Three New WC Babies

Babies Natasha Baugher, Garrison Burns, and Caschel Heath were all born recently to staff members here at Worthington Christian.

Between April 28^th and May 6^th, the Baughers, the Burns, and the Heaths were all blessed with new additions to their families. The Baughers had a beautiful baby girl, and the Burns and Heath families both had a boy.

Mr. David Stoll, WC staff member, said “Wow! I’m very excited. Being a father of four, I get excited to see God’s miracle inside of a woman. It’s amazing.” The new babies are the buzz at WC this week.

WC photography teacher Mrs. Jess Heath gave birth to Caschel McHenry Redemption Heath and, surprisingly, chose to wait until the delivery to know his sex. “I actually didn’t know that I’d have a boy. The longer Adam and I waited, the more we didn’t want to know,” she said. “I always had the feeling it was a boy.”

With this being the Heaths’ first child, waiting to discover the sex was a bold step.

WC Director of Spiritual Formation Mr. Tom Burns and his lovely wife Christie also had a baby boy. Garrison Murphy was named after a close family friend, Gary; and his middle name, Murphy, was inspired by Mr. Burns’s childhood hero, baseball player Dale Murphy. “At first we were shocked that we were pregnant as we already have a fairly full home,” said Mr. Burns. “We always thought we would have one more, but Garrison’s timing was a little sooner than we were anticipating.”

Garrison’s birth, being the fourth for the Burns family, was no major adjustment for Tom and Christie. However, Garrison’s delivery was different from that of their first three children. “This was surely the easiest pregnancy of the three,” said Christie. “We were all shocked by how big he was: nine pounds. Breaks our family record by about a pound and a half.”

Social Studies teacher Mr. Dan Roads said, “This is crazy. Three babies at once?! They’ll all grow up together and probably get married. The two guys will be fighting over Natasha, though.” The Baughers are moving into the same neighborhood where the Heaths reside, so there is a strong possibility that their children will be close companions.

The Baugher’s baby girl, Natasha, was also born in May. The only girl of the three and proud! “It is wonderful that one girl was born of the three!” said Student Services Assistant Mrs. Cindy Dunn. “And I’m pretty sure I saw Mr. Baugher wrapped around Natasha’s little finger!”

These pregnancies, and the subsequent births of the infants, have brought an intense excitement to WC.

One Band, One Sound

On April 26th, band instructor Ms. Karen Leigh led the very first WC Band Concert in the AC Auditorium.

This year, the band performed separately from the WC choir for the first time in years. The band’s independence made an indelible mark and shows the capability of their teamwork.

The band, consisting of seven seniors, two juniors, and seven freshmen, worked hard to make this concert a great one.

Senior Aimee Zhu said, “Even though the beginning of the semester wasn’t good we kept getting better. And even though we made mistakes in the concert, it was still good.” Working hard pays off, and the band put work and time into this show.

The seniors of the band earnestly presented their talents for this concert, specifically because they wished to put on a final good show. “Being in the concert was bittersweet,” said senior Katelyn Shultz. “I love being a part of the band, but that was my last concert for high school.”

The band playing without the choir was a risky decision; however, their confidence spoke volumes at the concert.

“This band concert is an innovative idea.” said senior RJ Murray. “Sure, it may need some refining, but it is a good idea for the future.” The efforts of the band members balanced their small size.

Remarkably, the band members complement each other while playing certain songs and themes. English 11 teacher Mrs. Lia Johnson said, “They played well together. Katelyn Shultz’s piece was especially beautiful.” Compatibility is a key component to a great band.

Even though the band had a rough start toward the beginning of the year, they undoubtedly, have been advancing. “I was not completely satisfied with my own performance,” said senior Alex Whitt. “However, I have seen marked signs of improvement in other band members.” Knowing what needs to be improved and making the proper adjustment comes with performance and presentation.

Not only did the high school students have a good show, but they shared the concert with eighth grade WC band members. “My favorite part was playing with the eighth graders,” said freshman Ryan Carroll. “I was in the eighth grade band last year, too.”

Band director of three years Ms. Karen Leigh went from having conducted a 15 minute piece, in previous years, to this April’s hour-long show. “The Seagate is my favorite song that was played. It is a college level piece, but it is beautiful,” she noted. “I was very pleased with the concert; the whole ensemble and the solos show off my class’ talent. I am very proud.”

The Third Grade Passover Seder

The WC Westview and Powell Elementary schools held a special ceremony at the HS AC Auditorium on Friday April 5, 2010, for the purpose of understanding the routines of the Jewish Seder Feast.

Third graders from both branches who were engaged in this event have been informed of the importance of the special Passover Supper that is recounted in the Bible. Understanding the reason for this celebration is an important piece of these children’s Christian education.

Westview Elementary School teacher Judy Bechtel attended this function and was delighted by the reason behind it. “It is a great experience for these kids to get to be a part of something this serious. It is supposed to be a traditional celebration and that it was!”

Though the Jewish traditions were the focal point of the ceremony, the larger percentage of the children and parents were, unsurprisingly, non-Jewish. Nevertheless, they easily adapted to the atmosphere. The components of this ceremony reflect those that the Jewish disciples and Jesus Christ practiced.

Granted this opportunity to be associated with the intricate ceremonies of the Jewish people, the third grade class of WC had an interesting outlook on the celebration. The food that they ate was that of the original Passover Supper.

Although the Seder meal was distasteful to a majority of the class, some children with Jewish backgrounds had a far less difficult time accommodating to the flow of the ceremony than the non-Jewish attendants did.

“One thing we tasted as a symbol was the bitter herbs that reminded the Israelites of the bitterness of slavery,” third grade Powell Elementary school teacher Mary Myers shared. “Also, there was a door drawn on the plate on which the students dipped a parsley branch into grape juice and put it on the doorposts. After we did our symbolism part, then we had a feast! It was great.”

The food produced mixed reviews. In addition to the Seder meal, the feast also included traditional American dishes. Third grader Michael King said “It was fun; I liked the mashed potatoes and chicken!” Though some of the guests thought the cuisine bitter, others, apparently, appreciated it.

Parent David Forbes said, “I was glad to accompany my son to this formality. It was a wonderful time.” The parents highly commended the opportunity to be a part of such an event with their children.

“I liked that we got to be like Jesus in the Passover picture,” said Caroline Mousa. Being like Christ seems a primary reason for participating in the Passover. Our Savior is the reason why we are here and it is laudable that young children can experience a different way to show their love for God.

“I like the Passover Seder because we got to learn all about it and what the Blood of the Lamb on the door means,” third grade Westview Elementary student David Forbes stated. The Seder Feast has made a positive impact on the lives and mindsets of the 3rd grade WC children and parents.

[Photos courtesy of Mrs. Holly Varian]

The Dominican Republic: Senior Missions Trip 2010

On Friday April 19^th, WCS seniors traveled to the country of Dominican Republic with the effective intention of blessing the Dominican people with the love of Jesus Christ.

Proving to be very successful this year, the trip to Dominican was an inspiring experience for all WC seniors who attended. The mission portion of the trip was the focal point majority of students and chaperones; and ample fun was included during the experience.

Our mission for the Dominican trip contained of a variety of duties. Giving food and water to the residents of poor villages was but one way of lending a helping hand. However, this particular experience of interacting with numerous Dominicans was one of the most performed of all the activities. Senior Carrie Chodzin said, “Some of the people hadn’t eaten in days. It was a good feeling to be able to be the heroes they had been believing God for; even if it was just for a few hours at a time.

The experience of feeding the villages ministered to the majority of WC attendants. Seeing people in such dire circumstances blessing God’s name changed the perspectives of the senior class.

Children as young as three years old bearing life-threatening diseases displayed that happiness is still an option. The WC medical team worked diligently to help those struggling for their lives. Dr. Douglas Katula accompanied the seniors this year, successfully leading the medical clinic portion of the mission trip.

“This young boy held up a paper to me that said he was positive for HIV,” said senior Andrew Parrish, one of the many assisting medical students. “He was the happiest kid, just smiling and running around. It just touched me.” The trip allowed many of us to understand that we take too much for granted; especially when we realized that we have so much, in comparison.

Singing and dancing with the Dominican children was one of the major highlights of the missions for a bulk of the senior class. Senior praise leader Madison Mikhail directed the song and dance program for the trip.

Alongside Madison, Michael Bush vigorously involved himself with singing and dancing as well. Together, their overflow of energy enlivened the children and made God more real to them.

“It was crazy, hot, dripping with sweat, and high energy, but it was well worth it,” said Michael Bush. Being involved in this experience requires one to be passionate—without that passion, we as seniors could not have made it through one day in the Dominican Republic.

Along with songs and medical assistance came arts and crafts. Katelyn Schultz led the face-painting department along with Cristiana Mace, Beth Julca, and myself. “I loved painting their faces!” Katelyn said. “I don’t speak a word of Spanish, but I loved it!

On Sunday, WC students attended a Dominican church, where there were children everywhere. “I loved going to the church.” Jazmine Keels said. “Observing the way other people love God is really interesting.” Though an English translator was present and the atmosphere was a culture shock, it engaged our attention fully.

Selected senior Spanish students gave personal testimonies at the villages that we visited, speaking directly to the people about what God has done in the lives of those at WC. “Even though I didn’t give a testimony, I like being able to translate and just talk to them,” said fluent Spanish speaker Beth Julca.

The testimonies were heartfelt and the Dominican village residents appreciated the students’ gesture. Kaley Heath said, “I just wanted to pour my heart out to them and let them know how much God cares.”

Returning home from such an environment of loving people and children was difficult for most students. Being in the Dominican was a new way of life; many people that we met carry God in their hearts in the way a true follower of Christ should. “I was thinking about it,” said Cristina Mace; “and I miss the kids already.”

Meet the Writers: Social Butterfly

Worthington Christian senior Abby Camp is one of the school’s most affable and sociable W.C. students; however, there is more to her than meets the eye.

Abby is what some would refer to as a social butterfly, or a very sociable person who flits from one social event to another. Not only does Abby attend all the social events connected with the school, but she assists in planning them as well. She’s commonly known to be active in the latest affairs and events of WC.

Varsity cheerleading, student council, student body, and Spanish club are a few activities that occupy Abby’s interest, performance, and attention. Abby diligently pursues being efficacious in her schoolwork and her efforts apparently serve her well.

College, for the senior class, is approaching; Abby is preparing for this vast transition and claims Ohio State University as one of her top choices on where she will most likely attend college. Abby says Columbus has been her “favorite place to live so far because it’s an actual city and it isn’t gross.” Essentially, her opinion of Ohio is heavily weighted upon her strong desire to attend Ohio State.

Along with her indefatigable involvement at WC, Abby also possesses a passionate love for traveling the world. Having conquered Ireland, Italy, Greece, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras, Abby now considers Brazil her most desired future destination. She also wishes to travel more often inside the United States.

This affinity for traveling is closely intertwined with Abby’s deepest devotion: the people of the world. Traveling is one of the main ingredients for touching God’s people, specifically those who are lost and suffering; and Abby is adamant about this concern in our world.

The hope that all people would come to know Jesus Christ before breathing their last breath on earth stands as the one element Abby says she would change about the world if only she could. Abby values having a relationship with the Savior tremendously. Making this change would connect to Abby’s compassionate personality and character traits.

Traveling encourages Abby to write about her experiences and encounters while she journeys. She enjoys writing and sees it as a good tool to help recall and relive her travel experiences. Writing things down can assist almost everyone in remembering important events that occur.

Once Abby chooses the college she will attend, she will major in Political Science and Pre-Med, and minor in Spanish. She previously considered majoring in Marine Biology, but has since abandoned that ambition. Abby believes that it could still happen, but isn’t necessarily pursuing that desire any longer.

Abby admits that she is unsure whether she will change her major or not. According to the studies and surveys, a little over fifty percent of all college students change their major the first year. She does not deny the statistic, but she is unsure of what the future will hold for her.

Mr. and Mrs. Camp have never failed to encourage their daughter to pursue her own dreams and follow her own path. They encourage her to be her own person, not
pressing any particular profession or decision upon her. Abby is thankful for her parents, and fulfilling her dreams is exactly what she intends to do.

Photography Club

Getting involved at WC makes school more fun and interesting. The Photography Club, since last year, has been a significant advantage to the school’s clubs.

Led by Mrs. Ginger Gibson, the club is gradually achieving a higher level of excellence and quality since its inception last spring. Unfortunately, during the previous school year, the club only made it through one semester. Regardless, the club has worked hard and this school year the photography students have been going strong since day one and will go through to the end of the year.

With Mrs. Gibson overseeing seventeen students, there is always something that can be photographed or improved. Mrs. Gibson has been involved with photography over the course of many years, taking countless pictures of fun WCHS events such as Winter Event and the girl’s annual PowderPuff football game.

The club members are in favor of learning the art, and having fun while capturing WC moments and events. “I really like photography,” said sophomore April Lamonte. “It’s fun because Mrs. Gibson does a lot of field trips so it’s great experience; and she’s a great person to lead it.” Photography is a creative tool that uses one’s personality to bring a picture to life. Junior Photography Club member Amy Gibson shared, “Photography really helps you learn more about yourself. I know I, personally, have learned more about who I am as a person through this.”

Mrs. Gibson said she believes that being the supervisor over the club is a fun thing to do. She and her daughter were privileged to feature in a portfolio that will be given to renowned actor, Arnold Schwarzeneggar as a result of attending the Arnold Fitness Classic, which featured the very first Photo Workshop. “David Tahata, the guy who taught the workshop,” said Mrs. Gibson, “was really funny and super talented. He travels all over the world and teaches how to use lighting in order to make a good photo. We learned some really neat things like how to change the lighting of your picture by putting this gel over the flash!”

Mrs. Gibson is very adamant about getting her Photography Club kids on field trips and exposing them to a variety of experiences so that they can stretch their abilities and consistently learn about the craft. Amy admitted, “My mom is a really great person for initiating stuff like field trips and activities.” Faithful WC mom Mrs. Lisa Siders agreed: addressing the club members, she said “You photography kids have an amazing advantage to have someone like Mrs. Gibson who is just so committed. She is always looking to improve what she does individually and to help you all improve.”

The Photography Club is doing a stupendous job so far, as evidenced by their hard work and skill. Mrs. Gibson said, “A lot of the kids have gotten so much better and bolder at showing their skills. On Facebook, people are asking us for our photos. There was a girl from Orange High School and asked if they could have some pictures that we took for their yearbook. It’s a blessing to know that the community is interacting with what we’re doing.”

Sophomore Bryn Dawdy stated, “I was already interested in photography beforehand, so when I heard about the club I was excited to learn new stuff.” This club, obviously, is interesting and fun with much to offer its members: and had consequently attracted new members.

Junior Kelly Zimmerman became a new addition to the club last fall and mentioned “Before joining, I knew about photography, but I didn’t know how to make a picture look cool; and now I do.” Apparently, photography students are being met right where they are and encouraged, as well as assisted, to enhance their potentials. These WC photographers prove to be a considerable inclusion to the set of extracurricular programs and, undoubtedly, will be in the years to come.

(Photo credits courtesy of Mrs. Ginger Gibson and the Facebook group WCS Photography Club).

A New Kind of Hope: Mrs. Heath's Vision for Asia's Hope

A student art show benefitting and hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Heath enhanced Worthington Christian High School’s winter play, held on February 11th through the 13th.

Asia’s Hope is an organization ministering to children in Southeast Asia who are orphaned, enslaved, trafficked and struggling for their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Heath worked together to make an attempt to make a change.

Mrs. Heath shared that she believes God specifically spoke to her last year about holding an art show targeted toward Southeast Asia and its children. Her passionate and ambitious desire for the people is to assist them by raising money for their specific needs.

With many people going in and out of the winter play, large numbers passed through the art show. Mrs. Heath says, “The show was more than I expected; I actually didn’t know what to expect! We would’ve been glad to raise $50. Anything that would make a difference for them would be awesome. We ended up raising over $800 and that was just- … amazing!”

Mrs. Heath said “Thanks to Mr. O’Roark” who was “just so gracious in allowing me to hold the art show around his production. Also, Tom Dreyer, Adrianna Quinones, Beth Julca, and Erin Houts, as well as my advanced potography class, helped me a ton with the art show and the necessary preparations.”

Since Mrs. Heath traveled to Cambodia and Thailand wit her husband and a group of WC girls this past summer, her passion to return to the poverty-stricken country is stronger than ever. Also, Mrs. Heath majored in art at The Columbus College of Art and Design with prior experience in creativity. Her skills served as a major contributor for this task.

Many contributed to the people of Asia during this time of the winter play, as well as the art show. Mrs. Heath, as well as a large population of the student body and family understand that children do not deserve to suffer and helping is a priority.

“Any little bit helps.” Mrs. Heath said. “A little boy came up to my with $5 and said he didn’t want to buy anything and that he only wanted to give to Asia’s Hope. That just blessed me: that he didn’t ask for anything in return and that he just wanted to give. So, I have him a small 4’6 picture for him to have; and his face just lit up!”

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)” and this scripture is an exact parallel to what the WC body is doing for Asia. To give without expecting anything but the well-being of others is a mission worthy of praise.

Mrs. Heath’s idea of embedding the art show around the school play made a smashing success inevitable. With the help of her husband and a group of students the job became a major accomplishment and WC, as a body, took great pride in this event.

(Photo credits courtesy of Erinn Houts and Beth Julca)

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Theatre director David O’Roark of Worthington Christian High School brought the comedy You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown to life Thursday, February 11th through Saturday the 13th.

This play has gone down in history as a classic, and Worthington Christian High School has done it justice. The cast and stage hands, as well as director David O’Roark, worked to make this performance a great one.

Prior to the play, the enthusiastic WC student body, as well as certain staff members, described their excitement about seeing what WC’s young actors and actresses can accomplish as a cast. Anticipating the play, one of WC’s freshmen, Rachel Parrish, stated “It’s going to be amazing!” Attending this play was a highlight of the winter quarter.

O’Roark said “The cast was great.” When asked if this was one of his favorite plays to direct, he responded, “I love how simple this play is. I love the songs and I love the style, which is pretty much a series of jokes linked together; but asking me if I liked this play more is like asking me which of my children I like best.”

Charlie Brown, played by Danny Nathan, proved to be a sensation. “Since the cast was small, we’ve gotten close,” Danny said. “It was a lot of fun and Mr. O’Roark is the best. Even though the script left out some trademark Charlie Brown things, it was still good.” The small cast performed remarkably well, working and fellowshipping together.

O’Roark observed that deciding to perform You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown was a major commitment in itself. “After you find a play that is worth doing,” he stated, “then you work on the concept, themes, set design, and all that stuff before the actors even know they are in the play.”

Crista Anderson played the role of Snoopy and had input on the play as well. “Phenomenal director,” she said: “he was awesome. What I love about the play is that I could be a dog; I could be fun and goofy and just something I’m . . . not!”

Senior Luke Condon served this play and Mr. O’Roark with the gift of time and commitment, as stage manager, by helping with sounds and lights. His contribution to the smooth sailing of the show did wonders. “Working as stage manager was just the most awesome thing ever!” Luke said.

Charlie Brown has a certain optimistic persona; a way of life that captures the attention of the audience. “I like this play because Charlie Brown always thinks each day going to be great,” said O’Roark.

With its simple staging, this play still made a positive impact on its viewers. Friday night’s turnout was remarkable; and though all the performances were good, Friday night was considered the most spectacular of all three nights. Senior Erin Szabo said that “The audience seemed to pump up the actors to do even better.”

In anticipating the play, Worthington Christian High School staff member Mr. Stoll said, “Every Charlie Brown play has been great, but I am excited about this one. Our kids will be awesome and it’ll be a great show.” His prediction was accurate: the play was a major success, and was one of WCHS’s best.

[Photos of the play courtesy of Chad Dutka]