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Dear NCS family,
Traditionally, whether through a humorous anecdote or a thought from scripture, I attempt to use this Spotlight e-newsletter opening letter to bless you.
This month, however, I want to share a story about how you blessed me.
A few months back, we shared the story of Emily Wingo, a Northwest Christian junior. Back in January, while at school, Emily reported to the nurse's office, explaining that she was suddenly very tired and did not feel well. Her parents, Mark and Kelley, picked Emily up and took her to the doctor's office. What they discovered--that Emily had a rare type of illness which had triggered kidney failure--rocked their worlds. The months that followed were filled with dialysis and doctor's appointments. Eventually, doctors realized that Emily would need a kidney transplant.
As traumatic as this series of events may sound, what followed had to have been worse. Emily's health dipped and rebounded as her body struggled through the complications of kidney failure. Her name was added to a lengthy transplant list but it seemed as though that list went on forever. Appeals were put forward--we published one here within the Spotlight--that sought out healthy potential kidneys donors that might be a match. Prayers were offered. But, ultimately, time seemed to drag on endlessly with no resolution as prospective donors were considered only to result in disappointment.
When I visit with school families that are enduring difficult seasons in life, my go-to scripture is Romans 8:28. Here, the Apostle Paul writes, "All things work together for good for them that love God and are called according to His purpose." I believe that on one hand, the verse offers clear hope. On the other hand, when difficulties persist in spite of prayers, it provides the consolation that, because we don't see things from His eternal perspective, perhaps our "good" and God's "good" aren't always a perfect match. More than a few times, I closed my emails and texts to Mark and Kelley with that verse. But, even I, after months of no-progress, began to wonder at this verse's wisdom.
But, Mark and Kelley never did. Though it had to have been incredibly hard to watch their daughter endure this hardship, their faith in providence never seemed to falter. Even after multiple instances when there would be a glimmer of possibility only to be disappointed, they remained steadfast in their example of trusting testimony. And, this past month, I had the privilege of being in the school office lobby when Kelley came in to report that Phoenix Childrens Hospital had just called to say that they had a kidney. As Emily came to the office from class to hear the news from mom, there were tears flowing
(including this stalwart superintendent). But, even then, as they went to their car to head to the hospital for surgery, their car wouldn't start. Sure, we got the car started with a jump, but all the while I marveled at the unfailing faith of this family who refused to give in to hopelessness or frustration.
Today, Emily has a healthy kidney and she is on the road to recovery, returning to school after the holidays. But my letter really isn't about Emily per se. It's about Mark and Kelley Wingo.
Mark and Kelley, thank you for your clear testimony to the faithfulness of God even in your darkest moments. Your example of the power of persisting faith has moved me and others in this school more deeply than you understand. Through your incredibly difficult journey, you have pointed us all towards the beautiful image of Christ.
Thank you.
Grateful for the opportunity to serve this school and your family,
Geoff Brown
Superintendent
Northwest Christian School
(623)225-5573 (cell)
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Place your order by December 1st and have your gear in hand before Christmas break.
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| Northwest Christian Senior Frankie Capan Signs to Alabama for Golf |
Cheers of "Roll Tide!" were heard in the Don Sanderson Gymnasium as Northwest Christian sees first Div. I signing from golf program
History was made this past week as Northwest Christian's varsity golf coach, twelve-year veteran Brian Cornelius, proudly watched on as senior Frankie Capan penned his signature to a commitment to play golf at the University of Alabama. Though the school has launched other Div. I college careers in other sports and Brian had seen other Crusader golfers in similar ceremonies, it was the first time he had seen one of his golf players sign to a Div. 1 golf program.
Frankie is orinally from North Oaks, Minn. and is ranked 41st overall and 10th in the Class of 2018 by Golfweek magazine. He has qualified for two U.S. Juniors. His first qualifier was in 2014 as a 14-year-old. He also led his Crusader teammates to the AIA Div. III golf state championship this past spring.
"There are so many stories I could tell," shared coach Cornelius during the signing ceremony, "but what I will always remember most about Frankie is humility. I remember watching Frankie on the green during the state tournament this past spring. I turned to watch another golfer and when I turned back, Frankie had disappeared. As I looked closer, I realized that Frankie was down in the sand trap raking the sand for a competitor who was having trouble escaping the trap. I was blown away by his humble spirit."
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| Students Excited to Reach Thanksgiving Food Drive Goal for Schools in the Isaac School District |
Tears and laughs abounded on Friday morning as Crusaders crossed the finish line within the most aggressive effort in eight years
As part of a campaign that started eight years ago with 125 food boxes for needy families at J.B. Sutton Elementary, the effort has now grown to include nearly 1500 families at schools throughout Sutton's home district, the Isaac School District, a district located within the most impoverished zip code in the state.
This year, Northwest Christian's middle school and high school student councils set their sites on a huge goal: they approached the student body to raise $10,000 to purchase turkeys and other food items. And, on Friday, November 17th, around 10:30am, that aggressive goal was met and exceeded. By the end of the school day, nearly $12,000 had been collected.
Elementary students and families joined the effort and contributed in a huge as that each grade identified a food item that they wanted to contribute to the gifted meals and worked to bring in the nearly 1,500 items that would be placed in the meal boxes.
In addition to satisfying earthly appetites on Thanksgiving, the student councils partnered with Calvario Church, a Spanish-speaking community church within the Isaac district, to include invitations to Calvario holiday services.
This year's effort grew to include Crusaders at both ends of the age spectrum. On the young end, Northwest Christian's youngest students--the preschoolers--worked to bring in their own Thanksgiving food items and on Thursday, November 16th, the little gu ys packed their own boxes for delivery to Isaac's P.T. Coe Elementary. In the picture below, preschoolers are seen carrying boxes of stuffing to load the boxes.
Of the preschool effort, Dawna Underwood, Northwest Christian's preschool director and elementary principal said, "God is good. I did not know if this would be possible, but He continues to bless us above and beyond all that we ask or think. I give Him the credit and honor for this as we share His great love with these families."
On the other end of the Crusader age spectrum, Northwest Christian alumni--in an effort kicked off by alum Michael Haslim who now works for Yelp--started a social media campaign to inspire each other to support their alma mater's efforts. The effort took flight as multiple alumni posted videos of encouragement to the various social media accounts. One video, featuring a compilation of such postings, was created by alumni Aubrey Pond and can be seen below.
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A word from our alumni...Sutton Project 2017
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Once Crusaders return from the Thankgiving holiday break, they will be turning their attention towards another opportunity to trust the Lord's provision: the Christmas gift drive. The campaign is an effort to provide Isaac's neediest students with a Christmas gift--in most instances, the only gift that the student is likely to receive. Families can help in two ways. First, through a partnership with the BHHS Legacy Foundation, student council has secured a $20,000 dollar-for-dollar match for every tax-credit gift that families make. For more info on that opportunity, click on THIS LINK. Additionally, families can actually shop for the gifts that will be delivered to the students. More info on that effort can be found in the "Week at a Glance" Sunday-morning emails. |
Generous Sponsors of Northwest Christian Athletes
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| Generous Sponsors of Northwest Christian Athletes |
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Northwest Christian Fine Arts Department presents...
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Generous Sponsors of Northwest Christian Athletes
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| Several Arizona STO's Position "Giving Tuesday" as Chance to Support Northwest Christian Families |
On Tuesday, November 28th, STO's will waive all administrative fees
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year. "Giving Tuesday 2017" is November 28th and several Arizona State Tuition Tax Credit Organizations (STO's) are using date as an opportunity to bless Northwest Christian families. The STO's are waiving all administrative fees for contributions made on that particular day.
At Arizona Private Education Scholarship Fund, every dollar received on Giving Tuesday will be committed to helping families manage tuition and the traditional administrative fees will be waived. Online donations must be made on that date and check donations must be post-marked on that date. The promotion is for tax-credit donations up to the annual allowable maximums and charitable gifts can be allocated in other ways.
At TOPS for Kids, the deal is being sweetened by a drawing for a $250 scholarship to be awarded in the February disbursement. To be eligible, a student must be a current applicant with TOPS for Kids and have friends, family, and acquaintances donate on that day.
Arizona Tuition Connection will use the day to match the tax credit and award it to another low income student at NCS...a benefit to two students.
If you have a favorite STO, check with them to see if they are offering a similar opportunity.
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Generous Sponsors of Northwest Christian Athletes
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Middle School Students Provide Demonstration at Local Physical Education Conference
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Seventh graders demonstrated a NCS fave in front of PE teachers from across the state
In pursuit of continuous improvement and professional development, the Northwest Christian physical education department attends the Arizona Health and Physical Education State Convention each year to learn cutting edge ideas within the areas of health and wellness. This year, Jason Cook and Cheryl Mitchell were invited to present at the conference and asked to bring students to demonstrate a game at the convention. NCS sent twenty seventh grade students to represent Northwest Christian School at the convention and present the middle school-favorite game "Slapball". They had a blast and did a wonderful job that was received with overwhelming enthusiasm from other physical education teachers in the state. Well done, seventh grade PE!
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Northwest Christian Elementary Students Express Appreciation to Veterans
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The annual chapel service has become a meaningful tradition
On Wednesday, November 8th, Northwest Christian elementary students celebrated the service and sacrifice of veterans in their annual Veterans Day chapel.
The students were addressed by Northwest Christian alumni Mia Odom (above). In addition to being an alumni, Mia is also a Crusader mom. After graduating from NCS, Mia went on to West Point and flew Blackhawk helicopters into combat in Afghanistan. Presently she serves as the ROTC Professor of Military Science at A.S.U.
Students also enjoyed hearing from Soldier's Best Friend, a local non-profit that pairs veterans suffering from PTSD with service dogs. The Northwest Christian Girl Scout troop presented the organization with proceeds from their annual cookie sales.
Arguably the most memorable part of the annual chapel comes at its conclusion when students have the opportunity to thank veterans for their service individually.
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