The first nine weeks of the school year have come to a close, providing plenty of excitement for students and faculty alike.
As a new mix of people got used to seeing one another in the hallways, the opening quarter was speckled with special events. Fall sports began in late July, consuming the final weeks of many students’ summer vacations. This paved the way for the first day of school which, in addition to syllabi and the start of new classes, included SBA sponsored games of tug-of-war, a Social Media video on back to school shopping, and Dilly Bars in the Friendship Garden.
Day Away followed, sending the freshmen to Camp Friedenswald for group-building games. Sophomores began at Bethany, moving on to Maple City Chapel, Witmer Woods, and Waterford Mennonite Church. Juniors enjoyed canoeing from Shanklin to Ox Bow while the senior class stayed at the school for an informational meeting before driving to Goshen College for a time of worship and reflection. The class ended with free time in the college’s recreational fitness center.
School-wide events came quickly after that, starting with Kickoff, during which everyone enjoyed pizza and ice cream as well as performances by students. School picture day, NWEA testing, and senior composite picture day followed. Auditions for the fall drama, To Kill a Mockingbird, took place as September drew to a close, with the cast list posted only a few days later.
As October began, tennis, cross country, and girls soccer teams fought hard in sectional competition. Nate Brendle (‘13) advanced to regionals for the boys tennis team. Alumni weekend at Bethany welcomed classes from the past. The forensics team and cast of To Kill a Mockingbird began practices during this time as well. Paraguayan students from Colegio Alberto Schweitzer in Asunción visited for three weeks, taking in American culture through classes and time spent in host homes.
With the quarter wrapping up, the fall instrumental concert showcased music from the ensembles’ first nine weeks of rehearsal. The boys soccer team achieved regional victory and began practicing for the semi-state competition as the volleyball team prepared for sectionals.
So, aside from school-wide special events, what have teachers and classes been up to? As I conducted a quarter survey with the high school faculty, many were excited about the technology changes as the school moves towards a one-to-one program with laptops. Chapels have also been a highlight. Many teachers remember the impact of Renae Yoder’s chapel during which she spoke on her battle with cancer, and Len Morris’ chapel on developing faith in a Christian environment.
Dale Shenk’s classes have changed with the presence of Eric Vandrick, a seminary student who Dale says “has done good work in his teaching classes and through that has challenged me to be a better teacher.” In addition to new teachers, many faculty have enjoyed getting to know new classes and individual students. Several high school teachers claim Aaron Maust (‘14) has stood out this quarter. Brent Reinhardt describes him as “a highlight every day.”
Global news also has the attention of students and faculty alike. Deterioration of the Middle East, US military action, and the upcoming presidential election are a few of the things that have everyone talking.
If the excitement of the first quarter is any indication of what’s to come this year, we’re certainly in for a treat.
~ Jesse Bontreger