SCS Fall-Winter 2020-21 Scepter

SCS
FALL-WINTER 2020-21

HIGHLIGHTS

Unconquered: Chaplain Tyler Botka
SCS Students Honor Veterans
SCS Together: Student Success
Through Different Learning Platforms
Teacher Spotlight
50-Year Reunion:
Congrats, Class of 1970
Alumni Conversations

inside this issue Warriors enjoying Winter Spirit Week

6th Grade 4
Chaplain Tyler Botka 6
SCS Students Honor Vets 7
Warrior Life 10-12
Teacher Spotlight 14
Fundraising 16-17
50-Year Reunion 18
Alumni Conversations 19

our mission

We proclaim Jesus Christ in all
aspects of our program, emphasizing
academic excellence and biblical
Christian values, partnering with
parents and the church to prepare
godly young men and women so
that they may impact their world for
Christ. (Colossians 1:28)

a d m i n i s t r at i o n
Chad McNatt, Superintendent
Daxa Thomas, Elementary Principal
Matt Althoff, Secondary Principal
board of trustees
Chris Glynn, President
Richard Mullen, Vice President
Dani Yorkston, Secretary
Debbie Beck, Treasurer
Andrew Busz, Member
Carol Murray, Member
Nick Jansson, Member

follow us

Facebook.com/SeattleChristianSchool/

Instagram @SeattleChristianSchool

Seattle Christian School Channel

Page 2

from the superintendent

Hello, Warrior Community!

What a blessing it is to be a part of Seattle Christian and to be on God’s
mission together during this chapter of our story. This school year
has brought about incredible challenges amidst the pandemic, and
while we have all been impacted by COVID-19, our
hearts and prayers are especially directed to those
who have lost loved ones. Through it all, God’s
provision and faithfulness have not waivered.
He has a way of bringing light where there
is darkness, joy where there is despair, and
possibility where there seems to be no way.
This year, I have seen His hand at work in our
faculty, staff, Board, donors, alumni, families,
and students. While providing an excellent learning
experience has its unique challenges this season, the
way the Warrior community has come together is remarkable! I am so
grateful for the courage, care, and innovation evidenced in launching
the year with health and safety measures in place, in offering robust
platforms for in-person and remote learning, and in displaying passion
and grit to fine tune along the way. That has been no small feat. The
need for flexibility, unity, and grace within our community has perhaps
never been greater, and we have indeed risen to the occasion.
As a Jesus follower, educational leader, and SCS parent, I am so
grateful for the opportunities of this year and how each group has
responded. I think of our students, who were willing to follow
health protocol, continue growing in their hearts and skills, and
learn and lead in an unprecedented situation. I think of our parents,
who entrusted their children to us each day and who continued in
partnership throughout the ups and downs of this season. I think
of our alumni, donors, and community partners who continued
to see God at work in this place and generously gave to further the
SCS mission. I think of our Board of Trustees, who shouldered the
responsibility for this institution, its direction, and success with a deep
level of stewardship, support, and confidence in the Lord and His
sovereignty. And I certainly think of our faculty and staff, who had to
re-imagine teaching and learning, to create events in a virtual context,
and to find different pathways to meaningfully and authentically
invest in each student and his/her story. I have seen and experienced a
community centered on oneness in the Lord.
As we look toward the 75th anniversary of SCS, I wholeheartedly
believe that we are poised for a vibrant future. In faithfulness to God,
in partnership with one another, and in commitment to our mission
to prepare students to “impact their world for Christ,” we will finish
2020-21 strong and lean into what is ahead. I invite you to join me
as fellow Warriors in prayer for our school and gratitude for the
difference God is making in and through this community.

Chad McNatt
Superintendent

Page 3

A New Model for Growth

This school year, sixth graders have had an amazing Having the opportunity to exercise skills in organization
opportunity to be fully immersed in a learning environment and self-management, while having the nurturing envi-
that combines the many fun aspects of elementary with a ronment that characterizes elementary school has made
full year’s worth of transition time to experience a middle this a positive experience for so many of our sixth-grade
school model. After reviewing much research and engaging students. Parent Kathleen Mangio shared, “Going from one
in site visits, SCS leaders recognized that the schools with teacher to three teachers and then transitioning on to six
the most engaging sixth grade programs prioritized stu- teachers at the middle school makes for a much smoother
dent development and honored interests in a unique way. transition and we feel like our daughter will be better
As 6th grade parent Jennifer Young put it, “I am very prepared for middle school and less intimidated when
thankful that SCS has figured out how to do this, so our kids moving to the middle school building.”
can have the best of both worlds.” As a former educator, she
added, “Sixth graders are too old for elementary but too
young for middle school, so I think teachers have found the
perfect package to make this transition happen smoothly.”
Some key components that have made our sixth-grade
model so successful this year, led by Ms. Wing, Mrs.
ZeBarth and Mr. Peters, include:

• Opportunities for greater connection and unity
throughout all three 6th grade classes through morn-
ing devotions, prayer time, and grade-level meetings.

• Focused instructional time with teachers assigned
core subject areas, allowing for increased rigor and
access to various teaching styles. This allows students
to experience a middle school model with three core
teachers versus six or more teachers.

• Students continue to receive the opportunity to engage
in library, PE, Bible, Band/General Music/Strings
along with recess and lunch in their homerooms.

• Opportunity for work completion & support through
the Afterschool Learning Support Club.

• As leaders at the elementary level, sixth graders have
an opportunity to participate in Student Council
and facilitate student led activities to foster greater
connectedness within SCS.

Sixth grader Crosby M. shares “It’s helping us to learn
what we’re going to have to do in seventh grade and I
like it because it feels like we have a head start.” Another
student, Micah N. stated, “The thing that I love about it is
that we’re learning self-management and we also get to see
different teaching styles while still getting the fun things in
elementary!”

Page 4

To bring all the fifth graders together on Zoom during what other people made and what they tasted like and what
remote learning, Ms. Pierotti and Mrs. Kincaid’s 5th they were called. The taste test was exciting and also I was
graders participated in a special activity called Chopped: nervous, but the green bean casserole tasted...fine."”
Thanksgiving Surprise Edition! Roan A. says “It was really
fun, probably the best time in remote learning!” Students had Through the exercise, teachers and classmates discovered
a time limit to create a Thanksgiving surprise dish made of a few awesome chefs in the making! Fenan D. shares,
five canned food items and up to three other pantry items. “Chopped was one of my best cooking experiences ever!
When time was up, each student rated their dish by taste. When I started cooking, I thought it was going to be easy
Gabriel C. says “Learning to make new food was fun and as pie, but when I did it, oh I felt like I was born yesterday
was a nice Thanksgiving adventure. It also was fun to see cooking.”

CHOPPED:
Thanksgiving Surprise Edition

Ms. Pierotti Mrs. Kincaid

Leul Y.
Page 5

More Than Conquerors
through Christ
By ASB Chaplain Tyler Botka
At the start of the school year, the administration pre- reminded to focus on what God has done and what He is
sented high school student leadership with the idea of the still doing for us. Even though we live in a crazy world, we
theme for the year, “Unconquered”. Because of the times have an intelligent and powerful God. He is in control of
we are going through, the theme resonated strongly with it all.
the leadership team, and provided a sense of direction When we think about what it means to be unconquered,
and encouragement. The theme verse is taken from II we think not about what we can do, but actually what God
Corinthians 4:8, which states, “We are hard pressed on does for us. Nothing can stand in God’s way!
every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not
destroyed.”

As we read this verse, we are encouraged to believe Watch
that God is with us and He is pulling us through this “Bible with Botka”
school year. To communicate this important message by scanning this QR code
to the student body, we created a video series known
as “Bible with Botka”. The first episode, entitled “Being Theme art created by ASB secretary Natalie Keener
Unconquered with Christ”, goes in depth on how we
can feel God’s presence even in the most trying of
circumstances. The student body was challenged to think
of a time in which they faced a situation they didn’t think
they could get through and to remember how the Lord
helped them to persevere through that trial. We were
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Marine Corps, Chase Bowen ‘18 Army, Cody Gunhus ‘13

Last summer I had an idea to compose a choral piece for the Veteran’s Day Air Force ROTC,
assembly. However, since we were not allowed to gather in person for this Bailey Phelps ‘18
annual event, this composition project turned into a video tribute that we
could share online with the greater SCS community! SCS
Liberty Requiem, the name of the choral composition in the tribute, utilizes Students
traditional Latin texts from the requiem mass of the medieval church. The
Latin word “requiem,” in religious context, is a musical service for those Honor
who have passed into eternal life. More broadly it is an act of remembrance. Veterans
In addition to the Latin portions, Liberty Requiem includes sections in
English that serve as modern reflections and tokens of remembrance in By Tyler Todd Kimmel
honor of our veterans, including musical quotes from the Marches of The
Armed Forces and the hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save.” Coast Guard, Riley Smith ‘12
SCS Choir members learned their parts at in-person, physically distant
rehearsals, and at home. Once all parts were learned, they used their smart
phones and computers to record themselves. All 20 files were layered
with orchestration in audio editing software and synchronized with a
film, comprised of footage and pictures from SCS students and alumni.
The final product, A Veterans Day Tribute premiered on November 10,
2020. It featured the talents of senior Afton McNatt, our ASB Chaplain
Tyler Botka, SCS alumnus Bryan Botka on trumpet, junior Eagle Scout
Jackson Oldright as flag bearer and cello soloist, elementary students
Olivia Castaneda and Crosby Miller leading the Pledge of Allegiance, the
SCS strings ensemble and Ms. Oh performing the National Anthem, and
VISION performing Liberty Requiem. Many thanks to these artists for
their selfless and passionate collaboration, and to the SCS community for
contributing pictures and footage for this project. Above all, we thank God
for our veterans who serve and have served to keep us
safe and free; may this tribute continually serve as our
heartfelt appreciate for them.

To view the tribute, scan the QR Code

Air Force, Page 7
Erin Swain ‘15

Cultivating Culture
Amidst the challenges of 2020, middle school students
have shown their resilience and determination to build
community and seize the moment. This fall, students were
presented with the opportunity to participate in student
leadership. Through an application process that involved
detailed questions and teacher recommendations, students
were carefully selected to join the Middle School Student
Leadership (MSSL) Team, comprised of ten 7th and 8th
graders. Selected students expressed their passion for
serving their classmates and teachers, shared learning
from past experiences in their communities and churches,
and expressed vision for impacting the SCS middle school
experience. MSSL Advisor, Martha Hoefel shares, “I’ve
been truly impressed with these students and their passion
for servant leadership. They keep me on my toes with their
insight, creativity, and big ideas.”

Meetings kicked off over Zoom in November during the Upon arriving back in-person, the Middle School Student
three weeks of remote learning. Student leaders had time Leaders had just one week to plan their first event, a Spirit
to connect virtually and begin teambuilding through Week leading up to Christmas Break. With an abundance
games and sharing their initial ideas for the year. One of determination and teaming up with the High School
theme that has continually come up for student leaders ASB, they were able to pull off a successful week filled
is the need for building the culture of kindness and with prizes, treats, and fun. Days like Cozy Christmas PJ
confidence in their peers. Plans are in the beginning stages Day and Crazy Christmas Hair filled the halls with fun
for a kindness campaign that will aim to refocus students and festivity, reminding staff and students of the joy and
on loving themselves and others through their rooted privilege of being together during this season.
identity in Christ. Posters with this messaging along with
small notes and acts of kindness are some of the initial
SCS Middle Schoolideas being considered.
in

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STUDENT LEADERSHIP:

Learning Through Leading

Student Leadership at Seattle Christian is a year-long, Both Worship and Discipleship teams lead our school
high school course designed as a training ground in the area of spiritual formation. The worship team
and collaborative workspace for student leaders. ASB focuses on chapel worship and Revive night, whereas the
Secretary Justyce Porter shares that student leaders “are discipleship team focuses on opportunities for spiritual
learning different concepts of how to lead others to God growth through chapel and beyond the structure of
by helping and serving them. We are also learning from chapel, such as discipleship groups.
FCA aims to shape the athletic culture of SCS. Student
previous leaders about their experiences and how we can leaders receive training and run huddles with the goal of
use their knowledge in our everyday situations.” Student mentoring and influencing younger athletes and bringing
leadership is comprised of students serving within the unity among Warrior athletes.
following teams: Mentorship, Fellowship of Christian Lastly, ASB concentrates on shaping the SCS culture and
Athletes (FCA), Worship, Discipleship, and Associated promoting a unified community of students by fostering
Student Body (ASB). an inclusive environment where student leaders are given
Each team serves a unique purpose opportunities to use their time and talent to serve the
within the overall leadership frame- school community through planning activities and events
work. Mentorship student that encourage Warrior spirit.
leaders engage with the in- Although each group has its separate purpose, the
coming freshman class and overarching goal of Seattle Christian Leadership is, as ASB
new SCS high school President Grant Wood defines: “to be a representative
students. They are task- of what we want the SCS culture to look like – to be
ed with building qual- role models and leaders within the school, to influence
ity relationships, model- people and help others out when needed” and ultimately
ing school culture, and equipping our student leaders to shape student culture
mentoring in areas of in alignment with the mission of Seattle Christian thus
spiritual growth. impacting their world for Christ.

Sifi’s 3rd Grade Revive Worship Night
Gratitude Award
Building on

Band & Strings Virtual 7th Grade Future Warrior Middle School Virtual
Christmas Concert

6th Grade Student Council Elections

First Day of School

Meet Your Teacher Day Spirit Week Fun

n the Rock. High School
Matthew 7:24 TOLO SOLO

Choral Concert SCS Staff Cookie Blizzard Day High School Choir Rehearsal

Six Feet From the Manger
Elementary Christmas Program

First Day of School First Day of School
Excitement

Building on the Rock.
Matthew 7:24
Fall Secondary Conferences

Fall High School Spirit Week

Band and Strings Virtual
Christmas Concert

Tech Class Band and Strings Virtual Christmas Concert
and Learning

Prayer Virtual Thanksgiving

Celebrations

See You At The Pole Prayer Gathering

Virtual Christmas Choral Concert
Page 12

SCS
Student Success What a unique year it’s been! Through much planning
Through and collaboration, SCS implemented a safe re-opening
Different Learning plan on September 2 for students, faculty, and staff to be
Platforms on campus and in person. To accommodate both the in-
person and remote learner, strategic plans were made to
Madison Shawgo allow a rich and appropriate model for learning at SCS
It’s really important to me to have community and that offered the following key aspects:
connection with my teachers and my classmates and being
at school makes this possible. – Madison, 11th Grade • Safe and healthy context with procedures that honor
Department of Health guidance

• Vibrant and valuable learning experience for in-
person and remote learners

• Weekly schedule that accommodates for families,
students and teacher workloads

• Structure that can flex with the transitions of the
season

With some minor adjustments along the way, the learning
culture at SCS has shined brightly! With support from
the Board and partnership with families, school personnel
have navigated the school year thus far with hard work,
patience and grace. And with the schools’ unwavering
commitment to seeing students thrive, the community has
leaned in with the Lord and one another and continued
moving forward in our mission of equipping students to
“impact their world for Christ.”

Grace Kincaid Kad Williams Sevilla Armstrong

I really like to be with people – my teachers Kad has loved remote learning! We’re so One thing I like most about remote
and friends – and the learning clicks when impressed with how Mrs. Hirata is able to learning is that since I’m at my house in
my teacher is able to explain things to me face include remote learners in class discussions Phoenix most of the time, I am able to do
and lessons to truly make them feel connected
to face. – Grace, 6th Grade school outside! – Sevilla, 7th Grade
in the classroom. – Williams Family

Elementary Instructional Coach HS Bible and Science

Stephanie PeterSCS Class of '92
Kincaid Watson

My passion for teaching began as a child. At a very early age, I come from a family of teachers. In fact, both of my
I knew I wanted to work with children. I grew up surrounded parents taught at Seattle Christian. My mother taught
by younger cousins and siblings, and I was always eager to Spanish for many years and when my father retired from
teach and take care of them. I briefly dreamed of a career as a the public school, he taught Math and Physics at Seattle
pediatrician, but my aversion to blood and guts simply didn’t Christian. However, I never set out to become a teacher.
lend well to following that path. Teaching seemed the natural My undergraduate training was is in Philosophy and my
choice for me. I remember writing all over my closet doors graduate studies were in Historical Theology.
with chalk as my younger brothers sat through my lessons.
I can’t remember what I taught them, but I do recall loving My path to working at Seattle Christian was a little
that time with them. The challenge of getting them to pay unconventional. I’ve spent several years working in the
attention, figuring out how to teach them according to their local church in a variety of capacities. I’ve also worked for
unique learning styles, and creatively assessing what they Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission as the Site Administrator
learned stands out to me. I even assigned homework at the for the downtown men’s shelter. Prior to teaching Bible
age of 8! These are all aspects of teaching and learning that and Science at Seattle Christian, I went through a difficult
are still near and dear to my heart, facets that have fueled my work transition. It may sound a bit cliché, but the Lord
passion for education – well, all except for the homework. had to close many doors to prepare me to accept a position
My walk as a Christian also began as a child, about the same at Seattle Christian. Lately, I’ve sensed a need to hone my
time as my closet door chalk lessons. However, it didn’t skills in working with students and colleagues in a one-on-
become personal until my early 20’s. I gave my life to Christ one capacity and so have begun working on a Masters in
just months before starting my career in Christian education. Counseling at Concordia University Irvine.
To say that my own personal faith has flourished in my years
of Christian school teaching would be an understatement. Recently I had a student share with me some of the things
Perhaps what has grown my faith the most over the years is God is doing in her life and how my class has impacted
observing child-like faith every day in my students as well the way she understands her faith and relationships. Even
as deep, mature faith in my colleagues. We get to experience though the work is sometimes challenging, it’s comments
wonderful things as we do life together, and I am grateful like those that make me feel privileged to be serving the
God has called me to work and learn in such a special students and families at Seattle Christian. Additionally, I feel
environment. honored to work alongside some of the most dedi-cated and
called individuals I’ve ever met – I’m particularly fond of a
certain third grade teacher.

SCS

Page 14

MS and HS Principal HS and 8th Grade English

Matt Katey
Althoff Tapia

God has wired me with a heart for young people and for We have different gifts according to the grace given us…if it
learning. I have been blessed over the course of the last is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it
twenty years, to see God open doors for me to use my heart is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give
and my gifts in education. From my first years of teaching generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is
middle school English in Irving, Texas, to four years of showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
teaching English and coaching basketball in Germany, to my
last thirteen years at Seattle Christian, I am thankful to have – Romans 12:6-8
had so many opportunities to serve in schools and to invest
in young people. My path to becoming an educator corresponds with my
love for Christ, as the two are indefinitely intertwined. I had
I began teaching at Seattle Christian in 2008; Language Arts the epiphany that my calling was to become a teacher my
and World Geography in room S-19. I saw very quickly sophomore year at Seattle Pacific University.
and very clearly the distinctives of Seattle Christian and of
Christian education done well. The faculty and staff loved My grandmother, who taught special education at a
the Lord and it was important to them to build relationships Catholic school for over thirty years, encouraged me to take
with their students and to help them grow in their faith. In an education course at SPU, just to see if I would like it. I
the classroom, teachers were knowledgeable and dedicated chose to observe in a school classroom, where the science
to their craft, and they were also able to incorporate Biblical teacher looked at me on the first day, and said in front of her
truth and wisdom into their teaching. Outside the classroom, students, “All these kids know how to do is worksheets, so
there were athletics, performing arts, clubs, and events that that’s what I give them.” I was stunned. The students heard
gave students opportunities to pursue their passions outside this, and the discouragement echoed back at me in their
of the classroom as well. We often hear about the value of features and in their attitudes. From that day, I made it my
“teaching the whole child”, and I had seen efforts to do that mission to personally connect with each student, offering my
in my previous schools. However, at Seattle Christian, they assistance in any way I could, academically and emotionally.
were actually teaching the whole child. While completing my student teaching internship, a student
confessed to me, “You are the only teacher who has made me
Seattle Christian has changed and adapted in many ways over feel seen.” At that moment, I knew I had found my passion.
the past thirteen years. Those distinctives, however, remain
the same and will continue to remain the same. It has been Since that day, God’s voice has been booming. I am called to
a privilege, first as a teacher and now as a principal, to be a teach. After I declared my major to English and Secondary
part of this learning culture where we equip our students to Education, everything in my life began to naturally fall into
impact their world for Christ. place. Ordinarily an introvert, as soon as I stood in the front
of the classroom, I felt a wave of peace and belonging. Now, I
S have been given the amazing opportunity to teach at Seattle
Christian School, teaching one of my favorite subjects—
American Literature!

My purpose as an educator is to ensure that all students that
enter my classroom feel seen, heard, and represented. From
the moment students’ walk through my classroom door, I
aim to cultivate a welcoming community that encourages
student expression through writing and conversations,
ultimately supporting students’ love for Christ.

Page 15

Mark Your Calendars

March 18–20, 2021 | Seattle Christian’s Annual Auction is ONLINE this year!

Joshua 1:9…."Be strong and courageous. Do
not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the
Lord your God will be with you wherever
you go.”

Join the fun as we support and celebrate SCS
Warriors and their premier, Christ-centered
education!

What participants can expect this year:
• Trips and Getaways
• One-of-a-Kind Excursions with SCS
Teachers and Superintendent Chad
McNatt
• Dining Favorites
• Family Outings
• Fund a Need – stay tuned for details
• Themed Baskets
• Wine Grab
• Curbside Dinner Pick Up from Café
Pacific
• and MORE!

Questions? Contact Crystal Hoover, 2021

Thank You for Your Investm”ent!Chair @ [email protected]

In a year like no other, we’ve witnessed God work in
amazing ways at SCS. Because of your investments, we are
developing the heart and skill of SCS students, preparing
them to impact their world for Christ. This partnership is
such a blessing and we are deeply grateful!
Through our Annual Fund Campaign this fall, together,
the Warrior community has donated nearly $110,000 to
further our mission. We’ve experienced God’s faithful-
ness through the generous hearts of YOU: our families,
alumni, grandparents, community partners and friends.
Thank you for your steadfast commitment!

Tax-deductible gifts to Seattle Christian can be made in the following ways:

• Contact the Development Office at 206-438-5409
• Mail a check payable to Seattle Christian School
• Using a QR code smart phone app, snap a pic of this code

Page 16

Highlights!

Fundraising events looked a bit different in 2020 and the Annual SCS Golf
Classic was no exception. However, with the integration of important health
and safety protocols, what a blessing to host nearly 100 golfers on September
10 at beautiful Meridian Valley Country Club in support of SCS students and
their purpose-filled education.
Instead of the traditional Shotgun Start and Banquet Dinner, golfers enjoyed
scheduled tee times and several delicious food stations on the course.
Throughout the event, players enjoyed sunshine, traditional contests and an
amazing day of fun and competition for all.
Because of generous hearts and loyal support from participants, alumni,
sponsors and parents, SCS raised nearly $64,000 to benefit each and every
Warrior’s premier education at Seattle Christian School – we are deeply grateful!

Page 19

50-Year Class Reunion Memories

By Ed Lombardo Des Moines. Galen had transferred to Kent Meridian High
After what seemed to be forty very short years and a ten- School a couple years before graduation but we considered
year reunion in the summer of 1980, Ruth Dingfield and him an integral part of our class.
I (Ed Lombardo) decided we should try and put together Ruth and I were a little concerned about how we would fill
a 50-year class reunion. That is a pretty big milestone so five hours from 11:30 to 4:30 so being proactive, she had
the seeds of thought were planted in late 2019. We both us write a short synopsis of our lives since graduation and
made several attempts to reach all sixteen Class of 1970 shared via email with everyone beforehand. It was very
graduates without much luck. We made the decision, in captivating to hear everyone tell their individual stories/
spite of the early stages of Covid-19, to finalize the date of adventures and the time flew by.
October 24 for our celebration. Before we departed, Carol and Carlissa gave us a tour
Several calls were made to area restaurants but none were of the SCS campus. We were very impressed with the
willing to host a party of 9-10 people. I called the school technology and advancements since our high school
office and was put in touch with Carol Ridings who was days that began in the old Georgetown building and the
more than happy to host us in the school gymnasium original SeaTac campus. They explained how SCS, being
where she and Carlissa Markovich had tables set up with a private school, is able to have in school classes while
SCS decorations and swag. We all pitched in and brought following the Covid-19 protocols.
sandwiches, drinks, condiments, and plenty of homemade Overall, we were incredibly blessed to gather, laugh,
desserts. reminisce and celebrate not only our journeys since high
In attendance were Bill and Ruth Dingfield (Schmuland) school graduation but our rich Christ-centered education
from Kennewick, Don and Becky Nash (Smith) from we received from Seattle Christian!
Haines, Alaska, Marty and Genie Abbott from Mt Vernon,
Galen and Carol Marcille from Burien, and myself from

Page 18

When I was mid-way Throughout my life, I
through eighth grade, I have always felt a calling
realized that many of my to the sea. I grew up driv-
friends were starting to ing boats, exploring tide-
make choices that wouldn’t pools, observing whales
lead down a good or and other sea life, snorkel-
healthy path. That wasn’t ing, scuba diving, and
my thing at all. And I trying to spend as much
knew that entering our time in or around the
local high school wouldn’t ocean. At a young age,
be the best choice for God instilled a constant
me. I chatted with my yearning to understand
parents and asked them the mysteries that always
lewis ‘86 if I could look into going ‘15bethany seemed to be just under
messex somewhere else for high shimasaki the surface of the water.
school. This passion continued
Through an interesting to grow as I continued
chain of events, I was invited by a few friends (with whom I my schooling at SCS.

played club soccer) to check out their school, Seattle Christian. I Attending SCS provided teachers like Mr. Smith and Mrs.
visited in the spring of 1982 and immediately noticed a difference Meyers, who encouraged me to pursue a career in marine science
in the kids I met at Seattle Christian. It was profound and I was and helped me to gain confidence in trusting God to lead me.
attracted to that kind of environment, it was nothing like what I The most valuable lesson they taught me is that there are many
had experienced at school before. Everyone was friendly. I was ways to serve the Lord utilizing the passions and talents that He
impressed and asked my parents if I could attend SCS in the fall. provides you.
I was not raised in a Christian home, but it was a good, loving
home. My parents said yes, and I was interviewed by the high school After graduation, I attended the University of California San
principal and was accepted. He MUST have known that I was not Diego where I received a bachelors of science in Marine Biology.
grounded in my faith, but I was accepted nonetheless. I was raised During my time there, I had several wonderful opportunities to
nominally Roman Catholic and literally knew NOTHING about the participate in research for various fields within marine science.
Bible. The first two years as an undergraduate, I worked in a coral
reef lab, studying the affects of warming ocean temperatures
In late September, 1982, the whole high school boarded busses and on species distribution. The following summer, I helped collect
travelled to Camp Casey on Whidbey Island. I do not remember who behavioral data on the southern resident killer whale population
the speaker that weekend was, but I remember the message the night in the San Juan Islands. In my fourth year, I started working in
of September 24, 1982; I heard the Gospel. And it was there, that a marine physiology lab which allowed me the opportunity to
evening, when I was born again. I passed from death to life. I was pursue a master’s degree in Marine Biology.
brand new.
As a graduate student, I continued my research in the
My freshman Bible class was taught by Mrs. Jan Klerekoper and Tresguerres Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. I’ve
she used the “Through the Bible” material by J. Vernon Magee. We had opportunities to assist teaching undergraduate classes, give
started with the book of Joshua and went straight through Chronicles guest lectures at places like the Seattle Aquarium, and continue
and the Gospel of John. Again, I knew NOTHING of the Bible, and studying marine physiology. In December of 2020, I successfully
the questions I peppered my patient teacher with proved that. But I defended my master’s thesis on the effects of climate change
eventually began to understand. I was also greatly influenced by the and ocean acidification on marine diatoms, a crucial group of
practical ways with which Mr. Dean Smith approached the word of phytoplankton that is responsible for ~20% of the earth’s oxygen.
God and connected all of the things of God to daily life.
Throughout all of my experiences, I have been constantly amazed
I was facing a dilemma after graduation, 1986; go to college or at the complexities of God’s creation. I have seen His presence in
accept a job offer from Boeing. I took the job and was immediately everything I have studied, from the smallest single algal cell, to
outside the SCS bubble. But the Lord was faithful and he used Seattle the largest whales. Throughout my studies, the Lord continually
Christian in a big way to prepare me for both knowing Jesus and His reminds me of His power and love for us, as well as our
word. I’ve enjoyed a career at Boeing ever since and the Lord is still responsibility to care for His creations. I give thanks to God for
faithful. providing me with so many opportunities to learn how science,
faith and passion can harmonize together.
So that’s where it began…and God’s grace and mercy toward me
continues. I’m married, have six children, four grandchildren, and
am currently a bi-vocational at Resurrection Church in Federal Way.

Page 19

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It's A Landmark Year for SCS! ATIONS TO IMPACT OUR W

Through a prayerful vision in 1946 to provide a rich, Christ- ORLD FOR CHRIST
centered education to young people in the Puget Sound region
and through the decades, witnessing the school’s commitment SEAT
to continue an unparalleled and uncompromising Christian EQUIPPING GENER1946-2021
education, this vision is still resolute.
As SCS turns 75, celebrations begin with Commencement in OOL
June, 2021. The year will be filled with opportunities to look TLE CHRISTIAN SCH
back It will be a remarkable opportunity to look back at the
storied legacy of our past while looking forward to an exciting
future.
Stay tuned for more details as Seattle Christian honors the
founding members’ vision over the last 75 years of preparing
young men and women to impact their world for Christ.

You're Invited!

With an amazing God, a clear mission to make an “impact,”
and a stellar and supportive Warrior community, SCS is
absolutely poised for the future. There is so much yet to
come! The entire SCS community is invited to join us on
Tuesday, February 9, at 7:00pm for the first annual SCS
Night of Vision and Worship. This virtual event is designed
to honor the Lord, share a glimpse of the future, unite
around our mission, and call all of us to action.

For more info, visit seattlechristian.org/vision