Choosing ICS for Senior Year

Choosing ICS for Senior Year

By Jennifer Adema, admissions director

Morgan Brown (pictured below) will graduate from ICS with the class of 2024. Morgan’s first day as an ICS student was also the first day of his senior year. He attended a charter school in the Salt Lake Valley from kindergarten through 11th grade. During his junior year, he became interested in making a switch, desiring a Christ-centered education. The reputation of the ICS community preceded itself, and Morgan wanted to be a part of it.

Morgan Brown (12th)

Morgan took no time adjusting as the “new kid” in the senior class; he was immediately warmly welcomed by the student body. Friendships were quickly solidified during the high school retreat at Big Canyon Ranch, and he has had no regrets in coming to ICS.

Once he began pursuing ICS, he discovered that he could have a very flexible schedule while completing the credits needed to graduate. Morgan’s schedule allows him to be off campus each Monday and Wednesday. During these days, Morgan works one of his two jobs: Chick-fil-A or a local daycare. When he is not in school or working, he enjoys rock climbing and hanging out with friends.

After he graduates high school, Morgan hopes to pursue a career as an electrician or intern in ministry. As he progresses into adulthood, he desires to grow in his faith and gain boldness in sharing his faith with others. He is an active member of Risen Life Church in Holladay. ICS welcomes students for the entirety of their school years, or just for a select year or two. Our staff is grateful for all the time students choose to spend in our classrooms, and we are overjoyed that Morgan chose to spend his senior year at ICS.

Mr. Hobbs' Lion Story

Mr. Hobbs’ Lion Story

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS?

I came to Utah on a missions trip my last year of high school. While I was here, I saw the immense need for evangelism in the valley. While I was in college, I still had the desire to return to Utah someday and assist in church planting. I applied for a job at ICS which "just so happened" to be looking for a social studies teacher. I got the job and moved out here (after picking up a wife at an internship along the way - love you, Sara!), and I am convinced that I am precisely where God wants me and my wife.

How long have you been working at ICS?

2 years (this is my third)

What is your role at ICS?

MS/HS Social Studies Faculty - MS Debate, Broadcasting teacher

What do you look forward to the most about coming to work everyday?

I look forward to being with students and showing them God's hand in all of history.

What do you like to do when you're not hard at work?

I love to spend time with my wife, watch the University of Kentucky play football and basketball, hike, listen to and create podcasts, talk to my family, and read.

What is one thing your students and/or coworkers may not know about you?

I am desperately afraid of heights.

The Caley Family's Lion Story

The Caley Family’s Lion Story

Lord, please do not make me homeschool!!

The above was my prayer when I was pregnant with our daughter because my husband said we should homeschool. You know the things people say about homeschool moms and kids. I was not about to let that be us!!! Well, as you can imagine, when you start to tell the Lord what you do not want to do, He makes you do it! Yes, I was a homeschool mom but I was rocking it! This was great!! We were able to travel. The fluid open schedule was a nice change from a structured school routine. 

Then after about six or seven years, things began to change. The math meltdowns (Mine, not hers. Lord, you know I do not remember any math past 5th grade!!) the “Mom, can’t I just skip that test? Mom, nobody else has to do this!! Mom, can’t I just go to a normal school?!?!” So, after much prayer we felt the Lord moving us to attend a Christian high school, but where? We were living in California, which was the reason we were homeschooling!!

After searching the entire nation (literally) and many different schools, the Lord lead us to ICS. We finally all agreed ICS was a fit. We were looking for a place that our daughter would be able to thrive not only academically but also spiritually. We love the Staff and Teachers at ICS. They advocate for our daughter but more importantly, pray for her to be the best the Lord has called her to be. Raising kids in today’s supercharged, social media infiltrated, “me first” social climate, takes a village of Christ-loving individuals who know how to stand on the truth of God to make an impact. ICS has that. I think we all know that putting our kids in a Christian school does not make them Christian, but if we surround them with the truth, love them unconditionally, and pray, I know that God hears those prayers and honors them.

I feel so blessed to have a school that is helping me plant seeds and water them in our daughter’s life. When the day comes for her to step into her calling, I know that ICS will have been a big part of that process.

OUR CHAMPIONSHIP

“Do we want to win the State Championship? YES. But, really, we already won.” That is what basketball coaches, Tim Drisdom and Josh Longoria, relayed throughout the interview regarding this unique 2020 season. A week out from the State Tournament, ICS was ranked by Deseret News as the #1 team in the state. This ‘19-’20 basketball season has without a doubt been unprecedented in its success, and I’m not even referring to their 17-5 regular-season record or the 1,000 point hurdle Caleb Koski achieved in only two years (27.0 ppg is 1st in Utah 1A & 3rd in all classes). Instead, the higher premium of spiritual growth is evident on this team. This growth is where the coaches have rooted their perspective in regards to the success of this season. 

When Caleb came to Coach Longoria in December with a tattoo idea of Jeremiah 29:11, his response was, “Do you believe this is true, and do you believe the rest of the Bible is true?” These questions and Caleb’s responses define the success of the season. Coach Drisdom went on to say, “I’ve known Caleb personally for 10 years. Last year was a culture shock and was hard for him. But now I’ve never seen him happier. He’s a different dude. I know what’s happening in his heart.” Caleb confessed Christ is Lord this basketball season. In regards to that moment, Caleb said, “I’ve been saved.” Tim replied after a pause, “This has been our championship.”

These athletes are full of passion for their sport and coaches oftentimes share an influence on them that is unmatched outside of parents and pastors. These ICS basketball coaches are committed to an authentic relationship, transparency, challenge, accountability, and being a part of each individual’s transformation. These athletes are not fed inauthenticity, but real, face-to-face challenge to a life of pursuing Christ. Now we know. Now we see the victory. Beyond the stats, beyond the championship, this victory is eternal. 

Written by Rachel Larson, Marketing Director

CAST AND CREW

Picture this: You are in the ICS Black Box Theatre. You are likely eating a snack from the concession stand and immensely enjoying the performance right your eyes. But what you don’t see is what’s going on backstage (behind-the-scenes), where unseen members of the show work quietly to create a seamless masterpiece on the stage.

One of the most rewarding parts about working backstage during production is helping and watching the actors and actresses thrive. From the constant set changes, quick costume changes, or the last-minute safety pins to hold a costume together before an actor runs on stage, I’ve learned the little details matter. Helping everything get in place may be stressful, but getting to help the actors put on the show is amazing. 

I remember feeling particularly content in my behind-the-scenes role during Seussical The Musical Jr. which took place fall of 2018. By the time the show was over, I knew almost every line in the whole show. This tends to happen when you’re backstage! My favorite song was always Solla Sollew because the other crew members and myself would silently dance backstage. So the next time you’re enjoying the show with snacks in hand, be reminded of those of us holding down the proverbial fort behind the curtain and quietly dancing.

Written by Lucy Cole, ICS Sophomore

A CALMING INFLUENCE

An art piece by ICS Senior, Myra Castleton, has been selected for the 48th Annual Utah All-State High School Art Show. Castleton says, “I have loved to draw since I could hold a pencil. I remember running out of paper as a little girl and erasing my mom’s college notes on a paper to draw on.” Castleton has always been most comfortable sketching with pencil and Mrs. Lee, ICs Art Teacher, who Castleton calls, “a calming influence,” has always encouraged her to do something challenging with her art. Naturally, Castleton sketches with pencil, but in striving to take Mrs. Lee’s advice and challenge herself, she created a piece with pen and ink; this pen and ink piece was selected for the All-State Art Show. The influence of Mrs. Lee is vast, as Castleton described her as someone who “goes out of her way to get material that is needed and encourages us to better ourselves.” She goes on to explain further the influence of Mrs. Lee not only on her art, but on her spiritual life. “During every evaluation, I am asked to look at my art from a different perspective as Mrs. Lee always asks, ‘How does this give glory to God?’” Congratulations to Castlton on being selected for the All-State Art Show. We echo her words describing Mrs. Lee as we are blessed and honored to have an educator like her who makes a difference in everything she does at ICS.

Written by Rachel Larson, Marketing Director

Steadfastness in the Midst of a Most Unusual Marathon

Years ago while training for a half marathon, I heard often about the “runners high.”  It’s the experience that many in the world of long-distance running have when the prefrontal and limbic regions of the brain spew out endorphins, a God-given hormone that masks pain or discomfort, and allows the athlete to feel more relaxed and euphoric when their physical body is being pushed.  I believed in the phenomenon, I desired to experience this relief, and yet it took months before I was able to personally profess this sensation. Come to find out, research suggests that there is a sweet spot where one’s pace isn’t easy nor is it gut-busting. Sauntering too casually won’t produce enough discomfort to trigger a rush.  Pushing too aggressively will overwhelm you past the point of being able to feel good. Finding the sweet spot is necessary in order to achieve relief. As the world continues to settle into new routines in the context of COVID-19, I am reminded and challenged to find my sweet spot in the midst of this crisis. Keeping in mind that this is a marathon, not a sprint, I have reflected on three specific areas to help us process our new circumstances:  personal characteristics that preamble success, spiritual disciplines and habits that affect long-term change, and contrasting sprinter versus marathon perspectives toward daily life.

As I reflect on what it looks like to successfully complete a marathon-like race in life, I sought out data that revealed the character traits of marathon finishers and non-finishers.  In short, the findings identified one characteristic that stood out: steadfastness.

Miriam-Webster defines steadfastness as “firm in belief, determination, or adherence.”  Said in another way, steadfastness is dedicating and committing oneself to the task at hand.  In the context of COVID-19, one helpful functional tool to develop is to learn to “live life backward.”  Athletes are trained to visualize meeting milestones, both short-term and long-term. Sports psychologist, Dave Caldwell, theorizes “if you are able to imagine yourself meeting your goals, you can silence the devil (negative self-talk) no matter the level of discomfort you experience.”  This principle is Ecclesiastical, one designed to change your perspective by learning to live today in light of the end. Knowing that the COVID-19 crisis will eventually end, working backward from that point into all of the details, decisions, and attitudes of our lives today helps us determine a realistic, maintainable stride for daily life.

In the same vein, we call upon spiritual disciplines or daily habits as a means toward the desired end.  John Mark Comer offers a standard definition of discipline as “any activity I can do by direct effort that will eventually enable me to do that which, currently, I cannot do by direct effort.”  For example, a student in Strength & Agility may want to bench press a certain weight but can’t. Comer contends that they don’t yet have the power or the muscle to do so. It’s not that they can’t, it’s that they cannot do it yet.  They need access to more power through the discipline of regular training, and in the end, they become the person who can do something they couldn’t previously do. The process and the principle are similar to spiritual disciplines, but with the nuance of drawing on the Holy Spirit’s power in addition to our own commitment.  As we follow the core practices of Jesus himself: quiet time to pray, reading our Bibles, living in isolated-community, practicing Sabbath, and tithing, we are drawing on supernatural strength to help us cope and enable us to sit with suffering for a bit. Also, developing strategies to weather the storm and emerge with a stronger resilience, renewed relationships, and a regenerated appreciation for life.

As we enter into the 4th week of social distancing, it's likely that you are already realizing that running a marathon feels and looks very different than sprinting a race.  While relentless work is noble and understandable (especially in western culture), it is not sustainable. It’s interesting to note that at their peak, distance runners have a significantly higher cardiac index than sprinters.  Meaning that at the peak point of a race, the distance runners experience more efficient pumping action and increased cardiac output due to their specific type of training. During a sprint, adrenaline keeps the runner going, there is legitimate urgency, and everyone around them is running at full speed.  This environment is not true for the distance runner where pace and rhythm are necessities and the goal is to remain in a comfortable aerobic zone. And so it is with us during this time when the end to our current crisis is unclear. May we seek inspiration from Jesus who steadfastly lived one day at a time, remaining in a comfortable measured zone that allowed him to be present and aware of each moment and the opportunities that might be part of it.

In summary, as you move forward into the first few miles of this COVID-19 marathon, I encourage you to seek to find your sweet spot.  First, determine to work backward living life today in light of the end. Second, do this by committing to regular spiritual disciplines to keep you grounded and stable.  Third, function practically at a sustainable pace. May each of us be very present in each day of this pandemic, intentionally seeking to make each mile matter. This season is a historical event that cannot be rewritten.  Prepare today the narrative that you will share with future generations about the One who is faithful and steadfast to those who call upon His name. 

Written by Amy Florell, Strength and Agility Teacher

Photography by Khloe Begg, ICS HS Junior

I AM CONFIDENT: SPEECH AND DEBATE

“’This class covers the essence of good writing and this first essential element is the thesis statement”, the college professor stated on the first day of class.  

“What’s a thesis statement?” The girl sitting next to me leaned over to ask.  And not only did I know, but I knew everything else in the class! This is just one example of how I was completely prepared for college. The joy in the ICS graduates’ voice was evident as the success was shared.  The shoulders, the walk, the voice, all displayed confidence from a difficult task attempted and fulfilled. This may seem a small thing until one knows the rest of the story. This 2018 graduate came to ICS at the age of 14 from a foreign country with very limited English. In four years, he not only learned English and completed all of the requirements to graduate ICS; he also took 3rd place in the State Speech and Debate tournament in Extemporaneous Speaking. 

Confidence comes from attempting something difficult and being encouraged to pursue it until success is achieved.  There may be setbacks and failures along the way, but the encouragement of others can restore confidence when the inner self desires to quit.  Whether it’s our youngest friends who are first learning their ABC’s or our oldest students who are writing for Advanced Placement and SAT exams, ICS teachers are creating challenges, supporting students, and celebrating their successes. 

“I took Speech and Debate because I have a stuttering problem and Mrs. Phinney said this was the best place to work on it”, said a freshman.  “What do you want to talk about?” I asked, and we began writing his speech. He found his passion and wrote and practiced his speech. On the way to the first tournament, he hardly spoke at all.  He went, delivered his speech three separate times to three separate judges, and won a trophy! The whole team celebrated with him and from then on, he was hooked. He kept writing, practicing, and competing. By the end of his sophomore year, that stutter had disappeared and, in his senior year, he was a respected and confident contributor in classes. This young man morphed from a quiet and shy freshman with a stuttering problem to a confident young man currently attending college.

These are two small examples of how ICS builds confidence in students. Every day, students walk into a building where their teachers, classmates, and most importantly, God, have their back. Students can come out of a speech or a test thinking they have completely failed, but then God has worked in a way that only He can to bring about His results. For example, when a competitor from another school mocked one of our female debaters, she chose to trust God and not respond. Not only did she win the debate, she won the entire tournament! She learned a valuable lesson to put her confidence in God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 reminds us that our confidence comes from God and our purpose is to serve Him in love. Every day, ICS teachers at every level are committed to equipping and inspiring students to thrive confidently in God’s world. 

A few of our 2019/2020 Speech and Debate team members

Written by Jacqueline Croswhite, Speech and Debate Coach, HS English, Social Sciences, and International Program Coordinator

International Student Program: Homestay Family

This current school year, our school opened its doors to welcome 4 international students into our student body. 3 students from Vietnam and 1 from China came to our school to experience life as a high school student in America. The entire ICS community has benefitted from the interaction with these four fantastic students. God is bringing more and more international students to study in the United States every year and you have an incredible opportunity to impact a students' life.

There are many ways the ICS family can get involved in our International Student Program. One big way to be involved is to apply to be a homestay family. All you need is an extra bedroom with a desk for the student and a willing heart to "share parent." Homestay families are often blessed with a lifelong friendship with their students. The commitment is for the 10 month school year and families are paid a monthly stipend for hosting. This can be an enriching experience for the entire family!

If this sounds like an opportunity you’d like to learn more about, please contact Jennifer in the admissions office. We work to partner you with a student that will fit into your home, lifestyle, preferences, and personalities! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to have a home with an intentional mission and hospitality mindset!

WHAT WE DO HERE IS IMPORTANT

My friend and colleague, Andrew Hobbs, when asked why he dresses so nicely for school responded, “because what we do here is important.” That response perfectly encompasses my reflections on the week of the production of Sound of Music.

I have had the great honor to become a theater mom. I am still learning from the veteran theater moms what this role looks like, but it is something that I have embraced more and more with each performance. At the very least, a theater mom must ensure that her child is present for rehearsals and stays motivated to push through the intense schedule. As I have witnessed, however, ICS theater moms go above and beyond this not-so-minimum effort. For this performance and others before it, Jennifer Little organized every detail around production. Her tireless efforts to ensure that every need was filled inspired this team of volunteer parents (Angie McGuire, Tamara Hawks, Danielle Scott, Mark Russell, Romana Brown, Rex Pickett and so many more) to use our abilities to help with costuming, hair and make up, set painting, and keeping students fed. Ultimately, though, the driving force behind our mom (and dad) efforts lies in the passion that we see in our children. This passion has been planted by Tess Tally.

Mrs. Tally is teaching our students more than how to act and sing. She is teaching them how to be professional. I was able to be backstage during two of the six performances. While I have recognized qualities of professionalism in my students before, never have I been able to see those qualities in action quite as I did on those occasions. As the two and a half-hour show was being performed on stage, the backstage area was alive with a methodical busyness. Crew members made ready props and set pieces to move on and off stage in the dark and re-taped microphones that had loosened off cast members’ cheeks. High school and middle school cast members helped their elementary school castmates with quick changes. Habit-clad girls worked hard to make sure Taylor Little (Maria) was in and out to make her cues and to hold back the curtains for Kylee Salazaar’s (Mother Abbess) wheelchair as she made her entrances and exits. What impressed me most was the hushed focus on each student’s face. I could perceive no nervousness, just the determination to do their absolute best. And as the final measures of “Finale Ultimo” rang out, cast and crew as well as their gifted director, harmonized beautifully--some on stage, some backstage. All were singing, showing their passion and perseverance through song.

Before taking the stage, all participants in a show directed by Tess repeat these words, “A professional does his best when he doesn’t want to. A professional does his best when he doesn’t have to. A professional does his best all the time because he can.” It is no wonder, then, that our students demonstrate the professionalism that is well beyond their years. This lesson is so valuable. We want our students to do everything wholeheartedly, for God’s glory. We want them to take joy in hard work done well. Tess Tally is modeling this through the stage, our teachers are teaching this in the classroom, and our coaches expect this on the courts and fields. Because we believe what we do at Intermountain Christian School is important. 

Written by Becky Schumacher, HS English Teacher

SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM REGION CHAMPS FOR 3RD YEAR IN A ROW!

Why is the Speech and Debate program so successful at Intermountain Christian School? As I asked this question to our Speech and Debate coach, Mrs. Croswhite, you would have thought the reasons would be too numerous to list, however, she redirected the conversation back to the students. She gave example after example of current students in her program and the successes of those who have graduated. I sat there waiting for her to list off what she, our top-ranked Speech and Debate coach, does to make our program the best, and the longer I sat there waiting, the clearer it became. The success of the Speech and Debate program is not necessarily about the high intelligence of the students (although that doesn’t hurt), but it is the way each student is valued as an individual. The Speech and Debate program began as a student-driven elective in 2002 and that is how it continues - as a culture of discipleship.

This culture of discipleship in the Speech and Debate program is where encouragement between students and hard work ethic equals success. 2015 Utah Speech Educator of the Year, our own Mrs. Croswhite teaches with the philosophy that recognizes how God has created each student individually and embraces the God-given talents they develop in her classroom. “The traditional philosophy says that certain events are better than others and the student needs to conform to those events. I disagree with that philosophy. I look at each student and their gifts and then cater the events to them, individually.” This is what makes Intermountain Christian School’s Speech and Debate program stand out and wildly successful. Mrs. Croswhite pushes each student to be their best and does not allow them to get away with anything less. “I set highs standards and then bend over backward to get them there.” Mrs. Croswhite has 20+ years of teaching experience and as she equips our ICS students, she inspires each one of them to thrive beyond the four walls of ICS.

Here are just a few of the program’s many success stories:

Amanda Soraiz (Class of 2008) - lawyer, actively litigates human trafficking cases

Patrick Schwarz (Class of 2011) - working on Ph.D. in Economics at MIT

Eric Henry (Class of 2017) - Special Forces, writes and analyzes military intelligence briefings

The one-on-one investment our faculty makes is part of the immense benefit our students are receiving. And, as our Speech and Debate coach says, “Our students can do more and be ore at ICS!” Congratulations to our 2018/2019 Region Champions and 2nd Place Speech and Debate State Champions! We are proud and honored to have you represent ourselves and ICS with such excellence!

By Rachel Larson | Admissions and Marketing Director

I AM COURAGEOUS: WORLD RACE GAP YEAR

I AM COURAGEOUS.

I think the word courageous in a faith sense is beautiful and powerful. It’s having the courage to stand up for the gospel, speaking truth in love, and having a firm foundation in your faith to do what the Lord calls you to do. I’ve taken the word, “courageous,” with me to Thailand. The Lord has given me a heart for missions, He has called me to go to the nations and to love on His people and to speak His truth. I’m currently living and serving in Thailand.

It’s been a little over a month and there has been a lot of spiritual warfare happening in the places my squad is working and doing ministry. We have gone through sickness and doubt and worry and in the end, it’s all about what we’re called here to do. We are called by God to love on Thailand and all the baggage it brings. We are standing firm on the Rock and we will not be shaken. We will not let anything separate us from the power of the Lord. We are His people. We have work to do here and we don’t have time to dwell on what lies satan is trying to tell us. We are courageous. We are taking our fears and doubts and worries to Jesus and we are standing firm in the gospel and speaking truth in love. I am courageous. Despite any spiritual battle I face, I am courageous. I will stand firm in the gospel and in what God has called me here to do. I will not waiver, I will not grow weak or weary.

I AM COURAGEOUS.

By Katelyn Jackson, ICS Alum (c/o 2019)

ICS CAPTIVATES PRESTIGIOUS COMPOSER

In December of 2007, I took a group of high school band students to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO. There was a relatively new event for select high school musicians called Best of the West. One of the special components of Best of the West is that CMU commissions a composer each year to write a piece of music for the university’s Wind Symphony to perform. This composer is in residence during the event and works with the high school musicians as they perform one of his pieces for the Best of the West finale concert. It is truly a highlight for our students each year.

This past December during the Best of the West, I was having a conversation with Benjamin Taylor, the commissioned composer for the year. As we talked about various things that directors and composers talk about, Benjamin became more and more intrigued with ICS and the band program here. He then said, “Nathan, can we talk about maybe working together on something soon?!” The following week we spent a little over an hour on the phone talking further about the ICS band program and how it has been able to offer unique opportunities to our students. We went on to talk about the possibility of a direct commission for ICS. After speaking with various supporters of the ICS Music Department, the funds were lined up and we were able to commission a piece to be written for the ICS Symphonic Band. To the average person, a commissioned band piece doesn’t sound like a very big deal. On the contrary, it is a huge deal! When I mentioned to Leon Chodos (Utah Symphony bassoonist), Graeme Mutchler (Utah Symphony bass trombonist), and Josh Reimann (Eastmont Middle School Instrumental Director) that we were commissioning a work for the band they each reacted with great excitement. Leon stated, “Most music students never experience being part of a commissioned work throughout their schooling and even through the university level!” This year, the ICS band students in 5th through 12th grades get to be part of a once in a lifetime experience! One very special aspect of this commission is how Dr. Taylor is going to work through this with our students.

Often, when a band work is commissioned, the composer is paid and then writes the piece of music and sends it to the group to be performed. Not so with this piece! Dr. Taylor is going to do a couple of Skype sessions with our band students during class time this fall to introduce them to the process and give them an idea of how he goes about composing a piece of music. Throughout the fall he will keep us up to date with the progress of the piece. Then, in January, we will have a final Skype session where he will present us with the finished product. Our students will be able to have input on portions of the piece as well as naming the work. We will begin rehearsing the music in January in preparation for our Spring Instrumental Concert on April 30, where we will perform the world premiere of the work. Dr. Taylor will be coming to ICS to work with students on final touches and then be presented for the premiere concert. To learn more about Dr. Benjamin Taylor, visit his website at benjamintaylormusic.com.

By Nathan Hope, ICS Music Director

Big Canyon Ranch HS Retreat: A mama's perspective

From the cries in the night to the rocking at dawn, you never truly know how quickly it all goes. Everyone warned me and told me to, “stay in the moment.” Lord knows I try to stay in the moment. But things want my attention, weigh for my time, and desire me to be torn from the moments that I so want to cherish. As a mom of a large age span of children, I feel like this is my constant resolution: be present, be in this moment, hold fast to this memory.

I had a few days like this recently that I want to hide away in my heart, cling to, and treasure. I was able to go to Big Canyon Ranch with the high school and with the theme of “Wholehearted Living,” I knew it would tie in nicely to all the Lord had been showing me personally. He’s really good at getting our attention! I found myself desperately longing to be back at his first baseball game or cuddling during a thunderstorm. I caught myself watching years unfold as my son led activities and small groups and lamenting the years that I feel got stolen. But the Lord showed me over those days that all the things I didn’t feel fully present for or that I wish the details weren’t as faint about that He was ever-present and remembers every detail and word spoken. That although I lacked that He never did. That each day He was fine-tuning the amazing young man standing before me. He faithfully had my five kids all of their days. He established each of their steps (whether I remember each of those steps or not).

He washed me with His grace as I entered into a knowing that He’s used ICS, this community, these friends, mentors, and teachers to come alongside him. This was how the retreat theme, “wholehearted living,” landed in me: to surround ourselves with those who can strengthen, sharpen, and encourage us along the journey. I’m incredibly thankful for how God has used the tools he has in my son’s life and I’m forever thankful for the God we serve who shows up in our kids' daily lives in times and moments that we could never orchestrate or recreate. 

So be present and when you’re not, trust the one who always is.

Nicole Stoddard, ICS Administrative Assistant, HS small group leader, and HS mama

I AM INSPIRED (even though I may not be musically gifted)

I am what we at ICS call a “lifer.” I went to ICS from PreK until 12th grade. There is probably not an inch of that building that I haven’t seen, nor a classroom that doesn’t hold at least a few of my fondest memories. But as I look back on my time, specifically my time in high school, there is one experience that always stands out, and that is Music Tour.

I am not musically gifted. I try to sing on key, but it just doesn’t happen as I want it to. I really struggle to read music, all the notes seem to blur together. Because of this, I had not planned to try out for vocal ensemble or handbells, thinking that I would most likely not get in. However, I babysat Mr. Hope’s kids right before starting my freshmen year and he encouraged me to give bells a try. Him, being the music teacher, I thought I should probably take his advice and, after trying out, I got into the bell choir! I worked hard to play the best that I could, but I don’t think anyone would say that I stood out by any means. As winter turned to a surprisingly sunny spring, we finished preparing our music set and packed up our bus to go on Music Tour.

On tour, our handbell choir and vocal ensemble load up a chartered bus for a week, head to the four-corners area of New Mexico and Arizona, and play music at schools and churches on the Native American Reservations. While we weren’t on the bus or preforming, we would play with the children, tell stories with the adults, and aid with small service projects. It was tiring, dusty, and a bit cramped a lot of the time, but I can honestly say that my times on tour are some of my most formational memories. Tour taught me just how much I had been given in life as I experienced poverty first hand. Tour taught me that service can take many shapes— listening, washing dishes, playing tag, praying. What matters is that your actions point others to Christ. Tour taught me that God can use anything, even my weak music skills, to reveal His heart to me and to others.

My experiences on music tour were the guiding factor in choosing to now be a double major in International Studies and Christian Ministries. I want to work in cross-cultural ministry because I have seen it in action and love watching God bring his kids together as they pursue Him. I would not be where I am, much less who I am, without my time on the Reservations on Music tour, or, for that matter, without that one August day when Mr. Hope spoke encouragement and prophecy into my life.

Cana Buckley, ICS ALUM C/O 2017

TRUSTING THROUGH TRAGEDY

As we journey through life there are many opportunities for us to experience the need to trust. We trust that the chair will hold us when we sit down. We trust the car will start when we turn it on. We trust that the sun will rise each morning. We trust in many things, but ultimately our trust must be founded in God. When our trust is founded in the one who is “trustworthy” life’s challenges take on a different meaning. 

This past week our family experienced an emotional and unexpected journey. Our oldest son, who is an ICS Alum (c/o 2016), is a Cadet at West Point Military Academy in New York. He was home for our youngest son’s 2019 graduation from ICS and headed back to WP for field training. Thursday morning we received a text that said, “I am OK. There has been an accident.” As a parent that is not something, you want to read as an opening to a text. Our son’s squad was heading out to the field for a mapping exercise when the transport vehicle they were traveling in rolled, injuring 20 cadets and 2 soldiers. Tragically, one of the Cadets was killed, class of 2020 and member of the WP wrestling team. Our son and 3 others of his team, fortunately, were not on the truck. They were told to wait because there was “no room,” the truck was full. If they had put all of them on, they would have been standing in the aisle when the truck rolled. We praise God for his safety and are heartbroken for the Cadet’s family who lost their son. 

It seems so senseless for a soon to be a young officer in the United States Army to lose his life during a training event, yet the Cadets train and put their lives at risk as they prepare to lead others to defend our country. The risk is just as real during training as it is on the field. So, where does trust come in? What if our son had been standing in the aisle as the truck rolled and lost his life along with others on his team? Could I trust that God was in control then? I pray I never have to face that situation, but I do have the assurance and hope that he has a personal relationship with Jesus. As believers we can trust that for those who have accepted Christ we will be reunited one day in glory with the Lord. 

A dear friend reminded my husband and I, that 2,000 years ago there was “no room” for us on the cross. In our place, Jesus took our sins and was crucified so that we could have eternal life with him in heaven. Because of his sacrifice, we can have life. He took our place so that we did not have to experience death, eternal separation from him. Have you trusted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? Your place was taken by the One who paid it all. He died and rose again and gave us victory over death. I am thankful that my son is safe not only physically, but spiritually. The greatest gift we can give our children is introducing them to the Lord. Knowing that they are safe in Him allows us to trust that whatever comes our way, God is in control. 

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:17 

Written by Jequita Lee, ICS Art and Dance

TOP 5 REASONS WHY BEING A MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE IS IMPORTANT

“Are my kids doing enough? Are my kids doing too much? What about college… Doesn’t my kid need to focus on the sport they excel at the most in order to get a scholarship?” There has been much said on both sides of the issue of the multi-sport athlete. There are coaches who would encourage an athlete to only participate in a single sport (usually the one they coach) year-round. There are parents who feel like the kid needs a break and should only participate in one sport. There’s the kid who wants to do it all. What is the “right way?” I have a few things I’d like to bring out in the open and at the end you can determine where you stand for yourself. 

It is a fascinating thing that this topic was never really discussed when I was growing up. There seems to be a shift that has happened between my generation and the new millennials as it pertains to “play.” What I mean is that we played differently than kids do today. When I was growing up we played outside. We played basketball, football, baseball, soccer, street hockey, and four square. We climbed trees. We had relay races. We “hopped fences” with loose dogs to retrieve balls that had gone over. We ran from stray pit bulls in route to the neighborhood park.

There was an understood reality that you played whatever everyone else was playing and you actually tried to be good enough to win. We didn’t need it to be an official game on a team because we were getting out of it what has proven to be beneficial for us that day. This form of play developed in us a competitive attitude that carried over into whatever field we ended up exploring. The benefits that we actually experienced parallel to what studies have shown. The bottom line is, the multi-sport athlete (MSA) is the way to go. 

Here are the TOP 5 REASONS WHY BEING A MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE IS IMPORTANT:

1. Injuries

One of the reasons why I endorse this philosophy is that MSA’s tend to get injured less often. Playing a single sport year-round forces athletes to use the same muscle groups and movements repeatedly. Studies have shown that strengthening different muscle groups through multiple sports is healthier. There was a study conducted that looked at NBA first round draft picks. It examined how many of them played a single sport in high school versus those who played multiple sports. The result was that players who played multiple sports were less likely to be injured than the single sport athlete. 

2. Competitors

I’ve also learned that college coaches are actually more interested in players who play multiple sports because they have more of a tendency to always compete. Coaches like Jim Harbaugh (University of Michigan) and Urban Meyer (former Ohio State coach) are two among many coaches who only recruit MSA. Harbaugh actually has his recruits play dodgeball, field baseballs, and play soccer at his camps. He says that “youngsters aren’t playing multiple sports as they once did, so you like to test them that way.”

3. Versatility

Multi-sport athletes are often more versatile and more capable of picking up new skills than those who play one sport. They usually can adjust to different positions faster and more effectively. Many recruits are asked to change their position when they arrive to college particularly for football. This has proven to be beneficial for players in that they usually achieve very high accolades personally and their versatility follows them to the pros where they’ll be asked to change positions again. 

4. Growth

Another benefit of the MSA is that they have more potential for improvement. When athletes play one sport, they run the risk of reaching their “ceiling” much faster than the MSA. The reason is because when you’re an MSA, you are forced to stop playing a sport when the season is over. This means you wouldn’t train for an entire year; leaving you with more room to grow and improve. One of my favorite things to tell athletes is this: “NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE ABILITY TO GET BETTER!” You can always improve and playing multiple sports will ensure that you have to work at it. 

5. Coachability

Another factor to consider is that MSA’s have the potential to be more coachable than their single sport counterparts. This reality is an extreme benefit and probably got my attention more than any other. Every sport is different and typically requires a certain style of coach for each one. For example, my coaching style probably won’t work for golf. I remember playing for Coach Rick Majerus and how difficult it was on so many levels. I remember wanting to quit and thinking, “this is not worth it.” Fast-forward to today and I realize that since playing for Rick, I have been able to play for any coach and work for any boss! He prepared me to deal with any type of personality and style. 

This blog clearly lands on one side of the argument and I’m not naïve enough to say that this line of thinking doesn’t come with some valid push back, but I ascribe to the philosophy of the MSA and have adopted it as part of our athletics philosophy and value system at Intermountain Christian School. Here is how it reads:

“We value our multi-sport athletic approach. We believe there is great value in our athletes participating in multiple sports and are committed to encourage and integrate this philosophy into our school’s culture.  With this approach, our athletes are able to gain different kinds of skills they can apply from one sport to the next. This approach has also proven to enhance hand-eye coordination, balance, endurance, explosion, communication, and athletic agility. The athlete is also able to avoid injuries from overuse.”

Written by: Tim Drisdom, Athletic Director at Intermountain Christian School

Sources: 

USA Today

High School Sports

Jamie Duffek, NCSA

"5 Reasons"

Michelle Smith EspnW.com

The Michigan Daily

2016

"5 Reasons College Coaches Love to Recruit Multi-Sport Athletes"

WHAT DOES WOMEN'S SOCCER HAVE TO DO WITH BUILDING GOOD CHARACTER?

ICS Women’s Soccer Team doing Team Devotions before the State Final game

When you stare at the cost of Private Christian Education and then shift your gaze upon the value instead, you lose sight of the “it’s too expensive” conversation and what gets put into focus instead is, “we can’t afford not to invest in this.” Sometimes it is easy to be distracted by the ease of public or charter school education and often times the value of Private Christian Education is lost in translation, not clear and not expressed or shared about. I am a new mom to ICS and eventually became employed by the school as well and if I’m honest, I knew I wanted a Private Christian school for my children, but I wasn’t clear about how far I was willing to go financially or otherwise to keep them there.

Until now.

I was privileged to witness the training session of our 2nd in State Women’s Soccer team a week ago, and I initially went to just get the lo down on the success of the program and didn’t expect to be convinced further into the mindset of, “we can’t afford not to invest in this.” Now, you must know, initially this blog post was going to report what made the ICS Women’s Soccer Team so successful: what drills they ran, how many sprints they ran, what their line-up offered, and a synopsis of the coaching philosophy. But as I stood there watching the training, listening in on the conversations being had, and even jumping in on a few of the drills, the story of success had little to do with the talent on the pitch (although there was plenty of that)! The story of success had to do almost entirely with the team’s “why.”

The program has three coaches: Trent Hawes, Matt Brown, and Robert Buckley and as I interviewed two of the three coaches, Matt Brown and Robert Buckley, I learned (as I furiously jotted notes down) about the vision they have for the team and I was left thinking, “man alive, I wish my former soccer coaches had vision like these guys!” But the fact is, they didn’t. Well, they did, but the vision had little to do with me as a whole and only to do with my position as the center midfielder on the field. I played soccer year round from age 5 through College in Oregon, and I can tell you for certain that my days playing were full of wins and losses, injuries and surgeries, but I never had coaches like Trent Hawes, Matt Brown, or Robert Buckley, speak truth and life and character-building ideals like these:

Why: We exist to build women of good character. The definition of good is Jesus.

What: We win soccer games.  We train to win.  We expect to win games. 

The “Why” always precedes the “What.” That is it. That is the secret to the Intermountain Christian School Women’s Soccer Program. The coaching staff cares about the what, but “without the why, what is the point?” This is what the coaching staff and players alike hold tight to:

Below are the TOP 4 life and character-building ideals I believe set the program apart from most (if not all) others:

1. Commitment

• Be on time: If you don’t train, you don’t game. It’s a matter of honor and respect to care enough about the other (fellow players and coaches) to value their time.

  • The team once started 9 players for a game to hold true to the standard as 9 players were the only players who were on time.

2. Personal responsibility.

• Independence: training and games (equipment, drills, set up, clean up)

• Leadership: captains lead (with referees and teammates)

  • Respect: no yelling at refs or other fans

• High expectations: on the field, in the classroom, and with relationships

  • “Are you keeping the bar high?”

  • 2019 is 9th year in a row that either the valedictorian or salutatorian are also soccer players.

3. Feedback is a gift.

• Proverbs 27:6

  • Speaking up and having hard conversations

• Creates trust

  • Speaking what is true in a trusted environment

• Raises the bar of excellence

  • Performance is expected to be high in training

4. Investing in relationships.

•  Coaches: straight shooters

• Friendships: clarity in relationships, non-toxic

 As we stood there after all the women had left training, the two coaches went on to say, “Every one stops playing ball. And what is left? Honor and character. And that is why we build women of good character. People cannot win in life without good character and soccer is a vehicle to achieve the vision articulated in our “why.” What they do is win soccer games, but the why is where the bigger vision for life lies.

I wasn’t clear about how far I was willing to go financially or otherwise to keep my children at Intermountain Christian School, but now I am. The value far out-weighs the cost, and I am committed and honored to have the choice to partner with the Intermountain Christian School community in whom places the highest value on my children and building their character!

Congratulations to our second in state Intermountain Christian School Women’s Soccer team!!

Written by Rachel Larson, ICS Mom

TOP 4 WAYS TO BEAT THE SUMMER SLUMP

Almost twenty years ago I met Andrew Pudewa, founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Since my first introduction to Pudewa’s belief in writing, I’ve been one of his biggest fans. He states, “The auditory environment will have a greater impact on the way children speak and write then on anything we ever do educationally.” Embrace the previous statement and make this summer a game changer for your family. Turn the lifestyle you live today into a “reading culture” lifestyle for tomorrow. Make a daily effort to breathe in the simple statement above. Be attentive to what your child is hearing. Allow the truth Mr. Pudewa shares infuse into your home’s atmosphere. After all, God calls us to be attentive to what goes into our brain, and hence into our heart. His gift of hearing “packs a powerful paycheck.”

1. HEAR TOGETHER

Gather the family together and hear “story” read aloud.  As a busy parent, who hopes to create a reading culture for your family, you might need to multi-task while read-aloud is happening. Instead of being the voice reading the story, allow an audible device (car, Audible App or CD player) to play that part. While prepping for dinner, folding laundry or driving to dance class, you, along with your children, will have the opportunity to hear exceptional vocabulary and the templates of beautiful language patterns.

2. PLANT THE SEEDS FOR GREAT CONVERSATION

The auditory environment you create will work its magic more deeply than anything else you can do academically. Here’s the kicker though. Take this seriously and you’ll not only serve your children academically, but you’ll also plant the seeds that will lead to great conversations. Story will give you the nourishing soil in which characters come alive.  Your family will connect with intimate friends, whom you soon love and admire. Without leaving the house you’ll travel to wonderful places together and experience history in ways that will penetrate your skin and become a part of who you are. And all of this combined will be a magnet pulling you into great conversations you would otherwise not be blessed with.

3. MEMORIZE TOGETHER

When it comes to competent communicators, speaking is the other side of listening. Hearing reliably correct syntax and sophisticated language patterns is powerful, but memorizing eloquent language is ultimately better. Encourage the memorization of poetry because it provides an unusual and formal way of speaking which children might not hear otherwise. They’ll hear and then be required to speak in a unique form of communication. Also, excerpts of great speeches from years past provide useful and powerful communication patterns and language templates. Scripture and songs also serve the purpose of accessing powerful language patterns and vocabulary. Grab some friends and form a poetry club and create the stage for a future Intermountain Christian School Champion Speech and Debate team. These simple acts will help your student become a more competent communicator.

4. LET THEM SEE THE JOY OF READING

Sarah McKenzie, author of The Read Aloud Family, clearly, confidently and consistently encourages the entertainment factor when it comes to reading. If your children are going to become avid readers, the people they love, admire and count on must also be people who read for the mere joy and entertainment found in reading. Before going to bed at night, ask yourself, “Did I enjoy ‘story’ today? Along with my children, did I enjoy time with a book today?” Children, who grow up in families where adults clearly love reading, follow suit and define themselves as readers. Viewing reading as their “family culture” they recognize the joy story provides. In their world, it makes complete sense that story is a daily event “their people,” the people they love and admire, do every day.

NOT CONVINCED IN THE POWER OF STORY YET? READ ON…

This should be enough to convince you, but there is more. Providing an environment such as this will supply a reservoir of eloquent language patterns for your child to use when called upon to write. Good writing is good communication. Make certain your child is immersed in language-rich soil, encourage his or her listening, speaking, reading and thinking in an environment which will boost his ability to write in years to come. Louis L’Amour, a western author says, “A writer’s brain is like a magician’s hat, you can’t get something out of it unless you put something into it first.” Be intent on providing quality literature during your daily read-aloud time. We do not become fluent through “small talk” and we certainly don’t hear it in the form of today’s media choices. We find it in quality literature.

Even if listening, reading, and writing is the only goals you reach for this summer, your child would benefit greatly. But that’s just the surface stuff. Underneath listening, reading, and writing glistens the gem of clear, unobstructed thinking. If we want our children to think well, they must be given the opportunity to ask themselves questions. Practicing listening, practicing reading, and practicing writing gives your child the opportunity to ask insightful, searching questions. We do it on the run, we do it without knowing but every time we listen to “story,” read “story,” and write “story,” we are inevitably asking ourselves questions which lead to constructive thinking.

I’m now twenty years deeper into my passion for language arts and am more committed than ever to share my love of reading and writing with children. It is my hope this message will impact your life as well. If it does, I’m fairly certain your children will respond one day with a “thank you.” I had a mother who read to me, where she opened the door to the love of reading that I have long-embraced. She carved out time for me to read, made wise decisions for each gift of a book and encouraged me to read to others. My mother showed me and helped me understand the power of story.

Here at Intermountain Christian School, we are all about community, and in order to foster that value, we would love to glean any wisdom on any book titles, applications, or authors from our readers! Please comment below!

Written by Shelly Davidson, ICS Librarian

TOP 3 WAYS TO SURVIVE HIGH SCHOOL PARENTING

Well, the time has finally arrived and my baby is about to fly the coop. She will graduate this week and head to a land far away...Alabama. My husband and I are incredibly proud of her. It has been a long road from the days when she would throw her shoes at the back of my head in our minivan, buck so I couldn’t buckle her into her car seat, and pitch fits monumental enough that visitors at Old Faithful begged me to take her back to the hotel. True Story. So what changed and how did we arrive here at this point with all three children still alive and relatively normal? How did we make it through the 12 total years of raising high school students?

 Here are the top 3 ways we survived high school parenting:

 1. OFFERING THEM UP

I distinctly remember the day that I was studying God’s Word and reading about Abraham offering Isaac up to the altar of the Lord. I was so struck and realized that God was asking me to do the exact same thing with my then high school aged son. We were having a rough time. He was wanting to do his own thing. He thought he knew more than we did...about everything. We weren’t thrilled with the choices he was making, and yet the Lord clearly told me, “Offer him up. Leave him to me. Put him on my altar. I’ve got him. I love him far more than you ever could.” It was tough and I struggled but did what I felt God was leading me to do.
Did things change dramatically? No. Did everything end up sunshine and roses? No. But I trust God implicitly and He showed me through that experience that He is faithful and good. We are now 8 years post high school graduation and we have continued to encounter bumps, lots of them. But I am sure that God has the BEST plan for our son.

 2. BEING AVAILABLE AND FLEXIBLE

With our youngest, I can remember driving down the road when she was a toddler. We were having a particularly bad day. She had ripped the matching bow from her hair and threw it at me. She was talking incessantly in gibberish which I could not understand and I sat at a stoplight and just cried. I thought about how much longer I would have to endure this child and I would I count the days, the months, the years, but now I would give anything to have that time back. As we near the end of our baby’s high school career, I am more and more aware of time and I have literally put other things on hold so that I can spend time with her. And I’m talking stupid bits of time...running to the grocery store at all hours of the night with her so I can just talk with her, laugh with her and be with her. When she wants to just sit and watch Netflix, I do it. When she snuggles with me on the couch, I savor it. Time is passing quickly and it won’t slow down, so treasure every moment.

 3. LOVING THROUGH DISAPPOINTMENTS

Little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems. Truer words have never been spoken. As a toddler, problems are pretty insignificant. They can be exhausting for the parent, but they’re usually pretty innocuous and as our children reached high school age, it was pretty apparent that their issues were becoming more important, with more opportunity for character-building. How would our child’s character grow when he had a sport-ending injury? How could we help him see the big picture and the plan God may have for him? How could we love him well? Heart-wrenching events such as this make a Mama’s heart ache and yet, pointing the child to Christ, the Sustainer of our faith, is a good start. Hearing their disappointment and helping them to see the bigger picture and loving them and being available to listen goes a long way. Disappointments will happen. God’s Word promises it. How we walk through the disappointment develops our child’s character, and ultimately our child’s character should be one of our prime concerns.

The Clement Family

My husband and I have done none of this perfectly. As a matter of fact, as I look back, I think we messed up a lot. I wish we could have some do-overs. And yet, in this beautiful mess of life, I think God uses it all...the bumps, the bruises, the mistakes. He takes our broken parenting and holds our children in the palm of his hand and walks the journey with them. So, don’t stress, don’t beat yourself up...God’s got you and he’s got your child.

And one additional blessing...although our baby is graduating, we have the incredible honor and privilege to be guardians of a fourth child, a junior in high school. So as much as I am sad about our baby graduating, I get to do this one more year! God truly is good!

By Leslie Clement, Mom of a Senior at Intermountain Christian School