Mrs. Stoddard's Lion Story

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS?

I was still homeschooling our younger 4 while our oldest was enrolled here at ICS. It became a community I desired to be a bigger part of. I decided to apply for a substitute position to get my toes in the water. The Lord had other plans and I began working full time immersed in the office shortly after that!

How long have you been working at ICS?

I am currently in my 5th year!

What is your role at ICS?

I've recently stepped into the Operations Administrative Assistant role which has me wearing many hats.

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

The students! The best part of my job is my small groups. It feeds my soul to connect with the students and to do life with them.

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

Anything to do with water from swimming and boating to just seeing a view of the water! I also love watching my kids play sports! I hope to travel one day with my husband.

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

My food aversions are based on texture. Furry, Slimy, Poppable, Chewy are the categories I filter through.  I like carbs.

Mrs. Lin's Lion Story

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS?

The community at ICS won me over right away. The staff is welcoming and chummy and students are engaged and witty. I am glad to work in such a great community.

How long have you been working at ICS?

This is my second year.

What is your role at ICS?

I teach high school world history and geography.

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

I have the best students! It is a joy to discuss social sciences with my classes and get to know each other more each day.

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

I like to hike, bake, read, and make our baby girl smile.

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

I make amazing challah bread!

Mrs. Jones' Lion Story

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS?

When we found out that we were moving to Utah from California, God gave me a connection to ICS through a former board member. I knew I wanted to send Brayden to ICS for school and was leaving a job at a Christian school in California. So, God had a plan long  before I even knew about ICS!

How long have you been working at ICS?

6 years!

What is your role at ICS?

Academic Administrative Assistant

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

Seeing and connecting with the students and showing them God’s love.

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

Decorate, drink coffee, and read.

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

I am an open book....I think :)

Mrs. Adema's Lion Story

Mrs. Adema’s Lion Story

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS?

Christian education is important to me and my family.  I loved the idea of working for a school I was so thrilled to have my kids attend.

How long have you been working at ICS?

3 years

What is your role at ICS?

Admissions Director

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

I look forward to seeing my coworkers everyday.  They are funny and hardworking which makes for a great work environment!  I also appreciate that no two days are the same.  I never get bored in my job and enjoy staying challenged with what my responsibilities are day to day!  I love that I work in a place that values prayer and trusting in God.

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

I like to be outdoors running, hiking or skiing.  I also love to read and listen to the Lion-Cast podcast!  I also love to let the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres break my heart.

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

I like Justin Bieber.

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.

Mr. Hope's Lion Story

Mr. Hope’s Lion Story

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS?

After teaching in Alaska for a couple of years, God took me back to central Texas to teach at the school I grew up in.  I found that I dearly missed the lifestyle of the outdoors and living near mountains.  I happened upon ICS in a search for Christian Schools looking for music teachers in the Rocky Mountains.  I called the school and introduced myself.  Just a couple of months later I was excitedly moving from Austin to Salt Lake City to be the new band and choir director at ICS.

How long have you been working at ICS?

17 years

What is your role at ICS?

MS Academic Dean, HS Music Director, MS Bible Teacher

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

I love the people I work with and the students I teach.  I look forward to spending days learning about and exploring God's creation through the many subjects of teaching.

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

When not working, I spend most time with my wife and children.  I love the outdoors during all of the seasons.  In the winter months, you can find me at one of the ski resorts with my kiddos.  I love to ride my motorcycle and explore the nooks and crannies of Utah.

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

My wife and I are each one of eight children.  Our children are five of twenty-five combined cousins.

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.

Mr. Johnson's Lion Story

Mr. Johnson’s Lion Story

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS?

I wanted to be a part of ministry in the Salt Lake Valley

How long have you been working at ICS?

2 years

What is your role at ICS?

Operations Director

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

I love getting to be a part of the larger story of God working in the Salt Lake Valley. Because we represent almost 50 different churches, ICS is a sort of central connection point for Christians in the valley. At ICS, followers of Jesus from different cultural, socio-economic, and political backgrounds can come together under a common belief in the gospel. I truly believe God has incredible plans for ICS!

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

I get to lead worship for my church, Ridgeline Church. I have been leading worship for 10+ years and I love it!

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

I really enjoy baking too! If you need some sourdough bread, I can help you out!

Emma Clement's Lion Story

Emma Clement’s Lion Story

I owe much of who I am to Intermountain Christian School. The people inside that building prepared me in my academics, pushed me on the volleyball and basketball courts, and encouraged me to try new things like debate and musical theater. Coming into my freshman year of college I was so nervously excited. There was so much newness and I didn’t know a single soul at Samford, but going to ICS equipped me to thrive in the real world. I have been given a great foundation of who I am in Christ by learning from people like Mr. Begg and Mrs. Jones. I am academically ready because of Mrs. Croswhite and Mrs. Schumacher’s English classes. Because I had learned how to make deep friendships on my sports teams, I was prepared to make the best friends of my life in college. The teachers at ICS taught me how to love my peers well, how to do well in my classes (sometimes learned the hard way, shoutout to college Anatomy and Physiology), and how to live out my faith daily, especially when times get tough. I am now a sophomore at Samford University and can confidently say I am thriving in the midst of a global pandemic, the irony! Some of the most important lessons I learned while in high school that have helped me be successful in college are: to not take yourself too seriously, spend time with Jesus every day, humbly listen to others, love people well and fully, and call your family lots, you’ll miss them when they’re 1,759 miles away. What I learned at ICS and the people who taught them to me are things I will never forget. I am extremely grateful to be an Intermountain Christian School alumnus today and for the foundation they gave me to succeed in college and beyond. 

Emma Clement, Class of 2019

The Moser Family's Lion Story

The Moser Family’s Lion Story

ICS has been an answer to our prayers!  Our family moved to Utah last year as church planters and community developers for the network of churches we serve alongside.  As we have navigated through a season of learning more about the mission field we have been called to, a deep desire has grown within us for our son, Cooper, to experience a solid network of friends and mentors that can help support, encourage and nurture his faith journey. 

Recently, the opportunity came for us to explore the possibility of joining the ICS community.  When we arrived for a campus tour, we were immediately welcomed with staff members who communicated a clear message that our family was welcomed and valued.  While we were certainly impressed with the facilities, the quality of education, and the many educational and extracurricular opportunities that would be available for our son, this was not what impressed us most.  What impressed us most was the clear sense of community that was at the core of ICS's identity.  As we walked out of the doors of ICS after our campus tour we knew that we were not simply choosing a school for our son, we were choosing a community that our family could be intricately involved in.  We feel so blessed to now be a part of the ICS community! 

Thanks for the opportunity to share a little of our story and excitement in joining the ICS community!!

Lynlee Moser

Miss Potter’s Lion Story

Miss Potter’s Lion Story

Paula Potter, ICS third grade and elementary school level academic dean

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS? 

I didn't decide I wanted to work here, God decided it for me! I didn't even know ICS existed when God called me here. 

How long have you been working at ICS?

This is my 26th school year! 

What is your role at ICS? 

Third Grade and Elementary School Level Academic Dean

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

I love that I can share my faith with the students as I teach them the skills they will need for life.  As Colossians 1:16-17 states, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth...He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."  Those verses shape my philosophy of teaching at ICS.

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

 I love to cook, camp, take photographs, garden, and watch the Utah Jazz play basketball. 

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

Historical fiction is my favorite genre of books and because I grew up in Wyoming, I enjoy hunting.

Mrs. Schumacher's Lion Story

Mrs. Schumacher’s Lion Story

Becky Schumacher, ICS high school english faculty and high school academic dean

How did you decide you wanted to work at ICS?

I kept an eye out for open English teacher positions at ICS upon first moving here in 2011, but I found out about the opening after I already had a teaching position with the homeschool Co-op in 2015. After the job was offered, we had to make a quick decision about a major change, but we felt God was leading us to ICS. We are so happy to be a part of the ICS community, and grateful for God's guidance during that time.

How long have you been working at ICS?

I am in my sixth year!

What is your role at ICS?

I teach several English classes, am the student council advisor and school level academic dean for high school.

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

I look forward to being with my students every day. They are so much fun!

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

I love to ski at Snowbird, hike, bike, and camp and all things outdoors.

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

While I'm a sucker for a good story, I have never seen any Star Wars movie.

JA CITY

JA City

I had the opportunity to chaperone Mrs. Hope’s 5th grade class’ visit to the Junior Achievement BizTown experience. Having participated two years earlier for my older daughter’s day at JA BizTown, I couldn’t wait to be involved again. 

It is an absolute joy to watch the students live a “grown up” life for a day with awe and enthusiasm. When they cross over that bridge off of the elevator into JA BizTown, being told they are officially, temporarily grown-ups for the day, their countenance changes. They are eager to take on the challenge and sincerely have fun learning.

It means so much to me as a father to see the students having a joyful view of work. JA City was an opportunity to plant seeds in a practical way about what the future holds for them. I loved watching them “leave the stress at the bridge” on the way out, as well as receive a few important perspectives, life skills and fond memories with classmates in the process. 

Practically speaking, seeds are being planted in terms of financial Literacy (i.e. balancing a checkbook), awareness of the economy and community interdependency, work readiness skills and basics of business management. I’m more than a little bit jealous that I didn’t get to have this experience as a 5th grader! 

I am deeply grateful to Mrs. Hope and the other elementary teachers for the effort and consistency that they put into the Junior Achievement program during these formative years. 

Written by Alex Adema, CEO, DPS Skis, ICS Dad

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

1st grade science: He is still in charge

When Lauri Bradt asked me to teach first grade Science this year, along with my other positions,  I was overjoyed. I have such a passion for hands-on, Biblically integrated, real-life learning. After all, that’s what Science class is all about!  Needless to say, I had no idea how exciting it would really be until we started Distance Learning!  

Teaching Science class through Distance Learning is definitely a challenge, especially when we are studying plant growth!  But I have always loved a good challenge! We started two weeks ago, monitoring our school-grown brassica plants. Each child planted his/her own mustard seeds before we left the school building.  Since then, I have been recording videos twice every week of the students’ plant growth! The students took their plant journals home and they record the growth of their plants and draw what they observe each time they watch my Science class video. We have watched our minuscule mustard seeds grow to tiny sprouts; our tiny sprouts grow to small seedlings, and the seedlings grow to larger vegetative plants with stronger stems and large leaves.  The students are excitedly waiting with anticipation for the budding and flowering stage of our brassica plants! Our discussion of germination and pollination will come to life as they observe their plants flower and reseed.  

In the meantime, the students have searched their yards for emerging buds, sprouts and seedlings of their own. It was so exciting to see the signs of life that each child discovered, as they took pictures of the plants and sent them to me.  As I created a video of a montage of all the plants and emerging life they found, I was reminded of the sovereign God of creation who is still in charge. Even in these unsure times, Spring is here; life continues everywhere around us; God continues to work in his nature.  Grace sent me a picture today of a perfectly sewn robin’s nest, filled to the brim with delicate, blue, speckled eggs with baby birds just waiting to awaken to a new day. The same God who is watching over those bird eggs is caring for each one of us, holding us in the palm of His Almighty Hands.   

Written by: Ingrid Veldhuis, 1st grade science teacher

Elementary School Highlight: JA City

Junior Achievement is a supplemental curriculum we enjoy using at ICS to equip elementary students with financial literacy and work-readiness skills. J.A. City is the exciting culmination of the program and, without a doubt, the highlight field trip of fifth grade! This year’s fifth-grade class prepared for several weeks and then traveled to J.A. City in Discovery Gateway on February 12th to participate with other fifth grade classes in a simulation of running a city for the day! ICS students fulfilled all the roles to operate a Chick-Fil-A, First Security Bank, Merit Medical, and KSL News station, and declared the experience “the best school day ever!” As their teacher, it’s my pleasure to watch them walk away from the day inspired to continue working hard in school after catching a glimpse of what it will be like to thrive in their future employment endeavors!

By Heather Hope, 5th-Grade Teacher

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