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

October, 2016
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 praiseworthy 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  kim.smith@cincinnatichristian.org.
 
CCS Social Justice Warrior

Junior, Mason Cardwell, was selected from over 200 applicants across Ohio to hold a position on the State of Ohio Teen Ambassador Board, representing Butler County.  This opportunity allows him to interact with students from all 88 counties in Ohio.
  Mason gets an inside look at the Ohio Attorney General's office and works with our country's government every month. The student groups have various issues on which to work, including a great deal of research and study for each.  Mason's group is currently focused on human trafficking, drug education, and consumer safety.  Throughout the year, he will travel to Columbus to participate in conference calls dealing with these important issues. 

Mason said, "I love the opportunity, because it allows my voice to matter."   Congratulations, Mason, on this amazing opportunity!  Keep representing our school and our county well!
 
1st Graders Rock Sum Dog 

Mrs. Mellish's first graders placed 2nd out of 82 classes in the SumDog Butler County Math Contest! What a victory! Five CCS boys were in the top 50 out of 1,438 students who participated: Luke Snider, Weston Reigler, Brock Halsey, Dylan Schweizer, and  Isaac Spicer, with Luke placing 3rd over all.  Way to go, Cougars!"
 
Police Lieutenant in Local News

Lieutenant George Nimmo is a police officer with the St. Bernard police force.  In a recent incident with a man suffering from a mental episode, Lieutenant Nimmo relied on instinct, knowledge, and trust to subdue the offender, creating a resolution of the incident without violence.  The news story commends Lt. Nimmo for his quick wisdom and care.  

Mrs. Lisa Nimmo (JH/SH health and P.E. teacher) said of her husband, "George is really wise when it comes to making hard, quick decisions.  He doesn't shy away from conflict, and is never afraid to reach out and help someone.  He is one of those men who would stand by your side no matter the situation."   Blessings over you, Lt. Nimmo!  Thank you for your service and for your wisdom. 

Click on this  link   to see the full Channel 5 news story. 
 
CCS Alum Builds Water Filtration System
  
CCS 2011 graduate, Sam Schmitt, has now developed a college senior project that fulfills a grade requirement, while serving others. He was led to a village near the Andes Mountain where the local people were drinking sewage-infested water. "Water is a mind-boggling issue globally," he said. "Approximately 80 percent of illness in developing countries are from waterborne diseases."  

Schmitt and two other students designed and built a water filtration system, providing clean drinking water.  With the help of Andreas Eddy, the Public Utilities Superintendent in the City of Fairfield, Schmitt's finished system, called the "Rescu-Flo" made it to Ecuador, where Schmitt installed it himself.  It is filtering 150 gallons an hour, or 3,600 gallons a day.  Concerning Schmitt, Andreas Eddy said, "I am proud to know this bright young man and how he is concentrating efforts to help others."  We are proud to call you one of our own, Sam! 

Read full article  here.
 
1st Grade "On the Move" 

Our CCS first graders had a great time at the Newport Aquarium recently.  Mrs. Mellish takes her first grade students to the aquarium on a field trip every year. 
As one would imagine, it's a popular one! 
 
Brian Berman and teacher, Ben Gillens, on last year's trip to the DR.
Prep for More Project Mañana Trips

Brian Berman, founder of
Project Mañana (PM),  loves to stop by CCS when he is in the country and in our area.   He often visits with our students from both campuses to give a personal report about o ur international sister school,  Colegio Evangelico Dios Da La Sabiduría, located in Villa González, Dominican Republic (DR).   Mrs. Gina Smearsoll coordinated a quick lunch with Brian, a couple of his board members, and several CCS staff members.  

Time with Brian always illuminates the ongoing challenges they face at the school, and always gives a shot of inspiration to those who get to hear how God is continually working through PM to improve the lives of the children in that area.  PLEASE keep up with how CCS (and YOU) can help directly and also help the students preparing for the next DR trips.  Read your VIP!
 
Fluffy Arrivals

Mrs. Barthelemy's 7th and 8th graders are learning about the fertilization and life cycle of a chicken in their science class.  The classroom has an incubator, and the students are hatching their own chickens.  So far, four baby chicks have "broken" into this world.  The junior high students are not the only ones enjoying this project.  Mrs. Barthelemy's classroom receives many visitors after school every day, eager to cradle the tiny, fluffy babies.  Special thanks to the Musson family, who donated the eggs! 
 
2016 Powder Puff Champs with their coaches
A Spirit-Filled School 

During this year's traditional spirit week leading up to Homecoming, students dressed as villains and heroes of classic stories, decorated in mix-matched clothes and neon colors, and demonstrated pride for both their school and favorite sports teams. 

Special assemblies also took place each day when the students competed for the "most spirit-filled grade" bragging rights.  Monday kicked off with the traditional tug-o-war.  By the end of the week, class representatives also competed in Pictionary and Minute-To-Win-It. 

Congrats to the juniors, class of 2018,
for winning the most spirit points!
 
Announcing This Year's Royals

Spirit week climaxed with the Homecoming varsity soccer game (complete with half-time crowning the king and queen and class representatives).  T
he Homecoming dinner event followed that evening, which was held this year at "The Main Event" in West Chester. 

2016 Homecoming Court 

Freshman Class
Mallory Rosenberg    Bobby Emerson
Rhyan Pater                  Cameron Rogers
Anna Armour               Austin Whitton

Sophomore Class 
Merrick Heid                Jacob Carroll
Kristen Mclaughlin    Riley Reutener
Jillian Miller                 Ben Fallat

Junior Class 
Ellen Thomas            Johnny Nimmo
Hannah Hockney     Wesley Dunn
Jackie Biddle             Noah Jordan

Senior Class 
Hannah Ferguson     Stephen Lunt
Isabella Collins          Ben Reutener
Carly Snyder                Christian Keese
 
Brady Roberts, Enquirer Player of the Week


This year's Cougar golf team is off to a great start. We're ranked #3 in the city across all Division II and III schools. Brady Roberts is one of five seniors on the team, along with one junior and one sophomore. Brady is currently leading the Miami Valley Conference (MVC) in scoring, with an average of 37.71. This places him as the ninth best high school golfer in the city, across all divisions. 

Varsity Golf Coach, Scott Osborne, informed, "Brady was nominated and selected for Enquirer Player of the Week due to his outstanding play in the opening 12-team Madeira Invitational at Vineyard Golf Course. He shot a two-under 69, capturing medalist honors."  With a strong score of 306, the Cougars took top place.  Coach Osborne added, "Brady has been the #1 golfer on the team all four years, advancing to the state finals his sophomore year." Congratulations, Brady!  We're proud of you! 
 
 
 
If you have praiseworthy 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 kim.smith@cincinnatichristian.org.