March School Letter- Lions Pause

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

Our grandparents tell us it was a day to remember. Proven again and again throughout the day, was our theme verse, “A good man leaves an inheritance (legacy) to his children’s children.” Proverbs 13:22

  The day began with the elementary students meeting their grandparents for pictures together. They rejoined their class for the grand entrance into Ivy Hall where the grandparents awaited. The children sang two beautiful songs accompanied by fellow students on instruments. Mr. Mason stood to welcome our guests and made a special announcement-the recognition of the newest grandparent. Hayden Riley Mason was born at 4 a.m. the previous morning, giving Mr. Mason his first granddaughter. What a fun moment to share.

  The assembly continued with cute, clever and convincing presentations by the students as they honored their grandparents. The children sat with their Nana’s and Papa’s as a story was read. Our guest reader this year was Darlene Erickson, mother and grandmother of the Mason family. Cynthia Seid, grandmother of first grader Callen Coleman, won the door prize drawing, winning two free admission tickets to Wildlife Safari, an animal park located near Roseburg, Oregon.

After the assembly, students and grandparents alike went to the classrooms where they made keepsake photo frames for the photo that had been taken earlier that day. Lunch time followed with grandparents sharing the occasion with the students. Some brought their lunch to “picnic” at school while others took advantage of the coupons submitted by neighboring businesses: Subway at 103rd and Halsey; Applebee’s and Izzy’s at Gateway.

  Activities in the afternoon had a new focus as grandparents of the junior high and high school students gathered. Our student worship team opened the assembly. Awards were presented by the VFW, to junior high students that won an essay contest on “When is the Right Time to Honor a Veteran?” Devvon Montigue placed third at district level, receiving a $25 certificate and Lola Sosanya won second, receiving a $50 award.

  The afternoon continued with students nominating their grandparents as “Grandparent of the Year” with moving tales of heroics, service, and sacrificial love. We were many times moved to tears with the hearing of the roles grandparents had played in the lives of their families. Nominated names were drawn for prizes. Winners were Josefina Rosas, grandmother of Nathan Jump, who won a night at Hockanson’s Guest House Bed and Breakfast.

  Sylvia Winther, nominated by Allison Jones, won a gift certificate from Stanfords.  Jonah Frecke nominated Dave Andreeychuk who won a certificate from Sizzler, while Penny Kerns, grandmother of Deven Peterson, received a hat from Goorman’s, quality hat makers for over a century.

  Mr. Powlison brought a “Fifties Trivia” which was entertainment enjoyed by many, and Aubrey Evans’ grandmother, Helen Abernathy, won a Starbucks card for the most correct answers. Roses were given to each nominated grandparent and to others receiving special recognition.

  All of these wonderful activities and awards tell only half the story. The day was filled with smiles, hugs, and heartwarming stories. Lasting memories were created as grandparents were honored for the legacy they have created for their grandchildren.

  Thank you parents, grandparents, and volunteers for making this day a wonderful success!

Being an American: Responsibility

By Danielle Henry

The Bill of Rights Institute offered a nation-wide essay contest entitled “Being An American.”  The essay asked high school students to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of American citizens and consider what civic values are necessary to carry out our nation’s founding principles.

Junior Danielle Henry, a student in Ms. Faith Mason’s English class,  received a check for $250 for her essay on American Responsibility. Her essay was one of the top 90 in the whole United States.

In the course of history, many values have been discovered to be beneficial to both a country and a person as a whole. Several acceptable examples include initiative, justice, courage, respect, freedom, and many others. However, in my opinion, responsibility is the root of all these things. Without responsibility, America would have given up early on when facing the overwhelming odds of becoming a new nation. Without responsibility, the founding fathers would have left the work of creating the United States to someone else. Even today, no American would have any desire to serve their country without responsibility in their values. Responsibility is one of the most important values any successful American should have.

  To truly begin to understand how responsibility has shaped our nation, we must look back to where it all began: The Declaration of Independence. Official separation from England was becoming more and more necessary as the Revolutionary War raged on, even though many felt that the colonies were not ready yet to unite under the single cause of freedom. Nonetheless, the Declaration of Independence was passed on July 2, 1776 (Writing the Declaration of Independence). Even though the idea behind the Declaration of Independence was ridden with uncertainty and possible methods of failure, these patriots believed so strongly in their new freedom that they took the responsibility that came along with it.

  An excellent example of someone who embodies the value of responsibility is America’s first president, George Washington. His presence is often noticed in America’s history, whether it be fighting in the French and Indian War or in the Revolutionary War. Even though he wanted to retire to his home after the Revolutionary War ended, he realized that the Articles of Confederation did not contain laws adequate enough to rule the new nation. Instead of going back home and letting the situation work itself out, he became an important advocate for a new Constitution, and even became the first President of the United States (Biography of George Washington). One wonders what could have happened if he had not taken the responsibility to fix the Articles of Confederation, and had gone home instead of becoming the first president. Responsibility ruled the life of George Washington, and we owe much of  America’s greatness to him.

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people (Civic Values).  

  I agree with George Washington’s statement. America is made “by the people and for the people” (The Declaration of Independence). If this nation is made for that purpose, then should not each individual take responsibility for America’s destiny, even if they are not in public office? I believe I should be a responsible American by working hard to reach my goals, by learning from my failures, by encouraging others to be responsible too, and by making the other values that stem off from responsibility a focus and a moral compass in my life. This might be an excellent time to ask the question “What if everyone did that?” America’s future would be bright indeed if everyone took responsibility and made it their focus, both in our government and in our individual lives.

  Without responsibility, we lack the foundation for every other value essential to being an American. Responsibility made the Declaration of Independence a success and not something to be ashamed of. It made George Washington’s life successful and gave him incentive to make his country great, and if I decide to be responsible, I have no doubt it will make me a successful American as well. Being an American is something everyone should be proud of, and if we are truly proud of the great freedom we have, we will accept the responsibility that comes along with it and the success that it bears fruit to.

COACH’S CORNER

GREAT JOB LIONS!!!

Well, we have come to the end of our Winter Season. I am so proud of all of our teams. The Boys Varsity Basketball team made it to the State Playoffs! They lost a hard fought game in the first round, but came away knowing that they had given it their best.  The main focus for the boys this year was to please the Lord with their effort. They certainly met that goal. Every night the boys played their hearts out and it resulted in a great year. With 18 wins on the season, the boys have much to be pleased with. The City Christian Community is proud of you boys!

  The Girls Varsity Basketball team made it to the District Playoffs and had a great showing. In the state qualifying game, the girls lost a heart-breaker. They battled with Columbia Christian and lost by two points for the chance to go to state! The girls had an outstanding season with 16 wins! Again, we are proud of you girls!

  We are certainly impressed with our Cheer Squad. They had a super season! There were 9 girls and it was great to see them on the sidelines, so spirited and all decked out in Blue and Gold making our side of the gym look and sound great!

  Girls Junior High Basketball earned a spot in the MCL Junior High League playoffs as the #4 seed team. They played a hard fought game but came up short. The Boys Junior High Basketball team also earned a spot in the MCL playoffs as the #1 seed team and have defeated their first two opponents! They are in the Championship game! GO LIONS!!! We wish them well! Out of 24 teams, our junior high teams have had great seasons! We are proud of you both!

  All of our athletic teams should be very proud. We want to honor each of our teams and if you get the chance, please just let them know how much you appreciate their efforts on the court as well as their efforts to maintain their grades, friendships, family life and all the while trying to keep the Lord first in their lives.

GO LIONS!!!!

Coach Lewellen