Summer 2017

Summer 2017

STAFF

SPOTLIGHT

The Musical Money Man
Craig Brockel graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1982 with a de-
gree in Business Administration-Accounting and then spent more than twenty-five years
as an employee and partner in a CPA firm in Mobridge, SD, before joining the SBA
staff in July 2009. At SBA his official title is Business Manager and in that capacity
he is responsible for all aspects of the day to day financial operations of the school.

In addition to those duties, though, he also leads the Worship Team for chapel ser-
vices, serves as accompanist for the music department and runs the clock and score-
board for all home football and basketball games. Together with his wife Lori he
has also led the freshmen Servant Days trip to Sioux Falls for a number of years.

Brockel says his family sensed God’s calling for several years before he came
to SBA. “As we began praying for His direction, God gave us several confirmations
along the way and we knew we had to be obedient to His leading.” Lori was on staff
at SBA for a number of years as well. Their three sons are SBA graduates--Tyson
(‘09), Brady (‘13), Jaden (‘15)--and daughter Shariah just finished her freshman year.

“Being part of the ministry at SBA has proved to be a huge blessing for our family.
Not only were our children able to gain an invaluable Christian education, but we
were able to be a part of that process along the way on a daily basis,” Brockel said.
“Even though my Business Manager duties keep me confined to an office a great por-
tion of the day, I would still say that one of the greatest blessings of my job is having
the opportunities to invest in the lives of so many great kids over the years. There is
nothing more rewarding than watching God at work in the lives of the students and
seeing them respond and grow in their faith during the years they spend at SBA.”

2 | The Crusader

From Our Superintendent 4

Quiz Bowl 5

School Board J/S Banquet 6
Debate 9

Tom Young, Chairman Senior Tea 10

Onida, SD Junior/Senior Dedication 11

Paul Beckwith, Vice Chairman Spring Play 12

Pierre, SD Clean-a-thon 14

David VanHeuvelen, Secretary FFA Corner Post 15

Emmetsburg, IA Crusader Athletics 16

Daniel Paul, Treasurer Awards Night 18

Carson, ND Spring Concert 20

Gaven Banik Commencement 22

Hartford, SD Development Corner 27

Phil Hamburger

Seneca, SD

Andy Michaelis

Wessington, SD

Ken Shay

Pierre, SD

Brad Ufen

Miller, SD

God’s Truth for Today’s Youth. SBA Foundation 28

According to its Articles of Incorporation, Sunshine Giving 29
Bible Academy exists to provide “for the general
education of youth in the essentials of culture and in SBA Family News 30
the arts and sciences, giving emphasis to the Chris-
tian doctrines and the ethics revealed in the Holy Calendar 31
Scriptures; combating all atheistic, agnostic, pagan,
and so-called scientific adulterations of the Gospel; Front cover: Jiwon Park playing flute
unqualifiedly affirming and teaching the Inspiration during the spring concert.
of the Bible (both the Old and New Testaments); the
birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; His identi- Back cover: Victoria Paul clears the hur-
fication as the Son of God; His vicarious atonement dles at the SBA track meet with Rianna
for the sins of mankind by the shedding of His blood Banik just behind her.
on the cross; the resurrection of His body from the
tomb; His power to save man from sin; the new birth The Crusader | 3
through the regeneration by the Holy Spirit; and

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

From Our

Superintendent
There is a point in the midst of
every school year where it seems that they
to be dragging on. Just as surely, remain
though, there comes a point near the on guard
end of each school year when it seems against the
it cannot possibly be over yet. If that is attacks of Satan and the ungodly influ-
true for me I am certain it is also true ences of the world in which we live.
for our students--and especially the
seniors. Graduation from high school is Dallas Willard wrote, “If we allow
a moment they look forward to for so everything access to our mind, we are
long, and it seems it may never arrive. simply asking to be kept in a state of
Then, seemingly all of a sudden, it’s mental turmoil or bondage. For nothing
time to walk across the stage to receive enters the mind without having an
their diploma. effect for good or evil.”

I have the unique privilege of The seniors chose as their class
looking each senior in the eye as they verse Micah 6:8. At commencement
come across that stage to shake my I shared with them each of them has
hand and receive their diploma. “Take been told what is good. They have
with the left hand, shake with the right,” been equipped with God’s truth. But
I tell them during graduation practice. that is not, in and of itself, enough.
“Take and shake.” As I look into their “What does the Lord require of you?”
eyes I usually have mixed emotions. Micah asks. In other words, now that
Part of me is excited for them, part of you know what is good, what are you
me recognizes I will miss seeing them in supposed to do with it? Micah gives the
the halls of SBA next year, part of me answer immediately. “Do justice, love
looks forward to seeing what their fu- kindness, walk humbly with God.” Those
ture holds--and part of me fears what are present tense verbs. Those are
that future may hold. instructions for life. But as I also told
them, doing justice, loving kindness and
At the Junior/Senior Dedication walking humbly with God puts each of
service in May, I shared with the seniors us at odds with a world that seems set
the fact that statistics indicate a huge on denying God’s truth and defining
percentage of them will walk away for itself what is good.
from their faith within a few years
after graduation. That is an incredi- Pray with me that our seniors will
bly alarming thought, and I hope our make Micah 6:8 not just their class
students are nowhere near average verse but their life verse as well.
on that count. My hope and prayer for

them is they hold fast to God’s Truth,

4 | The Crusader

Quiz Bowl Cassidy Watson (‘21)
The afternoon of April 6 found
one teacher and six eighth Usually SBA high school students
graders on their way to compete in the Academic Chal-
Huron for the Huron Middle School lenge and Quiz Bowl hosted by
Quiz Bowl Invitational. We, along Miller High School each spring.
with ten other teams from various This year, due to scheduling dif-
schools, answered a plethora of ficulties, that event was not held,
questions on a variety of topics. meaning this junior high team
and the FFA quiz bowl team
After a few losses, ties (see page 15) were SBA’s only
and wins, we were battling quiz bowl
Highmore-Harrold for first place. partici-

We came home with a first place pants this

trophy, some gained knowledge year.

and some happy eighth graders.

Team member Taylor Michae- Both teams

lis said that her favorite part was set the bar

“having lots of cool, fun questions.” high!
Team captain Abby Haun enjoyed

learning new things from the ques-

tions.

L to R: Eighth graders Taylor Michaelis, Cassidy Watson, Abby Haun, Titus Deal and Ruthe
Lopez at the Quiz Bowl at Huron Middle School.

The Crusader | 5

BanquetJunior/Senior
Sunshine Bible Academy’s annual
Renee Seaman and Andrew Hoffman Junior/Senior Banquet was held on
6 | The Crusader Friday, April 21, at Medicine Creek
Lodge east of Pierre. The banquet was
planned by the junior class under the
guidance of Mrs. Darcy Boersma and
Ms. Ashley Ritenour.

The evening, which was blessed
with beautiful weather, began with a

grand march. The juniors and se-
niors were allowed to select another
student or a family member to escort
them and each student was an-
nounced--including name, hometown,
parents’ names and humorous memo-
ries or aspirations for the future. The
march was attended by many family
members and friends.

Following the march, the juniors
and seniors and the SBA faculty and
staff enjoyed a delicious meal inside
the lodge. Mr. Doug Sargent provided music
on his guitar during dinner and then, after
dessert, Mr. David VanHeuvelen provided the
evenings address.
Juniors Faith Owens and Susan Wilken
then provided humorous predictions about the
seniors’ future, after which the seniors took
turns “willing” something to the juniors. Many
of the wills included reference to inside jokes
or funny memories the juniors and seniors have
collected during their time together at SBA.
Many of the juniors and seniors stayed
afterward for a time of praise and worship
around a fire before watching a movie.

Top to Bottom, L ro R: Top to Bottom, L ro R: Top to Bottom, L ro R:
Hewan Gashaw, Thomas Deressa, Emily Karhoff with her Vy Nguyen, Grace Delany;
Jiwon Park; Grace Nolte, Jed brothers Kobie and Joseph; Cailey Banik, Sterling Holland;
Konechne; Ella Wilkinson, Doug Rebecca Spangler, Jake Jessica Kim, Abraham Mu-
Wilkinson, Helen Wilkinson Yang; Ermias Haile lualem, Elizabeth Schultz

The Crusader | 7

Top to Bottom, L ro R: Top to Bottom, L ro R: Top to Bottom, L ro R:
Lisa Lowman, Samuel Pedersen; Grace Germain, Zach Vander- Hannah Van Heuvelen, Chris
Rope Roghair, Savanna Roghair; Vorst; Susan Wilken, Evan Van Heuvelen; Faith Owens,
Bethlehem Mulualem, Bereket Lopez, Cassidy Clark; Gaylen Joshua Hofman; Cheya Goert-
Aragaw Engle, Camrynn Wagner zen, Chris Hass

8 | The Crusader

Debate Faith Owens (‘18)
his year Mr. Clay Anderson, a
practicing lawyer from Mill- Once we debated the school dress
code and it was a challenge to try
Ter who also happens to be a to refute the things that I actually

former SBA student and the father agreed with! If one of the under-

of current SBA elementary students classmen were to ask me about the

Cole and Ella Anderson, offered value in attending the debates, I

students the chance to voluntarily would strongly urge them to go!

meet on certain evenings to partic- When asked, Mr. Anderson said

ipate in a moderated debate. The that debating is not the central issue.

debate nights have definitely been While the debates have merit and

a blessing to me over the course of value in their own right, he wants to

this school year. Anyone can see that speak into our lives about the uncom-

Mr. Anderson is a very passionate fortable issues that high school stud-

and engaging speaker who is clearly ents face such as relationships,

interested in SBA students. He always pornography, drugs, alcohol, and

comes prepared to share about anything else that we might be hit

something that he’s experienced in with when we leave SBA and head

his own life, and he wants to share to college. He believes that it is

with SBA students in order to help better for us to have our minds made

them grow and mature spiritually up about these things now, than to

before they face the wider world. try to figure them out when we are

Mr. Anderson has shared about facing difficult choices later on.

staying strong in our walk with God, Though we’ve all seemingly enjoyed

politics and relationships. He takes the debates, we have been learn-

the time to break things down so that ing valuable lessons as well; that’s

we can understand them and relate; why Mr. Anderson gives his time and

sometimes he even brings snacks! talents to us at SBA.

The Crusader | 9

Senior Tea Grace Nolte (‘17)
T he Senior Tea is a
chance for the senior girls Today, Banik is a radio talk show
and lady staff members to host for Life 96.5. She is not a nurse,
gather for tea and devotions. This but she credits her old desire for
year, the event was held on April driving her to make some of the
24th and was hosted by Mrs. Kristina positive choices that have led to her
Watson. life today.

The night began with hors After time as a stay-at-home
d’oeuvres such as scones, fancy mom, Banik felt led to help girls
sandwiches, fruit, in need of prom dresses, and this
and of course, tea!
After about half an pushed her to start
hour of fellowship “Operation Prom
with each other, it Dress,” which has
was time to listen helped many girls
to the speaker, Mrs. from lower-in-
Lauren Banik. come families to
be able to obtain
Mrs. Banik free prom dress-
spoke about life es. “Operation
after high school Prom Dress” has
and the impact that also helped Banik
God had in her herself. According
life, even when she to her, she had al-
wasn’t a Christian. ways been shy and
Mrs. Banik gave didn’t enjoy talking
two examples of on the phone.
how God’s plan for her changed her After placing many
life direction. In her first example, phone calls and speaking at events,
Banik told of “living” in a hospital she has mostly overcome her shy-
for a month while her sister was ness. According to Banik, each time
under care for a heart attack. This she has been prompted to step out
experience caused Banik to want to of her comfort zone, God has been
pursue nursing after high school. In preparing her for something else
her second example, a friend of Mrs. that He has done in her life.
Banik was thrown from his motorcycle In closing, Mrs. Banik made her
while they were riding one night. She main point: If we have a plan for our
discovered her friend in a corn field future, great; but if not, that’s also
and sat with him until the ambulance fine, because God has one and He’ll
arrived. This encouraged her passion bring it to pass. Mrs. Banik gave
to help people. a great message and encouraged

each of the senior ladies.

10 | The Crusader

J/S Dedicationt’s that time of the year again, time Camrynn Wagner (‘18)

for the Class of 2017 to pass the The service made me realize
that the seniors love my class so much
Itorch of leadership to the Class of that they do not want us to make a

2018. On Wednesday, May 10th, “shipwreck” of our senior year; they

the SBA community want us to succeed.

gathered in the chapel I think a lot of my

for the 2017 Junior/ classmates, myself

Senior Dedication included, look up to

chapel. The service the seniors. The seniors

opened with the wor- might not know this,

ship team leading us in but they have been

singing “I Want to Live teaching my class how

Like That.” Then Mr. to prepare for our se-

Wes McClure, Dean nior year. This chapel

of Students, shared a was a sad moment for

short devotion from me, knowing that the

Jonah 1. One thing current seniors will be

that I took away from leaving, and that I will

his lesson is that God soon be taking their

loved Jonah so much place, but it gave me

that he would not let hope that we will do

him make a shipwreck our best to take their

of his life. place of leadership

After the devo- next year.

tion, the seniors began The service con-

presenting their ded- cluded with Mr. Jim

ications. Each senior, Hofman, Bible teacher

lit candle in hand, was and chaplain, praying

paired with a junior a blessing over the

for whom they had junior class and Mr.

prepared a short ded- Jason Watson, Super-

ication--a verse and intendent/Principal,

some words of wisdom sharing some thoughts

that they presented. with the seniors before

After each dedication, the senior praying for them.

student used their candle to light the Top: Sterling Holland (right) shares his words
candle of the junior student, literally of wisdom and encouragement with Evan
and symbolically “passing the torch” Lopez. Bottom: Maria Stryzewski (left) listens
of leadership to the next year’s as Emily Karhoff reads a passage of Scrip-
senior class. ture as part of her dedication.

The Crusader | 11

Spring Play Amanda Bast
The best stories are often true. scripts and based both on factual
stories regarding the radium poison-
American actress Jennifer ing that many plant workers (mostly
Connelly said once about a script, women) contracted from their work
“It was, when
I read it, I painting clock
thought, such a dials and in-
beautiful script. strument gaug-
I loved the es between
story. I thought the early
it was well han- 1920s and the
dled. I thought 1940s.
it was even
more moving This year,
because it was we were
a true story blessed with a
and that made large number
it even more of students
poignant.” The who desired
quote rings true to take part
about the feelings that Brittany Arke- in the Spring
ma and I had about the full-length Play, and
script of “Radium Girls,” the historic thankfully, we had plenty of roles
drama that SBA students and staff available. In fact, there were so
performed for the many roles, that most of the actors
Spring Play. In had at least two roles and one or
fact, we felt that two played
the story was so three different
interesting and characters.
important that Unfortunate-
after reading ly, the lack of
the full-length available males
version, we decid- made casting
ed to use both challenging
the one act and (and made for
full-length scripts some nervous
this year in our directors at
performances. first). After
some cajoling,
D.W. Grego- we were able
ry wrote both to secure the
talents of Mr.

12 | The Crusader

Ryan Arentsen, Ms. Ashley Riten-
our, and Mr. Jason Watson who
filled their roles quite capably.

The cast dynamic with staff
members involved was different
at first, but after only a few
practices, it felt normal and at
times, offered much-needed
comedic relief!

From start to finish the
“Radium Girls” play was around
two and a half hours, and with
such a long play, practices had
to be devoted to practicing particular acts. At the time of the performance,
the cast had only performed the play in its entirety twice!

As directors, we were pleased to see the actors working together to
bring life to their characters; the audience appreciated their commitment to
quality as well.

In an increasingly chaotic world, it’s important to make time for stories,
especially true stories with an important message. “Radium Girls” fit the bill
on both counts, and we were glad to have been able to shed some light on
an obscure story with important lessons for the present generations (honesty,
the importance of friendship and standing up for truth, facing trials coura-

geously,
standing
strong in
the face of
lies, and
opposition
from an
entity much
larger than
the individ-
ual).

Opposite top: (L to R) Lisa Lowman, Cassidy Watson, Talix Babb and Hannah VanHeuvelen;
Bottom: Emily Karhoff and Vlad Eischens. This page top: Renee Seaman and Ryan Arentsen.
Above (L to R): Back - Taylor VanHeuvelen, Vlad Eischens, Jason Watson, Ryan Arentsen,
Ashley Ritenour, Renee Seaman, Taylor Michaelis; Middle - Garrett Davis, Lisa Lowman, Talix
Babb, Hannah VanHeuvelen, Cassidy Watson; Front - Emily Karhoff, Abby Haun, Evelyn Jones,
Ella Wilkinson.

The Crusader | 13

Clean-a-thonn the third of May, the Renee Seaman (‘18)

students left their classes colors” (which was a Diesel King can,
though no one was sure who found
Oearly and donned fluores- it).

cent yellow vests. They were split into Looking at this, you may won-

groups and sent to walk the ditches. der how it is a fundraiser at all as

This is part of a biannual fundraiser it seems to be simply a day of fun;

we call “Clean-a-Thon.” Usually, it is however, $17,700 was contribut-

arranged by Mrs. McClain but this ed to the general fund through the

year she handed the torch off to Ms. letters of support that the students

Ritenour, our Development Director. sent out to their family members and

Ms. Ritenour sent out letters, orga- friends. Out of the 423 letters that

nized the teams, and planned the were sent, 201 produced donations.

entire day. Each group walked about Thank you to those of you who do-

two miles, making a total of twenty nated, and thanks also to those who

miles walked. gave of their prayers as well.

The high schoolers walked north When asked what she thought

and south of town, and south of of the event, Ms. Ritenour said, “It is

campus. Junior high and elementary a really good service project for the

students cleaned the campus itself. community; I know in the fall some

Afterward, they all met at Crystal people driving by saw us working

Park in Miller and enjoyed an after- and went and donated to the school,

noon of fun. There were prizes given so that’s encouraging. It’s a way for

for the most valuable trash found the teachers and students to bond

(which was claimed by Christopher and for us to bring honor to God

Hass with a trailer hitch), most useful and to the school through our work.”

(Iver Paul won with a collection of Clean-a-Thon is a lot of fun, but

bungee cords), and most “Crusader it is also a way to share SBA with the

wider com-

munity while

being stew-

ards of God’s

creation.

L to R: Jiwon
Park, Lisa Low-
man, Bereket
Aragaw, Samuel
Pedersen and
Lindsey Wilken af-
ter cleaning their
two-mile stretch.

14 | The Crusader

Corner Post Andrew Boersma
Our commencement speak-
er challenged us to have a this fall. Andrew Hoffman and Cassidy
“100 year” perspective on Clark became the first SBA students to
earn their State Degrees.

the decisions we make. In other words, The banquet was a celebration of

100 years from now, what’s going our FFA activities this year. Trinity Lewis

to be important? This philosophy has spoke and challenged the students to

challenged me to take a big picture pursue the opportunities given in FFA

view or eternal perspective of what’s and seek out mentors to help them

important in life. I think the same prin- achieve their goals. Teigan Clark was

ciple applies to education and during awarded the Star Greenhand (1st year

graduation season we celebrate the student) and Andrew Hoffman was

big picture of how God is working at awarded the Chapter Star Farmer and

SBA.

We

graduated

two seniors

from our FFA

program and

both made

significant

contribu-

tions to our

chapter.

Andrew Hoff-

man served as our president and has SBA Pioneer Awards for his leadership

been very involved with FFA over and work in FFA.

the last three years including winning Our swingset project has come

the Ag Mechanics CDE at State this together and God brought many

year. Grace Delany joined FFA after partners alongside of us to help us

transferring from Gunnison, CO, and physically and financially. A special

provided experience and leadership thanks to Dale Paulson for helping with

to our chapter in a variety of areas in- the construction and Gaylen Engle

cluding the Horse Evaluation CDE. They and Robyn VanBockel for helping with

will both be missed! the excavating and site prep. The PTF

State Convention was a blast matched funds from the SDFFA Foun-

and the students did well competing dation to help with expenses. Thank

in Ag Mechanics, Livestock Evaluation, you to all the students who put in many

and Floriculture. Our Farm and Ranch hours of work to build something to be

Safety Quiz Bowl team won first place enjoyed for years to come. Thanks for

(Andrew Hoffman, Chris Hass, Evan tuning in and check out exploresdag.

Lopez and Shelby Belmore) and will be blogspot.com for more pictures and

competing at the State Fair again details!

The Crusader | 15

Crusader Athletics

BOYS TRACK

TJamie McClain
he boys track team finished a solid season
with a tie for 18th in the team standings at
the South Dakota state track and field meet in
Sioux Falls. It was the culmination of hard work
and perseverance. One of the primary goals
at the beginning of the track season is to hit the
best performances in the meets at the end of
the season – conference, region and state. Sev-
eral of the boys met or exceeded performance
goals and established personal records at these
events. With no seniors on the squad, the future
looks bright from a competitive standpoint.
Beyond the relative success on the track, it has
been a joy to coach young men who exhibit a desire, by God’s grace, to
honor the Lord in how they compete and carry themselves when wearing
SBA on the uniform.

You may follow the SBA track programs at the Facebook group SBA
Track or the track blog site at www.sbatrack.blogspot.com.

16 | The Crusader

GIRLS TRACK

OGreg Pedersen
ur track teams participated in nine varsity meets and two junior high
meets this season prior to the regional and state track meets. Our
girls placed 4th (86 pts) of eight teams in the 281 Conference meet at
Huron, and we placed 5th (67 pts) of seven teams in the CSD Conference
meet in Miller. Our girls placed 5th (55 pts) of eleven teams in the Region
2B meet at Gettysburg.

Our 3200m relay consisting of Susan
Wilken, Lindsey Wilken, Victoria Paul and
Shariah Brockel qualified for the State B
meet at the Miller Inv. with a time of 10:30.8.
Susan Wilken, Lindsey Wilken, Aleya Mehl-
haff and Shariah Brockel placed 15th of 21
(10:57.94) in the 3200m relay at the State
B in Sioux Falls. Shariah Brockel placed 2nd
(1:04.2) at the region in the 400m dash;
she placed 12th of nineteen (1:03.19) in
the State B. Our medley team composed of
Maggie Kondra, Leigha Banik, Lindsey Wilk-
en and Shariah Brockel placed 1st at region
with a time of 4:38.1. Cailey Banik, Leigha
Banik, Lindsey Wilken and Shariah Brockel placed 19th of thirty (4:47.97)
at the State B.

Other regional top-10 finishes:

100m hurdles 4th Cailey Banik 18.0

10th Rianna Banik 21.7

300m hurdles 4th Cailey Banik 55.9

800m 8th Jakki Burma 3:13.5

1600m 5th Aleya Mehlhaff 6:43.3

3200m 6th Aleya Mehlhaff 15:03.1

Shot put 9th Ruthe Lopez 28’ 9”

Discus 10th Helen Wilkinson 82’ 1”

400m relay 6th G. Delany, L. Banik, A. Haun, C. Banik 59.3

800m relay 3rd M. Kondra, L. Banik, L. Wilken, S. Brockel 1:55.9

1600m relay 4th S. Wilken, L. Wilken, V. Paul, S. Brockel 4:30.0

3200m relay 4th S. Wilken, V. Paul, R. Banik, A. Mehlhaff 11:33.0

This page: Aleya Mehlhaff at the SBA track meet on April 11 in Huron. Opposite page top:
Jace Burma at the State track meet in Sioux Falls on May 26. Bottom, L to R: Shariah Brockel,
Chris Hass and Leigha Banik at the State track meet.

The Crusader | 17

Awards Night

The annual Awards Night on May 4 was a celebratory evening as
students’ accomplishments were recognized in the areas of academics,
fine arts, athletics, diligence, attendance and character.

-Academic Awards-
Social Studies-Andrew Hoffman; Bible-Helen Wilkinson; Math-Jessica
Kim; Science-Jiwon Park; English-Andrew Hoffman; Computer-Aleya Me-
hlhaff; Industrial Arts-Zach Vander Vorst; Spanish-Kalkidan Gezahgne

-Fine Arts Awards-
Outstanding Instrumentalist-Jiwon Park; Outstanding Vocalist-Jake
Yang, Elizabeth Schultz; Director’s Award-Jessica Kim; All-State Choir
Members-Ben Deal, Jessica Kim, Elizabeth Schultz, Jake Yang; All-State
Alternates-Jace Burma, Lisa Lowman, Hannah VanHeuvelen, Taylor
VanHeuvelen; All-State Band-Jessica Kim, Elizabeth Schultz; All-State
Orchestra-Jiwon Park; Outstanding Actor-Willie Anderson; Outstanding
Actress-Renee Seaman; Outstanding Oral Interpreter-Grace Germain,
Elizabeth Schultz

-Athletic Awards-
Football: Most Improved-Teigan Clark; Tackler-Jed Konechne; Leader-
ship-Jace Burma; Crimson and Gold-Jed Konechne; All Conference-Jed
Konechne, Evan Lopez, Zach VanderVorst; All Conference Honorable Men-
tion-Jace Burma, Sterling Holland; All-State-Thomas Deressa; Academic
All-State-Sterling Holland
Volleyball: Outstanding Player (Varsity)-Cailey Banik; Most Improved
(Junior Varsity)-Margaret Kondra; Most Improved (Varsity)-Victoria Paul;
Hustle Award-Dori Brockel; Assist Leader-Savanna Roghair; Crimson and
Gold-Helen Wilkinson; All Conference-Cailey Banik (Third Team); Coach-
ability-Shariah Brockel, Bethany Konechne, Liza Konechne
Cross Country: State Qualifiers-EJ Big Eagle, Jace Burma, Chris Hass, Tra-
vis Hass, Joshua Hofman, Renee Seaman
Wrestling: Most Improved-Iver Paul; Roger Paul Award-Teigan Clark; Out-
standing Wrestler-Jed Konechne; Grindstone Award-Grady Davis; State
Qualifiers-Jace Burma, Teigan Clark, Jed Konechne, Iver Paul
Boys Basketball: Most Improved-Joshua Hofman; Leading Rebound-
er-Jade Burma; Assist/Turnover-Travis Hass; All-Conference Honorable
Mention-Travis Hass

18 | The Crusader

Girls Basketball: Most Improved Player-Savanna Roghair; Defense
Award-Lindsey Wilken; Leading Rebounder-Lindsey Wilken; Free
Throws- Susan Wilken; Outstanding Player-Lindsey Wilken; Crimson and
Gold-Helen Wilkinson; All-Conference-Lindsey Wilken (First Team), Susan
Wilken (Second Team); Academic All-State-Cailey Banik, Jessica Kim,
Helen Wilkinson
Track: Academic All-State-Cailey Banik, Jessica Kim, Jiwon Park, Helen
Wilkinson; State Qualifiers (as of May 4)-Shariah Brockel, Victoria Paul,
Lindsey Wilken, Susan Wilken, Willie Anderson, Jace Burma, Jade Burma,
Chris Hass, Travis Hass, Joshua Hoffman
Rodeo: State Qualifier (2016)- Cassidy Clark

Senior Honor Athletes-Cailey Banik

-Character Awards-
Biblical Qualities Character Awards: David (Godly Leadership)-An-
drew Hoffman; Daniel (Personal Integrity)-Susan Wilken; Peter (Spiri-
tual Growth)-Shelby Belmore; Barnabas (Tireless Encourager)-Joshua
Hofman; Jonathan (Loyal Friend)-Helen Wilkinson

-Diligence and Attendance Awards-
Gratis-Andrew Hoffman, Iver Paul; Girls Dorm Leadership-Susan Wilken;
Perfect Attendance-Chris Hass, Samuel Pedersen, Jake Yang; Diligence
Award-Jace Burma, Cassidy Clark, Teigan Clark, Ben Deal, Andrew Hoff-
man, Sterling Holland, Iver Paul, Victoria Paul, Susan Wilken

-Ministry Team Dedication Awards-
Jace Burma, Evan Lopez, Ruthe Lopez, Renee Seaman

-Scholarships-
Steele-Mickelson Communications Scholarship: Iver Paul, Autumn Hoff-
man, Renee Seaman, Andrew Hoffman
E. Stanley Morgan Scholarship: Cassidy Clark, Bethlehem Mulualem
Mia Philstrom Memorial Scholarship: Shelby Belmore
Kea Ufen-Dearing Character Award (Scholarship): Renee Seaman

In addition to the honors listed above, letters, medals and trophies
were awarded in a variety of co-curricual activities. In all, nearly every
high school student was recognized in some way during the evening, and
the faculty and staff are proud of all that each of the students has ac-
complished over the past school year.

The Crusader | 19

Spring Concert: “Let
Friday, May 12, marked the
conclusion of a semester’s worth rousing performance of “When the
of practicing by SBA’s various Saints Go Marching In” that featured
jazz-style clarinet by Kim and trom-

music groups. The concert, entitled bone by junior Joshua Hofman. Junior

“Let Your Light Shine!” allowed the Chris Hass played the drum set and

students to shine the lights of their alum Daniel Seaman (‘15) joined in

God-given talents as well as the light on the tuba.

of the truth and encouragement of Following intermission the

God’s Word. Crusader Band led off the second

The evening opened with the half with three numbers, “Seven

K-6 students performing four classic Springs,” “On An American Spir-

hymns, “Seek Ye First,” “This Is My itual” and “Celebration of Life.”

Father’s World,” “Trust and Obey” Director Kevin Waller informed the

and “I Need Thee Every Hour.” audience before the second piece

The handbell choir that the spiritual was

was next, perform- “Were You There,”

ing “Deep River” and which would likely

“Joshua Fit the Battle of be familiar to many.

Jericho,” after which the In the middle of the

Ladies Honor Festival piece though, Waller

ensemble sang “Jor- warned, the band

dan’s Angels.” would sound dread-

Closing out the first ful--and that was by

half of the concert, the design. Composer

Crusader Choir sang David R. Holsinger had

five numbers. Seniors written the piece that

Jessica Kim and Jiwon Park played way to portray the death of Christ

the piano together to accompany the on the cross. Of course the lyrics of

choir on “Saints Bound for Heav- that song conclude with Christ rising

en.” Park remained at the piano to from the tomb. How fitting it was then

accompany “In Remembrance,” which to follow that piece with Ralph Hunt-

also included a French horn part by gren’s “Celebration of Life.”

senior Elizabeth Schultz. Park then Next, the Small Vocal Ensemble

joined the choir and senior Jake performed “We Are More Than

Yang took the piano bench to accom- Conquerors” and “The Awakening,”

pany “The Lord Hath Done It.” On “I after which the Men’s Ensemble sang

Surrender All” the choir was accom- “The Lord’s Prayer,” with Park ac-

panied by eighth grader Cassidy companying on the flute, and “I Saw

Watson on piano. The choir’s portion the Light.” The Ladies’ Ensemble sang

of the concert concluded with a “Near the Cross,” “Hold the Light,”

20 | The Crusader

Your Light Shine” Jason Watson

and “How Great Thou Art.” formers. And learning the Hebrew
Craig Brockel provided piano was interesting!” she said, referenc-

accompaniment for all ing the song’s inclusion
vocal groups unless oth- of Hebrew lyrics.
erwise noted.
Amanda Bast was
The concert ended not part of the per-
with a mass ensemble formance but was in
consisting of the choir the audience for the
and band, including first performance with
sixteen faculty and staff everyone together
members (four in the and for the concert on
band, twelve in the Friday night. She said
choir), performing the difference between
“When You Believe” the two was significant,
from the 1998 film The Prince of with the balance much better at the
Egypt. Girls’ dorm supervisor Brittany concert--an opinion Waller echoed.
Arkema performed the opening solo. Bast also said that the concert per-
formance “sounded impressive. It was
Faculty and staff members in the neat to see the staff and students
choir would practice briefly after the performing together and it made me
weekly staff meeting and then join proud to hear what they were able
choir practice when they could; those to do.”
in the band would join band rehears- The desire of each SBA concert
al as their schedules permitted. Due is to honor the Lord and to point the
to the challenge of getting everyone audience to Him. It is our prayer that
together at the same time, though, “Let Your Light Shine!” did just that.
it was not until the day before the
concert that the full mass ensemble Opposite: Helen Wilkinson;
ever performed the piece together, above: Jake Yang.
which they did only twice before the
concert performance. The Crusader | 21

April Teel and Jolene Haun were
both part of the choir. “It was a lot
of fun to sing alongside the students,”
Teel said. “That was something I had
never done before.” Haun agreed,
saying, “It was a fun opportunity to
get to rehearse and perform along-
side the students. I think they enjoyed
having us interact with them as we
were all on the same level as per-

Commencement Jason Watson
After several days of rain, Sun-
day May 21, turned out to be Susan Wilken were the honor
a beautiful day for baccalaureate guards this year. Following a
and commencement. Following an welcome that recognized all of
invocation and a performance of the SBA alums as well as current
“How Great Thou Art” by the La- and former members of the school
dies’ Ensemble, the diplomas were board, advisory council and facul-
presented to one kindergarten and ty/staff who were in the audience,
six eighth grade graduates (see Jim Hofman provided the invoca-
page 26). tion. The Small Vocal Ensemble then

Seniors Hel- sang “We Are More
en Wilkinson and Than Conquerors.”
Andrew Hoffman
then reflected on The annual schol-
their classmates and arships and awards
their time at SBA. were then presented.
The SBA worship The selection of the
team then led a time recipients is handled
of congregational by different individ-
worship, after which uals (scholarships)
Mr. David Holland or by faculty/staff
(right), father of senior Sterling vote (awards) and
Holland, delivered the baccalaure- the recipients’ names
ate address. Holland shared with are not shared before they are
the students a number of things he presented. As a result, just about
wished someone would have told everyone was surprised to learn
him when he was graduating from that the five honors were bestowed
high school, referencing Scripture on two seniors. The E. Stanley Mor-
throughout. gan Scholarship (math/science),
Kea Ufen Dearing Scholarship
After lunch the annual Friends (music) and Crusader Award were
of Sunshine Meeting was held in all presented to Jiwon Park while
the chapel and then at 2:30 com- Andrew Hoffman was the recipient
mencement began. When the Cru- of the Millard F. Seaman Leader-
sader band played the first chords ship Award and Citizenship Award.
of the traditional “Pomp and Cir- Dale Paulson, secretary of the
cumstance” the processional began. advisory council, member of the
Juniors Cassidy Clark, Bethlehem SBA Hall of Fame and the HOF se-
Mulualem, Renee Seaman and lection committee, announced that
Paul and Rhonda Jorgensen are
22 | The Crusader

the 2017 inductees into the SBA the one hundred year rule, asking
Hall of Fame. Paul is a gradu- them, “One hundred years from
ate of SBA (‘70) and three-term now, what would have been the
member of the school
board, including several right decision? You will
years as board pres- be dead and the only
ident. His tenure as person that will matter
president included one is an audience of One.”
year that SBA did not
have a superintendent, Following
and he spent many Strohman’s address the
hours helping the school. seniors finally received
The Jorgensens’ daugh- their diplomas in their
ters Kendra (‘00) and Heather hands, the moment
(‘02) are also alums. they had worked and
waited for for so long. During a
PyeongKang Kim and Eliza- PowerPoint presentation showing
beth Schultz (above) delivered each senior in a baby picture and
the salutatory and valedictory a senior picture the seniors de-
addresses respectively after which livered white roses to individuals
the senior class sang “We Are who have played special roles in
Called,” communicating in song the their lives. Tom Young, president
words of their class verse, Micah of the school board, then offered
6:8. congratulations to the seniors and

John Strohman gave them permis-
(right), an Assistant sion to turn their
Attorney General for tassels.
the State of South
Dakota, chairman The Class of
of Cross Centered 2017 included stu-
Missions and author dents from families
of The Application in two countries and
Commentary of the five states--Ethiopia
and South Korea,
Gospel of Matthew Colorado, Montana,
North Dakota, South
and The Fake Commis- Dakota and Wy-
sion, then delivered oming. Their plans
the commencement address. Like beyond high school have them
Holland, Strohman gave the seniors continuing their studies in six differ-
advice for life beyond high school, ent states as well as in France. Our
including what he called the secret prayer for them is that they will
of life--which is simply doing what each do justice, love kindness and
is right. He told the students about walk humbly with God.

The Crusader | 23

CLASS OF2107

Cailey Banik is the daughter of Ja- Grace Delany is the daughter of

son and Lauren Banik of Hartford, Dawn Delany of Gunnison, CO.

SD. She plans to work as a nanny She will be attending Colorado

for one year and then pursue Mesa University this fall.

college.

Grace Germain is the daughter of Andrew Hoffman is the son of Rod Sterling Holland is the son of
Don and Deb Germain of Wess- and Kandice Hoffman of Dupree, David and Sandra Holland of
ington, SD. She will be attending SD. He will attend South Dakota Moorcroft, WY. This fall he plans
Stewart School this fall to study State University for mechanical to attend Lake Area Tech to go
cosmetology. engineering. through the Butler CAT program.

Abraham Mulualem is the son of Grace Nolte is the daughter of Jiwon Park is the daughter of
Assegid Mulualem and Almaz
Abebe of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Don and Lisa Nolte of Colstrip, MT. Sooyang Park and Jehyun Chon of
He plans to attend Knox College
this fall to study pre-med. This fall she will attend Western Seoul, South Korea. She will attend

24 | The Crusader Dakota Tech to pursue a para- École Polytechnique in France to

medic degree. study math and computer science.

Thomas Deressa is the son of Hewan Gashaw is the daughter Ermias Haile is the son of Tekea
Ashenafi and Selam Deressa of of Shiferaw Gashaw Damte and Gebresselasse and Gebretesae
Ethiopia. He plans to attend South Aynalem Bedasso Toure of Addis Haile of Ethiopia. He plans to
Dakota State University where he Ababa, Ethiopia. She will be attend Shaw University to study
would like to study business. studying nursing at SDSU. business or civil engineering.

Emily Karhoff is the daughter of PyeongKang Kim is the daughter Jedidiah Konechne is the son of
Kim and the late Kevin Karhoff of of Young Sim Seol and Yeo Han Gary and Lisa Konechne of Platte,
Mitchell, SD. She will study human Kim of Seoul, South Korea. She will SD. At this time Jed is undecided
development/family services at attend Pennsylvania State Univer- about his future.
University Center in Sioux Falls. sity to study chemical engineering.

Elizabeth Schultz is the daughter Rebecca Spangler is the daughter Zach Vander Vorst is the son of
of Mitch and Lani Schultz of Het- of Charles and Michelle Spangler Brad and Denette Vander Vorst of
tinger, ND. She will attend North of Prairie City, SD. Rebecca is Mobridge, SD. This fall he plans
Dakota State University pursuing a undecided about her future plans to attend Lake Area Tech for ag
pharmacy degree. at this time. production.

The Crusader | 25

Helen Wilkinson is the daughter Gyeong-Chan Yang is the son of
of Doug and Anetha Wilkinson Byeong-Ho Yang and Seung-Eh
of Little Eagle, SD. She plans to Lee of South Korea. He plans to
attend Sitting Bull Community attend SDSU to study music and
College this fall. computers.

Left: Kindergarten graduate Reagan Sand-
ness, son of Clint and Tala Sandness of Miller,
SD.

Below (L to R): Titus Deal (Selby, SD); Taylor
Michaelis (Wessington, SD); Abby Haun
(Miller, SD); Ruthe Lopez (Wessington Springs,
SD); Cassidy Watson (Miller, SD); Evelyn
Jones (Fort Thompson, SD).

26 | The Crusader

Development
Corner Ashley Ritenour

Building sustainable relationships for
the mission of Sunshine Bible Academy

Summer is in full swing and I am enjoying

the various opportunities to travel and meet

face to face with many supporters and alumni

of SBA across the Mid-West. Please keep up-

dated on my travels on SBA’s Facebook page!

Some of the things I am doing/sharing

with folks while on the road include:



New Dorms Project Update

We are just approximately $200k away from begin-

ning construction!



Connecting with Potential Students & Parents

Traveling to various youth camps and promoting SBA.

Crusader Club Crusader
Our supporters who give at $100 per month level toward Club!
the General Fund are a tremendous blessing to help every-
thing at SBA keep running.

Estate & Planned Gift Opportunities
You can make a difference and give the legacy gift that
keeps on giving through various opportunities.

Ultimately, what are we striving for in the midst of all these oppor-
tunities? To provide a solid Christian education that invests in the souls of
our current and future generations. If you feel the Lord leading you to join
SBA in any of the ways mentioned above feel free to contact me at Ashley.
[email protected] or 605-870-1659. Or you can send gifts directly to the
school. Thank you!

1 Peter 4:9 “As each man has received a gift, use it to serve
one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (ESV)

The Crusader | 27

SBA Foundationy thought today is that it is time David Paul

that I give a report of what your

MSBA Foundation does and is doing.
First and foremost the SBA Foundation was

created to assist Sunshine Bible Academy

financially for the long term. Typically a

Christian school needs and spends monthly

every penny that comes in the door to keep

the doors open. I don’t have a breakdown of where all the money is spent

but I do know that the SBA school board works hard to keep the school in the

black. There are no frills.

The large group of you who monthly/yearly support Sunshine are a very

diverse group in respect to your interest in giving. Largely it comes to the

general fund. For many it is the building fund; for some it is projects: the auc-

tions, clean-a-thon etc. There are always some who step up for special needs

and the list goes on.

For the SBA Foundation it is a little different. The SBA Foundation re-

ceives gifts from people who want to give “a gift that keeps on giving”.

These gifts become endowments in trust where the principle amount of the gift

is never spent but all investment income from that gift goes to the school each

year. Currently we hold seven endowments. The endowment called ”Gener-

al” holds monies given to the Foundation just to invest, with the earnings going

to the school. Also it holds monies given by families who are year by year

growing their account to the amount needed to have an established family

endowment with which they can designate where the earnings go. Next are

six established family endowments. The seven endowments together now total

over one-half million ($513,132.89). Each July the school receives a check

from the SBA Foundation of earning from investments. We anticipate that this

year’s check will be an amount over $20,000, while the principle keeps on

growing and giving.

Other functions of the Foundation include overseeing the Livestock Pro-

gram and accounting for the Building Capital monies as they come in and are

spent out.

We would always like to encourage families to think strongly of build-

ing a family endowment honoring parents/grandparents or setting aside an

amount in your will as a testimony.

My allotted space is gone but I would gladly make more space and time

for you at 605-748-2481, cell 605-389-7113 or 16827 Old 212, Mud

Butte, SD 57758.

28 | The Crusader

Gifts HONOR GIFTS

Gift Given By In Honor of

Given to General Fund

Brad and Jolene Haun Jenda Linn

Jason and Kristina Watson Howard and Kay Friesen

Jason and Kristina Watson Robert and Janet Watson

MEMORIAL GIFTS

Gift Given By In Memory of

Given to General Fund

Wayne & Cindy Goodrich Jerry Mackey

Wayne & Cindy Goodrich Harold Grimm

Wayne & Cindy Goodrich Allen & JoAnn Kellogg

Tom & Judy Brady Steven Brady

Phil & Vicki Hahn Scott Runge

Janis Brockel Deryl Fenske

Larry & Sherry Van Zee Harold Grimm

Kenny & Lorraine Augspurger Harold Grimm

Terry & Valerie Augspurger Harold Grimm

The following families gave memorials in memory of Joyce Bauer:

Donna Greenough, Jerre Willis, Robert & Janice Morgan, Larry & Sherry Van Zee, Rev.

Jon Urbach, Frances Welch, Steve & Angela Lang, Edward & Shirley Bergeson, Mark &

Denise Venner, Shirley (Forest) Whitney, Dennis Larson, Shari Anderson, John Whitney, Elmer

& Judy Rieger, Chris & Belva Anderson, Jan Aden, Dan & Jannell Scott, Jim & Marjorie

Letellier, Richard & Julie Bauer, Bibb & Karen Longcrier, Dan & Carol Eggebraaten and

Delbert Bauer Family

The following families gave memorials in memory of Tom Kosakowski:
Don & Deb Germain, Scharon Schroeder, Gaven & Martha Banik, Jason & Kristina Watson,
Jean Anderson, Robert & Toby Bothel, Matthew & Sherri Whiteford, Dorie Trumbo, Craig
& Lori Brockel, Arnie & Bonnie Johnson, Todd & Heidi Seaman, Steve & Margaret Frusher,
Jack & Ramona Ufen, Seth & Sarah Moreland, Kathleen Hass, Michael & Jennifer Rewinski,
The Ransom Church, Zane & Sally Wulf, Ronald & Edith Crosby, Carl & Rose Bauman, Larry
Koth, Ken & Jean Shay, Steve & Bonnie Yearous, Jim & Marjorie Letellier, Tom & Sage
Hunt, Kelly & Gwen Hettich, William & Joan Cowell, Frank & Mary Roraff, Mark & Becky
Stiegelmeier, Allan & Jeanette Kostboth, JD & Julie Hewitt, Kervan & Jane Vander Wey,
Linda Stones, Gary & Ruth McCubbin, Janina Swiacki, Marian Burling, Larry & Della Nolan,
Ron & Susan Bowar, Kenny & Lorraine Augspurger, Roger & Kendra Weiss, Charlie & Beth
Kruse, Tom & Janice Koth, Jamin & Sarah Hartland, Lindsey Hettich, Brad & Ashley Ufen,
Malachy & Karen Fallon, Timothy & Susan Heerts, Rich & Millie Richer, Duane & Beverly
Tate, Linda Dodge, Marjorie Guichard, Gaylon & Laela Van Zee, Joyce Weiss, Peggy Stac-
ey, Kent & Janet LaDue, Larry & Diane Mehlhaff, Douglas & Carol Eriksmoen, Phil & Vicki
Hahn, Craig & Kayla Hinman, Mark & Terice Ketelhut, Beryle Sessions, Charlton City United
Methodist Men’s Group and Cheryl Kosakowski Family

The Crusader | 29

SBA Family News
MARRIAGES BIRTHS
Elissa Stiegelmeier (‘14) married Brent Brad (‘99) and Ashley Ufen welcomed
Ogren on June 10 in Mobridge, SD. Kate Elizabeth to the world on May
They now reside in Langford, SD. 25. She was 7 pounds 1 ounce, 19
inches long.
Tricia Wilken (‘14) married Cody Her-
man on June 17 in Meadow, SD. Titus (‘12) and Samantha Clark wel-
comed Aiden Eugene on June 11. Aid-
HOMEGOINGS en checked in at 7 pounds 14 ounces
Joyce Bauer (‘59) passed away on April and 21 inches long.
17. Joyce attended SBA for four years
and accepted Christ while she was a stu- Nathan (‘11) and Michaela Shay wel-
dent here. Joyce is survived by Delbert, comed Evelynn Mae, 9 lbs 12 oz, 22
her husband of 56 years. inches long, on June 13.

Brenda Eller, wife of SBA Foundation di- We want to hear from you! Please
rector Ed Eller, passed away on Mother’s send all information and updates
Day, May 14, with Ed and her daughter to [email protected].

Ashley holding her hands.

NEWS Classes of 1953-1969 Reunion
Two of SBA’s dorm counselors are
involved in missions this summer. Brittany (including students and staff from this era)
Arkema is headed to Ireland for six
weeks as part of Reign Ministries’ Royal SBA’s Homecoming
Servants summer missions program. October 6-7, 2017
Ryan Arentsen is a site director in
Raleigh, North Carolina as part of Activities include lunch, parade,
YouthWorks summer missions programs. school tour, football game, dinner
Please keep both of them in your and meeting on October 6, brunch
prayers throughout the summer.
and program on October 7.
On the evening of June 3 there was a
launch of a commercial Falcon 9 rocket RSVP: Sherry Moser (‘62) Van Zee
carrying a Dragon cargo ship on a sup- by August 21, 2017 (School begins)
ply run to the International Space Sta-
tion. Dr. Jeremy Banik (‘99) is the prin- Phone: 605-354-4191
cipal investigator for the ROSA project. E-mail: [email protected]
To learn more about that, watch his Mail: 20996 362 Ave. Miller, SD 57362
press conference at the Kennedy Space Or find her on Facebook
Center before the launch at https://
youtu.be/kv-hgH4vnvo?t=30m36s

30 | The Crusader

Calendar

Upcoming events...

AUG Sports Week
14 Football, Volleyball and Cross Country Practices

AUG First Day of School
21

SEP No School - Labor Day
4

SEP Fall SLEW
11-15

OCT HOMECOMING
6 Football game at 2:00 p.m. against Crazy Horse

OCT End of First Quarter
13

Gifts, continued

Gift Given By In Memory of

Given to Scholarship Fund

Joe & Barb Warner Joyce Bauer

Given to Building Fund

Tom & Judy Brady Jeffrey Hurlbut

Jason & Kristina Watson Carroll Brockel

Gloria Andrews Carroll Brockel

Ruth Clarin Scott Runge

Lorraine Augspurger Lois Robertson

John Whitney In honor of Lois Warner’s 90th Birthday

The Crusader | 31

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