Fall 2020 Crusader

Fall 2020



This is SBA 2

From Our Superintendent 4

School Board FFA @ SBA 5
New Faces 6

Tom Young, Chairman What’s Been Happening? 7

Pierre, SD Spirit Week 8

Paul Beckwith, Vice Chairman Crusader Athletics 12

Pierre, SD Core Values 14

Jim Hofman, Secretary SBA Foundation 15

Miller, SD Giving 16

Daniel Paul, Treasurer SBA Family News 18

Carson, ND Calendar 19

Ken Shay

Pierre, SD

David VanHeuvelen

Emmetsburg, IA

Brad Ufen

Miller, SD

Brad Haun

Miller, SD

Rich Richer

Miller, SD

God’s Truth for Today’s Youth.

According to its Articles of Incorporation, Sunshine Front cover: Junior Aja Paul goes for a
Bible Academy exists to provide “for the general spike in a game against Hitchcock-Tulare.
education of youth in the essentials of culture and in
the arts and sciences, giving emphasis to the Chris- Facing page: Dori Brockel (‘20), last
tian doctrines and the ethics revealed in the Holy year’s Homecoming Queen, hugging
Scriptures; combating all atheistic, agnostic, pagan, Evelyn Jones (‘21), this year’s queen.
and so-called scientific adulterations of the Gospel;
unqualifiedly affirming and teaching the Inspiration Back cover: The junior class during the
of the Bible (both the Old and New Testaments); the Homecoming parade. Pictured, L to R:
birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; His identi- Aja Paul, Maggie James, Liza Konechne,
fication as the Son of God; His vicarious atonement and Becca Hofman, with Jakki Burma
for the sins of mankind by the shedding of His blood hidden behind.
on the cross; the resurrection of His body from the
tomb; His power to save man from sin; the new birth
through the regeneration by the Holy Spirit; and

the gift of eternal life by the grace of God through
faith in Jesus Christ.”

The Crusader | 3

From Our

Superintendent
This continues to be a very
unusual year. The COVID-19 We had a
virus that turned our under- very low-key
Homecoming

standing of “normal” upside down this year, for

last March has not gone away and it example,

continues to require us to be flexible because of an increase in COVID

in how we deal with it. numbers in the area. This fall’s Oral

In any other year in recent mem- Interp competitions will all be done

ory SBA would have welcomed new virtually. The annual All State Chorus

international students to the school in and Orchestra concert has been

August, but this year there were none moved to April. Our Fall SLEW was

(though we do have four returning pushed back more than a month and

international students). Ordinarily our Servant Days trips will likely be

the following pages would include an postponed until Spring. We are still

article about a summer missions trip planning to have our annual auction

to Puerto Rico, but that did not hap- and Christmas concert in Decem-

pen. Some of SBA’s students would ber and to continue to operate as

be looking ahead to a trip to Europe normally as we can, but ultimately

next summer with the Ambassadors anything we do will be according to

of Music, but that trip has already the Lord’s will.

been cancelled. If nothing else, the That is the lesson of James 4:15,

uncertainty brought on by COVID has which says, “Instead you ought to

reminded us of James 4:14, which say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and

says, “you do not know what tomor- do this or that.’” We will continue to

row will bring.” Indeed. make plans, because that is bibli-

Despite the uncertainities and in- cal too, but we will also continue to

conveniences, we have many reasons remember that we do not know what

to be grateful. We have thirteen new tomorrow will bring and we do not

students at SBA this year. We are know if any of our plans will come

having classes in person. And as of to fruition. The good news is that we

this writing (mid-October), we have serve a God who does know what

not yet had any SBA students, faculty tomorrow will bring. He is in charge

or staff test positive for COVID. and He is sovereign.

There will still be disappoint- In Him,

ments in the year ahead--things that

we will not be able to do or that will

look significantly different than they

would have looked in other years.

4 | The Crusader

FFA @ SBA

On September 3, a group of SBA FFA students worked at the Pork Produc-
ers Booth at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. Among the customers they
served while they were there were Governor Kristi Noem and Lt. Governor
Larry Rhoden (SBA Class of 1977).

Pictured, L to R, are SBA Advisor Jason Burma, Everett Paul, Lt. Gov. Rhoden,
Rylee Nelson, Milto Gebryes, Gov. Noem, Addison Pearl, Gage Davis and
Nolan Triebwasser.

Four SBA FFA students spent two evenings with the South Dakota Fisheries
Department electrofishing at Jones Lake. The students assisted with collecting
data from largemouth bass. They measured, weighed, PIT tagged (passive
integrated transponder), took scales and marked the fish for further studies.

Pictured at top right is senior Jenna Reil.

The Crusader | 5

New Faces came to SBA from Minnesota. Mr.
Moinicken served in the U.S. Air Force
SBA has a number of new faces and has years of experience in pow-
on staff this year, and there er plant operations.
are a number of familiar faces
filling new roles. Joie
VanHolstyn
Wes Fisher is is the new
our new Dean Director
of Students. of Admis-
Mr. Fisher sions. She
is from returned to
Georgia, SBA in Au-
a graduate gust, hav-
of Liberty ing served as a resident supervisor
University in the girls’ dorm from 2012-2014.
and brings the ex- Ms. VanHolstyn returned to Michigan
perience of having taught for several in 2014 where she worked in admis-
years in India. As Dean of Students sions at Spring Arbor University and
he is responisble for student disci- then worked for Farmer’s Insurance...
pline as well as student life, oversee- and adopted two children, Ausia
ing the resident supervisors. and Ayden. Ms. VanHolstyn is now
the point person for all admissions
Michelle inquiries and will also represent SBA
Scheitle is at camps, conferences and any other
our new opportunity she is given!
Business
Manager. Ben
Relocating Grummet
to Miller and his
from the the family
Tidewater arrived at
region of Virginia, the end
Ms. Scheitle brings experience in of August.
corporate Mr. Grum-
finance. met and
his wife Barbara have four children,
Jay Alice, Autumn, Benson and Silas. Mr.
Moinicken Grummet has experience in food
is our new service and auto mechanics and he
Mainte- is working full-time in the kitchen at
nance Di- SBA.
rector. Mr.
Moinicken,
and his wife, Shirley,

6 | The Crusader

Clockwise from top left: Seth Schoon (‘23) participated in the Department
of Transportation 2020 International Art Contest and placed 3rd in his age
group; the SBA Student Council members had a planning retreat at Pleasant
Valley Church in August (pictured, clockwise from left, are Taylor Nelson, Liza
Konechne, Everett Paul, Kimberly Robbins and Aja Paul); SBA student, faculty
and staff picked up litter along 16 miles of highway on September 30 (pic-
tured L to R are Everett Paul, Betra Amare, Maggie James and Dakota Boers-
ma); elementary students made a Jell-o cell in September to learn about the
parts of a cell (Bella Sandness and Ausia VanHolstyn are seen at top right).

The Crusader | 7

Spirit Week
Homecoming looked differ-
ent at SBA this year after ected for the first three days, with
the decision was made to Aimee Sepulvado (‘21) winning for
make it a low-key event due to a re- Character Day, Jimmy Burma (‘25 for
cent increase in COVID-19 numbers Holiday Day and Seth Schoon (‘23)
in South Dakota. It for Western Day. The senior class
was a bit strange for
everyone to head was selected as the
their own separate combination winner
ways following the for Monochromatic
football game on the Day, class poster and
afternoon of Oc- class float.
tober 9, but really,
until that point, most Blessed with
everything during lovely October
Spirit Week was very weather, chapel was
much like normal. held outside, around
the fire pit, on
As it always Wednesday evening.
does, Spirit Week Four seniors shared
included dress up about how God has
days selected by the Student Council. been working in their
This year’s themes were Character lives and Mr. Hall
Day, Holiday Day, Western Day, shared the story of Richard Wurm-
Monochromatic Day brand. Following the chapel time, ev-
and Crusader Spirit eryone moved to the area in front of
Day. At the pep rally the east gym for the
on Thursday after- annual Burning of the
noon awards were “S,” complete with
presented to the Mr. Pedersen singing
individuals voted on the chicken song and
for the outstanding cheers performed by
participation in the each class.
dress up days: the el-
ementary winner was On Thursday
Autumn Grummet (2), afternoon, there was
the Student Council a pep rally. Updates
winner was Jakki were given on all
Burma (‘22) and the three fall sports,
faculty/staff winner was Ja Lynn more cheering was
Burma. Individual winners were sel- done, silly games
were played, “hot”
trivia was played and prizes were
awarded for the dress up days.

8 | The Crusader

At 10:00 a.m. on Friday morn- the choice of sitting outside at picnic
ing, student body president Evelyn tables or at socially-distanced tables
Jones welcomed everyone who in the gym.
came out for coronation. Mr. Hall
introduced each member of the At 2:30, the Crusaders took on
Homecoming court Iroquois-Doland in a junior high foot-
and then an octet of
underclassmen sang ball game, followed
the SBA Homecoming by a JV game. The
Song. Mr. Watson led Crusaders tied the
a brief devotion from junior high game and
2 Timothy 4:6-8, they were winning
looking at the exis- the JV game 32-0
tence of the crown, when a player from
the One who gives Iroquois-Doland suf-
the crown and the re- fered an injury about
cipients of the crown. half-way through the
The Crusader choir third quarter. The
then sang two songs, injury was serious
“You Are Holy,” by enough to warrant
Per Harling, ar- him being taken by
ranged by John Helgen, and “Dancin’ ambulance to the
at the Rock” by Donald Moore. hospital, and
the decision was made at that point
Following the choir performance, to end the game. Thankfully, we later
Student Council ad- heard that x-rays showed that the
viser, Mrs. Seaman, player had nothing
announced this year’s broken.
runners-up for king
and queen, Gage Parents of SBA
Davis and Taylor football players were
Nelson, and the king recognized after
and queen, Everett the game, and then
Paul and Evelyn Everett and Evelyn
Jones. Last year’s shared a few words
king and queen, of encourgaement
Jade Burma and Dori as well as apprecia-
Brockel, were present tion for the honor of
to crown this year’s being selected king
royalty. and queen.

After coronation Next year will
there was a parade around the tear- be SBA’s 70th anni-
drop and then lunch was served out versary. Lord willing,
of the east gym. Those present had there will be a big celebration for
Homecoming 2021! Stay tuned for
more information.

The Crusader | 9

10 | The Crusader

Spirit Week

Opposite, clockwise from top left: Jakki Burma; Aimee
Sepulvado, Jenna Reil and Payton Fox; Taylor Michaelis,
Gage Davis and Taylor Nelson; Jimmy Burma; faculty
and staff; Seth Schoon; Stacie Koth. This page: Ja Lynn
Burma; Brenden Koth; Reagan Sandness; junior high
class; Autumn Grummet; Shelby Bridges.

The Crusader | 11

Crusader Athletics

Back (L to R): Maggie James, Jenna Reil, Annaliese Van Zee, Abby Haun, Ruthe Lopez, Kenne-
dy Keck, Sadie Konechne, Evelyn Jones, Shelby Bridges, Jakki Burma, Natasha Appel, Aja Paul,
Taylor Michaelis, Taylor Nelson.
Front (L to R): Natalie Leland, Rylee Nelson, Kimberly Robbins, Addison Pearl, Betra Amare,
Daraby Boersma, Liza Konechne.
The Lady Crusaders are coached by Kerry Hass and Morgann Leis.

Back (L to R): Joshua VanHuevelen, Patrick Gisore, Daniel Gerbracht, Nolan Triebwasser,
Jimmy Burma, Micah Huntington, Everett Paul, Nahom Kassaye, Moses Kibicho
Front (L to R): Levi Konechne, Parker Jones, Hunter Sybesma, Ben Lynch, Seth Konechne, Troy
Paul.
Not pictured: Spencer Sargent, Tate Michaelis, Gage Davis.
The Crusaders are coached by Ben Lindvall, Jason Burma and Josh Hunt.
12 | The Crusader

(L to R): Owan Watson, Garrett Van Zee, Payton Fox, Gage Davis, Everett Paul.
The Crusader XC squad is coached by Greg Pedersen.

At the Region 4B Cross Country meet Payton Fox (above left) finished
18th among varsity girls. Among varsity boys, Everett Paul (above right)
finished 6th, Gage Davis finished 26th and Garrett Van Zee finished 46th.
Owan Watson finished 14th among JV boys.
Payton and Everett advance to the state meet at Hart Ranch in Rapid City
on October 24.

The Crusader | 13

At SBA, our Core Values A - Academic excellence:
define who we are and
what we do. While they are Students will be challenged and
words on a page, a web site or a equipped in all subject areas,
wall, they are much more than that. equipped to succeed in the world
they live and to bring glory to God
Consider the difference that a in their pursuits.
school built on these values could
make in the lives of students you Family: Students will be sur-
know: rounded by a loving environment,
extending beyond the classroom,
S - Servant leadership: Students where care and concern for one
will be provided opportunities to another are demonstrated, relation-
serve God and others with humble ships are cultivated and spiritual
attitudes while living courageously as growth is encouraged.
Christian leaders.
If you know a student that would
B - Biblical foundation and benefit from attending a school built
on these values, encourage them to
worldview: Students will be pre- check out Sunshine Bible Academy.
pared to view all of life through the Go to www.sunshinebible.org and
lens of Scripture, to deepen their click on Admissions for specific infor-
commitment to Christ and to develop mation on the admissions process.
personal convictions.

Still accepting applications

for January admission

14 | The Crusader

SBA Foundation David Paul

The Plunge

Now and again this article needs
to get back on track and talk about
the SBA Foundation. On January one
of this year, I could have written of
the glorious performance of the fam-
ily endowments entrusted with the
Foundation. Those monies invested with the Mennonite Brethren Foundation
were generating a handsome return for the support of Sunshine. Since we,
the SBA Foundation board, had no training in Wall Street investing, we
felt we had wisely chosen the MB Foundation for our investment tool. By
the end of March, the pandemic and the corresponding market crash took
all the wind out of our sails. Craig Brockel sent out the ending first quar-
ter endowment reports with email message: “Look them over if you are
brave enough.” They were not good.

I have an admiration for the Foundation board members in that they
all look to the Lord in the choices they make. They did not rush out to “fix”
this situation. They instead gave their thoughts to strengthening the cattle
program and other avenues of support for SBA.

July each year brings the check for the endowment earnings. God is
good; the payout was much more than we had expected. Today, October
12, 2020, the numbers are back for the endowments and are even higher
than they were on January 1, 2020. But I will only say that as for today,
for what tomorrow brings, I know not. So much of what we knew of the
world on January 1, 2020, has changed. The real support for Sunshine
comes from our Lord through the hearts of the Sunshine
family and the generosity of those who believe that our
world can still be made a better place through
the teaching of “God’s Truth for Today’s Youth.”

We have cows that need homes
in the SBA cattle program; and
today is a right time to establish
your family legacy in a family
endowment in support of
Sunshine Bible Academy.

The Crusader | 15

Gifts

Given to General Fund

Gift Given By In Honor of

Kelly and Gwen Hettich Nate and Lindsey Walker

Gift Given By In Memory of

Tom Brady Bob and Nancy Hunt

David McClure Dave Eggebraaten

Andrew and Carol Brantley Dr. James and Doris Rudesill

Anita Ratzlaff Frances Ratzlaff

Dean and Sue Smith Frankie and Myrth Bauman

Lavonne Story Gaylon VanZee

Richard and Reta Harkins Gaylon VanZee

Wes and Julie Shoemaker Harold Grimm

Thelma Grimm Harold Grimm

John and Vicki Healy Ellwyn and Victoria Healy

Terie Beasley Jake Seaman

Linda and Robert Benson Nathan Benson and Joi O’Dell

Jerry and Leola Harkins Twyla Harkins Fried

David McClure Twyla Harkins Fried

Jim Letellier Twyla Harkins Fried

Tom Brady Steven Brady

Daniel and Carol Eggebraaten Karey Miller Aalbers

Nancy Froning Karey Miller Aalbers

Joyce Weiss Karey Miller Aalbers

Sylvia Conrad Karey Miller Aalbers

Larry and Sherry VanZee Karey Miller Aalbers

Nancy Jahnke Karey Miller Aalbers

Jeanine Kretchmer Karey Miller Aalbers

Patrick and Sandi O’Malley Karey Miller Aalbers

Kent and Janet LaDue Geno Hunt

Gary and Linda Dwyer Geno Hunt

Daniel and Carol Eggebraaten Geno Hunt

Jamie and Cheryl McClain Geno Hunt

Joyce Weiss Geno Hunt

Scott Weischedel Geno Hunt

Given to SBA Foundation

Gift Given By In Memory of

David Paul Frankie and Myrth Bauman

16 | The Crusader

Given to General Fund

Gifts Given in Memory of Marjorie Letellier by:

JD and Julie Hewitt Tim and Catherine Chavers

Richard and Reta Harkins David McClure

Robert Morgan Cory Burma

Kathryn Jensen Mitchell Freshour

Jim Letellier Paul and LuAnne Beckwith

Gifts Given in Memory of Ron Bowar by: Mike Byrne
Rich and Millie Richer Greta Sparks
Kelvin and Carol Grey Jamie and Cheryl McClain
Del and Virginia Van Zee Duane and Debbie Hadrick
Larry and Kathy Nickelson Jason and Kristina Watson
Larry and Sherry Van Zee Larry Buck
Don and Karen Poindexter Cris and One Noto
Jeffrey and Brenda Chatham Brad and Jolene Haun
Dale and Ruth Paulson Gary and Phyliss Yearous
Doug and Jane Kading
Susan Bowar

Gifts Given in Memory of Jack Ufen by: Del and Virginia Van Zee
Arnold and Bonnie Johnson Gaven and Martha Banik
Jim Letellier Don and Joan Joy
Craig and Lori Brockel Valerie Augspurger
Jason and Kristina Watson Ernie and Shirley Stirling
Daniel and Carol Eggebraaten Daniel Ostrowski Jr.
Randy and Eileen Kohlenberg
Merril and Kathleen Hass



SBA Auction -
Saturday, December 5

The Crusader | 17

SBA Family News
MARRIAGES ENGAGEMENT
Cassidy Clark (‘18) and Colton Ward Samantha Rogers (‘16) and Keevan
were married on June 27. Long were engaged on August 2. A
December wedding is planned.
Savanna Roghair (‘18) and Luke Rech
were married on July 12. HOMEGOINGS
Karey (Miller) Albers was called home
D.J. Beckwith (‘13) and Shelby Raper to the Lord on September 5. Karey
were married on August 2. attended SBA from 1962 to 1965. She
is survived by her husband of 54 years,
Sarah Pedersen (‘16) and Daly Beck Richard (‘65), their three children and
were married on August 8. their spouses and seven grandchildren.

Megan Burma (‘12) and Blake Onken Long-time SBA supporter, former school
were married on September 12. board member and 2002 SBA Hall of
Fame inductee Jack Ufen went home
Kayla Weiss (‘05) and Gordon Reh- to be with the Lord on September 19.
dantz were married on October 11. Jack is survived by Ramona, his wife of
61 years, two sons and daughters-in-
BIRTHS law and five grandchildren.
Kyle (‘07) and Kara (Weiss, ‘08)
Sybesma welcomed Timber Nicole on Please send all information and up-
May 19th. She joined her three older dates to [email protected].
brothers Asher, Archer, and Trig.

Rachel (Konechne, ‘12) and Landon
Brondsema welcomed Noah Donald
on September 8. Noah arrived about
three months early, weighing just 2 lbs
3 oz and 13.5 inches long. Noah is pro-
gressing well, and surpassed 3 pounds
on October 5!

Anthony and Kati (Sybesma, ‘04) Ken-
nedy welcomed Eleanor on September
10. Eleanor was 6 lbs 8oz and joins
older siblings Emelia, Hudson and Edith.

Kaitlyn (Bauman, ‘11) and Josh (‘11) John (‘88) and Daniel (‘85) Paul enjoying
Konechne welcomed Millie Jo on Sep- the Homecoming football game.
tember 18. Millie weighed 7 lbs 12 oz
and was 19.5 inches long. Millie joins
older brothers Gunner and Mason.
18 | The Crusader

Calendar

Upcoming events...

OCT State Cross Country at Hart Ranch in Rapid City
24

OCT Fall Spiritual Life Emphasis Week

26-30 with Dave Johnston from Moreau River Sanctuary Retreat

NOV SBA Day of Prayer
4 Service at 7:45 p.m. led by Pastor Phil Hahn

NOV Thanksgiving Break
23-27

DEC SBA Auction
5

DEC Christmas Concert
11 7:15 p.m. in West Gym

DEC Christmas Break Begins
21

JAN Second Semester Begins
4

All of these events are scheduled as listed, but
are also dependent on COVID-19 restrictions and
are thus subject to change or cancellation. Check
the calendar on the SBA web site and the SBA
Facebook page for the most recent information on
events.

The Crusader | 19

SUNSHINE BIBLE ACADEMY Non-Prot
Organization
400 Sunshine Drive | Miller SD 57362 US Postage
Address Service Requested.
PAID
Madison,SD For more information:
Permit No. 32 www.sunshinebible.org | 605.853.3071