman and members of the Board of Th e Geneva He leads me beside quiet waters. School; distinguished faculty, particularly Headmaster In- He restores my soul. gram, to whom I pay proper respect today as one always He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. should to a Headmaster; guests and particularly parents of Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, our graduating students; and especially you who are gradu- I will fear no evil, for you are with me; ating today. Let me especially congratulate you on what your rod and your staff , they comfort me. this day means for your families and for those of you who You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; are graduating students. Th ere are few things more noble You anoint my head with oil; my cup overfl ows. in all the world than enduring a classical education. And Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, I want to congratulate you on becoming part of that hap- and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. py band of graduates who, as we learned to say at school, learned Latin as: I felt something of an intimation at the beginning of our service today that this was surely the right passage for me A language as dead as dead can be, to direct your attention to because of the opening words of it killed the ancient Romans and now it’s killing me! your school song, “Good Shepherd, may we hear your voice and in true confi dence rejoice.” Th is passage is a surprise to I, like you, had a classical education. My parents had very me—it has taken me many years to appreciate the teach- little education and left school at fourteen, but my mother ing of the 23rd Psalm. Th at is partly because, when my was convinced that a classical education was the thing. So, well-meaning aunt gave to me a child’s storybook-version a classical education I had—six years of Latin, and then uni- of the 23rd Psalm when I was a little boy growing up in versity: Greek, French, Russian, Mathematics (many of the a non-Christian family, I took an almost instant dislike to things you have studied). Although I was wounded by the David. Th ere he was on the front cover: his face spotless, fact that it wasn’t a Christian classical education and I was his sheep spotless, not a cloud in the sky, a shepherd’s crook one of the very few Christian boys in the school, I look that looked as if he had just polished it fi ve minutes before back now with great gratitude on what my education has the “photograph.” He was just the kind of boy that almost meant to me. You have had an even greater privilege, not every graduating class has, that everybody else in the class only of fi ne classical education by able scholars, but of an just can’t stand because he is so absolutely perfect. It took education in the context of God’s Word and in the context me some time to realize that David had not written this

Page 9 as a teenager. It was not as a teenager that he had known as they had gone through 40 years in the dessert. He had the dark clouds of which he speaks. Rather, it was in look- supplied all their needs and they would never lack any good ing back on his teenage years that he spoke about the times thing. How can we be so confi dent that that will be the when he was conscious of his need for restoration. case? Well, of course, our Lord Jesus answers the question. We may be confi dent that the Good Shepherd will meet all I want simply to leave with you four things this afternoon of our needs because only the Good Shepherd knows what that David learned—that he wished he had learned earlier; these needs are. four things that it has taken me most of my life to begin to Oftentimes as learn. But, as one learns these things they become marvel- you are growing ous fi xed points for the whole of living the Christian life in up you discover, the kind of world which you are entering. And, may I say in rather reluctantly, parenthesis, to the juniors who are about to take your place that your par- next year, that there is a University in the city of Columbia, ents know what the University of South Carolina. Let me encourage some is best for you. of you to go there and perhaps we will see you in our old- And as you en- fashioned church in future years. But, back to my point: gage in friend- David, as he looks back on his life experience, is saying ob- ships, particularly viously that the Lord is his shepherd. Th e interesting thing if romances begin is that he didn’t to blossom, you learn this from discover that your watching sheep; friends know bet- he learned it from ter for you, at learning scrip- least in their own ture. His was not Above: Neely Patton arriving with her estimation, than mother Diana. the fi rst utterance Left: Luis Perez arriving with his mother you do for your- of these words. Lizzette. self. None of us You remember really knows what how Jacob said we need. None of to his grandsons, you knows what tragedy will befall you or those you love. “May the Lord, None of you knows what lies in the future any more than I who has been my know what lies in my future. But of this one thing we may shepherd, prove be confi dent: He is able to supply all of our needs because to be your shep- He knows us. And particularly, as He does with His sheep, herd also”—Ja- as He leads us through tests and times of darkness and times cob, of all people, of diffi culty, this is the thing that anchors our soul. You describing the Lord, know what I need. And not only, as Jesus says, does way in which God had nourished him, had untwisted him, the Good Shepherd know what you need, the Good Shep- and had so singularly blessed him. And as David refl ects herd who knows what you need can be trusted because He on this, I want you to notice with me the four things that cares for you perfectly. So anchor your life to this—He will he says. supply all you need.

First of all he says that you can be sure that if the Lord really Not only that. One of the things that makes me think that is your shepherd, He will supply everything you need. As David is probably refl ecting on his earlier years is that he you look out into the future with all its opportunities and, understands that the one who supplies all his needs is also yes, with its uncertainties, you have very little idea about the the one who is willing to restore him when he falls. Isn’t real challenges that face you. You are confi dent that you will that the meaning of these striking words, “He restores my be able to stand. But if you are to be able to stand and serve soul”? Two Psalms later David makes a most extraordinary our Lord Jesus Christ you will need to know that it is the statement when he asks God not to remember the sins of Lord who will supply everything you need. Interestingly his youth. And so the sins of his later years, as we read about that was something that David had learned from that part them in the pages of the Old Testament scriptures, were ac- of the Old Testament scriptures that was known to him. It tually the fruit of the things he had never really managed was the assurance God had given to the children of Israel to deal with when he was a teenager—things that had been Page 10 masked over. In later days he, however, tripped, stumbled, young minister—a place where winds were not infrequent- and fell, and he needed to be restored. And the Lord had ly over 100 miles an hour and where there were far more given to him this amazing assurance, that He would restore sheep than people. I’ve known shepherds, but I have never his soul. Even when he walked through what he literally known a shepherd who would lead his sheep into a situa- calls the “valley of deep darkness” the Lord would be with tion where he would spread the picnic cloth in the presence him and see him through. of wolves. I’ve never known a shepherd who had that kind of confi dence in his power—an assurance that he could lead You know, from time to time in the Christian life it is al- his people through testings and challenges. How can He ways worth asking yourself, “What is the thing in life I most do that? dread?” My parents were elderly (there is a sense in which I am almost not here in terms of the age they were when I was I used to teach in the theological seminary in Philadelphia, as born) and I still have vivid memories because the age gap some of you will know, and I used to drive to seminary. At a between my parents and everybody else’s parents seemed to particular point in the drive I would drive up a steep incline be so substantial. I still remember the fear I had, even as a and as the traffi c was getting busy with people pouring into youngster, of the death of my parents and Philadelphia—people how on earth I would respond. And now, late, people anxious— looking back over the years, as I think I was often amused at about those moments when the knock a particular junction has come to the door or the message has where a little lady who come on the telephone that I have most was about 5 ft and half dreaded, the thing of which I am most an inch would step out conscious is the way in which, in the val- into the middle of the ley of deep darkness, He has restored my road. She would raise soul. And this is a great thing to know, her hands and all the this is something that only the Christian traffi c would come to believer can know: the promise of the a standstill. Little chil- Great Shepherd, when dren would then walk we stumble and fall— like ducks across the as we surely shall do— road. I was always waiting for one He is willing and able of them to turn round with a cheeky to restore our souls. smile and stick his tongue out at one of the businessmen who was anxious But there is a third to go and make a deal or at a lawyer thing here that David wanting to go to the trial for which obviously learned in he was late. I used to sit and watch this passage. I think her, pondering this question: “How the best way to put it can this little lady stop all this traffi c?” is this: Th e God who And, of course, the answer was, be- supplies our needs and cause she had authority to do it. Th is restores our soul is also Top: Stefanie Turkanik playing in the orchestra. you see is the marvelous thing about the God who surprises Bottom: Janna Mawhinney with students from her 2002– our Lord Jesus Christ: He has the au- us with His grace. 2003 sixth grade class. thority to lead us into diffi cult tests in Well, you say, Psalm the security that He is able to keep us 23 was one of the very there. fi rst parts of scripture I was ever required to memorize. You could almost say it backwards; some of you perhaps know I love to think of the fi sherman, Simon Peter, when Jesus it in Latin; or even in Hebrew for all I know. Where is the said to him, “Come on boys, we’re going over to the other surprise in the 23rd Psalm? Well it is here: “He prepares side of the lake.” Some of you will have been on the Lake of a table in the presence of my enemies.” Now, I wonder if Galilee. A man who had spent his life fi shing on the Sea of you know any shepherds. I knew shepherds on that Island Galilee and knew when storms were coming, Simon Peter to which the dean referred, the most northerly inhabited inwardly (whatever he was saying outwardly about why he island in the United Kingdom, to which I was exiled as a would go with Jesus) was likely saying to himself, “Why Page 11 should I listen to a carpenter when I am a fi sherman?” In So, my dear friends, take these lessons from this familiar a short season he and the other fi shermen would be in a Psalm to heart as you look back upon this day: He will sup- state of panic, crying out to Jesus, “Don’t you care, we are ply your needs, He will restore you if you have already fallen perishing?” But, of course, part of the point of that whole or will fall, many times He will surprise you with His grace, experience was that Jesus had led them into the storm be- and most of all He has promised to those who call Him their cause there would be no other way that they would learn of shepherd that He will be with us now and forevermore. If His majesty and His power and His glory. the Lord is your shepherd, all of these things will be true.

He surprises us with His grace. Remember this in diffi cult But one last question. After all these years, is he your shep- days. Remember especially if you fi nd yourself in a situa- herd? Th en go with Him and may God richly bless you. tion where you are crying out to the Lord, “Oh Lord, don’t you care?” Th e God who has promised to supply all your needs, the God who is willing to restore you when you fall, In addition to being Senior Minister at First Presbyterian is the God who surprises you with His grace. Church, Columbia, South Carolina, Dr. Ferguson is Professor of Systematic Th eology at Redeemer Seminary. A graduate of And the Lord, who does all of these things is the Lord who the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, he is the author of some promises, on this day and for all future days, to be with two dozen books, has authored numerous articles and has con- everyone who trusts in Him. “Even though I walk through tributed to various symposia. His writing interests have ranged the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because from works of scholarship to books for children. He has served you are with me. Surely goodness and love will pursue me as minister of two congregations in Scotland, one on Unst, the all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the most northerly inhabited island in the United Kingdom, and Lord forever.” the other at the center of Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. For more than twenty years, he was a member of the faculty of And with this I leave you because you will fi nd this to be glo- Westminster Th eological Seminary in Philadelphia and Dallas riously true as you begin to live your Christian life in a secular and has served as a visiting professor in various other seminaries. environment. As one of the old writers of the 17th century said, “Men and women and young people in this world are If you wish to listen to Dr. Ferguson’s address, in full Scot- always in pursuit of what they think is good for them, and tish brogue, it can be heard via Th e Geneva School’s webiste they never fi nd it. But the children of God are life-long pur- (www.genevaschool.org)—go to the About Us pulldown and sued by what is good and they can never escape it.” click on Audio Soundbites.

Page 12 Samantha Cowan is Geneva’s 100th Graduate

Samantha is pictured here with chairman of the Board Jim Seneff , Headmaster Robert Ingram, and Geneva’s very fi rst graduate Brent Berry. Brent is a member of Th e Geneva School class of 2001.

Joel Baumgarten Reflects on his Years at Geneva

When I was diagnosed with a brain year at Rollins College. I have tumor six years ago, I certainly didn’t no idea what I’ll be studying, think, “Oh, I’m stoked, this is going what kind of grades I’ll earn, to be a fun and an interesting learning what I will be when I grow opportunity.” But now that I am grad- up. I am sure I will go through uating, ready to begin the next stage of some major adjustments— without all of you, I wouldn’t be my life, it has dawned on me that this some just like those of every freshman where I am today. This room is filled experience has been a multi-layered in college and others that only learning with the most patient, giving, loving, one, fi lled with surprises. Th e biggest diff erence adults in a non-learning dif- caring, intelligent, creative, and un- surprise of all has been that there have ference world can relate to. derstanding human beings. In most been great advantages to having learn- people’s lifetime, they aren’t lucky ing diff erences. It has added a lot of Of course, in some ways I feel a bit enough to come in contact with the richness, closeness, and opportunity anxious about where I am going to quality people I have been blessed to for self refl ection. It’s given my whole end up, not only in college but after. I center myself around at The Geneva family a chance to slow down and look wonder about my future, what kind of School during the last four years. at our values and the values of the jobs I’ll be able to do, if I’ll ever be able When I think how far I have come, world. to handle driving. Learning diff erences I’m excited and grateful to have had never go away; they will always be here the journey. I will never say that this journey has even though I’ll be able to compensate been easy. It has challenged each of for them in many ways. Joel off ered this refl ection to his classmates us in the family in every possible way, and their families at the Spring Senior pushed every one of our individual but- But time will tell. I have come further Dinner a week before graduation. tons, forced us to rethink everything we than I ever expected to, and there’s a thought we knew, and confronted us part of me now that feels confi dent For the past four years Joel was a part- emotionally. But for all of that, each of that I will lead a great life—one that time student at Geneva, but he par- us is truly better off . It has been a great I enjoy, that isn’t rushed and cluttered. ticipated fully in the life of the school. gift, in many ways. From where I stand Assisted by a team of great tutors, a now, I wouldn’t trade this experience. I am so proud of myself. I like the home-school co-op, and devoted parents, person I am. I can’t help but look Joel fi nished his course of studies and will In the fall, I will begin my freshman around this room and know that begin at Rollins College this fall. Page 13 iteris Award L Given to the senior who best appreciates, appropriates, and applies the ideals of classical education, informed by the liberal arts tradition of Th e Geneva School, the Literis Award is a $500 scholarship granted by the Board of Governors upon the recommendation of the administration and rhetoric faculty.

Board member Dan Pugh presents the Literis Award to Rebecca Lopdrup

ide Award FGiven to the senior who manifests in thought, word, and deed a sincere commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, informed by the reformational distinctives of Th e Geneva School, the Fide Award is a $500 scholarship granted by the Board of Governors upon the recommendation of the administration and rhetoric faculty.

Board member Dan Pugh presents the Fide Award to Katherine O’Driscoll

rder of the Towel OTh is award is granted to a person or persons within the Geneva community in recognition of their selfl ess leadership on behalf of others. Inspired by the biblical example of Jesus girding Himself with a towel and washing the feet of the disciples, this honor is bestowed upon those who gladly disadvantage themselves for the benefi t of others and for the glory of God.

Th e most appropriate words describing our honoree are taken from the song of Deborah, who was one of the Judges during the early years of Israel’s history. Deborah sang,

Cathy Lopdrup Th e leaders led, Th e people volunteered, Bless the Lord!

Cathy’s servant leadership on the Auction Committee for the past two years was contagious, and it resulted in rallying a dedicated team of Geneva parents into a committee whose work spanned the better part of the last two years. By means of their extraordinary eff orts they successfully raised nearly $300,000 for the school between these two events. Indeed it is a praiseworthy thing and a matter of great celebration when leaders lead and people volunteer. It is espe- cially gratifying when the leading is done in the spirit of our Lord, who though he was the greatest of all, served the least of all. Servant leadership begins by girding oneself with a towel.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, Headmaster Rev. Robert Ingram presented Cathy Lopdrup with an engraved silver bowl and a monogrammed Geneva towel. Page 14 mago Award for Fine Arts IGiven to the seniors whose vibrant imaginations, remarkable skillfulness, and creative works in the fi ne arts and the performing arts best imitate the artistry of our Creator, the Imago Awards are $500 scholarships funded by private individuals upon the recommendation of the administration and the rhetoric faculty. Dean of Faculty Mr. William Wood presents the Imago awards to Abigail Pugh (above) and Lauren Padgett (right)

uest Award QTh is award is presented to graduating students who have completed thirteen years of Christian classical education at Th e Geneva School from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Dean of Students Dr. Edward Chandler presents the Quest Award to Zachary Schutz and Jonathan Spilman

ome Alongside Award CTh is award is presented by the Board of Governors to a person or persons deemed to have made singular contributions of time, talent, and treasure to the cause of Christian classical education and the life and well-being of Th e Geneva School.

It is extremely humbling when people with incredible gifts choose to direct their eff orts toward Christian classical education, and in particular to Th e Geneva School. Th e Picernes are new to the Geneva community but they have jumped head-fi rst into the life of the school. Whether it is their incredible help with this year’s auction, or logistical assistance with other Geneva events, or their wonderful and generous hospitality for a recent Great Conversations event—these are just the latest expression of their generosity. Th is is the kind of hands-on involvement that is typical for this couple. Another example is that after adopting six children, to complement the two children of their own, they saw another need. Subsequetly in 2006 they started Embraced by Grace Inc.—a non-profi t Christian adoption agency devoted to the ministry of placing adoptable children permanently into godly, Christian homes.

Th e Picernes have been described as humble, generous, grateful, and joyful givers. Bob and Gwyn have invested themselves in Geneva and in doing so have provided a wonderful picture for all of us of what it means to give our lives away for the sake of the Kingdom. Board member Crosland Stuart presents the Come Alongside Award to Bob and Gwyn Picerne Page 15 Beautiful Boston Eighth Grade Field Trip • May 26–30, 2009

Th e Blessing of Boston and I love each one dearly. Th is trip strengthened our Alana Parish friendships that are sustained spiritually through the love Our trip to Boston was a memorable one. During the fi ve of Christ. Th e rarity of such friendships is something I am days of refreshing weather, my fellow students and I tramped just beginning to realize. Geneva is a huge blessing in my through the streets of Boston. We set out to behold all of life, and so are all my friends and the extraordinary times we Boston’s wonders and discover the many secrets the histori- have had together. During this memorable trip to Boston, I cal city holds. Boston is a city unique in and of itself, fi lled grew in maturity both mentally and spiritually, and for that with history and breathtaking museums and it never ceased I am truly thankful. to amaze me. Linked arm in arm, 24 eighth grade students, along with an assortment of chaperones, hurried after or qui- Th rough carefully planned and scheduled trips such as our etly followed many a tour guide. Th ey fi lled our imagina- trip to Boston, the Geneva curriculum comes alive. Faculty tions with inspiring stories of brave men who were symbols and students share enriching times of learning, delicious of patriotism and fought for our freedom, of ancient times meals, and strengthen the bonds of precious friendships. and the wonders that took place there. We wove our way through the blustering crowds in the underground subway Th e Truth About Inspiration stations, standing out as tourists with our large numbers, Kiera Harvell cameras, and backpacks. We marveled at countless paint- Before I went to Boston I didn’t know it was such a magical ings, and stood in awe of ancient artifacts. Mr. Clark did city. Not like Paris or Rome. But then, I guess, it didn’t a wonderful job of orchestrating this trip—though we did have much to do with the city. We just needed to be some- do a lot of learning and speed walking from one tour to the where else—my classmates and I. next, there was always some down time during the day to relax and take it all in. Th at If you asked which place, made the information easier which tour, which amaz- to absorb and the whole ex- ing visit had the most eff ect perience enjoyable and fun. on me, you’d be surprised. It wasn’t Trinity Church, On Saturday, our last day, known for its breathtaking we visited the magnifi cent Romanesque architecture; Mother Church of Chris- and it wasn’t the Museum of tian Science. After study- Fine Arts with its overwhelm- ing this beautiful building, ing array of ... everything to we listened to a tour guide’s do with ancient art. It wasn’t explanation of Christian Sci- even the enormous Boston ence theology. Maybe the Public Library with its thou- guide will someday refl ect on sands upon thousands of the respectful but challeng- books, though it came close. ing questions from a group No, the place that aff ected of confi dent students who me most was Joe Tecce’s, the relied on the Bible as their Boston State House (Lane Paul) little, fancy Italian restaurant source of truth. where we dined on Th ursday evening. Boston was defi nitely a time of learning, but it was also a time of joy and love. Geneva friendships are unusual. Th ey I know you’re thinking: “What’s so special there?” Well, the are friendships that, no doubt, will last a lifetime—friend- answer is: not much. It doesn’t have great architecture, it’s ships I know I will never forget. During our days spent in not over a hundred years old, and Paul Revere did not hide Boston my friends and I went from being stitched together there with John Hancock after his midnight ride. Don’t get with the thread of friendship to being encased in the steel me wrong, it was a very nice little place, with its dining areas bars of family. Th ey are my brothers and sisters in Christ decorated like the Boston streets. Page 16 of falling off —which we never would. God provided us with many enjoy- So, yes, all those other places inspired able experiences while we were in me, but it was the people around me transit. For instance, on the plane who encouraged me to let that inspira- to Boston, most of us had an excel- tion grow. lent time talking, reading, and study- ing the cloud formations out of the Planes, Trains, and ... window, as well as the evidences of human life spread over the earth be- Ferries tween Orlando, Atlanta, and Boston. Gabe Pederson On the subway, we entered into in- My family pretty much goes every- teresting conversations with each where in our car—cost usually wins other, with the chaperones, and even over economies of time with a family with fellow travelers who heard us of six! You can imagine, then, my talking to each other and then asked excitement when after having trav- questions. Frequently on the ferry to eled to Boston via two planes, I re- and from Boston, Mr. Clark and Dr. alized that we would ride the ferry Chandler would lead a few students out to the front of the boat (or to the top if the hatch was open) to gaze on Now you’re thinking: “Th at’s what in- the city and the sea, converse quietly spired you? In one of the oldest cities together, and stand and feel the brisk in America, with fantastic architectural wind on their faces. feats, beautiful art, and the John Han- cock Tower, the tallest building in New On Thursday, we ate dinner at Joe England. A little restaurant inspired Tecce’s, an Italian restaurant. When you?” we had eaten our fill, we walked over a mile back to our hotel, as the next You see, the restaurant had nothing to ferry was not scheduled to cross until do with it. It was what happened there six in the morning. We had a good that made me realize how fantastic the time, strolling along, talking to each people around me were, always, not just other and singing. the city around me, now. At Joe Tecce’s I laughed so hard I cried, I sat and ate All told, we had a wonderful time with people not a part of my regular journeying from place to place in the crowd, and made jokes with classmates beautiful city of Boston. at the next table. Th en Edward got up and went to the piano which was set off on a platform. He opened the piano and began to play. And then more people between Charleston (where our ho- went up—Lily, Isabella, Erin, and more. tel was) and Boston every day and Th ey all played their favorite pieces. Two take the subway all over the city. I people got up and danced. After every also greatly enjoyed being able to performance we, the audience, which in- walk around the city to visit places cluded the restaurant staff and patrons, such as Th e Isabella Stewart Gardner clapped. Finally, after a last recital of Museum, Th e Harvard Museum of “Beyond the Sea” we got up to leave. Natural History, and Faneuil Hall. Everyone was crying as we realized a few of our classmates were leaving Geneva Top: Trinity Church with its red-pinna- this summer. And then, in all our fancy cled roof to the left of the glass-sided clothes, skirts, heels, and sore feet, we set John Hancock Tower, taken from the out on the 30-minute walk back to the Skywalk Observatory (Anna Meyer) hotel. Together, we walked across the Center: Bunker Hill Monument (Anna Meyer) bridge spanning the Mystic River, laugh- Right: Boston Public Gardens (Lily ing, talking, even screaming at the idea Cloke) Page 17 of the teachings of Christian Science. While we were tak- ing the tour, our tour guide talked about the church and the person who started the Christian Science church, Mary Baker Eddy. Th ere seemed to be a few things that were dif- ferent from Christianity, but the tour guide was very vague. Curiosity got the better of Gabe Peterson. He came right out and asked, “Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins?” Caught completely off -guard by the question, our tour guide answered negatively and then said that the simple answer was no. Everyone knew at that point that Christian Science was wrong. Hands shot in the air to con- tradict her and she could not respond to most of us. At that point Mr. Clark encouraged us to save our theological de- bate for later. But as soon as we left the church many of us inquired, “Why did we go in there?” Mr. Clark answered, with a smile on his face, “To show you the beautiful build- Th e Best of Boston ing and to reveal heresy to you fi rst hand.” Lily Cloke Although all of these places were When our class was preparing to go impressive, my favorite aspect of the to Boston, I don’t think any of us whole trip was the opportunity to were ready for what we were going build stronger and deeper relation- to see there. Th ere is so much his- ships. It was the perfect opportunity tory in the city that it was hard to to really connect and we all had great take it all in. It was a very signifi - fun together. If in years to come I cant place during the revolutionary don’t remember the specifi cs of the war—the battle of Bunker Hill, Paul museums or the Mother Church of Revere and his many adventures, and Christian Science, I will defi nitely much more. We visited Paul Revere’s remember our friendships and most house, learned about his night ride, specifi cally, the dinner at Joe Tecce’s! and discovered a lot about his life. We walked the freedom trail and climbed up the 294 steps of the Bun- ker Hill monument. We even visited the U.S.S. Constitution. We were Top: View of Boston skyline from the ferry (Lily Cloke) bathed in history and stood in the Left: Pipes of the magnifi cent organ very same places where cannons were in the Mother Church of Christian shot, battles were fought, and people Science (Lily Cloke) of yesteryear had lived their lives. Below: Lion on the Ishtar Gate (MFA website) We also visited many of Boston’s wonderful museums. Th e one I liked the best was the Museum of Fine Art. It had many things of beauty on display, but the piece that stood out to me was the fi gure of a lion that was part of the Ishtar Gate—the eighth gate to the inner city of Babylon constructed in about 575BC by order of King Nebuchadnezzar II.

Another very interesting place was the Mother Church of Christian Science . It was truly beau- tiful! Th e organ pipes were incredible, and the architecture was magnifi cent. As we walked in, many of our group said, “I would love to wor- ship here.” Th at was before we learned some Page 18 Parents’ Knight Out As you read this issue of Th e Cou- Pre-K Friday, September 11 rier, you will no doubt notice how Kindergarten Sunday, August 30 important relationships are to the First Grade Saturday, August 22 students. Th is is especially true as Second Grade Friday, October 9 children move into the dialectic and Th ird Grade Friday, August 21 rhetoric school. As a school family, it is also Fourth Grade Friday, September 18 very important that we intentionally work to Fifth Grade Saturday, October 3 preserve the sense of community among the Sixth Grade Saturday, October 24 parent body. As a community of people with common Seventh Grade Friday, September 11 goals, it is our desire that parents fi nd a home in the Eighth Grade TBD Geneva family, to know others and to be known. Ninth Grade Friday, August 14 Tenth Grade Saturday, August 29 For the past two years, Geneva families have hosted Eleventh Grade Saturday, October 10 grade-level dinners in homes with one goal in mind: to Twelfth Grade Sunday, August 30 build community within each grade. Aptly named Par- ents’ Knight Out, these dinners are intended to be just for If you need help fi nding a babysitter, please contact parents, just for fun, and with no agenda for the evening. Sarah Cloke ([email protected]). We have many eager teenagers who love to babysit! Please mark your calendars now as we continue this tradition. Plan on a great night out with the other par- More information and invitations are forthcoming. ents in your child’s grade.

Parent Volunteers: TGS Loves your Helping Hands!

Busy hands are happy hands nications. For school-wide needs, complete the form and return it to Volunteering at Geneva is a great Maria Francis, our volunteer co- the school. If you prefer, you may way to maximize your investment ordinator, wants to help you fi nd email the information to Maria in your child’s education. You get the right spot to fi t your interests Francis. more for your tuition by volun- and schedule. Th ere are both one- teering, because you get to know time and ongoing opportunities, Th ank you! some of the wonderful staff , other including special events, the auc- Th ank you, parents and grandpar- parents, and the inner workings tion, faculty appreciation lunches, ents, for all you do to help Geneva of the school, not to mention the and helping with a variety of offi ce realize its vision. Be encouraged way your helping hands benefi t our needs. It need not be a year-long that your helping hands, whether community of learning. commitment; there are many op- seen or unseen, are part of God’s portunities to participate in one- provision for Geneva, for the ad- What needs to be done? time projects or events. vancement of His Kingdom, and Most of our teachers and athletic for each one of our children. coaches, particularly in the gram- Sign me up! mar school, welcome parent assis- A volunteer form can be download- TGS Volunteer Coordinator: tance and will communicate their ed from the school website—from Maria Francis: needs at the upcoming Fall Open the Academic Life pulldown click 407-332-6363 ext. 219 Houses or via classroom commu- on Volunteer at Geneva. Please [email protected] Page 19 Back Row: Coach Garcia, Chris Roberts, Ray Garcia, Andrew Schaffer, Steve Candeto, Ryan Delk, Damian Campbell, Andrew Sarnicki, Coach Zimmerman, Coach Moreau Front Row: Will Muether, Will Dvorak, Taylor Heinsch, Charlie Briggs, Kyle Delk, Luis Perez, Josh Turner, Luke Brown

District Champions and Regional Runners Up

Varsity Baseball began the spring season with high Th e guys managed to complete the very challenging expectations. Th ey had the core of last year’s team re- regular season with a record of 14–7 including wins turning—not to mention a few quality additions. Also against 2A and 3A opponents. Th eir mark of 8 wins returning was veteran head coach Don Moreau and and 0 losses in district play earned them the #1 seed assistant Bill Zimmerman. With the addition of Ray in the district tournament. After an easy win against Garcia as a second assistant, the very talented team was Central Florida Christian in the fi rst round, they head- complete. ed to the championship game. Standing in their way was Faith Christian Academy. Th e Lions seemed to be Th e pre-season baseball tournament at Mt. Dora Bi- peaking at just the right time and they gained control ble started us out winning against schools far larger of the game from the very fi rst inning. Th ings did not than Geneva. What a positive experience! From diving look good for the Knights entering the bottom of the catches to solid hits to the fence, the boys really came 7th (the last inning) down 5–2. Th e guys did have the together and began to realize just what they were ca- “meat” of the order coming up and everyone (at least pable of achieving. in the dugout) felt they could come back and win. Da- mian Campbell led off the inning with a towering shot As the season progressed, the boys strove to do their that easily cleared the fence in right-center fi eld … 5–3. best and fi nd a way to balance their sport, school work, Next up was Ray Garcia who proceeded to crush one friendships, home, and church. Th e older boys also out of the park in left fi eld. As Ray circled the bases he helped encourage, teach, and protect the younger boys. held up one fi nger to remind us all that we still needed It was amazing to watch them all grow—physically, one more … just one more … 5–4. Charlie Briggs was mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. next to bat, and what an “at bat” it was. Two quick strikes had him down in the count. He then proceeded

Page 20 to foul off three more and eventually battled back to a “in it to win it,” but they have an awful lot to be proud full count. Th en on the 11th pitch of the “at bat” the of—and the entire Geneva community is sure proud crowd and players of them. were treated to a moment for the re- Th ank you to Coach Moreau who drove many cord book. What miles every day, devoted his time and energy, seemed impossible and imparted his wisdom of the game to our just minutes ear- boys. We recognize what a tremendous eff ort lier had, in fact, this was and are indebted to him. And a special happened. Briggs thanks to his wife, Lena, for all her patience. had done it! A “no Th ank you to Coach Garcia and doubter” over the Coach Zimmerman who gave their fence in deep cen- time, talent, and encouragement ter, and the place (and karaoke machine). We couldn’t went nuts. Th e players stormed out of the have done it without all of your sac- dugout toward home plate to greet the third rifi ces and dedication to the game, of three heroes that inning. Th ere were hugs, to the boys, and to the school! cheers, and tears to spare as the fans looked on in disbelief and amazement. Th e boys had Th ank you to the Geneva families tied the game 5–5! Not until the 10th inning, who tirelessly gave of themselves to well into the night, did our guys fi nally prevail. ensure our boys and fans were tak- Th e fi nal score was 6–5. Th e Knights were en care of during our home games. District Champs, and became the fi rst TGS Th ank you to the Geneva staff for boys athletic program to coordinating our games, early dis- hold that title. missals, and for always being help- ful, positive, and joyful in all they It was on to the regional did for us. Th ank you to the faculty tournament. With a for letting the boys out of class early for convincing win against those away games. Th ank you to our stu- Merritt Island Chris- dents and fans who cheered us on to an tian in the quarter fi - awesome season. Th ank you everyone for nals and a hard fought making this year our best year yet! 4–1 win against Temple Christian (Titusville) in If you come by school this the Semis, Th e Knights summer be sure to take a earned the right to host look at the shiny new ad- the regional fi nals (fi nal 8 in the state … out of 120 ditions to the trophy case, schools overall). and peek in the gym at the beautiful new banner on In the best 2 out of 3 series, with the winner advancing the wall. And remember to the State’s fi nal four, powerhouse Trinity Christian those things were earned by of Deltona would prove too much for the Knights. a tremendous group of hard Th e Eagles took care of business in two relatively easy working and talented boys victories. Trinity then went on to win the state cham- and coaches. pionship the following week. CONGRATULATIONS “Only one team in the state wins its last game of the KNIGHTS! Th anks for year,” Coach Moreau would tell the boys afterwards, treating us to such a thrill- “the rest go home feeling just like we do right now.” ing season. Th at fact was little consolation to our guys who were Page 21 Introducing New Faculty

Jennifer Hansen (top Kendal Natale (bottom left): Jennifer is return- right): Kendal graduated ing to teach fourth grade from Stetson University after a year of maternity with a B.A. degree in leave (her son Hans is English. Before having eight months old). She children, she spent sev- earned an M.Ed. in In- eral years teaching high struction and Curricu- school and middle school lum from the University language arts and litera- of Florida and returns ture. After spending sev- to us with ten years of eral years homeschooling teaching experience. her own four children, She is looking forward Kendal is thrilled to have to rejoining the Geneva the opportunity to join family. tion for the curriculum, along with hands with Anne Burguet great aff ection for the students and and Kim Gordiany in educating and Kelli Brodrecht (bottom left): Kelli teachers. She is looking forward mentoring our sixth grade students. earned a B.A. in Elementary Educa- to an exciting year at Th e Geneva She will teach history and literature. tion from the University of North- School. ern Iowa, while also working in fi fth As the culmination of Geneva’s grade at the University’s Laboratory Cindy Burrows (top right): Cindy grammar school, sixth grade stretch- Grammar School. In addition she earned a B.A. in mathematics from es a student’s abilities and teaches completed her student-teaching in the University of North Florida. them to think critically, to apply local parochial and public schools. Prior to beginning her teaching ca- their hard-earned knowledge to in- After moving to Boston she worked reer, she worked in the management terpreting events, and to operate as as a resource teacher in a local pub- information systems and technol- infl uencers in their world. Kendal is lic school. As her family grew (Kelli ogy fi eld for 17 years. Cindy taught excited to be part of a team encour- and her husband Grant have fi ve fi fth grade for four years at Cove- aging the students to think from a children) she dove head-fi rst into nant Christian School during which Christian worldview. six years of classical homeschooling. time she received her teaching certi- Th is gave her the opportunity to fi cation from ACSI (Association of Kristi Randall (not pictured): Kristi appreciate and master much of the Christian Schools International). will take Kelli Brodrect’s place as full- curriculum used here at Th e Geneva time aide to the second grade team. School. In 2006 the Brodrecht fam- Since the closing of CCS in 2003 ily moved to Central Florida, and she has home-schooled, substitut- We bid farewell to the following joined the Geneva family. Th eir ed, mentored, tutored, and along faculty and staff this summer: fi ve children are students at TGS, with her husband has become very Peter Buffi ngton and Grant teaches history in the di- involved in serving with local chil- Kirsten Burgess alectic and rhetoric school. During dren’s ministry organizations. Mary Frame the past few years Kelli has enjoyed Marci Julin managing the Aftercare program, Cindy was a long-term substitute Joy Schaff er substitute teaching, and aiding in teacher in Beth McNatt’s class af- Leslie Stivers second grade. However, joining the ter Beth left to have her baby last fourth grade team has been a strong Christmas. She is thrilled to return We are so thankful for their faithful desire of her heart since coming to to her fi fth grade classroom again service over the years and wish them the school. She has a deep apprecia- this upcoming year. well in their new endeavors. Page 22 TGS Round Table 2009-2010

Dialectic Round Table (left) Back: Jacob Farley—Vice Regent (8th grade), Jes- sica Schaefer (8th grade), Jessica Farley (7th grade), Peter Schaefer (7th grade) Front: Emily Bell (8th grade), Elliott Saunders (7th grade), Lydia Francis—Regent (8th grade)

Rhetoric Round Table (right) Back: Justin Hamil—Vice Regent (12th grade), Sophie Meyer (12th grade), Graham Th ompson (12th grade), Ian Seddon (10th grade), David Closson—Regent (12th grade), Tyler Anderson (9th grade) Front: Maddie Francis—Chancellor (12th grade), Mollie Jones (11th grade), Janzen Har- ding (10th grade), Lily Cloke (9th grade)

At Th e Geneva School, the Upper bolized the equality of knights who stages of Upper School pedagogy: School (grades 7–12) is usually re- had a seat there (except of course for the Dialectic and Rhetoric Round ferred to as D/R, or “Dialectic and King Arthur), the Round Tables are Tables. Th e Dialectic Round Table Rhetoric.” Th is terminology is bor- not governing bodies—the students is new this year. Formerly, delegates rowed from the classical Trivium of are “governed” by the administration from grades 7 and 8 sat on an all- Grammar (at TGS, K–6), Dialectic and faculty. Rather, they are intended encompassing upper school Round (7–8), and Rhetoric (9–12), and so to give motivated and qualifying stu- Table. Beginning last December, we by name explicitly refl ects our classi- dents an opportunity to exercise lead- created a separate Dialectic Round cal pedagogical aims. Once students ership among their peers. Specifi cally, Table. Th is was for the purpose of graduate from the grammar school, the Round Tables exist to encourage more clearly distinguishing Dialectic they enter a new world of locker as- virtuous scholarship; to create and from Rhetoric in terms of age-appro- signments, changing classes (rarely promote co- and extra-curricular ac- priate student culture. It naturally having the exact same students in tivities that enhance the life and cul- follows from this that if Dialectic has each class as they did in grammar ture of TGS; to foster constructive its own culture (under the larger cul- school), and heightened expectations communication among students; and ture of TGS), then it needs its own both in terms of academics and per- to serve as a liaison between the stu- Round Table to help foster that cul- sonal responsibility. It is only fi tting, dent body and administration, pri- ture. then, that, given our expectations, we marily the Offi ce of the Dean of Stu- provide a way for students not only dents. Each member of the Round Th e 2009–2010 academic year will to organize themselves individually, Table is expected to embody the traits be the fi rst full year to commence but also to organize themselves as a and virtues that the Round Table is with separate upper school Round student body. Th e vehicles through tasked with nurturing. Tables. We look forward to work- which this is accomplished are the ing with these bodies to further Round Tables. As in Arthurian leg- Th ere are two Upper School Round Geneva’s aims both culturally and end, where the Round Table sym- Tables, corresponding to the two academically.

Page 23 Back-to-School Events New Parent Orientation New Moms’ Coff ee Th ursday, August 13 Friday, August 21 7:00 pm in the music room After morning drop-off , at Aloma Baptist Church

You won’t want to miss the important information that Round out the fi rst week of school with a time to meet will be covered and distributed. Please have at least other new mothers and hear some words of wisdom one parent present to represent your family. from a few “veteran” Geneva moms.

Convocation Fall Open Houses Sunday, August 16, at 4:00 pm Pre-K & K: Monday, August 24, at ECC Grades 1–6: Monday, August 31 First Presbyterian Church of Maitland Grades 7–12: Monday, August 24 341 North Orlando Avenue, Maitland A special meeting for parents of seniors is scheduled for 5:45 pm on Monday, August 24, prior to the D/R Open House. Geneva families join with faculty and staff for a time of worship and prayer for the upcoming school year. Back-to-School Skate Night Th ursday, August 27 • 5:00–7:00 pm Rhetoric Retreat to Lake Yale Semoran Skateway on 436 in Casselberry August 17–19 Rhetoric students should be at school at 8:00 am on $5 for all skaters (free for non-skaters) Monday. Th ey will return on Wednesday at 3:00 pm. Tickets available August 3 from the front offi ce

Meet the Teachers College Night Monday, August 17 (Admission Process) 10:00 am–12:00 pm Wednesday, September 2 For students in grades Pre-K–8 7:00 pm in the music room For all students and parents in Grades 10–12

Th e Geneva School 2025 State Road 436 Winter Park, FL 32792