Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi A Way of Life
Commencement 2009
Faculty Profile Renee Matson
The Classical Brain
Families on a Mission
The Bear Creek School Magazine Modus Vivendi Summer 2009
Modus Vivendi is translated as a way of life or a manner of living. The Bear Creek School seeks to develop individuals for whom the classical ideals of excellence in all things, love of learning, spiritual commitment, and self-discipline have become a way of life.
Editor, Sue Sanford Art Director, Marla Zylstra Associate Editor, Sini Fernandez
Contributors and Proofreaders Vicki Kaiser, Marky Olson, Shannon DuBois, Dr. Nancy Price, Kevin Davison, Jeff Gephart, Karen Blankenbeckler, Natalie Higashiyama, Peggy Hatem, Coralie Weston, Jenai Sheffels, Linda Sheppard, Liz Holtzman, Alicia Williams, Lori Lee, Allison Fletcher, Emily Knuth, and Michele Herold.
Editorial Board Whitney Engel ‘08, Dani Pohlman ‘05, Susan Diamond, Natalie Higashiyama, James Prekeges, Patrick Carruth, Jeff Gephart, Justin Coleman, Marla Zylstra, Blake DeYoung, Janet Jacobson, Rob Sorensen, Chad Pohlman, Karen Blankenbeckler, and Sue Sanford.
Editorial Submissions Articles, photographs, and ideas are welcome and may be sent to [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, and style.
Modus Vivendi is published twice yearly by The Bear Creek School. If you are interested in writing for the Modus Vivendi, or have comments or Table of Contents questions regarding the publication, please contact Sue Sanford at [email protected] or 425-898-1720 ext. 328.
Head of School, Patrick Carruth Around Campus Features Class Notes Vice President for Advancement, Justin Coleman Director of Admissions, Christie Hazeltine Director of Marketing & Communications, This page Sue Sanford The thirty-three members of the class of 2009 2 Message from the Head of School 24 Faculty Profile: Renee Matson 36 Alumni Notes and Features Director of Development Affairs, celebrate after their commencement ceremony Linda Sheppard on June 6, 2009. Commencement 2009 Families on a Mission 3 26 Board of Trustees On the cover Kurt Maass, President Benjamin Lee, grade 6. Over mid-winter break 8 City Dive 2009 28 Say Yes to No Ted Robinson, Vice President Benjamin and his family led a mission trip to David Smith, Treasurer Chile with members of their church. 10 Producing The Music Man 30 The Classical Brain John Rial, Secretary See story on page 26. Andrea Lairson, Past President Photo by Terri Coleman Marc Mueller 13 Bear Creek Highlights 32 For The Children’s Sake Curtis Kraft Stephen Meyer 20 Accreditation Renewal 34 A Time of Change Susan Diamond Patrick Carruth Art Gallery Fileno Alleva 22 Thomas Miller Jamie Eppenauer
The mission of The Bear Creek School is to provide a high-quality, Christian liberal arts education in a nurturing environment that will enable each student to become the individual God intends. 2 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 1 Message from the Head of School Commencement 2009 Graduates of the Class of 2009 personal financial success. Instead, it has The Graduating Class of 2009 celebrated their accomplishments with been about forming what you know and family, faculty, and friends during Bear transforming who you are becoming and Michael Chase Castle** Timothy Conor Hughes*** Creek’s ninth Commencement exercises on about developing in you a way of living. University of Washington Northwestern University June 6. Thirty-three Bear Creek graduates I know that as a class you have received diplomas and were challenged by developed an affinity for the movie 300 Hyun Sun Cho** Sung Jin Ihn** Patrick Carruth, Head of School, in his and for the ancient Greek polis of Sparta, University of Southern California Cornell University farewell address, which is printed in its because, like the city, you are a small Paige Elizabeth Connell*** Molly Beth Kernan entirety below. but mighty class. Perhaps you also know University of Southern California Gonzaga University today marks the 65th anniversary of Graduates, so here we are. Tassels have the D-Day invasion, and that heroism Sydney Anne Conway** Courtney Noel Kesinger* been turned. Diplomas awarded. And you demonstrated on the beaches of Whitman College Gonzaga University now anxiously stand at the doorstep of the Normandy was also demonstrated by the Lois Michelle Ramsay rest of your lives. Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae, in Danielle Marie DuBois*** Justin Bennett Maurer ‡ Western Washington University As I told another graduating class which the Spartan ‘300’ successfully held Whitworth University Western Washington University recently, your timing isn’t very good. off a much larger Persian force for three Erik Donald Richardson* ‡ You guys picked 2009 to graduate, in days. Appropriately, both of these battles David Allan Ersek*** University of Washington possibly the worst economic recession symbolize for us, today, lives well lived Harvey Mudd College this country has seen in 80 years. Colleges as so many individuals sacrificed for the Elisha Hamilton Sanger* Brianna Nicole Firminger** University of Pittsburgh are cutting staff, reducing financial aid good of others. Baylor University awards, and ratcheting up admissions Graduates, you too have individually Hye Yoon Song*** criteria. Unemployment is near 10% and and collectively shown the seeds of similar Lauren Nicole Forbes ‡ Emory University companies are laying off workers weekly, bravery, tenacity, courage, and selflessness, Western Washington University creating a market dynamic where often as you have walked the halls of The Bear Madison Taylor Stump **‡ good employees are turned down because Creek School. These seeds have been John Randolph Freatman, Jr.* Western Washington University they are ‘overqualified’. This new market watered and nurtured by the faculty, and University of Southern California dynamic may still exist when you graduate it is now time for you to begin to grow Anton Pieter van der Stroom** from college. For those of you entering the on your own. It is now time for you to John Killian Geiger** The University of Edinburgh workforce soon, jobs will be hard to find. continue the curriculum of life without Central Washington University So, this reality raises a rather interesting us by your side. It is now time for you to Brittanie Renee Vander Weide* question for the graduating Class of 2009, step forward into tomorrow and leave a Elizabeth Mae Graham*** University of Washington Washington State University a question which you and perhaps even distinct legacy for others with your own Courtney Carney Wallis your parents may have asked many times life. A life well lived. A life centered on Rebekah Rae Hamilton William Noble McCahill Biola University before. Why did we do this? What was the Christ. And so, Class of 2009, as you Westminster Choir College Gonzaga University point? Why have we gone through this depart from us, I challenge you in good Ryley Scott Watson* exercise of getting this education anyway if classical Christian fashion to exchange, Matthew Timothy McLaughlin Chapman University it isn’t going to make us financially secure? “We are Sparta,” with the simple yet Wake Forest University Well, many of you have already difficult words of Micah the prophet, “Do Kathryn Marie Wolfram* discovered the answer to this question in justice, love mercy, walk humbly with Alexis Rey Miller** St. Olaf College a strange discussion we had in one of our your God.” Gonzaga University capstone sessions together. If I remember, My sincerest congratulations on a job *** Summa Cum Laude (3.9 – 4.0 GPA) Molly Anne Miller*** it was captured in a simple grocery-store- well done! ** Magna Cum Laude (3.75 – 3.89 GPA) The University of Chicago checkout-line question, “paper or plastic,” * Cum Laude (3.5 – 3.749 GPA) ‡ Legacy Honors (Bear Creek student because it was in that question that we Seung Min Oh** from grade K through 12) confronted ourselves, our assumptions, New York University our beliefs, our worldviews, our ideas, and our hopes. And that is really the Christopher Connor Pattillo* Lower left: Johnie Freatman Center: Molly Miller with Emily Kadeg , junior point. Your education is about more than Patrick B. Carruth California Polytechnic State University, Upper right: Courtney Wallis and Ryley Watson making you into mere economic engines of Head of School San Luis Obispo Commencement photos by Nation Photography
2 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 3 Commencement 2009
National Merit Scholarship a distinguished author (Compassionate our friends, teachers, family, siblings, of prestige rewards entirely. Serve these vests chose (d). The entire Bear Creek curiosity, the search for not just answers Finalists Conservatism), speaker, and proponent community. As John Donne so aptly gods of self if you choose, but realize their experience depends on our teachers. They but rather a holistic understanding, and of Christian worldview. Dr. Olasky phrased it, “No man is an island.” Do not ultimate emptiness. challenged us until we reached our limits, how with this understanding we have David Ersek, Timothy Hughes challenged the class to meet adversity with make the mistake of mindset in which you Serve God and the following promise, and then pushed us just a little farther. been charged to influence Creation in a desire to seek God. see other people as a means to an end or a an example of paradox, will—not may—will Each of my teachers made life miserable at the most positive way. I have learned the National Merit Scholarship hurdle to leap over in the pursuit of your hold true: “Whosoever loses his life, shall one point or another but I will grudgingly Commended Students Faculty Speaker Kenny Norris dreams. Work with and for other people’s find it.” Take your dreams in all of their admit that it made me a better student. I pursuits. Remember isocolon by way of this quirkiness and entrust them to God. He has know I will miss them all. Brittanie Vander Weide, Elizabeth Graham, example from Lincoln’s Second Inaugural the unparalleled ability to fulfill your dreams What is your favorite lunch topic? John Geiger, Paige Connell, Hyun Sun Cho Address: “With malice toward none, with not as you wanted but as you needed. a. The latest movies charity for all, with firmness in the right as So let’s see, that’s five literary terms. b. Homework NCAA Athletes God gives us to see the right, let us strive on You’ll earn a half point for spelling them c. Philosophic discussions regarding to finish the work we are in ….” correctly and a half point for writing down the nature of democracy, and as to Sydney Conway, Whitman College, Golf Epanalepsis: We learned this second valid examples. I’ll give you extra credit, why licorice has a hole Molly Miller, University of Chicago, Soccer term by way of Paul Harvey’s statement however, if you do one thing: learn to live d. Baseball Kathryn Wolfram, St. Olaf College, that “In times like these, it is helpful to them out. Creekers chose (c). Bear Creek has Volleyball remember that there have always been times I know what you’re wondering: when is taught me that it is important to have Lauren Forbes, Western Washington like these.” Harvey’s maxim acknowledges this quiz? The answer: each day for the rest logical evidence behind every opinion, University, Crew our tendency to forget one central fact of of your lives. Carpe diem. even opinions that seem trivial. My friends Washington State Honors life: this life is—and has always been—full love learning for the sake of learning, of trials. Why? Time brings new challenges Excerpts from Student Speeches forcing me to learn more to keep up. I importance of forming a sound foundation Michael Castle, Hyun Sun Cho, Sydney Dear Seniors of the Class of 2009, when and the possibility of failure. Time, however, am infinitely grateful for their intellectual for one’s convictions. I am convinced that Conway, Danielle DuBois, David Ersek, you asked me to speak here today, I honestly is not the enemy; it is the context within poking and prodding. that lesson will be indispensible as I head Brianna Firminger, Johnie Freatman, felt like a reversal of roles had occurred: which our decisions shape us, which brings If you were being chased by a bear, how out from this place to the four corners of John Geiger, Elizabeth Graham, Timothy my students had given me a homework us to our next term. many of your classmates would you trust to the world. There is one major element that Hughes, Sung Jin Ihn, Courtney Kesinger, assignment. Not one to let such an irony Antanaclasis: C.S. Lewis frames our rescue you? will set us apart from the other people William McCahill, Matthew McLaughlin, slip by me—I am an English teacher after decisions within the confines of time in his a. One or two of the strongest who we will come across. It is that firm Alexis Miller, Molly Miller, Seung Min all (and English teachers relish irony)—I book The Great Divorce. He writes, “There b. One or two of the smartest understanding of our identity. Oh, Paige Connell, Chris Pattillo, Erik decided to embrace it. If you were my are only two kinds of people in the end: c. My best friend The media refers to us as Generation Richardson, Eli Sanger, Hye Yoon Song, teachers, how would I demonstrate mastery? those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ d. They would all at least try, even if Y, the generation who has yet to define Madison Stump, Anton van der Stroom, The answer came in an instant: I would and those to whom God says, in the end, some of them got eaten itself. Let us be the generation that is not Brittanie Vander Weide, Ryley Watson, make use of a gimmick in the spirit of Molly ‘Thy will be done.’” With his two distinct The Bear Creek answer is (d). I can undefined, but rather redefined, grasping Kathryn Wolfram Miller, Beth Graham, Ryley Watson. So I uses of “Thy will be done”—the essence look each of my classmates in the eyes and values that make the world a better place, offer the following list as a review of familiar of antanaclasis—Lewis sifts life down to say that I would trust them with my life. a world of greater hope and increased ideas, a reminiscing of our times together, a poignant point of introspection. Bob Although they might not be able to rescue possibility; where doing what is expedient and a challenge to your life’s calling. If you Dylan phrased this same question in terms Molly Miller me from an angry bear, I know they would is instead replaced with what is most just; would all get out a piece of mental paper and of a declaration: “You’re gonna have to I decided to make a quiz called “Do each try their hardest. where what is most profitable is instead pencil, consider this your last lit. terms list. serve somebody.” As time carries you in You Go to Bear Creek?” The questions shed replaced with what is most equitable; a Isocolon: You probably remember its current, find moments of calm to ask light on what makes Bear Creek so special. Anton van der Stroom world that is not blind but rather seeks to this term by way of our example in class: yourself this simple question, “Whom am I What do you do with your free time at Our Bear Creek experience has respect. We will make a lasting difference “I came. I saw. I conquered.” Julius Caesar going to serve?” school? now come to an end. We all have those on the world we will inherit and the one uttered these words to hail his own victory Serve yourself and the following a. Sing rap songs opera-style individual, profound memories that we we will inevitably leave behind. We must in front of the Roman Senate. Have you example of antimetabole, our next term, may b. Have a disco dance party will carry from this building…moments never forget where we came from: the earned the right to boldly declare this characterize you. It comes from Cicero: c. Memorize hundreds of digits of pi that we will find ourselves traveling back teachers, fellow students, and friends same isocolon? At this point, yes. You “Eat to live; don’t live to eat.” How does this d. All of the above to next year and beyond. who always encouraged us to not simply have consistently risen to our challenges, statement relate to living for self? When we If you picked (d) then you are on Whether we know it or not, the accept the status quo. We are part of a new repeatedly exceeded our expectations, and place ourselves at the center of our world, we the right track to becoming an A+ Bear years spent in this building have turned generation, the compassionate generation, frequently brought smiles to our faces. But organize our priorities around our appetites Creeker. us into people who have a profound the ones who, when challenged by the Special Guest Dr. Marvin Olasky do not make the same mistake Caesar made for power, pleasure, plenty, or prestige. Your teachers are understanding of the world in which world, will remember where we truly must The class of 2009, faculty, and guests with this declaration. Your victories—my These appetites become the gods we serve; a. Disconnected we live, but more importantly a stand. I can think of no better preparation were treated to remarks delivered by Dr. victories—are never a matter of personal we are slaves to their fulfillment. But no b. Undemanding comprehension of who we are and our for the world I will enter tomorrow, and Marvin Olasky. Dr. Olasky is editor-in- pronouns. They occur because we stand amount of power satisfies completely; no c. Boring relevance to the greater narrative of for that I must relay my profound gratitude chief of World Magazine, provost at The on the shoulders of giants with our hands height of pleasure lasts eternally; no degree d. Never any of the above society. The most important element and appreciation for these formative years King’s College in New York City, and is clasped tightly about our support networks, of plenty endures unconditionally; no level Those wearing khakis and sweater is a mindset…. It is in the intellectual in my life.
4 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 5 Commencement 2009
few grams of Mimi and her Black Ninjas Caught onto Creativity, Constant Comfort, We were then passed on to the next notice the smudge in the upper right-hand to spice things up, and a quarter cup of Compassion, and a little bit of a Capricious team of skilled guides. In high school, the corner of her glasses, her clunky, chunky, Brittanie’s elegant writing to round out our Calling. It is Completely impossible to way ahead looked much steeper and in- coke-bottle glasses. It is the first day of smooth, bold taste. Finish with a packed Condense the Confusion and uncertainty timidating, but also more interesting: com- third grade, and the last thing she needs cup of Justin’s kindness to make the whole about what may be Coming down the road. mittees, mission trips, dances, math team, is to be stuck behind glass, like an animal thing sweet. Mix completely. When ready, But the excitement that is Cascading from time to pursue interests and talents, as well in a “nerd” exhibit. Staring down at the pour into pan greased with love. Cover my Classmates is Contagious, and now I as developing proficiencies in [new] areas. golden threads of her crest which seemed with prayer. Bake for two to thirteen years, Cannot wait to be labeled ‘Collegiate’. The path seemed to dissolve to an to ordain her a special, scholarly biome, depending on desired doneness. Lo siento, S. I will Savor my memories from this incline of sharp gravel, and our lives began she had a feeling that this school, The Bear Lolita—esta no es comida basura, assurance School. The Sports, the worship Songs, the to feel more like that of Indiana Jones. Creek School, would be different. that this isn’t junk food. Serene Sunshine in the Student lounge. [We could] dodge the falling boulders of The girl, who used to fumble with Class of 2009, grab the oven mitts and The Students and Staff make this School a mistakes by setting up study habits, getting her oppressive frames, now derives the diplomas—it’s time for the world to place of Sincerity and Solitude. Colossians lots of sleep, and seeking the advice of the strength and poise from her intellect and “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” 4:6 Summons us as Christians to “let our trail experts. Senior year [brought] a feeling individuality. While I no longer don the Beth Graham Speech be full of grace, Seasoned with Salt.” of resolution, a feeling of regret that it’s al- endearing, and ever embarrassing, glasses Start with thirty-three of the best I have faith that in the years to come, this most over, a sense of finality, and a sense of of my youth, the community I have spent I’d forgotten another binder upstairs in the classmates ever, un mezcla (a blend) of Senior class will Salt, Spice, and Season our “there’s more ahead.” A desire to soak in all these past nine years in has given me a English room. I peered in the window of gifted, smart, driven individuals. Add new Surroundings, and I know it will be the remaining knowledge we could, a de- new pair of glasses. Glasses through which the English room to find Miss Dennison caring teachers that instruct lessons in the largely because of our foundation at this sire to keep our heads from exploding. We the world is threaded with enthusiasm, gazing into her computer. It reminded classroom, and in life, who love and value School and our relationships with these ran the last stretch of the trek, yet we were with joy in the gifts we possess in this life. me of when I was younger, looking in, their students and know how to give each people. I pray that we will forever treasure able to stop to notice a pretty flower or tow- Glasses shaped from digits of pi scattered intimidated, and slowly opening the door lecture the perfect flavor. Pour in heaps these Significant memories, and attribute ering tree that caught our attention. We be- across the page, from a beloved rotting and asking to come in—I’d forgotten of homework, tests, papers, and projects, them to these four Special letters—TBCS. came bolder in taking adventures along the pumpkin in the biology room, from something then, too. with a generous helping of stress. Beat scenic routes. We cultivated the leadership countless Skittles rolling off the desks I’ve changed a lot since I came to Bear well. Sprinkle a clean counter with Court- skills we had developed. [We were] able to in statistics. Glasses dependent on an Creek in sixth grade. I was a complete nerd, ney Wallis’ enthusiasm and Dani’s excited point out a foothold to the students below. exploding volatile liquids lab, an intrusive and I felt like it. I still am a nerd today, laughter, and knead in Johnie’s voice an- We began to realize the unity in all we had nose of Cyrano, and hundreds of stitches (luckily, Bear Creek hasn’t changed that nouncing basketball games, Michael’s and learned, about worldviews, language, God, embedded in a Beowulf quilt. Glasses made about me), but I don’t feel limited by my Erik’s loud superfanning, and Brianna’s Danielle DuBois science, history, and literature. My wish on strong by the tears of my one and only B, nerdiness. Bear Creek helped me accept faithful presence at every game. Return Abbreviated Alliterative Accolades for the next mountain … is that all of us have not to mention the tears lost as Lenny’s my love of learning and encourage it—to dough to bowl. Add three cups of volleyball The Bear Creek School (TBCS) learned from our mistakes and … we will rabbit farm faded away with the piercing become not only a better student, but also domination for Katie, Alexis, and Madison, T. Through my Time at TBCS, I was trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean sound of George’s trigger. These are glasses a better person. I used to think that being and a quart of competition for Tim and Transformed, Taught to seek Truth, and not on our own understanding, that we will fashioned for the enlightening pursuit of geeky was different and made you an Paige. Stir. Some golf ball sized lumps may Triumph over Tragedy. Surrounded by acknowledge Him in all our ways, and that intellect, ever fueled by passionate teachers outcast. At Bear Creek I didn’t grow despite remain thanks to Sydney, Johnie, and Eli, Talented friends who value Transparency He will make our paths straight. and equally passionate students. These my love of learning, I grew because of it. but a generous spoonful of David’s selfless and Trust, and Trigger my internal glasses will give me strength to fervently In ninth grade Mr. Norris taught service will help everything stick together. motivation. We Toiled through Tangential support what I believe in, and to follow my me a valuable lesson about writing and Add an ounce of wit for Yoon and Anton, velocity, T-Tests of significance, and David Ersek passions, confident that my education and about myself. He persisted in showing a heaping teaspoon of debate for Matt The Music Man’s Trouble in River City. The best analogy for our time here is worldview will allow me to achieve and me how I could work hard and change and Will, and a dash of dependability for We learned intellectual Tenacity, and climbing a mountain. Many of us started exceed the goals I have for myself. Looking my entire style of writing and make it Courtney Kesinger. Whisk in a pint of mu- balanced our studies by Tuning in to senior off as elementary students, where the slope at the future this school has allowed me to clearer. He encouraged me to try harder, sical talent for Justin, John, Rebekah, Ryley, Traditions. Together we are now Turning was nice and easy. Under the guidance pursue, I am beginning to think these may to learn, and to become a better writer. If and Chris. Throw in handfuls of goofy Toward the future. of our teachers, we learned the basics of be sunglasses. Because my future is full of not for encouragement and persistence memories, crazy Icebreakers, tearful trips, B. Behind me is the Breath that was my climbing: how to study, how to write a potential and, well, it’s looking bright. from teachers, I would not only remain a captivating performances, exhilarating, Bear Creek—the Boisterous Banter during paper, how to strengthen our faith. mediocre writer, I wouldn’t be as adaptable exhausting Homecomings. Add a pinch of Breaks, our sixth grade foursquare Ball, our Progressing into middle school, the Tim Hughes and willing to change as I am today. Mr. Shawn’s magic tricks, a flawless belly flop Bubbles during geometry, and the Balance path steepened. We had to rely on the tools As I kicked open the door, tenuously Norris used my love of academics to help by John, and Jin’s priceless crab impression of personality that my class Boldly Blended our teachers had given us. The path became holding onto my books, backpack, and me see that I could change and improve. on the biology trip for a little zest. Pour in together. I look Back, remembering the broader as opportunities like sports and a stray binder, I strolled into the cloudy I’ve learned a lot at Bear Creek. I’ve a slug of creativity for Molly M. and Molly Beginning of my days at Bear Creek, and it electives opened up. There were emotional Paige Connell parking lot and turned around to look at learned that it’s good to learn, to keep K. and a tablespoon of artistic genius for seems Brief now. Brief, but oddly Beautiful. crevasses to jump over and cliffs of faith A little girl stuffed in some awkward the familiar clock and red brick building. It learning even when you’re ‘good enough’ Yoon and Nicole. Blend in long sighs and C. Here at the Creek, I had the chance to climb, but through the support of and navy pants, head nestled within the folds was my last full school day at Bear Creek. as it is, and how being a nerd isn’t a bad silent prayers during tests, rejuvenating to Cultivate Characteristics needed to friendships with our teachers, we could of a white turtleneck. As she surveys Dropping a binder for at least the thing. Bear Creek has helped me to find an Chapels, and energetic freshmen—just a Complete this journey. From Classmates, I continue to move upward. the world around her, she can’t help but eighty-third time this year, I remembered identity, one that I like and respect.
6 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 7 hristian Mission. The very concept elicits different facial “Bellevue’s most diverse and underserved neighborhood.... The C features, names of cities we cannot pronounce, the JRC’s mission is to provide educational, emotional, and spiritual smell of food we think should never be eaten, and odd enrichment to underserved youth; support and sustain families; behaviors and customs we are often too quick to dismiss as just City Dive 2009 By Kevin Davison build community; and transform lives.”2 plain weird. Every year students from Bear Creek are forced to Photos by Elissa Bell Junior Jordan Domingo assisted in an adult ESL class. redefine their notion of Christian mission when they volunteer However, most of the time Bear Creek students played with to extend God’s love to others in practical and often risky ways. children who came to the center for support, food, or safe “God has softened my This year the mission took a more local approach aptly named entertainment and companionship while parents worked. In City Dive. Through a three day immersion in five greater Seattle heart [since City Dive], hearing these young children’s voices share their backgrounds, metropolitan organizations, a group of students from The Bear and when I come across freshman Kristin Wallis realized that “they’ve already gone Creek School came face to face with the issues of poverty and pain and suffering, I think through more at age five than I have. I want to go back and help.” homelessness. Sophomore Catherine Pomeroy spent a great deal of her time The February 2009 City Dive mission was led by Dean of back to City Dive and the playing with one little girl in particular and uncovered the girl’s Students Rev. Jeff Gephart and chemistry teacher Elissa Bell. preconceived notions I tumultuous family life. “[The little girl] opened up and we broke Both of these faculty members share a background and passion had of homelessness. I’ve through a barrier.” As Catherine neared the end of the day, one of for working with those in poverty. Rev. Gephart previously led a the workers approached and privately told her “You have no idea changed my view a lot.” week long City Dive and fed the homeless weekly in his former what you just did! She never talks or smiles, but did with you!” work in Chico, California. Miss Bell planned and chaperoned Joy Twentyman, freshman Jake Imam, freshman Catherine continues to pray for her, and wrote the girl a letter. A Bear Creek’s 2008 mission trip to work with the poor in month later, during Bear Creek’s school-wide Community Service Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Miss Bell has also served in the Search “I’m more understanding of the causes Day, Catherine was blessed with the opportunity to serve at JRC and Rescue ministry with Union Gospel Mission and in a medical of homelessness or poverty. It’s not again. She did not see the girl that day as she was hoping to, but mission in Honduras last summer. all drugs and alcohol. Some are there appreciated serving there nonetheless. Rev. Gephart organized City Dive with three purposes in because of life circumstances. They’re Ryley Watson, senior mind. First, he wanted the students to serve where there was tru- Seattle Ronald McDonald House not just statistics; they’re people with ly a need. Second, he wanted to expose students to issues they “Be open to new things. When you’re The Seattle Ronald McDonald House works with families might not normally encounter. One such issue was to consider lives who want to do better.” of seriously or terminally ill children being treated at Seattle serving people you don’t always end up why poverty exists and what people are doing to alleviate or lift Joy Twentyman, freshman Children’s Hospital. Families are given lodging, transportation to people out of it. Finally, Rev. Gephart wanted to get to know the doing what you wanted to do, but God has and from the hospital, food, and opportunities to build memo- students better and have fun diving into new waters with them. his plans and wants you to be flexible with ries. Bear Creek students toured the organization and assisted in By working in five locations, students encountered varied serving a meal for 150 people living at the facility. Students came it as well.” Jordan Domingo, junior examples of poverty and gained life changing insights along “Forgiveness. face to face with children struggling with cancer, lymphoma, and the way. other terminal diseases. Sophomore Dominique DuBois recalled There are that it was difficult to see all the families there, thinking about Seattle First Covenant Church people from bad families who had moved miles from their homes and lives, and Students plunged into a highly diverse ethnic population at situations or bad the siblings who seemed to put their life on hold to care for their their first stop at First Covenant Church in Seattle, a church who sick brother or sister. But even through these diseases, freshman takes seriously its outreach, “Our congregation engages in minis- choices, but God Jake Imam was struck by how much joy seemed to be present tries of compassion, mercy, and justice as we grow toward being still sends out among the children themselves. “I was surprised to see the kids kingdom people who live out the Great Commandment—loving his servants to completely happy and content with where they were at.” God and loving our neighbors, especially our most vulnerable Dominique DuBois, sophomore and bring them back neighbors….” 1 Catherine Pomeroy, sophomore New Horizons Bear Creek students witnessed the practical ways this to life. I can’t New Horizons Ministries, a Christian organization, provides church seeks to tackle the issue of homelessness in Seattle. What I expected was to be lazy with my a continuum of care to equip teens to leave street life and get Freshman Joy Twentyman recalls vividly an encounter she had their life back on track, and offers crisis services for those in evangelize. I was confused faith.” Catherine with one of the workers at First Covenant who was setting up Pomeroy, Payum Abtahi, junior and physical or emotional jeopardy. Here, The Bear Creek School a women’s shelter for the night, a ministry provided regularly. and disappointed at first. But Monique Meissner, freshman students wrestled with homeless issues facing youth involved in “The woman running the program told a story of a runaway I came to realize that people sophomore Seattle’s street activity. Catherine Pomeroy came to understand who came to the shelter after some sketchy encounters on the at a deeper level how teens close to her own age end up on the with their eyes closed to the “I learned how to be more grateful street. After speaking with the girl, and a night in the shelter, with what God has given me. Whatever streets. “It was interesting to learn that many kids are runaways the woman sent the girl home on a train. The dad was so happy gospel don’t want light shined from bad homes, not as a result of a bad choice. And the he sent a $2000 check to the woman for helping, but she (the in them. The way you live and happens has purpose, even if I don’t see population is very diverse. It really challenged my preconceived ministry) sent it back.” treat others is often the first [God’s] direct results in my life.” notions of reasons for homelessness among teens, and I saw New Horizons give teens hope and resources.” Junior Yu Na thing people are willing to Dominique DuBois, sophomore Jubilee Reach Center Jung’s heart longed for more time at New Horizons. “If I have a Jubilee Reach Center (JRC) is a Christian organization serv- see.” Carson Baker, junior chance I’d love to serve there and talk with them [the youth].” ing the community of Lake Hills, Bellevue, self-described as Continued on page 21
8 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 9 are already being reworked for next with perfect timing. In Middle School winter’s drama production. drama class, we spend a lot of time Producing on improvisation which prepares the The Music Man MV: What was the audition process students for these productions. I always tell the kids: “We’re in the business of By Sini Fernandez like? smoke and mirrors and they need to Photos by Kellie Anderson and Sini Fernandez JL: Auditions take a lot of time and a be prepared for the unexpected during lot of energy. every performance.” In May 2009, The Bear Creek School’s JL: Rehearsing for the show proved to RL: In any show, casting is critical. If I also enjoyed watching and listening Fine and Performing Arts Department be very challenging as the rehearsals you miscast, I don’t care what else is to Emily sing Sweet and Low as the produced a full-length Broadway had to be fit into a 50 minute daily Judy Loudenback and Ron Lynch good, that show is going to stink. All quartet sang Lida Rose. She has such a musical, Meredith Willson’s The Music class period. The nature of rehearsal three of us needed to agree on the beautiful voice, and the quartet worked Man. The production involved three is that directors often do not discover casting; but, now that I think of it, I MV: What were some of the most so hard on the close harmony. I always dedicated, collaborating directors: what needs to be rehearsed until they don’t recall any disagreements at all. rewarding aspects of producing this took off my headset, set the book vocal director Judy Loudenback (JL), are actually in rehearsal. Since our show? aside, stood up, and cleared the kids stage director Ron Lynch (RL), and rehearsals were so short, we would JL: It’s also how we approach auditions. out of the way so I could actually watch orchestra director Scott Higbee (SH). carefully “guess” where the actors We look at is as a puzzle. We don’t JL: Kim Douglass, our choreographer, from the wings; the beauty of it made Participating were 65 students from would be and what needed to be know where every piece will fit, but we has worked on five high school Scott Higbee the hair on my arms stand up. the choir, band, and drama classes rehearsed ahead of time. It meant we prayerfully enter those situations and productions of The Music Man and as well as a number of Lower School had to know our students and our original music using instrumentation walk in faith and trust God will lead us commented that senior Courtney SH: I have the best seat in the house. I students. Following the resounding material really well. The rehearsals were available in our orchestra. in those decisions. Wallis’ portrayal of Zaneeta Shinn was get the full force of the orchestra and success of this production, to which only as effective as our guesses. the best she’d ever seen. the full effect of the actors. over 1000 tickets were sold, the staff Additionally, the band was focused on SH: These aren’t cold casting calls; we of Modus Vivendi (MV) sat down with SH: Most of the show had to be re- practicing and performing their festival know all the students and know there RL: One of the most rewarding JL: One of my favorite moments of these directors to discuss some of the orchestrated to fit our instrumentation music through mid-March, so we will be disappointment. We know the moments for me was watching senior the final production was watching the challenges and rewards of such a large since it was originally written for couldn’t really begin concentrating on courage it takes for some kids to even Chris Pattillo (who played Harold Hill) Shipoopi! dance number from out in undertaking at The Bear Creek School. strings. For example, the original The Music Man until late March. audition. improvise when junior Emily Kadeg the house because the entire cast is orchestration had no French horn parts (Marion Paroo) missed her cue. He on stage and they are all engaged and RL: It was great to see the MV: What were some of the most but we have two French horn players. I RL: My wife Patti and I built all the sets couldn’t start singing ‘Til There Was enjoying themselves. challenging aspects of putting spent at least five hours rewriting each from scratch; we started building last understanding that came later when You until she came on stage; and, together this production? of the 30 numbers in the musical. It was spring as soon as we’d settled on the someone who was disappointed with when she wasn’t there, he walked SH: I really enjoyed watching the a challenge to capture the spirit of the production. We have no space to store a small speaking part realizes he or off the bridge, picked up a stick, and kids relax after the Saturday matinee sets at school, so we break down, reuse, she has a large dance part and is an filled the space naturally. When Emily performance. During the two and a half and rebuild the sets from scratch for integral part of the production. did appear on stage, he delivered hours between shows, the kids stayed every production. The Music Man sets his line, “Miss Marion, you’re late!” at school, eating, singing, playing, relaxing, and basking in the euphoria that comes with having landed a show.
Continued on next page organized our schedules as to who was going to work with whom and when, and we desperately needed that organization. I could always count on Bear Creek Highlights her which freed me up to concentrate News, stories, and accomplishments from around campus on other parts of the production.
SH: It was very stressful for the Journalism Students Honored at WJEA Music Awards orchestra students because the music Six Upper School journalism students attended in the Washington Journalism ACSI Musicale kept coming. I’d realize something Education Association (WJEA) State Conference in March. Four Upper School journalism In March both the Middle wasn’t working and was constantly students received Honorable Mention in the writing competition: Georgina Wadhwani- School band and Middle School choir rewriting, so what the students Napp for Newswriting; Adelaide Tillinghast for Feature Writing-Newspaper; Conner received a Superior rating at the ACSI rehearsed one day would be changed Morgan for Feature Writing-Sports; and Michael Chang for Feature Writing-Yearbook. the next. But then when they tasted Musicale held at Northwest University the fruit of all their hard work, as an in Kirkland. All the students had an ensemble and in a performance, they enriching day and learned a great had really accomplished something. I deal from the experience of practicing was happy to be able to watch them and performing with musicians from Chris Patillo, senior and Emily Kadeg, junior achieve this. around the Seattle area.
MV: What did you learn from However, with the re-orchestration, JL: The nature of performance is Northlake Region Solo and producing and directing The Music sometimes they didn’t hear the melody to work hard on things you don’t Man? until we started working with the understand, and by working hard at Ensemble Contest actors. I would have started laying the things you don’t understand, you The Bear Creek School was well JL: It’s hard to document, to capture, some of the groundwork in September, come to a better understanding of represented by our fine instrumental to remember all that we learned getting their ears used to the what you need to do. But many Bear and vocal soloists, and small and because we learned so much every day harmonies that make Broadway music Creek students aren’t comfortable in large ensembles, who were competing and because we don’t do this sort of recognizable. this realm because our students tend with students from public and private production every year. SangerKristen to want to know exactly what they are RL: I would spend time with the drama schools of all sizes, from 4A to 1B doing and why before they do it. They Bear Creek journalism students at the state capitol in Olympia: Eli Sanger, senior; Katelyn Culbert- Most of all, I’ve learned that so much students dissecting the show and O’Leary, junior; Adelaide Tillinghast, sophomore; Georgina Wadhwani-Napp, junior; Michael at the Northlake Region Solo & want to know exactly where they are of the production is out of our control; showing them the importance of the Chang, freshman; Conner Morgan, sophomore Ensemble Contest held in February supposed to be. They can be very linear it’s a huge leap of faith. We have to music in advancing the story and in at Woodinville High School. Junior and quite literal. ACSI District Science Fair trust each other; we have to trust our giving us insight into the characters. Collette Sackman and senior Rebekah students. We need to find ways to My students are used to sharing the Rehearsing this production helped Every year Bear Creek fifth grade students learn about the scientific method by posing Hamilton won 1st place for Womens make the students “own” the show stage with 16 –18 other actors, so the students learn to trust one a hypothesis, designing and conducting an experiment, interpreting the results, and Vocal-Small ensembles with their vocal just as much as we own it. It is hard working with over 60 was a huge another, to take risks, and to learn to completing a scientific research paper. Teachers then choose students from each class to duet. Collette also won 1st place in to accomplish this with our dynamic change for them. work relationally. Drama and choir of a 50 minute rehearsal each day. We represent our school at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Science the region for her oboe solo. Collette students learned to trust each other need to find ways to help the students MV: Any final comments? Fair. In April eleven students presented their projects before a panel of judges at the ACSI and Rebekah went on to represent and then later on learned to trust see the big picture. We can’t be the District Science Fair. All of the Bear Creek students earned a Superior rating. the Northlake Region in April at the the orchestra. They had to learn to only owners of that vision and need RL: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention WIAA/WMEA State Solo & Ensemble understand Mr. Higbee’s role and to to find ways to share the vision with that Mrs. Loudenback was the one that Contest in Ellensburg where they follow him; always keeping an eye on the students and let them enter into held this whole show together. She received Superior ratings for both their him, since he was going to direct them the process of getting the show to the through the numbers. They learned to vocal duet and Collette’s oboe solo. point of taking it on stage. sing at the tempo the orchestra was RL: The students don’t own it until playing, whether they had practiced 2B State Academic Champions performance when we cut the strings at 120 or 116 or 124 beats per minute. Both the Bear Creek Upper School and they are on their own. Because our They learned to position themselves band and Upper School choir earned students want to do well, they do step on stage in relation to the other the distinction of 2B State Academic up to the plate. performers, not at a fixed location. Champions in the WIAA’s Wells Fargo Our kids are so very capable that they Scholastic Cup competition. Band and SH: I would like to do a better job don’t often need to work outside their choir both scored 100 points in the preparing the students for the comfort zones. This production gave statewide competition by having the idiomatic qualities of a Broadway show. them the opportunity to do just that It’s more than just reading the notes and it was wonderful to give them that Courtesy Photo highest average GPA in the state. The Bear Creek grade 5 blue ribbon (Superior) winners in a landslide showing at the ASCI District band had an average GPA of 3.64 and on a page. There are characteristics of chance and watch them succeed. Science Fair. Back row: Matthew Meyer, Elsa Salido, Kevin Zhou, Hailey Vachon, Kyle Grambihler; Ryan Baldwin, junior; Ryley Watson, senior; the choir had an average GPA of 3.57. Broadway, the harmonies are different Jacob Hamilton, junior; Sterling Miller, Front row: Hannah Bienkowski, Jacqueline San Jule, Matt Kelleran, Sam Humphries, Grace and the melodies are often doubled. freshman Denniston, William Robertson.
12 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 13 Bear Creek Highlights
Math Competitions In March Bear Creek took first place in Division II at the Math Middle School State Math Olympiad AMC-8 Honor Roll Is Cool 4th Grade Championships. The team members included The Washington State Middle School Math Olympiad is a The American Mathematics Competitions named The grade 3 students Justin Buckley, Alex Elizarov, Christopher Lee, state-wide, team-based competition wherein each team competes Bear Creek School an AMC-8 Honor Roll school for the high ASCI Math Olympics Cassandra Wan, and Richard Zhang and grade 4 students Adesuwa together to gain as many points as possible. Based on points scores our students received on this international math test. On April 3, twelve grade 3 and grade 4 students represented Agbonile, Scott Carlson, and Katie O’Bryon. Scott Carlson and scored, teams are recognized for having achieved at the levels Bear Creek at the ACSI Math Olympics: Adesuwa Agbonile, Molly Justin Buckley took 4th and 5th place respectively based on Congratulations to these grade 8 students: Yoon Lee was our Superior (medals), Excellent (ribbons), Very Good, or Good in Anderson, Scott Carlson, Gabby Coleman, Ian DeGraaf, Alex individual test scores and Scott was named Bear Creek’s ‘Best school winner and earned gold level honors; Jay Kim earned each of six components: a long session problem (Session I), and Elizarov, Victor Gill, Andy Lau, Alex Rhee, Paxton Stump, Grayson in School’. The team won four of the five events (team problem silver level honors; Andrew Benson and Tim Van Baak earned five short session problems in the content areas Number Sense, Wang, and Richard Zhang. They competed against students from solving, relays, mental math, and college bowl) and as a result of bronze level honors. Probability and Statistics, Measurement, Geometric Sense, and nine other Christian schools and earned these awards: their 1st place finish, Bear Creek was invited to compete at the Algebraic Sense (Session II). Bear Creek sent four teams to the Alex Rhee – 1st place in Computation Math is Cool Masters competition in May. Washington State Middle School Math Olympiad in Tacoma on Scott Carlson – 1st place in Reasoning In April Bear Creek competed at the Math Is Cool 5th Grade May 2, and all four teams received medals or ribbons for their Upper School Math Team Adesuwa Agbonile – 3rd place in Computation Championships. The team consisted of grade 4 students Zechariah work. The Upper School math team competed in two major math Victor Gill – 3rd place in Computation Cheung, George Chirapurath, Alex Rhee, and Javier Salido and Two teams from grade 8 represented Bear Creek: The first contests throughout the year consisting of six tests each—a total Alex Elizarov – 5th place in Reasoning grade 5 students John Lee, Dominic Mein, Elsa Salido, and Kevin team, consisting of Katie Cho, Kaley French, and Sarah Witt, of twelve tests were taken during lunch by 13 devoted math Zhou. Dominic Mein also placed 1st individually in Division II and received medals for Session I. The second team, consisting of team members. In the Washington Math League’s High School John Lee placed 6th. The team took 3rd place in Division II and was Andrew Benson, Jay Kim, and Yoon Lee, received medals for both Contests team standings, Bear Creek finished the year listed invited to the Math Is Cool Masters competition held in May. sessions. Together the two teams took three out of a total of seven among the state’s “High Scoring Schools” and placed 6th in King County. Additionally, senior Tim Hughes posted a perfect score Grade 4 and Grade 5 Math Teams Advance to medals awarded to eighth grade teams at this site. In grade 7, the team of David Broaddus, Jaco Dippenaar, on contest #1 and senior David Ersek posted perfect scores on Math Is Cool Masters Anthony Tzen, and Tim Van Baak received medals for both contests #3 and #6. “The Bear Creek School” was a name frequently heard in the sessions. They were the only seventh grade team at the site to The American Scholastic Mathematics Association contests packed Moses Lake High School gymnasium during the awards receive any medals. are administered by 250 schools across the country and all over presentation at the conclusion of the Math Is Cool Masters In the fifth grade competition, Bear Creek was ably the world. The Bear Creek School’s math team was ranked in the competition. The Masters competition is an invitation-only event represented by a team of up-and-coming mathematicians: Justin 2nd place group of competing teams (schools are ranked into in which 16 teams from each grade from around the state compete. Buckley, grade 3; Alex Elizarov, grade 3; and Scott Carlson, grade 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and honorable mention groups at the conclusion Bear Creek students made six trips to the podium, taking home 4. These boys were awarded ribbons for Session II. They did well, of all six contests). The highest scoring students were juniors four individual trophies and two team plaques. considering only six of the 34 fifth grade teams received ribbons or Carson Baker and Nick Cho and senior David Ersek; with a In the fifth grade Division II contest, Dominic Mein took 1st medals in Session II. perfect score on contest #5 by Carson Baker. place and Kevin Zhou took 4th place as individuals. Along with their teammates, John Lee and Elsa Salido, their team took 2nd place. Courtesy Photo In the fourth grade Division II contest, Scott Carlson took 1st First place winners at the Math Is Cool 4th Grade Championships display place and Justin Buckley took 3rd place as individuals. Together their awards. Back row: Scott Carlson, grade 4; Katie O’Bryon, grade 4; with their teammates, Christopher Lee and Cassandra Wan, their Chess Club Competitions Alex Elizarov, grade 3; Adesuwa Agbonile, grade 4; Front row: Cassandra Wan, Justin Buckley, Christopher Lee, Richard Zhang, all grade 3 team took 3rd place. The thirty members of the Bear Creek chess club met weekly throughout the school year to work with their Math Is Cool coaches, Bert Rutgers and Grand Master and four-time The Lower School math teams competed at regional Math Is Washington State Chess Champion, Slava Mikhailouk. Cool tournaments throughout the winter and spring months. Bear The chess club is hosted by The Bear Creek School and is Creek competes in Division II (for small schools); larger schools made up of Bear Creek students and students from the compete in Divisions IA and IB. home school community. Throughout the year, the club In February Rebecca Carlson and Rachael Burch represented members competed in one to four tournaments, including Bear Creek at the Math Is Cool 6th Grade Championships. This was Rachael’s very first math competition, as she had just the 4th Annual Bear Creek Chess Tournament hosted recently joined the team. Together Rebecca and Rachael competed at our school in March. Ten Bear Creek chess players as a team and placed 6th overall, a very high place for such a qualified to play at the Washington State Elementary small team (the Redmond Campus grade 6 students were busy Chess Championships including Bear Creek students performing Julius Caesar, so these two students from Valley Justin Buckley, grade 3; Zecky Cheung, grade 4; Tyler Hsia, Campbell Claudia Campus shouldered the load together). Rebecca took 2nd place kindergarten; Gabriel Muzio, grade 3; Zachary Muzio, in Division II and Rachael took 14th place. Rebecca’s score was Courtesy Photo Jordan Prochaska, kindergarten; Jon Campbell, grade 2; and grade 1; and Asher Thakur, kindergarten. Amy Burch, grade 3, practice their chess moves. higher than all the individual scores in Division IB, so she actually Bear Creek’s grade 5 team took 2nd place at the Math Is Cool Masters took 2nd place across both Division IB and II. competition: Elsa Salido, Dominic Mein, John Lee, and Kevin Zhou
14 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 15 Bear Creek Highlights
Sports Track & Field The track team saw success both on and off the track in the 2008-2009 season. Boys Basketball Thirty-three athletes came out and competed in eight league and invitational meets, with 20 athletes qualifying to compete at the Tri-District meet. The Grizzlies produced During the 2008-2009 season, the boys basketball team saw incredible success. The two Tri-District champions: freshman Maddie Magee won the high jump and set a new team concluded the regular season undefeated at home (12-0) for a second consecutive school record with a jump of 5’4” and the girls 4x200 relay team also took 1st place at year, extending their home winning streak to 23 games, a school record. The team finished the Tri-District championship meet. Track & field team all-league honors were awarded with the best regular season record in school history (12-1 in league, 19-1 overall). to freshman Elizabeth Fernandez, senior Brittanie Vander Weide, freshman Morgan In the post-season, the Grizzlies earned their second consecutive SeaTac 2B League Rial, freshman Danielle Isbell (4x200 relay team), Maddie Magee (high jump) and Championship title and all-league honors for the SeaTac 2B North Division were heaped junior Megan Cheever (shot put). The Grizzlies sent ten athletes to the 2B State Track upon the team. Junior Jamie Meyer was named MVP. Junior Kyle Blankenbeckler was & Field Championships in May and brought home medals in six events. In addition to selected to 1st team and sophomore Lucas Peterson received an honorable mention. competing successfully on the field, the boys varsity track team also earned the 2B State Additionally, the team received the league sportsmanship award and Coach Moe was Academic Championship in the WIAA’s Wells Fargo Scholastic Cup competition with named SeaTac 2B League Coach of the Year. Although the season ended on a bittersweet an average GPA of 3.64 while the girls placed second in this academic competition with note when the team missed its opportunity to make a second appearance at the State an average GPA of 3.65. tournament with an unexpected loss during the Tri-District tournament, these Grizzlies had an amazing season! 2B State Track and Field Medalists Sini Fernandez Girls Basketball Jamie Meyer, junior Sini Fernandez 100 M Josh Firminger 8th The 2008-2009 season was a building year for Coach Dickson and the Grizzlies girls Maddie Magee, freshman 200 M Josh Firminger 5th varsity basketball team. The team had a strong contingent of freshman talent on the roster and finished the regular season with a 5-6 league record (6-12 overall). In the league Shot Put Erik Richardson 5th playoffs, the girls lost two tough games and the Grizzlies finished the season in 2nd place 4x200 M Relay Elizabeth Fernandez, Brittanie Vander Weide, 3rd in the SeaTac 2B League North Division. League honors were awarded to senior Alexis Morgan Rial, and Danielle Isbell Miller and junior Tajel Mehta; both were selected to 1st team. High Jump Maddie Magee 2nd Pole Vault Kira Geiger 4th Boys Tennis The boys varsity tennis team earned the 2B State Academic Championship in the
cCahill Boys Golf WIAA Scholastic Cup competition as well as the Emerald City 1A League sportsmanship award. Senior Tim Hughes (captain) and freshman Jake Imam finished the regular The Bear Creek boys golf team completed the regular season with an undefeated Cindy M Cindy season with winning singles records. At the league tournament the Grizzlies had two Johnie Freatman, senior; Will Stansell and league record (6-0 and 10-1-1 overall). The golf team won the SeaTac 1B/2B League strong singles entries (Tim and Jake) and a much improved doubles team of juniors Gannon McCahill, sophomores; and Coach Championship. Sophomore Gannon McCahill led the way, earning medalist honors. Alex Finkelson and Dillon Camp, however the post season was dominated this spring by Greg Cheever From the boys golf team, senior Johnie Freatman, Gannon McCahill, and freshman freshman phenom Jake Imam. Calvin Freatman were selected to 1st team all-league. Senior Eli Sanger received an Jake Imam won the Emerald City 1A League tournament and was named to the all- honorable mention. league team. Next Jake competed in the District tournament held at the UW Nordstrom Throughout the regular season, seven Bear Creek golfers earned their spot at Tennis Center where he won three consecutive matches decisively (6-2, 6-0; 6-1, 6-1; 6-1, the District match by posting scores of 50 or less during a regular season match. 6-0). Continuing his winning ways, Jake won four more consecutive matches to claim the Unfortunately the day of the Tri-District Championship golf match was extremely Sini Fernandez State Champion title for the combined 1A/2B/1B State classification. Jake’s performance Alexis Miller, senior windy and rainy, blowing away most of the team’s high expectations. The Grizzlies golf also earned the team a 2nd place finish at State. team placed 8th despite the weather. Senior Johnie Freatman, along with sophomores Will Stansell and Gannon Girls Tennis McCahill, all advanced to the boys golf 1B/2B State Championships in Kennewick where the top 80 golfers in the state (2B classification) squared off. Johnie and Will ended the The girls tennis team experienced success on many levels in this rebuilding year as a two-day tournament tied with a 20th place finish. Gannon finished in 30th place. The record twelve girls turned out this spring. With only one graduating senior, the girls will three golfers combined for enough team points to give the Bear Creek team a 6th place look to continue the process of creating a formidable team with girls who are eager to finish in State. compete. Look for the girls tennis program to elevate to new heights and experience great success in the upcoming school year. cCahill obert M unoz R Cindy M Cindy Jake Imam, freshman Gannon McCahill, sophomore
16 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 17 Bear Creek Highlights
Sports Freshman Zach Alleva, who swims for Eastlake High School, ACSI Spelling Bee Johns Hopkins CTY Talent Search reached his goal of qualifying for State in the 100 breaststroke; in Lower School and Middle School students traveled to The following Middle School students took part in fact he qualified for three events at the 4A State swim meet. His Shorewood Christian School in January to compete in the Baseball team placed 17th in the 200 medley relay and he placed 19th in the the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth annual ACSI District Spelling Bee. Here are the results of that (CTY) Talent Search and were recognized at a state awards Junior Josh Erickson, sophomore Lucas Peterson, sophomore 200 individual medley and 15th in the 100 breaststroke. competition: ceremony where they received a special State Award with Chris Pedersen, and freshman Aaron DiGenova took part in the High Honors for their outstanding performance on either combined baseball program with The Overlake School. The team Skiing Grade 2 Alexandra Ryan 1st place the SAT or the ACT test. All of these Middle School students finished second in the Emerald City 1A League standings and Seventh grade students Colin Boit and Nick Wurden and Grade 2 Kenna Culbert-O’Leary 4th place scored significantly above the mean score of college bound moved on to the Tri-District tournament where they lost a close eighth grade student Travis Ulvestad qualified for the Western seniors in at least one section of the college entrance test. game to Seattle Christian School. Region Junior Olympics. Only 22 boys from 23 ski teams in the Grade 3 Christopher Lee 1st place Grade 8: Andrew Benson (ACT: math and reading); Yoon Northwest qualify for this prestigious event, and Bear Creek Grade 6 Benjamin Lee 2nd place Lee (SAT: math) athletes made up over 10% of the team. Grade 6 Rebecca Carlson 3rd place Yoon Lee was recognized for scoring the maximum Against the 13-years-olds (44 qualified this year), Colin placed Grade 7 Jacquelyn Archey 2nd place of 800 in the math portion of the SAT, earning 1st place in 6th in Slalom (SL) and 11th in Giant Slalom (GS). He was also 1st Grade 7 Kendall Wyman 4th place in SL and 2nd in GS for the 13-year-olds on the Pacific Northwest Washington State. (PNSA) team. Overall Colin placed 21st in SL, 35th in GS, and Grade 7: Tim Van Baak (ACT: math and reading); David Additionally, Benjamin Lee placed 3rd and Jacquelyn Archey 69th in Super Giant Slalom (SG). Based on his great results at the Broaddus (SAT: math); Kylie Milano (ACT: reading); Alex placed 8th in the combined 5th – 8th grade final round. Benjamin event, he was selected to participate in a summer camp at Mt. Johnson (SAT: math); Hayden McCraw (ACT: math); and Blake Lee advanced to the ACSI Regional Spelling Bee in March where Hood sponsored by the Western Region for the top 13-year-olds Denniston (SAT: math) he competed against representatives from three states and had a across the region. The following Lower School students also were great showing through the fifth round of the contest. Nick placed 5th in SL, 7th in GS, and 5th in SG against other recognized at a state awards ceremony where they received 13-year-olds from the Pacific Northwest team. Overall Nick a special State Award with High Honors for their outstanding placed 46th in the SL, 75th in the GS, and 64th in the SG. performance in the Johns Hopkins University CTY Talent Travis placed 4th in SL, 5th in GS, and 4th in SG against other Search. 13-year-olds from the Pacific Northwest team. Overall Travis Grade 6: Rachael Burch (Reading and Math), Jesse placed 33rd in the SL, 54th in the GS, and 54th in the SG. Domingo (Spatial Reasoning), Mason Easley (Spatial Bear Creek sixth grade student McKenna Boit qualified for the Reasoning), Michael Lau (Reading and Math), Benjamin Lee Pacific Northwest Buddy Werner ski race championships which (Reading and Math) are for the top 10 – 12-year-old ski racers. McKenna represented Grade 5: Dominic Mein (Reading and Math), Kevin Zhou
Jill Flynn Stevens Pass, one of the 23 mountains of Washington, Idaho, and (Reading) Sydney Conway, senior Oregon that each send their top seven male and female athletes to Dominic Mein’s math score earned him 2nd place in compete in Slalom and Giant Slalom races. Washington State. Golf Grade 3: Andrew Lau (Reading), Christopher Lee (Reading
Bear Creek senior and 2007 2B State Champion, Sydney Courtesy Photo and Math) Conway, was a member of the undefeated Redmond High School Bear Creek competitors at the ACSI District Spelling Bee. golf team this season. Sydney was named to the Kingco 4A League 1st team and contributed to the Redmond team’s 6th consecutive Kingco 4A League and Sea-King 4A District titles. Sydney tied two Wells Fargo Scholastic Cup Champions others for the best score at the Kingco 4A League tournament. She lost the playoff for medalist but still brought in a tie for best round. Bear Creek is the 2008-2009 Wells Fargo Scholastic Cup She had the low nine hole total of 37 and shot 79 for the day. At the Champion for the 2B classification. There are 72 2B high Sea-King 4A District match she placed fifth when she shot 87. At schools in Washington State. The Wells Fargo Scholastic the 4A State girls golf tournament in Pasco, Sydney finished 29th Cup is awarded to the schools that compile the highest Wells out of a field of 80 extremely competitive golfers; she shot an 83-80 Fargo Scholastic Cup points based on their participation and for a total of 163. Sydney will be playing golf for Whitman College finish at the WIAA/Dairy Farmers of Washington/Les Schwab next year. Tires State Championships. The top eight schools in each cCahill of the WIAA Academic State Championship categories and Swimming classifications also receive Wells Fargo Scholastic Cup points. Cindy M Cindy Senior Will McCahill, who swam for Redmond High School, Bear Creek Academic State Champions for the 2008-2009 The girls varsity cross country team accepting their WIAA Academic competed in the 200 free relay at the 4A State swim meet. His aurer school year included: girls varsity cross country, Upper School State Championship in October 2008. Brianna Firminger, senior; Jeanine Gorzalski, junior; Joy Twentyman, freshman; Maddie Magee, relay team placed 8th. Will was also named a Kingco 4A Scholar choir, Upper School band, boys varsity tennis, and boys varsity Athlete for maintaining at least a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA Larry M freshman; Brittanie Vander Weide, senior; Adelaide Tillinghast, track & field. sophomore. throughout this school year. Colin Boit, grade 7, competing in Slalom at Stevens Pass in April.
18 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 19 Bear Creek Highlights
Special Reporter: Johnie Freatman City Dive (Continued from page 9) more familiar to the streets but were struggling with it. I’ve learned more looking back upon the experience than when I was there.” Senior Johnie Freatman was one of three high school Union Gospel Mission The students performed a variety of services at Union Gospel students who were invited to blog at the World Golf At Union Gospel Mission (UGM), Bear Creek students worked Mission. Sometimes directly interacting with individuals off the Championships in Doral, Florida as part of the CA, Inc. Course most directly with the homeless. UGM’s services range from street, or serving in the kitchen alongside other volunteers and Reporters Program and The First Tee National Scholars program. food and shelter to the homeless, education, medical and dental staff, and sometimes performing less glamorous support services The First Tee is an organization aimed at positively impacting assistance, drug and alcohol recovery, transitional housing, prison that had been neglected for quite awhile. Junior Carson Baker the lives of young people through the game of golf. Johnie was ministries, and career services. In fact, their services and clientele explains that, “UGM was one of the more meaningful stops for me selected to participate based on his passion for the game of are so diverse that the stereotypical picture of homelessness personally, because of what we did and who we helped there. We golf, his outstanding scholastic achievement, and community and poverty was quickly shattered. Rev. Gephart characterized saw people face to face; talked with them and gave them food to the experience at UGM as “a wakeup call.” He noted, “Some involvement. In addition to blogging about the tournament sustain them for the day. We were also able to help the staff with students expected to see abject poverty, but saw all types, not just difficult things and free them up for other duties.” each day, Johnie’s duties were varied, but the highlights of stereotypical ones.” Jake Imam observed two categories of people. While the issues surrounding poverty and homelessness are his experience on the tour included conducting a sit-down “You could tell who was new to the streets, and those who were diverse, the students who experienced City Dive became part of interview with Retief Goosen and asking Tiger Woods a direct the solution. Their testimonies reflect the clear and continuing question during a press conference. Courtesy Photo Johnie Freatman (in red cap) meets NBC sportscaster Jimmy Roberts. work of God in their lives; and they serve as an inspiration to all of us to be service-oriented Christians looking for ways to be a part of Christ’s work in the lives of others. If you are looking for opportunities to serve, or are interested Bear Creek Receives Accreditation Renewal from more particularly in the ministries mentioned in this article, you can find out more from the following resource list: Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools Seattle First Covenant Church: www.seattlefirstcovenant.org Jubilee Reach Center: www.jubileereach.org By Karen Blankenbeckler At the conclusion of the visit, the reaccreditation team Seattle Ronald McDonald House: www.rmhcseattle.org created a report that includes observations, commendations, The Bear Creek School was reaccredited by the Pacific recommendations, and suggestions to assist the school in its New Horizons Ministries: www.nhmin.org Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS) this institutional improvement. The school will use this document Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission: www.ugm.org spring. The school began the process of reaccreditation in the to further refine and improve the program. After a time of spring of 2007 by embarking on a self-study, which is an intense reflection, the administration will write a response report self-reflection of all aspects of the school. The self-study resulted in addressing all recommendations given by the reaccreditation Back row: Joey Domingo, sophomore; Kristin Wallis, freshman; a comprehensive document that outlined both the ways in which committee. 1 First Covenant Church: Seattle. 30 May 2009
20 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 21 Gallery
Through education in the arts, students develop personal expression, creative thinking, imaginative communication, and intellectual curiosity. As creatures made in the image of God, we all inherit the blessing of creativity. Bear Creek students learn to express the nature of things, the reality of
Truth, and the significance of Clockwise from top:
beauty through art. Hannah Kwon Grade 8 Acrylic value painting
Sarah Behm Grade 3 3 dimensional “funky” chair Sharpie and Surge markers
Callie Robinson Grade 2 Realistic bird illustration Pencil and watercolor
Ashton Beeson Kindergarten Elmer the elephant with a “twist” Sharpie and ink
Brendan Kelleher Grade 1 Clockwise from top left: Coffee cup design Oil pastels Halle Coleman Freshman Impressionist painting Acrylic on canvas
Lauren Webber Sophomore Value pencil drawing
Bethany Linnenkohl Junior Hand‑tinted black and white photograph
Kristina Foltz Grade 5 House elevation Sharpie, ink, and colored pencil
Katie Wolfram Senior Georgia O’Keefe painting 22 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Acrylic on canvas Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 23 wouldn’t do anything she wanted them to do. After another similar assume they can.” Mrs. Matson continues, “Kids are like adults, if experience, I realized this is really fun; maybe I have something someone assumes you are going to do a good job, you usually do.” here, so I changed my direction. I got into education and I loved She laughs, “I’d love to teach a class on this as it really does make the whole idea of the process of learning.” life easier!” After graduating from Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, “The hardest part about my job?” Mrs. Matson pauses to Washington, Mrs. Matson went on to pursue her goal of becoming catch the tears which come unbidden when asked this question, a teacher. “I became a Christian in the ninth grade, but I hadn’t “It’s when I feel I am not reaching a kid, usually it is behavior grown up learning Bible stories in Sunday school. I went to issues - when they continually make the same mistakes and are Northwest University for my first year to expand my Bible not choosing to do the right thing so that I need to call them on it. knowledge.” Northwest didn’t have Most kids buy into what you want and an education program at the time, so want to do the right thing, but they Mrs. Matson applied to Washington make mistakes. That is typical five State University (WSU) even though Watching these kids [at graduation] and six‑year‑old behavior, and that they weren’t accepting transfer was amazing. As a teacher, knowing isn’t what I’m talking about. There are students. “I just felt like God told not very many kids I’ve come across me I was going to go to WSU. I was the process from kindergarten all like this, but it’s when they are closing accepted, and it was an amazing time the way through twelfth grade.... It is their mind and heart off from you, in my life of growing closer to God.” why we work so hard; we don’t take and authority, and just not wanting At WSU Mrs. Matson met her to cooperate, that is when it’s hard ... husband Allen who, incidentally, what we do lightly. I just keep trying and praying for that is a veterinarian. After settling in child.” the Seattle area, she began teaching In reflecting on her experience as third grade in the Seattle schools. a teacher at The Bear Creek School, Her focus was “always towards elementary school but not always Mrs. Matson talks about this year’s commencement, “Watching towards kindergarten. In fact, at that point I didn’t think I would these kids was amazing. As a teacher, knowing the process from ever teach kindergarten or first grade … they were just so wiggly.” kindergarten all the way through twelfth grade, and seeing the During time off from teaching when her children were young, unity that the students have and how they take care of each other Mrs. Matson continued taking education classes. She recalls, “I was really moving. Paige Connell was one of the speakers; she knew I wanted to continue teaching, and luckily followed the came to Bear Creek in the third grade and was part of my first good advice to always keep my teaching certificate up-to-date.” class. I remember her clearly, she was excited that we studied Faculty Profile: Mrs. Matson found interest and enjoyment in early childhood science, took field trips, and did so many activities. She was such education and added an endorsement in that field to her degree. an excellent student in third grade, so inquisitive; seeing that she As her children reached school age, Mrs. Matson began still has that love for learning and that she has found her niche Renee Matson thinking about teaching kindergarten. God led the way to The with it.” Mrs. Matson pauses in thought, then says, “It [graduation] Bear Creek School through Bear Creek Librarian Jan Mueller is why we work so hard; we don’t take what we do lightly.” By Sue Sanford when their sons were in preschool together. When her oldest son When asked about her future and life outside of school, Mrs. Photo by Sini Fernandez started at Bear Creek, Mrs. Matson became a substitute teacher at Matson smiles as she shares some future dreams for her education the school, and then began teaching third grade in 1999. career, “I’d love to teach teachers at the college level some day Many who have experienced Mrs. Matson’s classroom see that and perhaps write a book. I’ve even started making notes.” In here is a light in her eyes when she mentions her kindergarten students, and a it is exciting but calm, joyful but managed, and her students are her personal time, Mrs. Matson enjoys being outside in nature, gentle strength that is evident when she talks about her love of education. Spend clearly learning, playing, and enjoying their time with a teacher gardening, walking, and especially traveling with her husband T who loves them. But this is a classroom of kindergartners. Isn’t Allen and three sons (Bear Creek freshman, junior, and a 2008 a little time talking with Renee Matson and it’s obvious she is both passionate and that a stage set for chaos at any moment? Mrs. Matson explains, alumnus). Mrs. Matson playfully states, “It’s not a good vacation gifted when it comes to teaching. “I enjoy it when people give me the time and space to go through unless you have sand!” She also enjoys reading. “It has been a good my day. I don’t like to be rushed, I don’t like to be told what to summer if I’ve read at least five good novels—education books Mrs. Matson just finished her ninth year of teaching them that little push, like a momma bird in a nest, ‘Come on you do, and I don’t like to be ordered around. I’ve always been very don’t count!” kindergarten at The Bear Creek School and her fifteenth year as can do it!’” aware of not treating kindergarteners like little kids, speaking to It is evident in conversation, and through watching Mrs. a teacher. “Kindergarten never stays the same; that’s why I like it. Mrs. Matson’s journey into teaching was not her original them with respect and on a level that isn’t putting them down. Matson in action with her students, that her ability to connect and You never know what you are going to get at the beginning of the plan, but was clearly led by God. “All my life I wanted to be a That is really important to me. Because of that, it tends to draw work with students is a gift that brings joy and success to everyone year. You might get a class who is already reading or a class that veterinarian. I loved animals and I loved being out in creation. out a lot of good in who they are. They feel respected, they feel involved. She says, “When you see that you are doing something doesn’t know its alphabet. Once you figure that out, you gauge Then high school chemistry was really hard so I started to think important, they feel valued, and I think that is a lot of why things that is unique to who you are—that is a gift from God and it’s what you do each day.” Mrs. Matson reflects, “I look now at kids maybe this isn’t the road for me to take. Then I worked at a click the way they do in my room. I have very high expectations not something He gives to everyone. It would be wrong of me to who wouldn’t say twenty words in kindergarten, yet in sixth grade Vacation Bible School along with my sister, and the kids responded for behavior and what students can achieve and what they need ignore that gift and not use it.” And, as she looks up and laughs they are speaking a lead role in a play. It’s just so exciting! You give to me—while my sister was tearing her hair out because the kids to get done; but I come alongside them, I assume the best, and I you can witness that gift in her signature smile.
24 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 25 a long way to remedy these needs. Besides medical support, the creating barriers to potential thieves. Four-year-olds carry their Stulls brought Bibles and novelty toys like Legos to the orphanage. infant siblings around, babysitting while mom is at work. With no “Rachel loves playing with the children,” says Crystal, “and is so running water, the families are forced to wait for the water truck appreciative of her own family after seeing what the orphans have to make an appearance in their neighborhood. Most families have Families on a MissionBy Shannon DuBois been through.” a dog, but a pet it is not. Its sole purpose is guarding the family shack. In order to keep the dogs mean, their owners provoke, kick, “When can we go back?” chimed the children, a common question heard and half starve them. Unfortunately, bloated bellies and insects are visible on the children, as well as the bug-infested dogs. in the Lee, Stull, Alleva, and McCahill households. Besides constructing two-story houses for the Valle Verde These Bear Creek kids are not begging to return to Disneyland, Besides preparing the school, the Lees and Oriente church people, the McCahills assist Armor of God Church with Vacation petitioning to see the Jonas Brothers…again, or negotiating yet members spent their evenings preparing the Chilean’s hearts Bible School. Sometimes it’s not only the children who come to another Chuck E. Cheese birthday party. They are in fact referring for Jesus. A typical evening involved evangelizing in local parks, the Lord, but adults too. “Once a man came wandering by,” says to family mission trips. And maybe it’s because they found a venue that allowed Benjamin and Joshua to use their gifts of Cindy. “He wanted to know what we gringos were doing. I told him something in their far-off travels. Something special. Something just being kids. “My boys treasured the fellowship in the parks. we were helping the church and families. Then, he wanted to know rewarding. Something just a little bit deeper. They sang songs, played games, helped with puppet shows and why, so I told him God loves everyone, even him.” Moments later These families feel strongly that children can play a big role in dramatizations to aid in showing God’s love,” says Lori. “Even the man met with the local pastor and began weeping. Soon he mission work. Even children as young as eight years old help with though Benjamin and Joshua didn’t speak Spanish, there seemed to became a Christian and now attends Armor of God Church. the physical work and connect with other children in ways adults be no barriers when playing with the Chilean children.” Each night cannot. “We like to serve with our kids,” says Lori Lee, “and we the Lee family witnessed individuals making decisions for the Lord, want them to see us serve.” an amazing and enriching experience.
Missionary work in Chile Missionary work in the Philippines Benjamin, grade 6, and Joshua, grade 4, Lee already have a Erin Alleva (right) made friends with other kids at Amen Ministries in heart for mission work. When returning from Chile after their first Managua, February 2007. trip, Joshua clung to his father’s leg sobbing because he didn’t want to go home. Neither boy could wait to return to Chile a second year. And when they did, this time with their family as mission trip Missionary work in Nicaragua leaders, the Chilean kids were right there waiting, watching, and Nightly, an armed watchman patrols the properties of the remembering. Amen Ministries, a Christian outreach organization in Managua, On their first trip to Chile, the Lees (Phil, Lori, Benjamin, and where the Allevas, Fil, Holly, Zach, grade 9, Erin and Caleb, Joshua) immediately connected with the Chilean people. They grade 7, plus several others from First Presbyterian Church of worked with a local church called Oriente, in Maipu, a suburb of Bellevue distributed 48 duffel bags of clothes and administered Santiago. This church also supports a Christian school, educating medicine as needed. These items were riches to a country where over 1,000 students. The Lees painted classrooms, scrubbed desks, third world conditions take a devastating toll on the local people. and primed the school for the upcoming year. With the Oriente Amen Ministries—similar to our YMCA—provides a safe place for innocent children forced to face third world realities. Malnutrition Meghan McCahill poses with VBS students on a mission trip to Tijuana, church’s symbol being the wooden yoke, many church members February 2007. worked side-by-side with the Lee family. Matthew 11:30 says, “For The Stull family visited the orphanage in Dumagete, Philippines, is one of the biggest issues, plus extreme dental decay. Holly, having my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” a verse they live by. Christmas 2008. no experience in dental work, became a dental assistant to one of the First Presbyterian members, a dentist by profession, who spent Why make missions a family affair? Through Care International, the Stull family—Dan, Crystal, much of his time pulling the Nicaraguans’ rotten teeth. Cindy McCahill says, “Our children see that the life we know sons Ryan and Jeff, and Rachel, grade 3—spent two weeks helping Erin related to the kids by playing with them and helping to is not what the rest of the world knows. They don’t take things for out at an orphanage in the Philippines. Researching the orphanage serve healthy food. The Nicaraguans naturally have dark hair, but granted and they learn to appreciate the small stuff like paved roads on previous trips had inspired the Stulls to take action and become Erin was taught to look for hair that was lighter in color, a sign of and flushing toilets.” The McCahills also want their children to involved. Crystal says, “We adopted our daughter Rachel from malnutrition, so she could tune into those children’s specific needs. understand that God is everywhere, even in poverty. Several times, China when she was eight months old. I think that is one of the She, along with her brothers, gained many friends and became the McCahill kids witnessed the Valle Verde church members reasons she has such a big heart for orphans.” The orphanage especially close to all the children. Zach returned to Nicaragua this worshiping God with gusto by dancing in the streets and singing houses children from toddlers to teenagers. Many of the children summer to perform more mission work. their thanks to God as if through a microphone. They have nothing, were in dire need of medical care, including Susan, 14, who hiked yet they have everything. from her mountain home after she suffered severe burns due Missionary work in Mexico It’s not unusual for Christians to take missionary trips, but for to her alcoholic father dousing her with kerosene and lighting For four years, Ed, Cindy, Will, grade 12, Gannon, grade many, it’s a one-time experience. For the Lees, Stulls, Allevas, and her on fire. Another child, plagued with cerebral palsy, needed a 10, Bridget, grade 7, and Meghan, grade 5, McCahill have been McCahills, it’s much more. It’s short-term missions with long- wheelchair and still another needed surgery for his heart. The Stulls taking trips to Valle Verde, a suburb of Tijuana, Mexico, to build term results. And if asked, “Why do you keep going back year In February Benjamin and Joshua Lee reunited with Chilean friends volunteered their time and financial assistance to the orphanage homes and hope. According to Cindy, poverty prevails. Stealing after year?” I think these Bear Creek families would all agree: “It’s Oscar and Andres. for medical care and supplies; in the Philippines a little money goes is so rampant that many dwellings are lined with jagged glass simple—to them we give riches, to us they give wealth.”
26 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 27 By Rev. Jeff Gephart rest from our labors and to enjoy the goodness of God’s creation. Take a technology Sabbath Sabbath gives us a valid reason to say no to certain choices so we I recently asked a couple of our graduates, “Do you ever go a can say yes to better ones. day without your cell phone?” Their answers indicated a definite The problem is we have a hard time stopping and saying unwillingness to disconnect. We live lives that are constantly no! Saying yes to endless e-mails, or one more bill to pay, load of connected. I’m writing this on a laptop, via wireless connection, so laundry to wash, or presentation to prepare, can leave us feeling I can be out on the grass by the water. I can hear the water lapping drained, depleted, exhausted, physically ill, bitter, and sometimes gently at the shore, but with my laptop and iPhone, will I really take even confused! in my surroundings? I have experienced the profound rest that We were not meant to live this way. comes from turning off technology for a day. As I write this I find God’s design for us, according to Sabbath, is that we would myself wanting to bring this habit back. It’s easy to miss the deeper live in a rhythm. That we would experience fruitful times of work reflection time that feeds our souls when the constant buzz of being and study working in rhythm with times of rest and play. That only connected distracts our thoughts. happens when we pay attention to what we do NOT do with as much care as we pay attention to what we do. Take a day off work and obligation A former colleague of mine, Greg Cootsona, has written an For some of us this might be the most difficult. We think we excellent book on this subject. Greg and I have spent many hours can get up on Sunday, attend worship with the family, spend the talking about Christ and the kingdom, work, rest, and Sabbath. afternoon paying bills, or working on our meeting agenda for We’ve also enjoyed playing music together. For a sweet season, we Monday, and call it good. But that’s not a biblical perspective of enjoyed the chance each week to pull together some young adults Sabbath. In the Hebrew reckoning, the day of Sabbath begins at and lead worship for a Sunday evening service. As a musician and a sundown on Friday and ends the next evening. Imagine gathering theologian, Greg has reflected much on the subject of saying no and for a family movie or game night, followed by an entire day Sabbath. In his book, Say Yes to No (2008), he talks about what he’s connecting with your family, attending worship services, and learned as a drummer about the rhythm of Sabbath. enjoying activities as simple as Sunday morning pancakes and afternoon baseball. We can always fine tune that meeting agenda I’m a drummer, and I’ve learned that great music is not just the after we’ve put the kids to bed and we turn our thoughts to the notes but also the spaces between the notes. In some ways, it’s week ahead. “Say Yes to No” how a musician handles not the notes, but the spaces, that makes An essay based on Greg Cootsona’s Say Yes to No the art. Notes without spaces equals undifferentiated noise. Renew heart, mind, body, and soul Space without notes produces boring silence. The proper relation Find out what truly helps you feel renewed and refreshed. between the two is magic. Similarly, Sabbath provides space. It Think carefully about the activities, leisure, or worship that truly is intended for us not to luxuriate in sloth but to create a livable, help you embrace the truth that God’s grace is sufficient for you, Okay, true confession. I’m directionally words which we desperately need to use in this modern life that is sustainable rhythm. Sabbath draws us back to the truth that our that God is your Provider, and that you can trust Him. challenged. I don’t mean to say I have no purpose in life. I’m so dominated by information and more information—e-mail, texts, days and our weeks need work and rest. (p. 90) My wife takes delight in gardening. She would probably say talking about actually turning down the wrong street and getting Facebook, and the constant barrage of advertising. that planting flowers is renewing. It’s not like that for me. I love a lost! My wife and I share this challenge. Many things we do well... Every day we are faced with decisions, with little turning Notice how Greg applies music and space to Sabbath. freshly cut lawn and the satisfaction in having completed the job, finding a destination is not one of them. A searchlight would help. points where we need to choose one direction or the other. Sometimes it’s not about what you play, but what you do not play but it is not Sabbath for me. Some of us might be fooling ourselves. I would love it if I had my own light in the sky to follow to my Questions concerning how we should spend our time range from that matters. So it is in life. The important no of Sabbath gives us We each need to determine and value that which brings us personal destination. Or maybe a sign in neon lights. Something to guide the mundane to the essential. “Should I say yes to that social the space and therefore a way to create that necessary, life-giving renewal. For me it’s often sitting quietly for long periods, reading me when I come to that intersection or that fork in the road, and invitation?” “Watch that show?” “How can I help my child?” rhythm. Scripture and good books. It’s also quiet and peaceful conversations need to make a decision. Which way should I turn? “How many hours did you say there are in a day?” Many of us have gone through seasons in the past year that in nature and time for journaling. It’s a gross overstatement I know, but my iPhone saved my Thankfully, God, through His Word, has not left us without would not be described as having rhythm and a sense of rest or These are basic steps in beginning to practice Sabbath. It marriage. Now instead of debating and deliberating and arguing guidance. Tucked into a well-worn part of the Bible is a happy renewal. In fact, usually summer is the first time during the year all starts with the realization that God has given us some clear over which turn to take, Kristen and I simply consult the iPhone. excuse to exercise the word yes and the word no. It’s called the when we really take a break, a time to reflect. We finally realize how direction in life. He has given us a positive reason in the Sabbath Plug in your destination and “Voila!”—follow the map! Then if we Sabbath. The fourth commandment given to us by God through we have been living all year. And we crash. Sometimes literally, commandment to say no. No to the constant demand for attention get lost, we just blame the iPhone! Moses states: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six we crash on our couch or bed, exhausted or sick. This is not God’s from our media-saturated culture. No to every obligation that It would be great if life were that easy…like the Staples days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a intention for our lives. We were created to enjoy the rhythm of demands our time. No to having to be someone we are not—and commercial with the Easy Button. Who wouldn’t love to push Sabbath to the LORD your God.” saying yes and no. through a strategic and courageous no to a greater yes to God, yes the Easy Button now and then in life? The reality is, God has not We often forget that the command to take a day off is a I find summer is a perfect season to reflect on my year and to His rhythm, and yes to God’s purpose for our lives. designed our life to have an “easy button.” Instead, God has given part of the Ten Commandments, right up there with not lying, plan changes for the upcoming school year. Perhaps this is a good As the summer is here, perhaps it is a good time to reflect. It us a face and a name in the person of Jesus Christ. He’s given us stealing, murdering, or worshipping other gods, clearly reflecting time for all of us to take stock of the fourth commandment and our also might be time to figure out what direction we’re going. Which His Word which speaks into the circumstances of our life. And, its importance in God’s eyes. obedience to it. reminds me, I need to look up that address on my iPhone and He’s given us the ability to say yes and the ability to say no. Sabbath simply means stop. Quit. Stop trying to do things on For the sake of giving us at least something to do (after all, we figure out which way I’m going. I only hope I don’t need to find that Two simple words—yes and no—words which have great our own effort and recognize that life is a gift. So the command do get to cooperate with God’s grace), I offer the following practical destination on my Sabbath. Having left my iPhone resting in its power to determine our course of action, our direction in life. Two first to the Israelites and now to us as the people of God, is to tips, gleaned from Cootsona’s book. charger for the day, how will I know which way to turn?
28 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 29 or dendrites that act as receptors can be increased. This is require the learner to apply information to new situations, to important because it is these connections that create learning reason, and to problem solve. The and memory. As students exercise their brains through grammar This leads to some recommendations for teachers as they stage experiences such as memorization, repetition, and review seek to apply brain research to lesson planning and instruction. they are actually growing more dendrite branches which allow When approaching content, teachers should begin by helping the brain to build up its strength and ability to acquire more students acquire new information, knowledge, or skills in an Classical information. Ronald Kotulak, author of the book Inside the enriched classroom environment. Next, review information Brain, uses the metaphor of a banquet to show the importance through repetition and practice, thereby growing new dendrites of the learning environment. “The brain gobbles up the external and strengthening pathways. Then provide opportunities for the Brain environment through its sensory system and then reassembles students to apply that information through reasoning, problem the digested world in the form solving, wrestling with ideas, By Karen Blankenbeckler of trillions of connections which and application, which moves are constantly growing or dying, As students exercise their brains through the knowledge into permanent becoming stronger or weaker grammar stage experiences . . . they are memory storage. While this is depending on the richness of a very simplified outline of the “The Classical Brain” was published the banquet.”2 When students actually growing more dendrite branches learning process, it can provide in the Summer 2009 edition of are learning the grammar of any which allow the brain to build up its strength a framework for structuring the subject, the banquet must be rich and ability to acquire more information. approach in a classroom. Classis, the quarterly journal of the in order to build and strengthen Experts in the brain research connections in the brain. field advise educators to study Association of Classical & Christian Brain research also supports the idea that some abilities are brain development in order to have a better understanding of the more easily acquired during certain sensitive time periods or learners in the classroom and how the teacher may alter the brain Schools. Classis is a journal of windows of opportunity. While we cannot increase the number by providing an enriched environment. However, neuroscientists articles and book reviews designed of neurons within the cerebral cortex, there is an explosive caution educators to avoid jumping to quick conclusions and fad growth of dendrites in the first eight to ten years of life. When approaches, but rather to combine what we know about the brain to support and encourage classical the dendrites increase they add to the surface area available for with what educators know through tested teaching methods. The synapses which act as functional connections among the cells. classical approach is a tested method that has produced many of Christian education in schools At peak times these connections are built at the speed of three the world’s most influential scientists, philosophers, and leaders. billion per second. From birth to age ten the number of these It is fascinating to see how the findings in brain research support around the world. synaptic connections rises rapidly. After that time, if the dendrite this approach. branches have not made connections, they die off. The need to increase and strengthen the dendrites highlights again the ENDNOTES significance of specific focus on memory, repetition, and review 1 Marcia D’Arcangelo, “The Brains Behind the Brain,” Educational lassical education is an ancient approach. How can it is true that students can access information at the touch during early learning. Leadership, November 1998, 20. an educational philosophy reaching back to the 10th of a button; therefore, this argument may seem valid at first Should this lead classical school educators to the conclusion 2 Ronald Katulak, Inside the Brain: Revolutionary Discoveries of century be relevant to students today? Should the glance. However, brain research supports the idea that brain that all instruction in the early years should be geared toward How the Mind Works (Riverside, NJ: Andrews McMeel Publishing, methodsC change to keep up with the ever-changing environment? development in the early years is critical, and activities such the grammar stage? While emphasis in grammar is critical 1997), 4. Neuroscientists have done a tremendous amount of research as memorization, repetition, and review can structurally and for brain development, brain research supports the need for on the brain in the last fifteen years and some people may chemically change the make-up of the brain. The development educators of young students to also provide learning activities REFERENCES be surprised to hear that the research supports the classical in the brain that occurs through knowledge acquisition, that are commonly applied in the dialectic stage. As the brain John Medina, Brain Rules (Seattle, WA: Pear Press, 2009). approach. While no one would claim that the findings of current memorization, and repetition is essential in allowing the type of accumulates knowledge, experiences, and information it stores John T. Bruer, “Brain Science, Brain Fiction,” Educational brain research can or should completely prescribe teaching connections that must happen for problem solving and critical that information in short-term memory. After a period of time Leadership, November 1998, 14. methods, there are many exciting discoveries that help us better reasoning. if that stored information has not been used in any meaningful Lawrence Lowery, “How New Science Curriculums Reflect Brain understand the brain and support methods of classical education. It is important to start with some basic brain anatomy and way through application, connection with other information, Research,” Educational Leadership, November 1998, 26. Perhaps the greatest opposition to the classical approach then examine what learning does to enrich the brain. The brain is or reasoning then the learner is unable to access that memory. comes from modern education proponents who criticize an oblong organ weighing about three pounds. It is surrounded Information that has been used will move into long-term As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Karen the concentration and focus on the grammar stage and on by the cerebral cortex, which is a wrinkled covering of cells memory and more permanent storage. This supports the need Blankenbeckler oversees the academic program memorization, repetition, skill rehearsal, and general knowledge about one-quarter inch thick. Neuroscientist and professor of for learning to start with the grammar of a subject area and in grades PreK through 12. Mrs. Blankenbeckler then move into the dialectic where students are reasoning, acquisition. Some educators argue that in this day and age neuroanatomy at University of California, Berkeley, Marian came to The Bear Creek School nineteen years the knowledge that students must master is overwhelming in Diamond, states, “If I had to teach educators what they need to problem solving, wrestling with ideas, challenging, considering, ago as a classroom teacher. She taught in grades quantity and it is not necessary to commit it to memory. They know most about the brain, I would teach about the cerebral and resolving. The most powerful brain activity is happening K, 3, 4, and 5 before moving into administration. claim we must instead teach our students to “access information,” cortex. That’s where higher cognitive processing occurs.”1 The when the brain has prior knowledge through memorization or She holds a B.S. from Oregon State University in think critically, and problem solve. We would all agree that nerve cells that make up the cerebral cortex cannot increase in experience, reviews that information to strengthen the dendrites elementary education and a M.Ed. from Lesley problem-solving skills and critical thinking are important and number, but studies have shown that the number of branches and then makes connections through pathways in the brain that University in curriculum and instruction.
30 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 31 and good to be thrust back into the mainstream of educational research and thinking. While at SFS I met a number of teachers who were very For The interested in helping with my work in Africa. One elementary teacher from SFS came with me this summer as I spent three weeks in Kenya and Uganda speaking with directors of schools who are seeking teacher training, visiting teachers who had previously attended For the Children’s Sake Foundation training, and following up on the foundation’s work since my last visit in May 2008. Children’sCatching up with Though I was unable to personally visit Africa during my tenure in Korea, For the Children’s Sake Foundation provided
Dr. Nancy Price and Courtesy Photo funding to build classrooms for Amazing Grace, a small Christian For the Children’s Sake Foundation provided funding to build this her foundation’s work classroom at Amazing Grace, a school in rural Uganda. The walls and school operating “under the trees” for the previous five years while Sake floors are finished in concrete to help keep the dust down. serving a disadvantaged community in rural Uganda. It was a real training African teachers pleasure to dedicate two new classrooms for the school during my visit this summer. By Dr. Nancy Price receive additional training. This lengthy cycle with several feedback After a session on how to make a lesson plan, a Ugandan Next summer 20 Christian teachers from various schools in opportunities is somewhat expensive but has proven to be the best teacher raised his hand. “Thank you, Dr. Nancy, for teaching us the US and around the world will spend two weeks working with The Christian school is built of brick, filled with children method to ensure that what is presented at training is actually this. I have a teaching certificate, and so do many of the others in African teachers trained by For the Children’s Sake Foundation eager to learn. The teacher is committed to the Lord, and her implemented in the classrooms. my group. They always told us we should use a lesson plan, but we in each teacher’s own school setting. They will provide feedback lesson includes biblical integration. The students’ behavior upon Whether in a Nairobi slum or a relatively well-facilitated were not taught how! Now I can do it!” and encouragement to these African teachers as they strive the entrance of visitors to the classroom is exemplary. That sounds school in Uganda, the teachers I work with have a number of things to implement what they have been taught within their own a lot like The Bear Creek School, doesn’t it? But a little further in common. They are committed Christians who usually work for Nursery Teacher Training classrooms. information reveals a very different school. less than it takes to feed and house themselves. And, whether or not For the past three years I have resisted offering nursery teacher Education is seen as the key to success in Africa. By training The school was built from bricks that were made by hand and they hold a teaching certificate, they have little idea of how to teach training. However, a visit to the Mustard Seed Nursery School this teachers of orphans and vulnerable children, these children can fired in stacks standing where they were made. The classroom is effectively or from a Christian worldview. July changed my mind. Picture about 25 three and four-year-old have a better education, a chance to learn to use their minds more literally filled with children, 67 of them, seated children, who don’t speak English, seated in rows on benches facing fully, and a chance to more fully understand and live the Good three and sometimes four together on wooden a blackboard (with their legs hanging 6-8 inches off the floor). News of Jesus Christ. benches. The walls of the classroom are simply The teacher is drawing pictures of objects (man, boy, woman, girl, boards scrounged from somewhere, put up orange, ball, etc.) and writing the name of each object in English to form a visual barrier between classrooms. under the picture. She says the word and the children repeat it but, They don’t reach all the way to the ceiling, but unfortunately, they have no understanding of the meaning of the leave a space of about five feet. The teachers’ word, for instance, whether the picture is of a boy or a girl or what a voices and students’ responses from the classes real orange or ball is! on either side make it difficult to hear the This experience led me to develop and hold nursery teacher teacher we’ve come to observe. training a few days later. Although only given a couple days notice, 26 teachers and directors from 11 schools showed up on a Friday For the Children’s Sake morning for training. Several who came are not actually nursery Foundation teachers, but just wanted to get any training that was available. That Since leaving The Bear Creek School in is one of the best parts of working with teachers in Africa—the real 2006, it has been my privilege to volunteer desire to learn! my time and expertise to bring Christian As much as possible, I try to use government frameworks school teachers in sub-Saharan Africa some (curriculum) as “official” confirmation for many of my “crazy” ideas of the basic tools of teaching and pedagogy. which go directly against local practice and belief. A couple of my Courtesy Photo Children learning English at the Mustard Seed Nursery School prior to The nonprofit organization is called For the “wild” notions are that using real objects instead of drawing them the new nursery teacher training provided by Dr. Price’s foundation. Children’s Sake Foundation and provides on the board is a better way to go about teaching young children training free of charge to Christian schools. It English, and that three-year-old children should not be sitting still is spread over the course of one calendar year on a bench trying to learn to read and copy words from the board! Dr. Nancy Price, founder of The Bear Creek School, served as Head with an intensive weeklong session during of School from 1988 to 2006. In December 2005, God placed the each holiday. Teachers implement what they A Year in Korea plight of African children in her heart, leading her to establish For Courtesy Photo have learned during the following term, This year I took a one-year position as the interim Head of the Children’s Sake Foundation to train Christian school teachers St. Joseph’s is a little school in rural Uganda operating out of this rented room with a dirt floor. For then come together during the next holiday the Children’s Sake Foundation is helping to purchase land on which to build a new school house. School at Seoul Foreign School (SFS) during the 2008-2009 school serving orphaned, vulnerable, and disadvantaged children in sub- to evaluate and discuss their progress and Dr. Nancy Price is pictured along with St. Joseph’s director Michel Nsamba and students. year. It was an excellent experience being back in a “real” school, Saharan Africa. www.forthechildrenssakefoundation.org
32 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 33 A Time of Change By Marky Olson are 2008 and 2009 college graduates are faring quite well. They are graduated with a concentration in corporate crisis management, a her as she pursues her advanced degree. Similarly, Jessica Harrang, Photo by Steve Pohlman persistent, flexible, and confident as they pursue both advanced major in high demand so he was not forced to consider changing his a 2009 graduate of Claremont McKenna College in California, has degrees and careers. major, even as the economy worsened. He was more open-minded, “more seriously considered jobs that I previously might not have, Connections with The Bear Creek School alumni reveal an however, in the variety of companies he pursued for informational but I have not made any final decisions any differently.” Jessica feels With the constantly changing interesting profile of students who do follow the national trend interviews. He now works for Edelman, a large public relations that, although it was primarily her college experience that prepared economy and much of the news being but are balanced and proactive in their attitudes concerning their firm. When asked what he felt had helped prepare him for current her for life after college, “it was my high school education and careers. Dani Pohlman, a 2009 Seattle Pacific University graduate challenges, Zachary stated, “Where do I start? In my current job, experiences that allowed me to be accepted into such a good school.” negative, we wondered about the impact states, “I feel that I am a little unique in my experience because I writing skills are gold. At Bear Creek, I developed a very strong set The national picture conflicts with the Pacific Northwest this is having on those who are just have taken the route to not look for a real job right now, knowing of writing skills as well as a dynamic approach to creative writing. situation in terms of college job fairs, but describes a similarity in the economy. I know that I want to go to graduate school, so I Even when comparing my education at Bear Creek to my college employment challenges. Opportunities will be down 8 percent for beginning their careers. After looking at the decided to take a year off. I got an opportunity to nanny this career, Bear Creek really helped to establish a solid set of skills that those with college degrees this spring, according to economist Philip current job market for recent graduates, we contacted Bear Creek summer, which I took advantage of because I figured looking for a I have been able to rely on going into a writing intensive career. I Gardner, research director of the College Employment Research alumni to see if they are changing their career focus with the job right now would be an exhausting task and since I had the nanny was encouraged to develop a strong focus. My Institute at Michigan State University. Every economic downturn. opportunity, I thought I would take it. My degree is in psychology heavy course load, balanced with athletics and Bear Creek alumni, spring, the Institute issues a recruiting trends report A headline article in the business section of the May 12, 2009, so it’s hard to get a real professional job with just an undergraduate my social activities, forced me to prioritize my based on a survey of more than 900 businesses. Seattle Times stated, “Graduating college seniors are entering degree.” Dani’s primary goal was to become a therapist, but she is obligations and my homework. I do the same who are 2008 and 2009 The 2009 report forecasts a sharp downturn in the weakest market in decades, a somber fact apparent to those now “looking into other choices, such as working for an adoption thing daily at work now. I entered college college graduates, are job opportunities and urges students to begin job attending campus career fairs, where recruiters are in short supply. agency.” Next year she plans “to explore my options and gain prepared and adept and I can say the same thing searches early. Despite the somewhat grim outlook, Tips on interviewing and career counseling abound, no matter the experience in different internship opportunities to figure out what I for my career.” flexible and confident employers continue flocking to campus career age or experience of the job-seeker. However, about 25 percent want to do. That is partly due to the economy, but I think I am doing Tyler Kowal, a 2008 Gonzaga graduate, is an fairs: “They want to retain a pipeline of new talent; fewer employers sent recruiters to the spring career fair at the what I would have wanted to do even if the economy was booming.” audit assistant for Deloitte, an accounting and as they pursue both otherwise, they will lose visibility,” says Stan Inman, University of Washington. Seattle Pacific University’s lone career Dani’s approach reflects both confidence and flexibility. consulting firm, and feels he was not impacted as advanced degrees director of University of Utah’s career services. “We fair of the year drew 30-40 percent fewer companies.” The drop Zachary Buck, a 2009 Pepperdine graduate, decided to enter much by the more recent economic downturn. are seeing less confidence. The number of employers in companies represented was confirmed at Seattle University. the competitive job market. He faced fewer job opportunities and However, as a newer employee, Tyler feels that and careers. has diminished and the opportunities are fewer Clearly, the choices are fewer for students. In fact, the recently more applicants, a discouraging reality for today’s college graduates. it is imperative to “know what is expected and than in fall. Students have to widen the range of released National Association of Colleges and Employers’ (NACE) Zachary’s attitude and energy are apparent in his career search: work to that level. Everyone now is concerned about job security opportunities they are looking for. There are excellent opportunities study states that “only 19.7 percent of this year’s graduates who “I really found it a challenge to brand myself in a way that would and this is causing undue stress in the workplace. This is my major out there.” have applied for a job have in fact found one.” The NACE 2009 Job stand out. I was submitting my applications to companies that concern and as a result has caused me and many of my friends in a Times, they are indeed changing…but then they have always Outlook Survey also finds that college majors most in demand are were receiving 50+ applications a day. To adapt to this challenge similar situation to work in a manner that is to go above and beyond changed. And they always will. Surveys offer a general guide, while consistent with previous surveys; however, the long-range economic I had to really focus on fine tuning my resume and getting my what is expected and in some cases that means working 12 hours a economic forecasters base their predictions on history and the outlook from analysts is for significantly slower growth over the next foot in the door in as many places as possible. I worked every day instead of the expected eight. This helps to increase productivity cyclical nature of the economy. But new college graduates entering several years than was experienced over the past 15 years. While connection I had and took any opportunity I had to meet with and sets higher expectations that could be difficult to meet.” Tyler the job market know that a solid and challenging education, new jobs are not likely to be plentiful, replacement openings caused people in the companies I wanted to work for. I can’t tell you how believes that The Bear Creek School gave him “the strength to be determining and mastering personal coping skills, and plain old by the aging of the work force could be. The average employee age is many informational interviews I had or how many people I took to confident in my skills and ability. It makes the above concern not as hard work make the difference. currently 41, which is up from 35 in 1980. Furthermore, 20 percent coffee! In the long run, though, it was invaluable in getting me a job. big for me as I know I am a good worker and, as a result, have the of the work force will be older than 55 during the next decade. To After meeting all these people and going to so many informational confidence that I will have a job for years to come.” offset the impact of worker retirement, employers are developing interviews my resume stood out among the rest. These companies Kristina Aronson, a 2009 graduate of Rollins College in Photo: Members of the Seattle Pacific University 2009 graduating class, including Dani Pohlman ’05 (front row, third from right), walk through succession strategies centered on college recruiting, and fields such knew me and had a better idea if I would be a good fit with their Winter Park, Florida, is “headed to Georgetown University to graduation exercises. as elementary and secondary education, information technology, company. Ultimately, one of my informational interviews caused pursue a master’s in conflict resolution at Georgetown’s School of and healthcare positions, particularly nursing, are the best prospects the lady I met with to contact the HR head within the company Government. It is the top international relations master’s degree Marky Olson lives in Sammamish, Washington. She is a recently retired high school English and public speaking teacher. She is currently a for new graduates. Though some of the survey results are and tell her how much she enjoyed me and that I would be a great program in the country right now.” This was Kristina’s plan all along freelance business and copywriter, a published author, and corporate discouraging, it appears that The Bear Creek School alumni who fit with their company. One month later I had the job!” Zachary so she feels the downward shift in the economy is not relevant to writing teacher.
34 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 35 Class Notes
heads to London to study at Magdalen of history, he is looking forward to Class Notes Erik Ball, College, Oxford. Erik will be reading studying in this inspiring environment, toward a master’s in Greek and Latin walking and living where the likes of Will Sanger, Class of 2007 This section is dedicated to our Class of 2005 languages and literature. A lover C. S. Lewis once lived. By Vicki Kaiser Bear Creek alumni and features stories By Vicki Kaiser and updates (submitted by alumni or Will Sanger has always dreamed of playing in the NBA. When he made the their parents/guardians) about their Alumnus Erik Ball graduated from Division I basketball team at the University of Tulsa, he got one step closer to Washington and Lee University in lives, journeys, and accomplishments. If that dream. June 2009. During his junior year the “I saw that they were having open tryouts, so I showed up,” Will you are an alumna/us of The Bear Creek classical studies major spent a semester remembers. “After every practice the coach said come back tomorrow, School, we’d love to include your story in Rome as a member of the prestigious so I did.” The Bear Creek alumnus showed up to every practice during his or an update in our next Modus Vivendi. Centro program, which offers selected freshman year. He worked hard, watched and learned, and served as the undergraduates the opportunity to You are welcome to send updates at any quasi- team manager. Then, in his sophomore year, the coach called. “What study ancient history, the topography number do you want?” was all he said. time and we will include them in our and monuments of Rome, and Greek Playing Division I basketball is demanding. The practices, games, and next edition. (Modus Vivendi has a winter and Roman culture and history. travel consume hours that could be spent studying. This student-athlete and a summer edition.) You can also It was during this time that Erik believes school and basketball complement each other. “But,” Will reflects, “I update your address, e-mail, share prayer decided to major in classical studies. do have to stay on top of things.” His first strategy, “avoid scheduling morning “We spent the entire period intensely requests, or enter comments via the Bear classes!” Second, be realistic about his schedule, “I take the minimum focused only on classics,” Erik recalls. credit hours.” And, the geo-physics major says, “It helps taking classes I am Creek Web site at www.tbcs.org/alumni. “I learned even more about myself and interested in.” Will is also grateful for supportive professors and small class realized that I needed to study classics.” sizes. His study abroad included all the Will is confident his specialized degree will be useful in the world job Jackson Brammer ‘08 museums in Rome, archeological sites, market that includes consulting in oil, construction, and engineering. With I am a first-year pre-med student and trips to Sicily and Naples. Erik three more years of basketball eligibility he hopes to improve his ball skills at the University of Washington (UW) appreciated the first-hand experience to the level necessary to play professionally. “There are no guarantees,” Will majoring in psychology. This summer I he gained in Rome and other parts Erik Ball visited the Temple of Apollo on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus at advises, “You can’t be afraid and you say to yourself, ‘be grateful.’” will be living at home, taking 15 credits at of Italy, particularly the exposure to Delphi, Greece. the UW, and getting medical experience ancient Greek and Roman culture. volunteering at the UW Medical Center. “I spent a week in Sicily where there are some of the best preserved Greek Sam Pomeroy ‘08 temples and artifacts from the 5th and I am attending Baylor University, 4th centuries B.C.” It might seem odd majoring in philosophy and great texts. to study Greek culture in Rome, but This summer I am working at T Bar M Erik explains, “My emphasis is on Greek Camp in New Braunfels, which is one of culture during the time period of the the largest Christian summer camps in Roman Empire. The Romans plundered Texas. I am a soccer coach and counselor. Greek artifacts and brought them back Then I am heading back to Seattle in July. to ancient Rome.” God has taken me on a wild and Erik says the experience was even exciting journey in this past year. I have more enriching because of the people learned so much in the academic realm, as he met. “I had the opportunity to meet well as what it means to live as a faithful classicists from other universities and and obedient servant in Christ Jesus. God made friends with people I wouldn’t has proven His word and promises to be otherwise have had the chance to faithful and true in my life, and I rejoice in meet.” The 35 students in the Centro His providence! program lived in a convent with a huge kitchen in the basement where four Italian ladies cooked incredible meals. Erik laughs, “I think I gained 40 pounds!” This well-traveled scholar embarks on a new adventure this fall as he Erik’s studies took him to the Temple of Hera at Paestum, Italy. Will Sanger plays defense against the Northwestern Wildcats in the NIT tournament in March.
36 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 37 Class Notes
Kristin Kelley ‘08 Asya Simova ‘08 Evan Dunn ‘07 I am attending the University of I attend the UW, and plan to double I am at the University of Washington, Nina Hester, Washington, and absolutely loving it, major in French and business. I work at in the linguistics program. I am not despite my initial desire during senior PacSun in Bellevue Square. During the working now, but I plan to work this Class of 2003 year at Bear Creek to go to Boston for summer I am planning to work and go to summer and prepare to take Arabic, school and get out of Washington. Going Bulgaria for five weeks. Bear Creek English Indonesian, and Hindi classes in the By Vicki Kaiser to the UW has opened up opportunities classes are much more difficult than the fall. After I graduate, I hope to teach in ways I never thought possible. I am college English classes! English overseas and then become a Bible Alumna Nina Hester is living what currently studying abroad in Prague translator. would be a dream for some. Working and am taking the most amazing classes Katie Ball ’08 for Boeing Research and Technology, that are opening my eyes to a part of the I am attending the University of Alex Higinbotham ‘07 this Boston University graduate has world I’ve never learned about in school San Diego and double majoring in I am attending the University had the opportunity to work on a before! I was planning on also studying in business and French with a minor in of Southern California with a major series of space flight experiments for Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia this summer communications. I am not working right in business administration and NASA through a program called MISSE but a change of plans has led me instead now, but when summer starts, I will concentrations in marketing, finance, (Materials International Space Station to backpacking around Western Europe hopefully find a nanny job! I am going and advertising and promotion strategy Experiment) which places experiments for most of the summer! I’ve already to Virginia to attend my brother Erik’s management. This summer I am working on the International Space Station for a visited Budapest, Berlin, and the beautiful graduation. Other than that, I’m just for Medical Dynamics for the first half couple of years. An electrical engineer, countryside of the Czech Republic. This relaxing and spending as much time as of summer, and I am traveling down to Nina has worked on four experiments summer I’ll be exploring the countryside possible with family and friends before I Costa Rica to serve for the second half of and was chosen to fly to Huntsville, of Italy, as well as its coast (and stopping in go back to school in the fall. summer, though there will also be a lot of Alabama, to install the experiments on Rome). Then I will head back to Germany Next fall, I am participating in the backpacking fun through the country as the Passive Experiment Carrier (PEC). to hike through the Alps, then onto Spain, three-day walk for breast cancer, which well! I’m also going to Ohio for a family The materials selected for the mission Nina Hester prepares the connections for her experiment at a NASA work station. ending up in the French Mediterranean benefits the organization Susan G. Komen reunion. are placed into suitcase-like PECs which where I’ll put to good use my five years of for the Cure. Throughout the summer I are used for transporting experiments French that Madame Garceau helped me will be raising money for this cause and Heather Hunt ‘07 to and from the International Space 1 to refine. It is shaping up to be a wonderful would appreciate donations to support I just finished my second year of Station. summer. the search for a cure for cancer. Anything double majoring in English writing and Although Nina cannot reveal This quarter in Prague has been would help! Contact me at: ballk@ media studies at Wheaton College in experiment details, she does share amazing and is helping me to figure out sandiego.edu. Illinois. I’ve been involved in the campus some of what she gained from this where I want the rest of my college career newspaper for the last two years and opportunity. “I learned to be self- to go. I was originally planning to major in Mark Henry ‘07 have enjoyed getting to interview a wide sufficient, work under extreme pressure European studies, and now I am sure of it. I am currently attending Northern variety of individuals, ranging from the from upper level management, and I was thinking about focusing on Central Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. college chaplain to an editor at Rolling be quick on my feet when things that and Eastern Europe and this experience My declared major is physics and Stone magazine. My work at the paper has worked in Seattle suddenly stop working has cemented that decision. The culture is astronomy. This summer, I’ve decided to received several awards from the Illinois when I’m about to install them in NASA.” so amazing here, and very different, while take a research internship in Provo, Utah, College Press Association, including Always a soldering ‘expert’, soldering eerily similar to that of the West. At the which will involve the study of variable awards in In-Depth Reporting and first her experiment while wearing a NASA- same time, due to years of communism, stars, a sub-field of astronomy. It begins place in Sports Features writing. Next year issued bunny suit in an extremely and just the general decline of the world, officially in June and will run for a little I will be editor-in-chief of my campus hot and humid room proved to be a I have experienced how hungry the people over two months. I highly anticipate the newspaper. challenge. “My hands were sweating of Central Europe are for God. I feel experience, because it will give me the This summer I am heading to Oxford under the gloves so much that I dropped like He is really calling me to this place. opportunity to explore, in-depth, the for a few weeks to take some classes on the iron and burned a hole through the Although I love Seattle and my church passion for astronomy I have had for most British literature. suit, through my pants and burned my home at Mars Hill, I could see this being of my life. leg,” she recalls. She was escorted out my future home. The people here really Hye Rim Lee ‘07 of the room and allowed back in only need Jesus and are beautiful, smart people I’m in school now, attending the after she convinced the NASA quality In the NASA clean room, Nina solders one of her experiments to the base plate that will be attached to the space station. who just need to grasp the redeeming University of Washington, and majoring assurance representative that the work He did on the cross! in chemistry. I’m not working now but experiment had not been contaminated. career as she has been asked to be a part I’m having fun, loving life, and knowing plan to take summer classes in Korea at a “As a joke, they made me put the of the next space radiation experiment, God’s in control, I’m pretty much living university. soldering iron in my mouth to make sure partnering with the Japanese my dream.” I didn’t drop it again!” government. And though this seems Dropping the soldering iron caused like a dream career, Nina says she has 1 http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/ no permanent damage to Nina’s leg or never dreamed of a career. “As long as factsheets/MISSE.html
38 Modus Vivendi Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Modus Vivendi 39 Class Notes
Bess Snider ‘06 Andrew Discolo ‘05 David Jacobson ‘04 Jeff Rehfeld ‘03 I’m leaving for Cairo, Egypt on June I just graduated from Tulane David began working for Hollywood I graduated in spring 2007 with a Danny Jacobson, Class of 2003 16 to spend six weeks this summer on University with a B.S. in neuroscience and mega-producer Laura Ziskin (Spiderman B.A. in religious studies from Westmont a Global Urban Trek with Intervarsity classical studies. I am not working yet, but 1-3, What About Bob, Pretty Woman, College. I worked part-time for a little By Vicki Kaiser Christian Fellowship. We will be teaching am trying to get a job in medical research The 74th and 79th Academy Awards, etc.) while and have since moved to Hollywood. summer school for Sudanese refugee in the Seattle area. My summer plans based on the Sony Pictures studio lot I am in the process of looking for a job, Alumnus Danny Jacobson lives children during the day and teaching include getting a job, volunteering in the in spring of 2008 while completing his possibly in the entertainment industry, as in sunny, southern California just ESL for Sudanese refugee adults in the emergency room at Children’s Hospital, cinema & media arts degree from Biola well as making as many connections as I three miles from the beach. While evenings. In addition, we will be living and applying to medical school. University. Upon graduation in May 2008, can to help me in that endeavor. he enjoys rooftop barbeques with with the Sudanese that we will be serving. David began working full-time for Laura his housemates, (who he’s happy I am SUPER excited for this trip! There is Katie Moravec ‘05 Ziskin Productions working as an assistant Ashley Biere Criswell ‘02 to say are his brother and a Bear no doubt in my mind that God will teach I graduated from the University of coordinator on the historic ABC, NBC, I graduated college with my Creek classmate) it’s clear that this me many things about the necessity of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in and CBS celebrity telecast Stand Up to B.A. in business management and young businessman is focused on prayer and fellowship, his heart for justice, aeronautical/astronautical engineering Cancer, which has raised over $100 million communications in 2006. My husband, his career. and his love for the Sudanese while I am in in June. I have been accepted into the for accelerated cancer research. After Dean, and I were married almost three A graduate of Claremont Cairo. University of Washington aeronautical/ the show, David became Laura Ziskin’s years ago. My husband is in Pararescue McKenna College, the finance When I return from Cairo, I will be astronautical engineering graduate executive assistant and is now at work (medical rescue) for the Air Force and we and accounting major works in working in a neurobiology lab on the program, where I will pursue my master’s. on several feature film and TV projects, are stationed in Las Vegas. We bought our investment banking at Barrington University of Washington campus studying I will also begin my full-time job at Boeing including Spiderman 4 and 5, a new sitcom first house this year and are having a blast! and Associates in Los Angeles. the development of synchronous activity (Everett site) this July. As far as celebrating at the BBC, and a large family/adventure We travel some as well. I am currently Danny says he enjoys what he’s in the mouse hindbrain. The research goes, almost immediately after graduation, film set up at Paramount Pictures expected working as the community director doing and likes that it is rewarding. potentially has clinical consequences for several of my friends and I are going on a to go into production this fall. for Grace Point Church in Las Vegas. “I get to see the work I do have an pregnant mothers! weeklong trip to Oahu, Hawaii. Working in an elite entertainment Previously I was the marketing director for immediate effect.” He explains, culture has brought an interesting mix a marketing company and I am currently “This is high velocity business— Catherine Banton ‘05 Galen Haws ‘04 of challenges and blessings to David’s life— studying to get my real estate license. constantly going back and forth Catherine Banton graduated from I graduated in May 2008 with honors such as the daily opportunity to practice Danny Jacobson ‘03 with deal team and client. People USC with Honors from both Annenberg from Biola University with a B.S. in faithfulness and humility, or the challenge appreciate the work and there’s School for Communication and the business administration with a marketing of understanding myriad worldviews and immediate feedback.” College of Letters, Arts & Sciences. She emphasis. I also graduated with a minor in lifestyles. Every day he has the opportunity There are also long hours. After was awarded the USC Annenberg School Biblical studies. Upon graduation I moved to engage culture makers on what values his normal ten-hour work day the for Communication, School of Journalism to Jersey City, New Jersey, on the Hudson and ideals can actually be called good and former high school and college Special Excellence Award for Outstanding River by Manhattan. I work for the Lord true. football player goes to the gym. Undergraduate Public Relations Student. Abbett Private Wealth Group in finance. David currently lives in Santa Monica, After working out, he checks his Catherine also won the competition in I am currently a CFA (chartered financial California with fellow Bear Creek alumni Blackberry and many times returns her Advanced PR Seminar for best media analyst) Level I candidate sitting for the Danny Jacobson ‘03 and Brig Dengenis ‘03. to the office where he’s been communications plan and presentation exam in June. I am planning a wedding known to stay until midnight or for a nonprofit client. Her honors included and will be getting married on August 9 1:00 a.m. Danny says the evolving Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and USC in Seattle. I will be returning to the East changes in the financial market Renaissance Scholar – Public Relations Coast for work. add uncertainty, but because and French. Catherine will begin working of his company’s mergers and as an account coordinator at a public acquisitions, his responsibilities relations firm in West Hollywood in July. have grown and he is well- Brig Dengenis ‘03, Danny Jacobson ‘03, and positioned for the time being. Easton Thomas ‘05 David Jacobson ‘04 In addition to his demanding I am entering my fifth year at the career, Danny helps run the Bear University of Michigan. I am majoring Creek Alumni Facebook group. “We started this to stay in contact with friends. in sound engineering and electrical Now, people who we don’t even know are joining!” He’s happy people are engineering. I am conducting research this keeping in touch and says he and the group’s co-administrators are considering summer for the College of Engineering. adding networking and advising opportunities to the page in the future. For I am designing a 3D headphone system now though, Danny’s networking assignment is to help his youngest brother as part of a project that will translate the find an internship in California so that “the three Jacobson brothers will be visual world into a sonic language so together in So Cal for the summer!” that blind people will be able to “see” the Bill Brammer environment around them. Over forty Bear Creek alumni joined faculty and staff on July 11 to celebrate twenty years of classical Christian education at The Bear Creek School.
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Grandparent and Treasured Friend Day at The Bear Creek School October 9, 2009 Join us for a musical program, classroom visit, and lunch with your K-12 grandchild. School is not in session on Monday, October 12, providing an opportunity for out of town guests to spend a long weekend with family. For information contact Linda Sheppard, [email protected] or 425.898.1720 ext. 338.