S am's Spotlight
Let's celebrate as a CCS family!

February, 2016 - Issue II
Blessings, CCS families!  The purpose of "Sam's Spotlight" is to communicate the noteworthy accomplishments of our students and staff, so we can celebrate as a CCS family.  

If you have praise-worthy news items to share with the Cincinnati Christian Schools family that involve either CCS students and/or staff, please email 
Kim Smith (Public Relations Assistant) at  [email protected].
 
Payton Keiner State Swimming Champion

Junior Payton Keiner is CCS' first state champion swimmer!  Payton overcame the flu to win in the 100 backstroke, and she is also state runner up in the 200 IM (individual medley)!  "I'm just really happy with my times and I'm really glad I got this awesome opportunity," Payton said. "I started getting the flu earlier in the week. My mom, of course, was on everything like all moms are."  Jen Keiner, Payton's mom, is also her CCS Swim Coach.   Well done on all counts, Coach!   This was Payton's third time representing CCS at the State level. Last year she placed 4th overall in each event.  Read  Cincinnati Enquirer article . 

At Division IV Districts, Keiner had finished first place in both her 200 IM and 100 backstroke, automatically qualifying to state. Payton set the school records in these events during the 2015 season. Her 100 back swim at district broke the 2012 district meet record! 
So proud of Cougar, Payton!
 
New CCS Mayoral Staff pictured with Fairfield Vice Mayor at our Tradetown Mayor Inauguration
Tradetown a Smash

If you were to learn that students at the elementary campus spend their school days learning about reading, writing, and arithmetic, you would probably not be surprised.  But if someone were to tell you that these same students are learning about supply and demand, marketing, product development or sales strategies, you may very well be surprised. 

Since 1999, a system has been in place where each grade creates a business to run - taking it from the beginning by selecting a product, to manufacturing the product, to creating an advertising strategy, then sending it to market.  In addition to the wonderful lessons students have learned about markets, several other significant traditions have grown from this process.  A "Tradetown" government is also created, where a Mayor, Vice Mayor, and other officers are elected. This year our new Mayor is Hayden Ehlers, Vice Mayor - Minhty Ha, and Chief of Police Ema Okpohworho.

You can only imagine the creativity and excitement that is generated at all grade levels!  Although the students do not earn a grade, per se, for this incredible experience, it is, without a doubt, priceless!
 
West Point Society Scholarship Awarded to CCS Student

Senior David Higgins was selected by the West Point Society of Cincinnati to receive a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.00.  This scholarship is given based on excellence in ethical leadership skills and exhibiting excellent character.  

The West Point Society of Cincinnati holds an Annual Leadership and Ethics Seminar for local high school sophomores and juniors, where student leaders are challenged to lead ethically and confidently.  Each student in attendance (about 300) can apply for the scholarship.  To earn the scholarship, students must complete a one-year mentorship with a faculty advisor who attended the conference with them and demonstrate the model of ethical leadership taught at the conference in a variety of settings.  Once selected as a finalist for the scholarship, the student leads a breakout session at the next conference.
Your hard work paid off, David!  We're proud of you!
 
Elementary Students Go 'Round the World

One of our most exciting, traditional elementary campus-wide events is the International Weeks.  It's two weeks of students learning about other countries and cultures in a very in-depth way!  

During the weeks leading up to International Week(s), every class from Kindergarten to 6th grade chooses a different country, and the students learn facts about that area, including: weather, culture, religion, government, social classes, sports, fashion, food, etc.  Each class then presents what they have learned to the rest of the elementary campus.  Each student gets very involved in International Week(s) by dressing up in traditional attire from the country, decorating the classroom to closely match the country's terrain, and even handing out food that is native to the region.  The students work so hard and are very excited to educate their friends and family about their country.
Bien 
joué
, students!
 
JH/SH Art Students Win Big Again

CCS student artists develop and express their imaginative vision through participation in a variety of art courses, such as, fashion design, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, jewelry making, etc. There is an opportunity for everyone to improve, display and share their God-given talents.

Each year, Mrs. Ashford has some of her art students submit their work(s) to the National Scholastic Arts Competition. The students' competition is regional, and there are usually 2,000+ submissions for each category within each region.  CCS art students never disappoint!  This year, three categories were given winner distinctions.  

Photography Category:
  • Mallory Custer - Gold Key
  • Brooklyn Allison - Silver Key
  • Brian Snyder - Honorable Mention
Fashion Category:
  • Glory Lee - Gold Key 
Short Story Category:
  • Luke Schlake - Gold Key
For the first time ever, Mrs. Ashford had a student submit a written piece of art. Luke's piece, called "A Most Accurate Worldview - Joshua 10:1-15,"  is written from the perspective of the Earth, personified and speaking about how it views God's world-affecting miracles!  

Gold Key winners will move on to the national competition!

 
Elementary Students Celebrate Their Pastors

Pastor Appreciation Day was a HUGE success!  Every year our elementary campus designates a special day to honor their pastors.  Over 70 pastors from many different churches around Cincinnati participated this year!  Pastors and students are paired together at the beginning of the day, and attend a special assembly and concert at TCA with the elementary choir singing. The pastors then enjoy a lunch with their CCS students before departing for the day.  The elementary students are so thrilled to have their pastors take time out of their busy schedules to be celebrated in this way! 
We appreciate you, pastors!
 
Neckties in "Short" Supply

Mr. Gillens, Mr. Holthus and Mr. Henry all had their neckties cut off by JH/SH German students celebrating Karneval (the Cologne, Germany version of Mardi Gras).  During Karneval, women cut off men's ties to symbolize the end of business and the beginning of the party.   Frau Ann Schroeder, our German teacher, says, "Thank you, teachers, for being such great sports!"
 
Hour of Code Keeps Students "Techie"

The CCS STEM initiative includes annual participation in the Hour of Code, a huge global technology movement. Our elementary students did fun coding projects in their art and computer classes. They learned how to "Build a Robot" with code and how to write their name in code.  They also shared the games created at www.code.org with their parents via cell phone text messages.  Using technology can be fun, and our students know it!
 
Boys Varsity Basketball Team Gives a "Taste of Hope"

During the Christmas season, 15 of the players and coaches volunteered their time at the Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati.  The group specifically worked with the Taste of Hope Meals Program, preparing and serving meals to over 79 families whose children were being cared for at Children's Hospital.  This program not only feeds the families but also gives the parents much needed time to spend caring for their child.   Nice work, boys!
 
Bowling Team Reaches Out

Sixteen of our JH/SH bowlers went to Serve City and were personal shoppers for those visiting the Hamilton shelter.  The students helped pick out grocery items and then helped load it into their cars.  Thanks for caring, Cougars!
 
Clever Crazes Most Recent Winners



to see the long list!

Keep up the good work, students!
 
Winter Sports Celebration

2016 Senior High Winter Sports MVC Winner Designations:
 
Basketball:
  • Dick Snyder Sportsmanship Award - Andrew Allen
  • Conference Champs, Gray Division - Boys Varsity Team
  • 2nd Place Conference, Gray Division - Freshman Boys Team
  • Player of the Year - Dylan Woods
  • Coach of the Year - Carl Woods
  • First Team - Christian Keese, Dylan Woods
  • Second Team - Grace Edmonston, Nathan Grammel, DeJuan Ringer
  • Honorable Mention - Daniel Nimmo, Josh Oates, Julie Snyder , Allie Statzer
  • 2016 District 15 Division III/IV Senior All Star - Nathan Grammel
  • 2016 District 15 Division IV Underclassmen of Year/Player of the Year - Dylan Woods
  • Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Boys Top 100 Underclassmen Showcase Nominee - Dylan Woods, Christian Keese
  • 2016 District 15 Division III/IV Top 10 Underclassmen - Christian Keese, Dylan Woods
  • 2016 District 15, Division IV Boys Assistant Coach of the Year - Jake Lammers
Bowling:
  • Conference Champs - Boys Bowling Team
  • Bowler of the Year - Tyler Parker
  • Co-Coach of the Year - Ken Peters
  • First Team - Nolan Crow, Tyler Parker
  • Second Team - Konner Logan , Hayden Steele , Michael Yost
  • 2015 -2016 Ohio High School Bowling Coaches Association Academic All Ohio Bowler Award - Konner Logan
 Cheerleading:
  • First Team - Myla Patterson
 Swimming:
  • 200 Yard Freestyle Relay - Kaitlyn Butts, Payton Keiner, Laura Kindell, Carley Phillips
  • 200 Yard Individual Medley/100 Yard Backstroke - Payton Keiner
  • District Champion & Division II State Swimming Championship Qualifier 200 IM & 100 Backstroke - Payton Keiner
2016 Junior High Winter Sports MVC Winner Designations:
  • Conference Champs - Girls' A and B Basketball Teams

We are so proud of all of our student athletes!
 
JH/SH SLEW Students Visit Hose House

"What a life changing week.  SLEW never seems to disappoint!" says senior Abby Stone after her visit to the Hose House in Hamilton during JH/SH SLEW (Spiritual Life Emphasis Week).  About SLEW and Hose House, CCS junior, Owen Hallbach said, "The Hose House is a place where all different types of people can come and just learn about God.  The goal is to put God first and to praise His name.  The body of believers is unified across various denominations and backgrounds to lift God's name above all others.  There are also many opportunities to serve the community.  I helped pass out free clothes to people in the community that truly needed it.  It's an awesome opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ!" 

This year the SLEW theme " More," based on Ephesians 3:20 - for us to live as victorious, love, focused people.  Some students visited the Hose House as part of enriching their spiritual growth that week.  And, for the first time ever, Mr. Jimmie Ashford held a SLEW Parent Night prior to the start of SLEW for students. The chapel was packed with JH/SH parents who laughed, prayed, and worshiped together to unify in the Spirit prior to the week.  CCS families do not take for granted their partnerships with CCS staff to raise up Christ-loving children!
 
CCS Cappies Reviews Published!

The Cappies (Critics and Awards Program of Cincinnati) is a program through which high school theatre and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local newspapers. Each year, a handful of CCS students train to be Cappies critics, attending at least five shows to critique.  

So far this school year, Cappies mentors selected the following reviews for the media:  a review of  Letters to Sala (by Mount Notre Dame High School)  by Bailey Brinck ! 
 
Click here for more information regarding
CCS' participation with the Cappies organization.
 
Part of our Staff Infection winning team
Teachers' Team Wins Again

Each winter, JH/SH staff and students join in to help raise funds for the junior class by competing in a dodgeball tournament. 

This traditional tourney brings a good time to all who participate and cheer on their team!   Staff Infection was the winning team this year, with The Squad Your Girl Likes taking second place. "The games were very close and exciting to watch," said Mrs. McKain, one of the junior class sponsors.   The winning team received a free Chick-Fil-A meal and bragging rights for a year!

Pizza slices sold before and during the tourney also help raise funds. $340 was raised; t hank you to everyone that participated and also to those you helped make the tournament possible. See you next year!
 
MVC "Players of the Week"

Click here to see which CCS athletes
were given this kudo!
 
 
 
If you have praise-worthy news items to share with the Cincinnati Christian Schools family that involve either CCS students and/or staff, please email it to
Kim Smith (Public Relations Assistant) at [email protected].