Which Read about Christmas Christmas the music character are from you most like? Find out other on page 4. )) cultures Echo ) on page 6. Illiana Christian High School Volume 72 Issue 4 December 22, 2017 Lansing, Illinois School board cancels ‘Godspell’ Disheartened students, directors plan to bounce times memorizing songs in prepara- tion. “I spent a lot of time preparing back with musical revue of past productions like everyone else interested in [the Beth Boonstra problems with other presentations of musical], I’m sure.” Co-Editor in Chief this play by other people that were not Fabrizius wasn’t thrilled at what all God honoring. In particular, I think sounded like a boring musical at first, Maddie Holesinger the emphasis was based on ‘Can you but his opinion quickly changed. Co-Editor in Chief give us permission to do this play rec- “This musical has developed my faith ognizing that we would do it in a God very much. I am moved by the great Illiana’s musical for this coming honoring way?’” message it has to offer and I believe spring has gone through a myriad of Aware of the musical and the that message shouldn’t be shut down changes, forcing the drama depart- potential for controversy, the board for a very small amount of people. One ment and its students to ride a roller- approved “Godspell.” Since then, of the main conflicts was unity. “God- coaster of emotions. On Tuesday, Dec. directors Jim Kamphuis, Kathy Sliek- spell” is all about community. We 12, the school board, after already hav- ers, and Lagerwey have been working are disciples of God, and “Godspell” ing approved the musical “Godspell” hard to make this musical possible. shows with the modern take on it.” months before reversed its decision, “It’s difficult to put a number on While some were preparing for citing doctrinal issues of portraying the hours we had already spent on this the musical, others were working to Christ. Directors made a quick come- musical,” said Kamphuis. “Some of shut it down through petition and letter. back with a new musical idea, a recap our effort goes back several years, but Matthew Huizenga and Sam of the greatest musicals throughout Il- we had worked most intensively on Boonstra, sophomore and junior stu- liana’s history. this show for the five weeks between dents prospectively, who have both the fall play and the Board’s decision. been in Illiana drama productions, Photot courtesy of Liz VanDrunen In the late spring Mrs. Mary La- Close-up group gathers for group discussion at Jefferson Memorial. gerwey, Illiana’s musical director as Much of the set design was either com- wrote a letter of concern to the direc- well as one of the Bible teachers, pro- plete or had at least been conceived, tors. Huizinga also circulated a peti- posed the Stephen Schwartz musical and thousands of dollars had already tion amongst classmates, receiving 24 “Godspell,” a 70s telling of Jesus’ life been spent on set pieces and other student signatures, several of which D.C. exposure teaches on earth based on the Gospel of Mat- equipment.” Kamphuis spent hours belonged to students who had never thew. This wasn’t her first time pro- rewiring light fixtures in preparation even been a part of a drama produc- posing this musical either. Normally, to light the stage from 360 degrees, a tion and many more who had only students firsthand lessons musicals and plays are not proposed requirement for putting on what would been part of one production in the Amber VanKalker the Capitol. Students visited to the education committee or to the have been Illiana’s first theater-in-the- past. Huizenga’s main points in the Reporter monuments, landmarks, and school board beforehand, but recog- round production. These lights will letter were that “’Godspell’s’ intent is memorials that were involved nizing potential controversy in this now have to be rewired all again. the entertainment of man rather than Juniors Elizabeth DeYoung, in what they had learned in their choice, she wanted to make sure that Students also put in a significant the glorification of God, ...’Godspell’ Trent Kamp, Julia Oostema, prior workshop. the board was behind her and the other amount of preparation for this musical. uses Biblical stories with disregard for Ashley Pigatti, Alec Vander- Meanwhile Mr. DeBoer directors. Auditions were to be held on the same the message of scripture, ...’Godspell’ Zee, Liz VanDrunen, and Alex got a chance to go on different Principal Peter Boonstra who was day as the board’s meeting, so students takes the word of God lightly, …[and] Wondaal joined chaperone Mr. tours including Quantico, where at both of the board meetings regard- rehearsed for auditions, believing that By portraying Jesus in this musical, we Darren DeBoer for a week-long the marines train, and Harper’s ing the musical said, “[Lagerwey’] ac- they would be performing “Godspell.” would profane the Lord.” study trip to Washington, DC for Ferry, which was an important knowledged that there were certainly Senior Ben Fabrizius listened to the the annual Close-up program. site before the civil war. Two “Godspell” soundtrack at least ten Turn to Show, Page 3 The Close Up program, ac- of his greatest memories were cording to its website, offers celebrating Pigatti’s birthday students “a front row seat to de- and walking down MLK Ave. in Preview draws crowd, shows age mocracy in action in the halls of southeast Washington. Cate Peerbolte not be in use next year. As part of the was very well done and I was very Congress, as well as in meetings Elizabeth DeYoung said, Co-Feature Editor tour, each group stopped in a class- pleased with the program. The best with Washington insiders and “The highlight of the week was room for a powerpoint presentation part was seeing the teachers’ love for media.” The ICHS Social Stud- almost getting arrested” while On Thursday, Nov. 30, Illiana given by Principal Peter Boonstra on the school and their students.” ies Department chooses eight on a 10-mile hike through the hosted the annual fall “Preview Illi- the new campus and other changes Bob Beishuizen said, “The students from the junior class to woods to the old Capitol build- ana” where prospective Illiana fami- coming next year. seven minutes with Mr. Boonstra represent our school. Students ing. When they tried to go lies come to learn about Illiana. Turkstra said, “Preview has seemed rushed. I would have liked are selected through a process of back, they had to cross a roped According to Vice Principal AJ never been about seeing the build- less stations with more time in each application that includes a writ- off bridge that led straight Turkstra, Preview officially began ing, especially now. We are show- one.” ten essay and an interview. to the Police Station. Fortu- in 2010. “I pitched the idea to the casing what Illiana has to offer.” Karen VanBelle said, “It was While in Washington nately, they didn’t get in much school board in 2010, but I first had Prospective parents who were great to see the classes in action. I D.C., the group visited the trouble. They got back safely the idea in 2009, when I was teaching at Preview mostly thought the night wished we could’ve talked to depart- Washington Monument, and the forest trooper let them shop classes in room 114. We would was a success but reflected on the ment heads about the curriculum. It World War ll Memorial, and leave without penalty. have open house nights where par- night in various ways. also would have been nice to able the Capital Quarry. They also Close-up is a time for stu- ents could come and see the projects Gary Eenigenburg said, “I liked to choose what classes to visit based had the opportunity to see dents to learn to be courteous, their children were working on. I had listening to Mr. Davids and Mr. on what my son is interested in. It the Senate building and the to respect everyone’s opin- the idea to expand these shop open Boonstra, but I wish they had more was great to see the community and House floor to witness a bill ions, and to learn to hear the houses to a school open house.” time to speak. The night was very how it has grown and how it works being passed. opinions of those around them It was Illiana’s fourteenth pre- choppy with lots of little things, that together.” While on the trip students while staying true to them- view this fall. Turkstra said, “I think added up to a long night.” Vicky DeBoer said, “My favor- had a chance to split up into a selves. that it (Preview) is running its course. Tracey Eenigenburg said, “I ite part was seeing the different class- student section with students Pigatti said, “To me it was It has seen its time, but it is getting think that I learned everything I need es and how the halls have changed.” from other schools, and the a chance to learn about past harder to come up with something to, but I would have liked more time Dave DeBoer said, “I would teachers went to the teacher events in history that aren’t new and fresh to replace it.” with the core people who were ex- like to see the new building. I know section. During these hour-long talked about in class, and to This year the families in atten- plaining programs.” that's not possible, but I want to see sessions, they learned from ex- see jobs that are needed at the dance previewed a school that will Betty Beishuizen said, “It what the future of Iliana looks like.” perienced people who work at Capitol.” 2 News Hear it from Time’s Students recieve full immersion Person of the Year herself in German at St.