Calendar April 11-15
April 16
April 23
April 24
May 1
May 3
May 14-16
May 13
May 15
May 29
May 30
June 3-5
June 5
June 6-12
June 14
June 14
MSC Music Festival, Hartville, OH
Staff vs. Varsity Basketball Game, 7:00 p.m.
Middle School Choir Festival,
Delphian School
Joint A cappella Choir Concert with Corban College choir, 7:30 p.m.
High School State Choir Competition
36th Annual WMS Benefit Auction
Spring Drama Performances
High School Visitors Day
Middle School Visitors Day
Middle School Concert and Awards Night
High School Concert and Awards Night
High School Final Exams
8th Grade Graduation
High School Mini Terms
Graduate and Parent Luncheon
Senior Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Spanish Teacher
Social Science Teacher
Dorm Leaders
Dorm Director
Bookkeeper (part-time)
Food Services Director
Alumni Relations Coordinator
Spring 2008
Vol. 14 No. 1
Call 503-363-2000 or email wmsoffice@teleport.com
for an application. Review of applicants begins
immediately and continues until positions are filled.
Merlin Aeschliman
Cheeri Barnhart (Chair)
Dave Detweiler
Linda Dibble
John Hochstetler
Floyd Lapp
Ron Litwiller
Vonnie Oyer
Kevin Rediger
Byron Shenk
n
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u
tr
s
n
o
C
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e
d
n
U
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’r
We
Board Members
Address Service Requested
INSIDE
THE
ISSUE
ACADEMICS pg 1
SPIRITUAL LIFE pg 5
GIVING BACK pg 7
- Western Host to Alice Parker, Nationally Recognized Musician
- Meet the Faculty
- Academic Center Update
- Hopewell Community Experiences Miracle
- Students Live Anabaptist Church History
- 36th Annual Benefit Auction “Under Construction” on May 3
- Building for Excellence
- Donor Thank You’s
Western Mennonite School
9045 Wallace Rd NW
Salem, OR 97304
Non-Profit
US Postage
PAID
Salem, OR
Permit No. 32
ACADEMICS
1
We’re Under Construction:
The sights and sounds of construction
have filled the campus as the Academic
Center has emerged, but it isn’t the only
construction site on campus.
2007-2008 Scholarship
Recipients
Alumni Scholarships ($700) – Esther Rydell and Shawnti Peachey
Alumni Scholarships ($200)
– Zach Boles, Amber Kelly and Jeffrey Li
O.D. & Velda Kropf Scholarships ($475)
– Enoch Humlie and Pierre Zook
Faculty/Staff Scholarship
($250)
– Jodi Steckly, Zach Boles and Stuart Nelsen
Student Grant Phonathon
Thank you to all who helped
us to reach and exceed our
goal of $30,000 for this
year’s Phonathon. Through
the generosity of $6,000 in
matching gifts and over 250
supporters we were able to
fund a significant amount
of the student grants that
have been given out for the
2007-2008 academic year.
Western Host to Alice Parker
Nationally Recognized Musician
The Fall Choral Concert featured special guest arranger and composer
Alice Parker. Alice Parker is well known in choral and vocal music
circles for her composing, conducting, and her special focus on sacred
music. She has arranged
and composed repertoire for
choruses around the world
including hymns, folksongs,
and spirituals. She studied
at Smith College and at
Juilliard School where she
studied choral conducting
with Robert Shaw. Parker
is the founder of Melodious
Accord, Inc., a nonprofit group that presents
choral concerts, sponsors
workshops and symposia,
and trains composers,
conductors, and song
leaders. She also serves on
the board of Chorus America
and is the recipient of four
honorary doctorates and the
Smith College Medal.
Alice spent a day working one-on-one with Western’s choirs. She was a
featured director for the Fall Concert and led a community hymn sing as
part of the concert.
A cappella Choir Heads to State
The A cappella Choir took first place at the West Valley League Choral
Festival held at Linfield College on February 20. Competing against 4A,
3A, 2A and 1A choirs, Western walked away with first place and will
perform at the State 2A Choral Competition in May.
Donor Thank You’s
Fred & Linda Mast
Michael & Carol Maynard
Ken & Cheryl Mayo Thomas &
K. Leanne
McClellan
Vena McCoy
Jodie & Michael McCue
Grace McLaughlin
Darrell Mendenhall
Stanley & Sharon Meyer
Alvin & Arlene Miller
Clara Miller
Earl & Grace Miller
Ervin & Esther Miller
Floyd & Marjorie Miller, Jr.
Cliff & Laura Monroe
Diane Moustachetti
James & Belle Mullet
Mark & Barbara Nelsen
Jim Newcomer
Carl & Louise Newswanger
Howard & Irene Nice
Alvin & Wilma Nisly
Willard & Bernita Nofziger
Tor & Margaret Noraas
Viola Nussbaum
Jim & Roxann O’Bryant
Mark Olson
Stephen Paisley
Ronald & Velma Peachey
Eric & Dorothy Pekkola
Daniel & Margaret Porth
Ralph & Lorna Pruett
Jane Rakonczay
Clarence & Ruth Reeser
Paul & Sharon Reimer
Aleta Rempel
Norman & Liz Rempel
Rick & Roxanne Robinson
Raymond & Elisabeth
Rohrer
Ken Roupp
Catherine Ryan
Marie Rydell
Carolyn Sangster
Peggy Schmidt
Bernice Schmucker
Charlene & Don Schrag
Eldon & Millie Schrock
Louie Schroyer
John & Dixie Schultz
Byron & Ina Shenk SB
Joleen Siebert
Merle & Florence Siebert
Richard Simpson
Penelope Skinner
Grace Slatter
Duncan & Charlene Smith
Erma Snyder
Janet Snyder
Michael Snyder
Norman & Mildred Steckley
Stan & Ruth Steffen
Dennis & Carol Stringer
John Stuart
Wayne & Sharon Stuart
Doris Stutzman
Naomi & Ernest Swartz
Robert & Clara Sweet
David & JoAnn Talbott
David & Cheryl Tate
Joann Thomas
Tom & Kristin Thompson
Timothy & Margaret Thut
David & Ruth Tompkins
Mike & Candi Tompkins
Mary Jane Toren
Jeff & Sue Tyvoll
Rosemary Umsted
Doney Urbigkeit
Dorothy Van Arsdel
Donald & Patricia
Van Hees
Joseph & Florence Voegtlin
Judith & L.K. Warkentin
Graham & Patricia Weeks
James & Mary Wenger
John & Leona Wenger
Paul & Helen White
Lanette & Eddie Willig
Albert & Margaret Wipf
Ron & Jane Wolf
Mary Ellen Woodard
Don & Karen Zapata
Carey Zeeb
Delvin & Twila Zook
Businesses & Program
Sponsors*
606 Club
Advancement Associates
Awnings Northwest*
Blossom Trail Photography
Capital Manor*
Dorsing Farms
Dr. Payne
EMBARQ Matching Gifts Program
F & W Fence*
Farmer’s Building Supply
Glass Magnum*
H & A Construction*
Hendgen Construction*
JC Media Group*
John Hess Yoder Retirement Security, Inc.-MMA
John L Scott WSL
Johnson Glaze & Co.
Jones Oil Company*
Keller Williams Realty
Kelly’s Home Center*
Kenagy Construction
Lemon’s Millwork
Les Schwab Tire Center West Salem*
Lincoln Store*
Lind Chiropractic*
Northwest Hazelnut
Company*
Olsson Industrial Electric*
Oregon Truss*
Pacific Pride Services*
PageWorks Graphic
Design
Par-None
Pennington Seeds
Pilgrims Fine Woodworks*
Pioneer Printing*
Ppi Group
Preferred Mortgage
Brokers*
PT Northwest*
RE/MAX Equity Group*
Rickreall Farm Supply*
Rite Way Electric*
Rock of Ages Mennonite
Home*
Ronald Klingler &
Associates
Roth’s IGA Foodliner*
Roth’s West Salem
Salem Electric*
SERA Architecture
Shetler Construction
Stutzman Services Inc.
Target
Tektronix Foundation
The Math Learning Center
Timothy Kreder Farms*
Today’s Hair Salon
& Day Spa*
US Bancorp
Valley Recycling &
Disposal*
Washington Mutual
Wells Fargo
West Coast Bank*
West Family Trust
Westside Newspaper*
Wilcox, Arredondo & Co.
Churches
Albany Mennonite Church
Butler Mennonite Brethren
Church
Country Bible Church
Emmanuel Mennonite
Church
Filer Mennonite Church
First Mennonite Church
Logsden Neighborhood
Church
McMinnville First Church
of the Nazarene
New Hope Bible Church
Pacific Covenant Mennonite
Church
Plainview Mennonite Church
Portland Mennonite Church
Salem Mennonite Church
West Hills Community
Church
Western Mennonite Church
Zion Mennonite Church
Estates
Chuck Bowles
Jerry & Letha Gingerich
Charity Kropf
Ivan Kropf
Barbara Lais
Marcus & Katie Lind
Key
F/S
Current faculty or staff
FF/S
Former faculty or staff
SB
School board member
‘xx
Graduation year
ng ‘xx
Non-graduate year
Donor Thank You’s
State Science Olympiad
13
Class of 1997
Gale & Jeanie Hess
Class of 1999
Eric Ivanitsky
Class of 2000
Mark Furlong
Class of 2001
Chad Hochstetler
Class of 2003
Kyle Mast
Class of 2004
Trevor Schultz
Alumni Faculty
Merlin & Kathleen
Aeschliman SB
John & Claudia Beechy
Don & Jennifer Berg
Diana & Alan
Blackstone-Helt
Chuck Bowles
Heidi & Simeon
Brubaker
Lori & Lee Burkey
Dave & Corlyn Chambers
Zig & Teresa
Derochowski
David & Marj Engle
Jill & Greg English
Darlene & Dennis Fritz
Tom & Jeanette Gingerich
Jeff & Rose Hackman
Tammy & Jeff Hall
Lori & Paul Hernandez
Michele & Del
Hershberger
Von & Steve
Hershberger
Sheila & John
Hochstetler SB
Oren Horst
Gary & Brenda Hull
Dottie & Charles Kamilos
Carl Keener
Karen & Gabino Kenagy
Perez
Willard & Mae Etta
Kennel
Tim & Susie Kreder
Esther Lanting
Rol & BJ Leichty
Katie & Marcus Lind
Debby & David Lowery
Pam & Verne Mack
Eric & Sue Martin
Kyle Mast
Tina & Tom Mast-Burnett
Molly & Tim McCabe
Richard & Roxie Metzler
James & Judi Miller
Perry & Deloris Miller
Ray & Kay Nussbaum
Vonnie & Stan Oyer SB
Mark & Caroline
Rasmussen
Rick & Florence Regier
Carla Schrock
Vera Schrock
Dorothy Shenk
Allan & Ruth Ann Shirk
Bernard & Miriam
Showalter
Bob & Willi Snyder
Susan & Craig Stinson
Jerry & Sharon Stutzman
Carl & Pam Swartz
Clayton & Margaret
Swartzentruber
Carolyn & Roger
Trygstad
Andrew & Elizabeth
Wadlow
Andrea & Mike Wall
Mike & Cindy Wenger
Sherri-Lynn & Ryan
Wenger
Darrel & Charlene White
Cathy & David Withee
Lela & Edwin Yoder
Twila Zimmerly
Lorena Zuniga Roa
Friends of WMS
Trip & Rosemary Allen
Rex & Janice Anderson
Susan Antonini
Gerald & Bonnie Arnold
Nancy Barnhart
Will & Cheeri
Barnhart SB
Ronald & Darlene
Barnick
Martin & Rhonna Bassett
Patricia Beach
Howard Beachy
Ruby Berg
Doug & Luanne Berkey
Jack & Inez Berkey
Ken Berkey
Gary & June Binder
Karl & Ginny Birky
Dale & Eleanor Boese
Alvin & Mary Bontrager
Robert & Beth Bontrager
Mary Boshart
Gerald & Kathryn
Brenneman
Glyn & Sharon Brice
Opal Brubaker
Todd & Julie Brumfield
Russell & Janet Buschert
Margaret Butler
Ron & Gloria Camp
G. R. Castillo
Andrew & Dema Chupp
Gordon & Wilma Chupp
Gene & Dorene Claassen
William & Deni Clemons
Gary & Mel Conrad
Mildred Coon
Cliff & Delight Stone
Curry
Helen Davis
David & Martha
Detweiler SB
Jim & Claire DeVries
Alicia Dimond
Richard & Barbara
Dinsmore
Gwynn Dockery
Craig & Cheryl Dorsing
Curtis & Phyllis Dorsing
Les & Donna Dorsing
Lois Drawbond
Richard & Nancy Ellis
Esther Falk
Jane Fobert
Beulah Fretz
Carey & Janice Friesen
Ruby Friesen
Mark & Laura Furlong
Vernon Gahler
Neil & Patricia Gansler
Melva Garber
Robert Garber
Gene Gascho
Sally Geistweit
Rod & Carolyn Gerig
Mona Gettmann
Craig & Jana Gingerich
Jennifer Gingerich
John & Louise Gingerich
E.R. & Ellen Good
Michele Green
Mary Grondahl Beiningen
James & Shirley
Grosjacques
Fern Haima
Bruce E & Shirley
Hamilton
Bruce & Kathy Harder
Ethel Harder
David & Leanne Hays
Goldie Heyerly
Olivene Heyerly
Phillip & Elizabeth Histand
Paul & Ila Hochstetler
Robert & Mary Jane
Hollinger
Michael & Kathryn Honan
Wesley & Doris Hooley
Gordon & Goldie Horst
Ruth Hostetler
Donna Howse
Mark & Mary Lou Janeba
Anne Jantzi
Henry & Lara Janzen
Gertrude Johnson
Anna Kauffman
Ken & Sheila Kauffman
Norman D. & Margaret
Kauffman
Ray & Tina Kauffman
George & Dorothy Keillor
Gordon & Shari Kelly
Kraig & Nansie Kelly
Ben & June Kenagy
Vera Kennel
Wilbur & Georgie Kennel
Dorothy King
Leslie & Geri King
Charity Kropf
Ivan Kropf
Lester & Ruth Kropf
Michael & Ellen Kunz
Danaan & Rochelle
Kuykendall
Floyd & Claudia Lapp SB
James & Alma Larrew
La Vern Laugsand
Marlene Learfield
Don & Ann Lebold
James & Karen Lehman
Ron & Karen Litwiller SB
Juan & Janice Martinez
For the third consecutive year Western Mennonite School students have
participated in the Science Olympiad competition. The Science Olympiad
is an international organization devoted to improving the quality of science
education, creating a passion for learning science, and providing recognition
for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and
teachers. Under the leadership of Bob Snyder F/S, eight Western students
participated in this year’s Science Olympiad. Out of the 23 different options
available, they chose projects in Astronomy, Cell Biology, Fermi Questions,
Forensics, Herpetology, Oceanography, Physics Lab, Robot Ramble, and
Rocks and Minerals. Six high schools participated in the state competition
February 9. Congratulations to Caleb Grimms ’08 and Gus Kreder ’09
who each won a bronze medal in each Circuit Lab and Robot Ramble and
Maggie Kreder ’11 who won the gold medal in Herpetology (amphibians
and reptiles).
Academic Center Timeline
Groundbreaking – May 20, 2007
Construction Began – June 20, 2007
Expected Construction Completion – March 2008
Anticipated Occupancy of Building – April 2008
Grand Opening – May 18, 2008
All are invited to join us for the celebration.
Also, we’d like to thank the
faithful Phonathon 2006
donors who have pledged
support over a three-year
period. These funds have
helped to support student
grants as well as the
construction of the beautiful
new Academic Center.
A special thank you to this
year’s amazing volunteers
who helped make this event a
success:
Wendy Steckly ’73
Cindy Johnson
Cindy Low
Oren Horst ’59
Eric Martin FF/S
Vonnie Oyer SB FF/S
Sheryl Mast ’80
Darlene Fritz F/S
Andrea Wall F/S
Rachel Camp F/S
Russell Adrian F/S
Jani Van Pelt ’83
Marilyn Van Pelt ’62
Von Hershberger ’71 F/S
Patti Baker ’75
Mel Conrad
Jodi Hess
Jim Schweitzer ’62
Renee Winters ’85 F/S
Whitney Winters ’06
Rachel Marshall ’05
Tammy Gutierrez ’85
Bonnie Smith
Darren Stauffer ’00 F/S
Janet Spingath
Brenda Hull
Traci Oberoi
ACADEMICS
3
We’re Under Construction:
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, it says, a
foundation has been laid and “someone
else is building on it.” It takes a
community to build these students both
academically and spiritually.
Sports at a Glance…
Girls’ Varsity Soccer
Record: 11-3-1
Boys’ Varsity Soccer
League Record: 5-4
Girls’ Varsity Volleyball
Record: 3-13
Girls’ Varsity Basketball
Record: 11-12
League Playoffs: 2-1
-Best finish in 25 years
-One game away from State Tournament bid
Boys’ Varsity Basketball
Record: 24-8
League Playoffs: 2-0
-Advanced to State as first seed
Congratulations!
- Boys basketball takes 2nd at State
Tournament
- Gary Hull reaches his 400th career win during the State Tournament
- Daniel Martin ’08 awarded 2nd Team All-
State 2A
Donor Thank You’s
Meet the Faculty
Just as a building is only as strong as the parts that are used to make
it, so too an academic program’s excellence is determined by those
who contribute to it. Each year Western’s students have the incredible
opportunity to interact with the teachers that make up the strong
foundation for academics here at Western. We are extremely blessed
to have a strong and diverse group of instructors who provide a
Christ-centered education to our young people.
Here are a few new faculty faces on campus…
Linda Walker – Linda teaches high
school band, concert band, beginner’s
band, and has started a pep band at
Western. She also helps out with the
middle school worship team. Born
in Caldwell, Idaho, Linda moved
to Africa with her parents to be
missionaries when she was four years
old. She returned to Oregon for high
school and attended George Fox
University majoring in Psychology
and Sociology. Linda now has a
Masters degree in Curriculum and
Instruction from the University of Oregon. She loves music and
instruments and enjoys volunteering
her musical abilities at her church and
in nursing homes.
Roger Badillo – Roger is a tutor
at Western in math and physics.
Originally from Mexico City, Roger
spent two years in Italy and has a
degree in Mechanical Engineering
from ITQ. He enjoys interacting
with the students and doing research
on new electronic and mechanical
technologies.
Alex Roth – Alex teaches freshman
and senior English classes as well as
7th grade language arts. Originally
from Palmer Lake, CO, Alex attended
Hesston College for two years and then
transferred to Goshen College. While
at Goshen College, she spent three
months in Senegal, West Africa on a
Study Service Term before completing
her teaching degree and taking the job
at Western.
Jerry & Vevi Schrock
Class of 1971
Marlene & Jim Blair
Charlotte & Charles
Crouse
Gary & Shirley
Eichelberger
Dan & Regena Garber
Rudy & Colleen
Gingerich
Von & Steve
Hershberger
Roxie Kauffman
Julie & Wayne Miller
Marilyn & Mervin
Mullet
Luke & Cathy Roth
Duane & Marlene Sherfy
Rosie & Howard Shetler
Class of 1972
Regina & Dan Bumstead
Linda & Robert
Dibble SB
Dan & Regena Garber
Rudy & Colleen
Gingerich
Bill & Karolyn
Mengershausen
Keith Miller
Arnie & Sheri Nofziger
Dennis & Susan
vStutzman
Cheryl Wideman
Class of 1973
Marilyn & Clifford
Brubaker
Susan & Phil Clemmer
Chris Elliott
Gwen & Doug Gransberg
Brent & Debbie
Kauffman
Galen & Betty Jean
Kauffman
Duane & Marlene Sherfy
Dennis & Susan
Stutzman
Peggy & Douglas
Talmadge
Sherry & Rodney Troyer
Raymond & Wyonne
Weber
Class of 1974
Roberta & Chris Arstein
Dennis & Karen Beckler
Gary & Lois Hooley
Brent & Debbie Kauffman
Lina & Robert McDonald
Gwen & Ed Peachey
Dwight & Debra
Stutzman
Class of 1975
Mike & Patti Baker
Anita & Dale Classen
Don & Luanne
Livingston
Eileen & Roger Springer
Lowell & Marcia Troyer
Class of 1976
Linda & Jim Eicher
Larry & Tami McGinnis
Darrell & Peggy Miller
Todd & Deb Rediger
Leon & Wanda RohrerHeyerly
Vonda & Dwight Ropp
Liz & Todd Ryckman
Stan & Rita Schrock
Elizabeth & Clark Slater
Carmen Walker
Darrel & Charlene White
Kathy Yoder
Class of 1977
Rick & Kathy Byers
Arlen & Cathy Emmert
Dan & Jodi Patching
Donald & Denise Reeser
Susan & Craig Stinson
Class of 1978
Doug & Erica Hostetler
Patt & Bruce Martens
Dorla & Bob Roth
Wayne & Pat Stutzman
Class of 1979
Marcy & Leo Aranda
Brenda & George
Jablonsky
Ginny & Malcolm Juss
Gary & Rose Roth
Wayne & Pat Stutzman
Sharon & Dale Wenger
Class of 1980
Dennis & Karen Beckler
James & Darla Glick
Pete & Nancy Lind
Sheryl & Gerald Mast
Sandy Jo & David Morton
Dale & Carrie Porter
Richard & Mitra Battan
Royal
Roger & Kendra
Schlabach
Stan & Rita Schrock
Kathy & Don Spencer
Ed & Cheryl Steckly
Darrel & Janette
Wisseman
MacGregor
Cathie Jo & Darin
Sturdevant
Juli & Morlin Van PeltElias
Class of 1981
Katie & Ivan Mast
Lynette & Brian Plank
Loyal & Sarah Roth
Class of 1988
Tim & Jen Hershberger
Traci & Tom Lee-Scott
Class of 1982
Jeanette & Randy Boyack
Marla & Kenny Ernst
James & Darla Glick
Charles Lee
Leon & Deneen Ropp
Sue & Steve Roth
Class of 1983
Donna & Aaron
BreMiller
Karyn & Richard Hinz
Pam & Verne Mack
Barbara & Robert Miller
Pat & Jim Perich
Mike Stutzman
Jason & Melissa Wolfer
Class of 1984
Diana & Alan BlackstoneHelt
Clayton & Rachel
Harrison
Steve & Ruth Hopkins
Dinny & Sanjay Li
Varghese
Katherine & Leon
Neuschwander
Class of 1985
Tammy & Mario
Gutierrez
Karlene & Kory
Class of 1986
Darcy & Wayne Barker
Lori & Greg Loyd
Karlene & Kory MacGregor
Allen Schrock
Angie & Philip Stephenson
Jason & Melissa Wolfer
Class of 1987
Darin & Leslie Burks
Class of 1989
Tawnya & Michael Dettmer
Melika & Ross Hershberger
Christopher & Angie Nissly
Stephanie & Jeff Roth
Becky & Kevin Simpson
Class of 1990
Michael & Heidi Pender
Diana & Kevin Swanson
Class of 1991
Daniel Cooney
Melissa & Darren King
Class of 1992
Christy & Trevor Hostetler
Cheri & Chris Wampole
Class of 1993
Ryan & Melissa Nisly
Christa & Stephen OboldEshleman
Craig & Lisa Schweitzer
Class of 1995
Katrina Kropf
Kenneth Mathis
Kyle & Melodie Stutzman
Sherri-Lynn & Ryan Wenger
Class of 1996
Jyl & Jeremy Ewy
Jonathan & Lori Nussbaum
Meet the Faculty
Donor Thank You’s
continued
11
Class of 1953
Wilbur & Fanni Birky
Delmar & Delores
Kennel
Dorothy & Layman
Slagell
Class of 1954
Merle & Inez Embleton
Loren & Evelyn Emmert
Marvin & Mabel Emmert
Grace & Lowell Herr
Thelma & Emerson
Martin
Pearly Mast
Paul & June Schrock
Erma & William Yoder
Class of 1955
Shirley & Richard
Gingerich
Sue Gresham
Maynard & Mildred
Nofziger
Eldon & Doreen Ropp
Harold & Lyla Snyder
Ada Stout
Rosemarie & Curtis Zehr
Class of 1956
Sterling & Sherry Burkey
Mark & Mary Headings
Marvin & Anna Grace
Kauffman
Ralph & Clarene Myers
Leo Zook
Class of 1957
Tom & Shirley
Hershberger
Warde & Pat Hershberger
Darlene & Robert
Kauffman
Allen & Sara Lind
Ralph & Clarene Myers
Merlin & Kathy Schweitzer
Joann & David Siemens
Verdella & Maxton Slagell
Ernie & Joyce Yoder
Class of 1958
Merle & Karen Bitikofer
Galen & Nancy Burkey
Larry & Rosella
Harshbarger
Bob Heyerly
John & Jeanne Heyerly
Bill & Judy Jantzi
Lois & James Justus
Mary Ellen & John
Kauffman
Ruth Kauffman
Dorothy & Veldon Kropf
Carol & Ron Maust
Clara Moberly
Jewell & Les Nelson
Carl & Eilene Snyder
Delbert & Lee Snyder
Merv & Ruth Stutzman
Ernie & Joyce Yoder
Perry & Elizabeth Yoder
Class of 1959
Clifford Beckler
Glenn Bond
Sharon & Don Clay
Carolyn & Clyde
Hockman
Oren Horst
[David] & Jo Ann
Johnstone
Marlene & Merle
Kauffman
Richard & Karen Kropf
David & Vee Lehman
Judy & Cecil Miller
Marian & Dennis Miller
Truman & Ardys Miller
Eldon & Doreen Ropp
Doris Schrock
Delbert & Lee Snyder
Class of 1960
Ordena Bond
Alta & Kenneth Gerig
Art & Yolanda
Hershberger
John & Jeanne Heyerly
Larry & Alice Hostetler
Bill & Judy Jantzi
Carol & Leonard John
Truman & Ardys Miller
Irene Schlabach
Ken & Mabel Snyder
Shirley & Kenton Yoder
Brubaker
Arla & Mario Yu
Class of 1961
Bill & Rachel Byers
Duane & Linda Emmert
Iris & John Esch
Myrna & James Hamblin
Judy & Jim Jaques
Elvon & Lorraine Kauffman
Sharon & Cecil Kennel
Beverly & Wayne Knox
Stan & Marlene Kropf
Sharon & Steven
Nesselrodt
Charles & Wilma Rhodes
Carl & Eilene Snyder
Ivan Snyder
Ken & Mabel Snyder
Allen & Anita Yoder
Class of 1962
Thelma & Roy
Blackstone
Elsie & Richard Bowman
Barbara & Leroy Custer
Galen & Marlene Earnest
Duane & Linda Emmert
Gale & Florence Gingrich
Judi Jones
Arlene & Steve Kauffman
Martyne & Ted Kempel
Sharon & Dale Moyer
Lowell & Carole Nafziger
Shirley & Lowell Neely
Susan Russell
Jim & Carol Schweitzer
Marilyn & Jake Van Pelt
Rod & Sally Wolfer
Helen & Wilbur Yoder
Class of 1963
Bev & Larry Armstrong
Gary & Shirley
Eichelberger
Mary & Lee Gingerich
Lola Jenkins
Joanne & Leroy Martin
Karen & Richard Martin
Shirley & Lloyd Martin
Marvin & Shirl Shetler
Verna & Glenn Snider
Bryan & Judi Stauffer
Class of 1964
Donna & J. Roy Brubaker
Miriam Hess
Gale & Florence Gingrich
Nancy & John Histand
Delvin & Rose King
Dot Kropf
Dan & Louise Nofziger
Marylin & Linwood Rush
Myron & Eudene Snyder
Class of 1965
Gene & Susan Boshart
Dennis & Alice Brubaker
Carolyn & Don Burkholder
Darlene & Carl Dintaman
Melva & Philip Lloyd
Sharon & Richard Marrs
Janet & Linford Stutzman
Class of 1966
Dennis & Alice Brubaker
Doug Haima
Gary & Mim Hooley
Nadine & Dick LeFrancis
Cindy Mullet
Karen & Steve Such
Class of 1967
Merle Brubaker
Barbara & Don Edwards
Dianna & Leon Eshleman
Dan & Deborah Kauffman
Delvin & Rose King
Dan & Amelia Lais
Gary & Esther Nice
Janet & Gary Oyer
Donna & Randy Springer
Marv & Judy Stutzman
Class of 1968
Dorothea & Mike Coleman
Rachel & Wayne Hickman
Ken Lais
Milo & Bonnie Stauffer
Jerry & Sharon Stutzman
John & Jane Stutzman
Kathy & Bill Vandiver
Jeanette & Ray Yoder
Class of 1969
Connie & Neal Anderson
Twila & Ron Ernst
John & Beulah Hess-Yoder
Jerry & Sharon Stutzman
Class of 1970
Lori & Lee Burkey
June & Tony Handrich
Eileen Hostetler
Marge & Tom Klempel
Elisabeth Koibur – Elisabeth is a
Library Assistant and is constantly
interacting with students and helping
them with their studies. Elisabeth
is volunteering at Western for one
year with the International Volunteer
Exchange Program, which is sponsored
by MCC. She is originally from Papua,
Indonesia where she is involved with
civil engineering and design. Working in
the library has been a great fit as one of
Elisabeth’s favorite hobbies is reading.
Hopewell Community Experiences Miracle
by Andrea Wall - Director of Advancement
Wrestling (competing for McMinnville)
Enoch Humlie
-4th in District Tournament
Swimming
Tristan Versteeg (11-14 year olds)
-1st in State 50m Butterfly
-1st in State 100m Butterfly
-2nd in State 50m Backstroke
-5th in State 100m Backstroke
-7th in State 100m IM
-7th in State 100m Freestyle
Diving (Tualitin Hills Diving
Club)
Tristan Versteeg
-Member of Junior Olympic Team
-6th place in Canadian National Qualifier
This Fall, I witnessed a miracle at Western. In August we
received a letter from the City of Salem proposing the application of
Class B Biosolids, semi-treated human waste, to the farmland surrounding
Western. Dale and Janice Turner neighbors of Western and parents of
Heather Penny ’97 and Nathan Turner ’99 established a neighborhood
group to research the impact of this proposal to the Hopewell community.
For three months we prepared for a public hearing. During this time, we
were able to personally build relationships with our neighbors and gather in
prayer for God’s wisdom, even on the night of the hearing, in the parking lot of Walker Middle School.
Over 150 people attended the hearing and among them were 15 people from Western Mennonite School, the
Yamhill County Commissioner, a State Senator, a Soil Agronomist, Willamette Law students, plus many other
neighbors. We stood united, requesting the withdrawal of the application because of the sensitivity of the site. Three hours and 37 testimonies later, a representative from the City of Salem withdrew the application in an
unprecedented act in the history of public biosolids hearings.
I would like to praise God for his continued protection of Western Mennonite School and the Hopewell
community. We would like to
thank our neighbors for their
professionalism, their energy
in gathering scientific data
and personal testimony, and
ultimately for having the faith
that a unified community can
make a difference. Miracles
do happen and this is an
experience that I will never
forget. Praise the Lord!
SPIRITUAL LIFE
5
We’re Under Construction:
A building starts with a foundation and at
Western it starts with faith in Christ. It is
this faith that drives us to learn, to excel,
to discover our passions and to use our
gifts to serve God.
Births
Adie Lee and Eliza Mae,
born November 25, 2007, to
Ryan ’93 and Melissa Nisly,
Salem, OR. Grandparents
are Al and Sharon Nisly.
Madisen Elisabeth, born
January 6, 2007, to Dale ’80
and Carrie Porter, Brooks,
AB Canada. Second child,
first daughter.
Rianna Catherine, born
November 1, 2007, to
Brad ’90 and Christine
Schweitzer, Hesston, KS.
Grandparents are Lee ’59
and Carol ’61 Nafziger
Schweitzer, Salem, OR.
Kaelyn Grace, born October
24, 2007, to Craig ’93
and Lisa ’93 Boettger
Schweitzer, Salem, OR.
Grandparents are Lee ’59
and Carol ’61 Nafziger
Schweitzer, Salem, OR.
Samantha Mae, born August
13, 2007, to Brad ’94 and
Stefanie Ernst, Folsom,
PA. Grandparents are Ron
and Twila ’69 Roth Ernst,
Salem, OR.
Hope Elizabeth, born
November 19, 2007, to
Jeremy and Jyl Boettger
’96 Ewy, Newton, KS.
Grandparents are Jim ’68
and Betty Boettger, Salem,
OR.
Picking Up Sticks
Class Reunions
by Eric Ivanitsky ’99 - WMS Spiritual Life Director
and WMC Youth Pastor
“What is God doing at Western?” That’s a good question to ask of a school
that is centered on faith and learning. It’s not always easy to see exactly
what God is doing, but as the year is in full swing, there is a recent activity
that stands out.
It took place the first week of October as the
students participated in the school’s annual
Service Afternoon Project. The purpose
for scheduling this project is to give the
students an opportunity to share the love of
Christ by being a blessing to the community. Although this project has happened every
year for the last twelve years, this service
afternoon had a slightly different feel to it than in the past. This year all of
the students went out into the community together to meet one large need.
The need ended up being Keizer Rapids Regional Park, a 119-acre park
that was desperately in need of some volunteer workers, a lot of them. The
park had previously been home to a filbert orchard, which meant that before
the city of Keizer could do anything to create a grass play area there were
countless sticks and roots that needed to be picked up by hand and placed in
piles for removal.
So on Tuesday, October 2nd, as three reporters from local newspaper
looked on, 95 middle school students poured into the park and proceeded to
mercilessly pile stacks of sticks upon sticks. The next day, 145 high school
students continued with the same determination.
Now, picking up sticks may not sound like the most exciting thing to do or
like something that can make much of an impact. But when we step out to
bless others, regardless of how big or small it may seem, God has a way of
making it significant. One
of the first questions the
reporter of The Statesman
Journal asked me on the
phone the day before our
service was, “Why are
you doing this?” And so
with the door opened, our
conversation led into the
ways God has blessed us and
called us to be a blessing to
others through the love and
grace of Jesus Christ.
I was reminded that some of
the greatest lessons we learn
in life are those that come through personal experience. Kaila Tebeau ’12,
put it this way, “It can change your life knowing that you helped out.” In the
end, Western students were a witness to the community by saving the city of
Keizer between $8,800 and $15,000 just by picking up sticks.
continued
Class of 1977 Celebrates 30 Years
Wiser, more seasoned, experienced. That describes the class of 1977,
thirty years after graduation. In August we took time to celebrate the
past 30 years and God’s faithfulness in our lives, recognizing the
common ties we have because of our experiences at Western Mennonite
School.
Friday evening
we gathered for a
delicious meal at
Tom and Debbie
(Wolfer) Austin’s
home. Saturday
was spent golfing,
shopping and
visiting, and the
evening ended
with another
wonderful meal hosted by Byron and Debbie (Butts) Johnson. Attendees
over the two days included Tom and Debbie (Wolfer) Austin, Eric and
Peggy (Wallace) Baker, Rick (‘ng) and Kathy Byers, Arlen and Kathy
Emmert, Michael Galer, Byron and Debbie (Butts) Johnson, Don and
Denise Reeser, Craig and Susan (Grasse) Stinson, Cindy (Byers) Nunez
(ng ‘76), Joe (’76) and Renita (Myers) Sanchez, and Dwayne and Tara
Thomas. We had a great time, and look forward to 2012!
Donor Thank You’s
Gale Hess ’97 and his wife,
Jean, live in Lancaster, PA,
where he is a health social
worker at Landis Homes, a
Mennonite retirement center.
Jesse Berkey ’99 received
his BA from Western Oregon
University, Monmouth,
in 2003 and his MA in
rehabilitation counseling,
in 2006. He is employed as
a vocational rehabilitation
counselor in Elkhart, IN.
Send News & Address
Changes
Thank You, Donors.
Western would like to thank the following people and
organizations for giving to WMS during the 2007 calendar year.
Your contributions are making a difference in the lives of each student.
The list below represents direct financial gifts received during the 2007
calendar year.
There are many people who have donated in-kind gifts, anonymous
gifts and contributions to the Benefit Auction that are greatly appreciated
in addition to the following list.
Class of 1950
Ruth Kaufmann
Rosana Roth
Freda & Carl Schmidt
Leon & Luella Stutzman
Paul M ’54 and June
D (Bontrager) Schrock
celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary September 15,
2007, with several dozen
family and friends. Earlier
in the year they enjoyed an
anniversary trip to Butchart
Gardens in Victoria BC and
an Alaskan cruise. They
were married September
7, 1967 at Alden (NY)
Mennonite Church. and lived
in Scottdale, PA for 40 years.
Since retiring to Harrisonburg,
VA June volunteers at Ten
Thousand Villages and Paul at
Book Savers of Virginia.
Class of 1951
Maynard & Helen Headings
Bob & Arline Kauffman
Leroy & Olive Kenagy
Harold & Eileen Weaver
Class of 1952
Iris & Lester Dintaman
Maynard & Helen Headings
Violet & Rex Hopkins
Leo & Bonnie Jantzi
Muriel & Herman Krehbiel
Andrea Wall
Western Mennonite School
9045 Wallace Rd NW
Salem, OR 97304
503-363-2000 ph
503-370-9455 fax
adwall@
westernmennoniteschool.org
Let us know your email address.
Larry & Lynn Kropf
Clifford & Hope Lind
William Roth
Doris South
Berdella Stutzman
9
We’re Under Construction:
God began a good work at Western in
1945 and he has been faithful in building
up young people for his service. We know
that he will be true to his word in carrying
his work onto completion.
Jesse Berkey ’99 and Amy
Leatherman, November 24,
2006 at Niagara on the Lake,
Ontario, Canada. Jesse is
the son of Mike ’72 and
Cheryl ’72 Nofziger Berkey,
Lebanon, OR.
Rachelle O’Conner ’01 and
Aidan Coughlan, December
30, 2006 in Salem. They are
living in Portland.
by Eric Ivanitsky ‘99 - WMS Spiritual Life Director
and WMC Youth Pastor
continued from page 8
The gift that John and Barbara left to their children, and to those who
read this article, is the sense of commitment to Christian education
and the idea that it is a “whole family” and “whole life” priority. Therefore, attendance at Western becomes a privilege and a positive
life-changing event, not only for the individual but for the family unit.
Marriages
Cheryl Steckley Landis
’65, Albany, OR and J.
Lester Wagner, Ephrata, PA,
December 3, 2006. They are
living in Ephrata.
Students Live Anabaptist Church History
Commitment to Giving Back
GIVING BACK
Class Reunions
Class of 1962 Meets in Idaho
Eleven members of the Class of 1962, and their spouses, met July 6, 7,
and 8, 2007, at Emerson and Rita’s home in Caldwell, ID. Everyone
enjoyed the Miller’s wonderful home, gracious hospitality, and the
picturesque setting and was glad for the opportunity to catch up since
the last five year reunion.
Special activities included the Friday evening mixer lead by Marilyn
VanPelt and Larry Mast entertaining everyone with his memorization
skills. A video was enjoyed which told about the Mercy Ship ministry,
and great pictures were shown of the house building project that
was a fundraiser for WMS. Thanks to all who came and made this a
wonderful event!
What would it be like to go back
in time and retrace the footsteps of
early Anabaptists as they sought to
gather and worship in hiding? How
would it feel to be questioned and
interrogated about your faith? If
the only place you could gather
for worship was a two hour hike
in the dark to a secluded location,
would the value of that experience
outweigh the cost?
These are just a few questions that
students at Western Mennonite
School pondered after participating
in the Underground Church
Experience put on by Bible teachers
Dave Engle F/S and Molly
McCabe F/S with the support of
many Salem Mennonite Church
volunteers. Set in the hills outside
of West Salem just after nightfall
on Sarah Duemling’s (a member of
Salem Mennonite Church) forested
property, students were put in groups
and given ID badges with a map and
Shannon O’Conner ’03 and
Josh Edson, August 3, 2007.
’08 commented, “It helped me have
a more personal connection with
persecuted Christians around the
world.”
When the groups arrived at
the secret meeting place they
worshipped, prayed together, and
passed a rope around as a symbol
of connectedness—both to our
Anabaptist ancestors who suffered
and endured persecution for their
faith, as well as to those who even
now live their life in the face of
suffering for their beliefs.
While reflecting on the experience,
Molly McCabe said, “I believe
this Underground Church activity
accomplished more than we had
planned for in that it will be an
activity the students will never
forget. This kind of experience
never could have been created in a
class assignment.”
50 Years in God’s Grace
by Kyle Mast ‘03 - Director of Donor/Alumni Relations
Mary Yoder ’03 and Rob
Anderson, August 4, 2007.
Alumni News
Rosana Roth, ’50, teaches
Spanish to Americans and
English to Hispanics in
Woodburn, OR, after 30
years of mission work in
Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Other volunteer jobs are
working at the Food Bank
and driving for Meals on
Wheels. She says she is
thankful for the emphasis
on missions by her Western
teachers and for their
example of faithful service.
the goal to make a one and a half
mile journey to a secret worship
service. On the way to the service
the students experienced several
different obstacles. Interrogators
asked difficult questions about
faith, groups were separated by
the “authorities”, and dimly lit and
unmarked trails added physical
tension to the experience.
This assignment was a part of the
Mennonite History and Church
History classes at Western. The
purpose behind such an “out of
the box” assignment was to give
students a chance to process how
they would respond if their religious
freedoms were taken from them and
to share in the experience of what
persecuted believers go through. Esther Rydell ’08 said, “I realize
that we take for granted the freedom
that we have. It’s so important to
know your faith….and why you
believe what you do.” Amber Kelly
Front row, L to R: Thelma Blackstone, Marcia Byers. Second Row,
L to R: Barbara Custer, Marilyn Van Pelt, Sharon Moyer, Arlene
Kauffman. Back Row, L to R: Emerson Miller, Gale Gingrich, Larry
Mast, Rod Wolfer, Galen Earnest
2007 Class Reunions:
1957 (see 50 Years in God’s Grace)
1962 (see detailed description)
1977 (See detailed description)
1987
2002
When we got to about the fifth
person sitting around the table, I
knew I was in trouble. The class of
1957 had returned for their 50-year
reunion. I could hardly even
comprehend that number as it was
more than twice my age. However,
as I sat with this wonderful
group of alumni around a table
in the fellowship hall of Western
Mennonite Church I soon realized
that we had far more in common
than I ever could have imagined.
The class had started going around
the table and sharing memories of
Western and what their experience
here had meant to them. After
going only a quarter of the way
around the table I could feel my
eyes begin to water as the life
stories that were being told were
fantastic stories of God’s love
and provision in their lives. As
people continued to share stories
around the table you could see that
everyone in the room was deeply
moved by the common experiences
that they shared. I was now fighting
back the tears. Then my grandpa
shared, and the floodgates opened.
The recurring stories of friendship
built around music, sports, classes,
and faith were all compounded
as my grandpa shared about his
slightly rebellious days as a student
and how the Lord has led him to
where he is today, a man passionate
about serving both God and others.
continued on page 7
Cami Elise, born April 20,
2007, to Carisa Maritt ’96
and Jerry Elliott, Buhl, ID,
third child, second daughter.
Picture your favorite
student at WMS:
Is there a student that you
would like to see at Western?
Please contact Heidi
Brubaker at 503-363-2000
or hbrubaker@
westernmennoniteschool.org.
GIVING BACK
continued from page 6
The class of 1957 met in early September, 2007 for their 50-year
class reunion. The class met over several days during which
they invited others from class years close to theirs to join them in
reconnecting. On September 11, the class returned to Western, 50
years after their experience as students. Just before the meeting
As the youngest of three children, I never knew life without Western. I remember the day that we took my oldest
sister to Western at the beginning of her first year. The principal remarked that I was going to miss her and I cried. Later, I realized that it wasn’t so bad because every now and then she would
send a letter addressed to me.
John and Barbara Lais’
gift will fund the building
of a hand-crafted hutch by
Mike Wall of Summit View
Woodworking for the 36th
Annual Benefit Auction to
support the Student Grant
Program.
Condolences
Leah Hochstetler FF/S from
1958-1977, died July 12,
2007.
Thank you to all who helped make this building project possible.
The money from the sale of the house will support the building of
the Academic Center.
- Over 90 volunteers gave more than 6700 hours
- Over 40 of the volunteers were alumni
- Over 50 businesses contributed products/
services
CAUTION
CAUTION
Dave Hess, father of
Gale Hess ’97, was killed
September 22, 2007 in a farm
accident.
Building for Excellence
and the other a freshman, and my father told
me later that was the only time he borrowed
money using our house for collateral. He just
knew that the Western bill was to be paid on
time, and to him “on time” meant up front.
Even after all of us were through school
Dad and Mom continued to be Western
supporters.
CAUTION
Dave Hostetler ’57, died
December 7, 2007.
Dave (Fuzz) Johnstone ’59,
died August 12, 2007.
36th Annual Benefit Auction
Another instance of commitment that sticks
to support the Student Grantout in my mind was the year that both of my
Program.
sisters attended Western. One was a senior
mentioned above, the current students, faculty, and staff were
blessed as the class of 1957 shared gifts of music, teaching, and
stories during Western’s chapel service.
CAUTION
When there was a visiting speaker from Western, they and their family often
ended up at our house for Sunday dinner. I remember several occasions when
John and Barbara
my father and the speaker would go for a walk outside and Dad would give
them money for gas and groceries. I found out
Lais’ gift will fund the
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
building of a hand-crafted later that it was usually very generous, maybe
as
much
as
half
of
a
week’s
wages
for
my
hutch by Mike Wall of Summit
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
View Woodworking for the Dad.
The monetary gift that I transported to Darrel
was not a great amount of money, but it
represents the balance of their earthly assets.
continued on page 9
CAUTION
Helen Lind Thomas
’54 died July 21, 2007 of
glioblastoma. She lived and
worked in Charleston, WV
as a public school librarian
and as a first grade teacher.
Helen was also an active
member of First Presbyterian
Church, in which she was
ordained a deacon. In 1975
Helen married Joseph Albert
Thomas, who preceded her in
death.
As I grew older I realized that my parents’ commitment to Christian education
was “our” commitment. Western was a priority in our home. We did not have
money for a new car until the old one was completely worn out. Then the
replacement needed to accommodate the carpooling that we participated in
from the south end of the valley.
“It takes all of us to build a community”
36th Annual Benefit Auction
May 3, 2008
State Fairgrounds
Free Admission, $3 Parking
Alumni Class Gift Competition
Winners will be awarded during the auction, so come and support the sale of your class gift.
- Class with the most money donated toward their class gift
- Class with the most creative class gift.
To make a donation contact Cheeri Barnhart at
503-363-5832. Submit donation information by April 25
to be included in the Bidder Guide.
CAU
7
We’re Under Construction:
As God’s fellow workers we are called to
be builders. Thank you for helping in the
construction effort by giving your time,
talents, prayers, and financial resources.
A few weeks ago I made a trip to Western
Mennonite School to deliver the balance of my
by Dan Lais ‘67
parents’ (John and Barbara Lais) cash assets.
During the drive to the school, my “Western File” in
my memory bank began to display on the monitor in my mind.
Commitment to Giving Back
50 Years in God’s Grace
See more pictures
and a description at
GladysBlumGroup.com
GIVING BACK
continued from page 6
The class of 1957 met in early September, 2007 for their 50-year
class reunion. The class met over several days during which
they invited others from class years close to theirs to join them in
reconnecting. On September 11, the class returned to Western, 50
years after their experience as students. Just before the meeting
As the youngest of three children, I never knew life without Western. I remember the day that we took my oldest
sister to Western at the beginning of her first year. The principal remarked that I was going to miss her and I cried. Later, I realized that it wasn’t so bad because every now and then she would
send a letter addressed to me.
John and Barbara Lais’
gift will fund the building
of a hand-crafted hutch by
Mike Wall of Summit View
Woodworking for the 36th
Annual Benefit Auction to
support the Student Grant
Program.
Condolences
Leah Hochstetler FF/S from
1958-1977, died July 12,
2007.
Thank you to all who helped make this building project possible.
The money from the sale of the house will support the building of
the Academic Center.
- Over 90 volunteers gave more than 6700 hours
- Over 40 of the volunteers were alumni
- Over 50 businesses contributed products/
services
CAUTION
CAUTION
Dave Hess, father of
Gale Hess ’97, was killed
September 22, 2007 in a farm
accident.
Building for Excellence
and the other a freshman, and my father told
me later that was the only time he borrowed
money using our house for collateral. He just
knew that the Western bill was to be paid on
time, and to him “on time” meant up front.
Even after all of us were through school
Dad and Mom continued to be Western
supporters.
CAUTION
Dave Hostetler ’57, died
December 7, 2007.
Dave (Fuzz) Johnstone ’59,
died August 12, 2007.
36th Annual Benefit Auction
Another instance of commitment that sticks
to support the Student Grantout in my mind was the year that both of my
Program.
sisters attended Western. One was a senior
mentioned above, the current students, faculty, and staff were
blessed as the class of 1957 shared gifts of music, teaching, and
stories during Western’s chapel service.
CAUTION
When there was a visiting speaker from Western, they and their family often
ended up at our house for Sunday dinner. I remember several occasions when
John and Barbara
my father and the speaker would go for a walk outside and Dad would give
them money for gas and groceries. I found out
Lais’ gift will fund the
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
building of a hand-crafted later that it was usually very generous, maybe
as
much
as
half
of
a
week’s
wages
for
my
hutch by Mike Wall of Summit
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
View Woodworking for the Dad.
The monetary gift that I transported to Darrel
was not a great amount of money, but it
represents the balance of their earthly assets.
continued on page 9
CAUTION
Helen Lind Thomas
’54 died July 21, 2007 of
glioblastoma. She lived and
worked in Charleston, WV
as a public school librarian
and as a first grade teacher.
Helen was also an active
member of First Presbyterian
Church, in which she was
ordained a deacon. In 1975
Helen married Joseph Albert
Thomas, who preceded her in
death.
As I grew older I realized that my parents’ commitment to Christian education
was “our” commitment. Western was a priority in our home. We did not have
money for a new car until the old one was completely worn out. Then the
replacement needed to accommodate the carpooling that we participated in
from the south end of the valley.
“It takes all of us to build a community”
36th Annual Benefit Auction
May 3, 2008
State Fairgrounds
Free Admission, $3 Parking
Alumni Class Gift Competition
Winners will be awarded during the auction, so come and support the sale of your class gift.
- Class with the most money donated toward their class gift
- Class with the most creative class gift.
To make a donation contact Cheeri Barnhart at
503-363-5832. Submit donation information by April 25
to be included in the Bidder Guide.
CAU
7
We’re Under Construction:
As God’s fellow workers we are called to
be builders. Thank you for helping in the
construction effort by giving your time,
talents, prayers, and financial resources.
A few weeks ago I made a trip to Western
Mennonite School to deliver the balance of my
by Dan Lais ‘67
parents’ (John and Barbara Lais) cash assets.
During the drive to the school, my “Western File” in
my memory bank began to display on the monitor in my mind.
Commitment to Giving Back
50 Years in God’s Grace
See more pictures
and a description at
GladysBlumGroup.com
9
We’re Under Construction:
God began a good work at Western in
1945 and he has been faithful in building
up young people for his service. We know
that he will be true to his word in carrying
his work onto completion.
Jesse Berkey ’99 and Amy
Leatherman, November 24,
2006 at Niagara on the Lake,
Ontario, Canada. Jesse is
the son of Mike ’72 and
Cheryl ’72 Nofziger Berkey,
Lebanon, OR.
Rachelle O’Conner ’01 and
Aidan Coughlan, December
30, 2006 in Salem. They are
living in Portland.
by Eric Ivanitsky ‘99 - WMS Spiritual Life Director
and WMC Youth Pastor
continued from page 8
The gift that John and Barbara left to their children, and to those who
read this article, is the sense of commitment to Christian education
and the idea that it is a “whole family” and “whole life” priority. Therefore, attendance at Western becomes a privilege and a positive
life-changing event, not only for the individual but for the family unit.
Marriages
Cheryl Steckley Landis
’65, Albany, OR and J.
Lester Wagner, Ephrata, PA,
December 3, 2006. They are
living in Ephrata.
Students Live Anabaptist Church History
Commitment to Giving Back
GIVING BACK
Class Reunions
Class of 1962 Meets in Idaho
Eleven members of the Class of 1962, and their spouses, met July 6, 7,
and 8, 2007, at Emerson and Rita’s home in Caldwell, ID. Everyone
enjoyed the Miller’s wonderful home, gracious hospitality, and the
picturesque setting and was glad for the opportunity to catch up since
the last five year reunion.
Special activities included the Friday evening mixer lead by Marilyn
VanPelt and Larry Mast entertaining everyone with his memorization
skills. A video was enjoyed which told about the Mercy Ship ministry,
and great pictures were shown of the house building project that
was a fundraiser for WMS. Thanks to all who came and made this a
wonderful event!
What would it be like to go back
in time and retrace the footsteps of
early Anabaptists as they sought to
gather and worship in hiding? How
would it feel to be questioned and
interrogated about your faith? If
the only place you could gather
for worship was a two hour hike
in the dark to a secluded location,
would the value of that experience
outweigh the cost?
These are just a few questions that
students at Western Mennonite
School pondered after participating
in the Underground Church
Experience put on by Bible teachers
Dave Engle F/S and Molly
McCabe F/S with the support of
many Salem Mennonite Church
volunteers. Set in the hills outside
of West Salem just after nightfall
on Sarah Duemling’s (a member of
Salem Mennonite Church) forested
property, students were put in groups
and given ID badges with a map and
Shannon O’Conner ’03 and
Josh Edson, August 3, 2007.
’08 commented, “It helped me have
a more personal connection with
persecuted Christians around the
world.”
When the groups arrived at
the secret meeting place they
worshipped, prayed together, and
passed a rope around as a symbol
of connectedness—both to our
Anabaptist ancestors who suffered
and endured persecution for their
faith, as well as to those who even
now live their life in the face of
suffering for their beliefs.
While reflecting on the experience,
Molly McCabe said, “I believe
this Underground Church activity
accomplished more than we had
planned for in that it will be an
activity the students will never
forget. This kind of experience
never could have been created in a
class assignment.”
50 Years in God’s Grace
by Kyle Mast ‘03 - Director of Donor/Alumni Relations
Mary Yoder ’03 and Rob
Anderson, August 4, 2007.
Alumni News
Rosana Roth, ’50, teaches
Spanish to Americans and
English to Hispanics in
Woodburn, OR, after 30
years of mission work in
Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Other volunteer jobs are
working at the Food Bank
and driving for Meals on
Wheels. She says she is
thankful for the emphasis
on missions by her Western
teachers and for their
example of faithful service.
the goal to make a one and a half
mile journey to a secret worship
service. On the way to the service
the students experienced several
different obstacles. Interrogators
asked difficult questions about
faith, groups were separated by
the “authorities”, and dimly lit and
unmarked trails added physical
tension to the experience.
This assignment was a part of the
Mennonite History and Church
History classes at Western. The
purpose behind such an “out of
the box” assignment was to give
students a chance to process how
they would respond if their religious
freedoms were taken from them and
to share in the experience of what
persecuted believers go through. Esther Rydell ’08 said, “I realize
that we take for granted the freedom
that we have. It’s so important to
know your faith….and why you
believe what you do.” Amber Kelly
Front row, L to R: Thelma Blackstone, Marcia Byers. Second Row,
L to R: Barbara Custer, Marilyn Van Pelt, Sharon Moyer, Arlene
Kauffman. Back Row, L to R: Emerson Miller, Gale Gingrich, Larry
Mast, Rod Wolfer, Galen Earnest
2007 Class Reunions:
1957 (see 50 Years in God’s Grace)
1962 (see detailed description)
1977 (See detailed description)
1987
2002
When we got to about the fifth
person sitting around the table, I
knew I was in trouble. The class of
1957 had returned for their 50-year
reunion. I could hardly even
comprehend that number as it was
more than twice my age. However,
as I sat with this wonderful
group of alumni around a table
in the fellowship hall of Western
Mennonite Church I soon realized
that we had far more in common
than I ever could have imagined.
The class had started going around
the table and sharing memories of
Western and what their experience
here had meant to them. After
going only a quarter of the way
around the table I could feel my
eyes begin to water as the life
stories that were being told were
fantastic stories of God’s love
and provision in their lives. As
people continued to share stories
around the table you could see that
everyone in the room was deeply
moved by the common experiences
that they shared. I was now fighting
back the tears. Then my grandpa
shared, and the floodgates opened.
The recurring stories of friendship
built around music, sports, classes,
and faith were all compounded
as my grandpa shared about his
slightly rebellious days as a student
and how the Lord has led him to
where he is today, a man passionate
about serving both God and others.
continued on page 7
Cami Elise, born April 20,
2007, to Carisa Maritt ’96
and Jerry Elliott, Buhl, ID,
third child, second daughter.
Picture your favorite
student at WMS:
Is there a student that you
would like to see at Western?
Please contact Heidi
Brubaker at 503-363-2000
or hbrubaker@
westernmennoniteschool.org.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
5
We’re Under Construction:
A building starts with a foundation and at
Western it starts with faith in Christ. It is
this faith that drives us to learn, to excel,
to discover our passions and to use our
gifts to serve God.
Births
Adie Lee and Eliza Mae,
born November 25, 2007, to
Ryan ’93 and Melissa Nisly,
Salem, OR. Grandparents
are Al and Sharon Nisly.
Madisen Elisabeth, born
January 6, 2007, to Dale ’80
and Carrie Porter, Brooks,
AB Canada. Second child,
first daughter.
Rianna Catherine, born
November 1, 2007, to
Brad ’90 and Christine
Schweitzer, Hesston, KS.
Grandparents are Lee ’59
and Carol ’61 Nafziger
Schweitzer, Salem, OR.
Kaelyn Grace, born October
24, 2007, to Craig ’93
and Lisa ’93 Boettger
Schweitzer, Salem, OR.
Grandparents are Lee ’59
and Carol ’61 Nafziger
Schweitzer, Salem, OR.
Samantha Mae, born August
13, 2007, to Brad ’94 and
Stefanie Ernst, Folsom,
PA. Grandparents are Ron
and Twila ’69 Roth Ernst,
Salem, OR.
Hope Elizabeth, born
November 19, 2007, to
Jeremy and Jyl Boettger
’96 Ewy, Newton, KS.
Grandparents are Jim ’68
and Betty Boettger, Salem,
OR.
Picking Up Sticks
Class Reunions
by Eric Ivanitsky ’99 - WMS Spiritual Life Director
and WMC Youth Pastor
“What is God doing at Western?” That’s a good question to ask of a school
that is centered on faith and learning. It’s not always easy to see exactly
what God is doing, but as the year is in full swing, there is a recent activity
that stands out.
It took place the first week of October as the
students participated in the school’s annual
Service Afternoon Project. The purpose
for scheduling this project is to give the
students an opportunity to share the love of
Christ by being a blessing to the community. Although this project has happened every
year for the last twelve years, this service
afternoon had a slightly different feel to it than in the past. This year all of
the students went out into the community together to meet one large need.
The need ended up being Keizer Rapids Regional Park, a 119-acre park
that was desperately in need of some volunteer workers, a lot of them. The
park had previously been home to a filbert orchard, which meant that before
the city of Keizer could do anything to create a grass play area there were
countless sticks and roots that needed to be picked up by hand and placed in
piles for removal.
So on Tuesday, October 2nd, as three reporters from local newspaper
looked on, 95 middle school students poured into the park and proceeded to
mercilessly pile stacks of sticks upon sticks. The next day, 145 high school
students continued with the same determination.
Now, picking up sticks may not sound like the most exciting thing to do or
like something that can make much of an impact. But when we step out to
bless others, regardless of how big or small it may seem, God has a way of
making it significant. One
of the first questions the
reporter of The Statesman
Journal asked me on the
phone the day before our
service was, “Why are
you doing this?” And so
with the door opened, our
conversation led into the
ways God has blessed us and
called us to be a blessing to
others through the love and
grace of Jesus Christ.
I was reminded that some of
the greatest lessons we learn
in life are those that come through personal experience. Kaila Tebeau ’12,
put it this way, “It can change your life knowing that you helped out.” In the
end, Western students were a witness to the community by saving the city of
Keizer between $8,800 and $15,000 just by picking up sticks.
continued
Class of 1977 Celebrates 30 Years
Wiser, more seasoned, experienced. That describes the class of 1977,
thirty years after graduation. In August we took time to celebrate the
past 30 years and God’s faithfulness in our lives, recognizing the
common ties we have because of our experiences at Western Mennonite
School.
Friday evening
we gathered for a
delicious meal at
Tom and Debbie
(Wolfer) Austin’s
home. Saturday
was spent golfing,
shopping and
visiting, and the
evening ended
with another
wonderful meal hosted by Byron and Debbie (Butts) Johnson. Attendees
over the two days included Tom and Debbie (Wolfer) Austin, Eric and
Peggy (Wallace) Baker, Rick (‘ng) and Kathy Byers, Arlen and Kathy
Emmert, Michael Galer, Byron and Debbie (Butts) Johnson, Don and
Denise Reeser, Craig and Susan (Grasse) Stinson, Cindy (Byers) Nunez
(ng ‘76), Joe (’76) and Renita (Myers) Sanchez, and Dwayne and Tara
Thomas. We had a great time, and look forward to 2012!
Donor Thank You’s
Gale Hess ’97 and his wife,
Jean, live in Lancaster, PA,
where he is a health social
worker at Landis Homes, a
Mennonite retirement center.
Jesse Berkey ’99 received
his BA from Western Oregon
University, Monmouth,
in 2003 and his MA in
rehabilitation counseling,
in 2006. He is employed as
a vocational rehabilitation
counselor in Elkhart, IN.
Send News & Address
Changes
Thank You, Donors.
Western would like to thank the following people and
organizations for giving to WMS during the 2007 calendar year.
Your contributions are making a difference in the lives of each student.
The list below represents direct financial gifts received during the 2007
calendar year.
There are many people who have donated in-kind gifts, anonymous
gifts and contributions to the Benefit Auction that are greatly appreciated
in addition to the following list.
Class of 1950
Ruth Kaufmann
Rosana Roth
Freda & Carl Schmidt
Leon & Luella Stutzman
Paul M ’54 and June
D (Bontrager) Schrock
celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary September 15,
2007, with several dozen
family and friends. Earlier
in the year they enjoyed an
anniversary trip to Butchart
Gardens in Victoria BC and
an Alaskan cruise. They
were married September
7, 1967 at Alden (NY)
Mennonite Church. and lived
in Scottdale, PA for 40 years.
Since retiring to Harrisonburg,
VA June volunteers at Ten
Thousand Villages and Paul at
Book Savers of Virginia.
Class of 1951
Maynard & Helen Headings
Bob & Arline Kauffman
Leroy & Olive Kenagy
Harold & Eileen Weaver
Class of 1952
Iris & Lester Dintaman
Maynard & Helen Headings
Violet & Rex Hopkins
Leo & Bonnie Jantzi
Muriel & Herman Krehbiel
Andrea Wall
Western Mennonite School
9045 Wallace Rd NW
Salem, OR 97304
503-363-2000 ph
503-370-9455 fax
adwall@
westernmennoniteschool.org
Let us know your email address.
Larry & Lynn Kropf
Clifford & Hope Lind
William Roth
Doris South
Berdella Stutzman
Meet the Faculty
Donor Thank You’s
continued
11
Class of 1953
Wilbur & Fanni Birky
Delmar & Delores
Kennel
Dorothy & Layman
Slagell
Class of 1954
Merle & Inez Embleton
Loren & Evelyn Emmert
Marvin & Mabel Emmert
Grace & Lowell Herr
Thelma & Emerson
Martin
Pearly Mast
Paul & June Schrock
Erma & William Yoder
Class of 1955
Shirley & Richard
Gingerich
Sue Gresham
Maynard & Mildred
Nofziger
Eldon & Doreen Ropp
Harold & Lyla Snyder
Ada Stout
Rosemarie & Curtis Zehr
Class of 1956
Sterling & Sherry Burkey
Mark & Mary Headings
Marvin & Anna Grace
Kauffman
Ralph & Clarene Myers
Leo Zook
Class of 1957
Tom & Shirley
Hershberger
Warde & Pat Hershberger
Darlene & Robert
Kauffman
Allen & Sara Lind
Ralph & Clarene Myers
Merlin & Kathy Schweitzer
Joann & David Siemens
Verdella & Maxton Slagell
Ernie & Joyce Yoder
Class of 1958
Merle & Karen Bitikofer
Galen & Nancy Burkey
Larry & Rosella
Harshbarger
Bob Heyerly
John & Jeanne Heyerly
Bill & Judy Jantzi
Lois & James Justus
Mary Ellen & John
Kauffman
Ruth Kauffman
Dorothy & Veldon Kropf
Carol & Ron Maust
Clara Moberly
Jewell & Les Nelson
Carl & Eilene Snyder
Delbert & Lee Snyder
Merv & Ruth Stutzman
Ernie & Joyce Yoder
Perry & Elizabeth Yoder
Class of 1959
Clifford Beckler
Glenn Bond
Sharon & Don Clay
Carolyn & Clyde
Hockman
Oren Horst
[David] & Jo Ann
Johnstone
Marlene & Merle
Kauffman
Richard & Karen Kropf
David & Vee Lehman
Judy & Cecil Miller
Marian & Dennis Miller
Truman & Ardys Miller
Eldon & Doreen Ropp
Doris Schrock
Delbert & Lee Snyder
Class of 1960
Ordena Bond
Alta & Kenneth Gerig
Art & Yolanda
Hershberger
John & Jeanne Heyerly
Larry & Alice Hostetler
Bill & Judy Jantzi
Carol & Leonard John
Truman & Ardys Miller
Irene Schlabach
Ken & Mabel Snyder
Shirley & Kenton Yoder
Brubaker
Arla & Mario Yu
Class of 1961
Bill & Rachel Byers
Duane & Linda Emmert
Iris & John Esch
Myrna & James Hamblin
Judy & Jim Jaques
Elvon & Lorraine Kauffman
Sharon & Cecil Kennel
Beverly & Wayne Knox
Stan & Marlene Kropf
Sharon & Steven
Nesselrodt
Charles & Wilma Rhodes
Carl & Eilene Snyder
Ivan Snyder
Ken & Mabel Snyder
Allen & Anita Yoder
Class of 1962
Thelma & Roy
Blackstone
Elsie & Richard Bowman
Barbara & Leroy Custer
Galen & Marlene Earnest
Duane & Linda Emmert
Gale & Florence Gingrich
Judi Jones
Arlene & Steve Kauffman
Martyne & Ted Kempel
Sharon & Dale Moyer
Lowell & Carole Nafziger
Shirley & Lowell Neely
Susan Russell
Jim & Carol Schweitzer
Marilyn & Jake Van Pelt
Rod & Sally Wolfer
Helen & Wilbur Yoder
Class of 1963
Bev & Larry Armstrong
Gary & Shirley
Eichelberger
Mary & Lee Gingerich
Lola Jenkins
Joanne & Leroy Martin
Karen & Richard Martin
Shirley & Lloyd Martin
Marvin & Shirl Shetler
Verna & Glenn Snider
Bryan & Judi Stauffer
Class of 1964
Donna & J. Roy Brubaker
Miriam Hess
Gale & Florence Gingrich
Nancy & John Histand
Delvin & Rose King
Dot Kropf
Dan & Louise Nofziger
Marylin & Linwood Rush
Myron & Eudene Snyder
Class of 1965
Gene & Susan Boshart
Dennis & Alice Brubaker
Carolyn & Don Burkholder
Darlene & Carl Dintaman
Melva & Philip Lloyd
Sharon & Richard Marrs
Janet & Linford Stutzman
Class of 1966
Dennis & Alice Brubaker
Doug Haima
Gary & Mim Hooley
Nadine & Dick LeFrancis
Cindy Mullet
Karen & Steve Such
Class of 1967
Merle Brubaker
Barbara & Don Edwards
Dianna & Leon Eshleman
Dan & Deborah Kauffman
Delvin & Rose King
Dan & Amelia Lais
Gary & Esther Nice
Janet & Gary Oyer
Donna & Randy Springer
Marv & Judy Stutzman
Class of 1968
Dorothea & Mike Coleman
Rachel & Wayne Hickman
Ken Lais
Milo & Bonnie Stauffer
Jerry & Sharon Stutzman
John & Jane Stutzman
Kathy & Bill Vandiver
Jeanette & Ray Yoder
Class of 1969
Connie & Neal Anderson
Twila & Ron Ernst
John & Beulah Hess-Yoder
Jerry & Sharon Stutzman
Class of 1970
Lori & Lee Burkey
June & Tony Handrich
Eileen Hostetler
Marge & Tom Klempel
Elisabeth Koibur – Elisabeth is a
Library Assistant and is constantly
interacting with students and helping
them with their studies. Elisabeth
is volunteering at Western for one
year with the International Volunteer
Exchange Program, which is sponsored
by MCC. She is originally from Papua,
Indonesia where she is involved with
civil engineering and design. Working in
the library has been a great fit as one of
Elisabeth’s favorite hobbies is reading.
Hopewell Community Experiences Miracle
by Andrea Wall - Director of Advancement
Wrestling (competing for McMinnville)
Enoch Humlie
-4th in District Tournament
Swimming
Tristan Versteeg (11-14 year olds)
-1st in State 50m Butterfly
-1st in State 100m Butterfly
-2nd in State 50m Backstroke
-5th in State 100m Backstroke
-7th in State 100m IM
-7th in State 100m Freestyle
Diving (Tualitin Hills Diving
Club)
Tristan Versteeg
-Member of Junior Olympic Team
-6th place in Canadian National Qualifier
This Fall, I witnessed a miracle at Western. In August we
received a letter from the City of Salem proposing the application of
Class B Biosolids, semi-treated human waste, to the farmland surrounding
Western. Dale and Janice Turner neighbors of Western and parents of
Heather Penny ’97 and Nathan Turner ’99 established a neighborhood
group to research the impact of this proposal to the Hopewell community.
For three months we prepared for a public hearing. During this time, we
were able to personally build relationships with our neighbors and gather in
prayer for God’s wisdom, even on the night of the hearing, in the parking lot of Walker Middle School.
Over 150 people attended the hearing and among them were 15 people from Western Mennonite School, the
Yamhill County Commissioner, a State Senator, a Soil Agronomist, Willamette Law students, plus many other
neighbors. We stood united, requesting the withdrawal of the application because of the sensitivity of the site. Three hours and 37 testimonies later, a representative from the City of Salem withdrew the application in an
unprecedented act in the history of public biosolids hearings.
I would like to praise God for his continued protection of Western Mennonite School and the Hopewell
community. We would like to
thank our neighbors for their
professionalism, their energy
in gathering scientific data
and personal testimony, and
ultimately for having the faith
that a unified community can
make a difference. Miracles
do happen and this is an
experience that I will never
forget. Praise the Lord!
ACADEMICS
3
We’re Under Construction:
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, it says, a
foundation has been laid and “someone
else is building on it.” It takes a
community to build these students both
academically and spiritually.
Sports at a Glance…
Girls’ Varsity Soccer
Record: 11-3-1
Boys’ Varsity Soccer
League Record: 5-4
Girls’ Varsity Volleyball
Record: 3-13
Girls’ Varsity Basketball
Record: 11-12
League Playoffs: 2-1
-Best finish in 25 years
-One game away from State Tournament bid
Boys’ Varsity Basketball
Record: 24-8
League Playoffs: 2-0
-Advanced to State as first seed
Congratulations!
- Boys basketball takes 2nd at State
Tournament
- Gary Hull reaches his 400th career win during the State Tournament
- Daniel Martin ’08 awarded 2nd Team All-
State 2A
Donor Thank You’s
Meet the Faculty
Just as a building is only as strong as the parts that are used to make
it, so too an academic program’s excellence is determined by those
who contribute to it. Each year Western’s students have the incredible
opportunity to interact with the teachers that make up the strong
foundation for academics here at Western. We are extremely blessed
to have a strong and diverse group of instructors who provide a
Christ-centered education to our young people.
Here are a few new faculty faces on campus…
Linda Walker – Linda teaches high
school band, concert band, beginner’s
band, and has started a pep band at
Western. She also helps out with the
middle school worship team. Born
in Caldwell, Idaho, Linda moved
to Africa with her parents to be
missionaries when she was four years
old. She returned to Oregon for high
school and attended George Fox
University majoring in Psychology
and Sociology. Linda now has a
Masters degree in Curriculum and
Instruction from the University of Oregon. She loves music and
instruments and enjoys volunteering
her musical abilities at her church and
in nursing homes.
Roger Badillo – Roger is a tutor
at Western in math and physics.
Originally from Mexico City, Roger
spent two years in Italy and has a
degree in Mechanical Engineering
from ITQ. He enjoys interacting
with the students and doing research
on new electronic and mechanical
technologies.
Alex Roth – Alex teaches freshman
and senior English classes as well as
7th grade language arts. Originally
from Palmer Lake, CO, Alex attended
Hesston College for two years and then
transferred to Goshen College. While
at Goshen College, she spent three
months in Senegal, West Africa on a
Study Service Term before completing
her teaching degree and taking the job
at Western.
Jerry & Vevi Schrock
Class of 1971
Marlene & Jim Blair
Charlotte & Charles
Crouse
Gary & Shirley
Eichelberger
Dan & Regena Garber
Rudy & Colleen
Gingerich
Von & Steve
Hershberger
Roxie Kauffman
Julie & Wayne Miller
Marilyn & Mervin
Mullet
Luke & Cathy Roth
Duane & Marlene Sherfy
Rosie & Howard Shetler
Class of 1972
Regina & Dan Bumstead
Linda & Robert
Dibble SB
Dan & Regena Garber
Rudy & Colleen
Gingerich
Bill & Karolyn
Mengershausen
Keith Miller
Arnie & Sheri Nofziger
Dennis & Susan
vStutzman
Cheryl Wideman
Class of 1973
Marilyn & Clifford
Brubaker
Susan & Phil Clemmer
Chris Elliott
Gwen & Doug Gransberg
Brent & Debbie
Kauffman
Galen & Betty Jean
Kauffman
Duane & Marlene Sherfy
Dennis & Susan
Stutzman
Peggy & Douglas
Talmadge
Sherry & Rodney Troyer
Raymond & Wyonne
Weber
Class of 1974
Roberta & Chris Arstein
Dennis & Karen Beckler
Gary & Lois Hooley
Brent & Debbie Kauffman
Lina & Robert McDonald
Gwen & Ed Peachey
Dwight & Debra
Stutzman
Class of 1975
Mike & Patti Baker
Anita & Dale Classen
Don & Luanne
Livingston
Eileen & Roger Springer
Lowell & Marcia Troyer
Class of 1976
Linda & Jim Eicher
Larry & Tami McGinnis
Darrell & Peggy Miller
Todd & Deb Rediger
Leon & Wanda RohrerHeyerly
Vonda & Dwight Ropp
Liz & Todd Ryckman
Stan & Rita Schrock
Elizabeth & Clark Slater
Carmen Walker
Darrel & Charlene White
Kathy Yoder
Class of 1977
Rick & Kathy Byers
Arlen & Cathy Emmert
Dan & Jodi Patching
Donald & Denise Reeser
Susan & Craig Stinson
Class of 1978
Doug & Erica Hostetler
Patt & Bruce Martens
Dorla & Bob Roth
Wayne & Pat Stutzman
Class of 1979
Marcy & Leo Aranda
Brenda & George
Jablonsky
Ginny & Malcolm Juss
Gary & Rose Roth
Wayne & Pat Stutzman
Sharon & Dale Wenger
Class of 1980
Dennis & Karen Beckler
James & Darla Glick
Pete & Nancy Lind
Sheryl & Gerald Mast
Sandy Jo & David Morton
Dale & Carrie Porter
Richard & Mitra Battan
Royal
Roger & Kendra
Schlabach
Stan & Rita Schrock
Kathy & Don Spencer
Ed & Cheryl Steckly
Darrel & Janette
Wisseman
MacGregor
Cathie Jo & Darin
Sturdevant
Juli & Morlin Van PeltElias
Class of 1981
Katie & Ivan Mast
Lynette & Brian Plank
Loyal & Sarah Roth
Class of 1988
Tim & Jen Hershberger
Traci & Tom Lee-Scott
Class of 1982
Jeanette & Randy Boyack
Marla & Kenny Ernst
James & Darla Glick
Charles Lee
Leon & Deneen Ropp
Sue & Steve Roth
Class of 1983
Donna & Aaron
BreMiller
Karyn & Richard Hinz
Pam & Verne Mack
Barbara & Robert Miller
Pat & Jim Perich
Mike Stutzman
Jason & Melissa Wolfer
Class of 1984
Diana & Alan BlackstoneHelt
Clayton & Rachel
Harrison
Steve & Ruth Hopkins
Dinny & Sanjay Li
Varghese
Katherine & Leon
Neuschwander
Class of 1985
Tammy & Mario
Gutierrez
Karlene & Kory
Class of 1986
Darcy & Wayne Barker
Lori & Greg Loyd
Karlene & Kory MacGregor
Allen Schrock
Angie & Philip Stephenson
Jason & Melissa Wolfer
Class of 1987
Darin & Leslie Burks
Class of 1989
Tawnya & Michael Dettmer
Melika & Ross Hershberger
Christopher & Angie Nissly
Stephanie & Jeff Roth
Becky & Kevin Simpson
Class of 1990
Michael & Heidi Pender
Diana & Kevin Swanson
Class of 1991
Daniel Cooney
Melissa & Darren King
Class of 1992
Christy & Trevor Hostetler
Cheri & Chris Wampole
Class of 1993
Ryan & Melissa Nisly
Christa & Stephen OboldEshleman
Craig & Lisa Schweitzer
Class of 1995
Katrina Kropf
Kenneth Mathis
Kyle & Melodie Stutzman
Sherri-Lynn & Ryan Wenger
Class of 1996
Jyl & Jeremy Ewy
Jonathan & Lori Nussbaum
Donor Thank You’s
State Science Olympiad
13
Class of 1997
Gale & Jeanie Hess
Class of 1999
Eric Ivanitsky
Class of 2000
Mark Furlong
Class of 2001
Chad Hochstetler
Class of 2003
Kyle Mast
Class of 2004
Trevor Schultz
Alumni Faculty
Merlin & Kathleen
Aeschliman SB
John & Claudia Beechy
Don & Jennifer Berg
Diana & Alan
Blackstone-Helt
Chuck Bowles
Heidi & Simeon
Brubaker
Lori & Lee Burkey
Dave & Corlyn Chambers
Zig & Teresa
Derochowski
David & Marj Engle
Jill & Greg English
Darlene & Dennis Fritz
Tom & Jeanette Gingerich
Jeff & Rose Hackman
Tammy & Jeff Hall
Lori & Paul Hernandez
Michele & Del
Hershberger
Von & Steve
Hershberger
Sheila & John
Hochstetler SB
Oren Horst
Gary & Brenda Hull
Dottie & Charles Kamilos
Carl Keener
Karen & Gabino Kenagy
Perez
Willard & Mae Etta
Kennel
Tim & Susie Kreder
Esther Lanting
Rol & BJ Leichty
Katie & Marcus Lind
Debby & David Lowery
Pam & Verne Mack
Eric & Sue Martin
Kyle Mast
Tina & Tom Mast-Burnett
Molly & Tim McCabe
Richard & Roxie Metzler
James & Judi Miller
Perry & Deloris Miller
Ray & Kay Nussbaum
Vonnie & Stan Oyer SB
Mark & Caroline
Rasmussen
Rick & Florence Regier
Carla Schrock
Vera Schrock
Dorothy Shenk
Allan & Ruth Ann Shirk
Bernard & Miriam
Showalter
Bob & Willi Snyder
Susan & Craig Stinson
Jerry & Sharon Stutzman
Carl & Pam Swartz
Clayton & Margaret
Swartzentruber
Carolyn & Roger
Trygstad
Andrew & Elizabeth
Wadlow
Andrea & Mike Wall
Mike & Cindy Wenger
Sherri-Lynn & Ryan
Wenger
Darrel & Charlene White
Cathy & David Withee
Lela & Edwin Yoder
Twila Zimmerly
Lorena Zuniga Roa
Friends of WMS
Trip & Rosemary Allen
Rex & Janice Anderson
Susan Antonini
Gerald & Bonnie Arnold
Nancy Barnhart
Will & Cheeri
Barnhart SB
Ronald & Darlene
Barnick
Martin & Rhonna Bassett
Patricia Beach
Howard Beachy
Ruby Berg
Doug & Luanne Berkey
Jack & Inez Berkey
Ken Berkey
Gary & June Binder
Karl & Ginny Birky
Dale & Eleanor Boese
Alvin & Mary Bontrager
Robert & Beth Bontrager
Mary Boshart
Gerald & Kathryn
Brenneman
Glyn & Sharon Brice
Opal Brubaker
Todd & Julie Brumfield
Russell & Janet Buschert
Margaret Butler
Ron & Gloria Camp
G. R. Castillo
Andrew & Dema Chupp
Gordon & Wilma Chupp
Gene & Dorene Claassen
William & Deni Clemons
Gary & Mel Conrad
Mildred Coon
Cliff & Delight Stone
Curry
Helen Davis
David & Martha
Detweiler SB
Jim & Claire DeVries
Alicia Dimond
Richard & Barbara
Dinsmore
Gwynn Dockery
Craig & Cheryl Dorsing
Curtis & Phyllis Dorsing
Les & Donna Dorsing
Lois Drawbond
Richard & Nancy Ellis
Esther Falk
Jane Fobert
Beulah Fretz
Carey & Janice Friesen
Ruby Friesen
Mark & Laura Furlong
Vernon Gahler
Neil & Patricia Gansler
Melva Garber
Robert Garber
Gene Gascho
Sally Geistweit
Rod & Carolyn Gerig
Mona Gettmann
Craig & Jana Gingerich
Jennifer Gingerich
John & Louise Gingerich
E.R. & Ellen Good
Michele Green
Mary Grondahl Beiningen
James & Shirley
Grosjacques
Fern Haima
Bruce E & Shirley
Hamilton
Bruce & Kathy Harder
Ethel Harder
David & Leanne Hays
Goldie Heyerly
Olivene Heyerly
Phillip & Elizabeth Histand
Paul & Ila Hochstetler
Robert & Mary Jane
Hollinger
Michael & Kathryn Honan
Wesley & Doris Hooley
Gordon & Goldie Horst
Ruth Hostetler
Donna Howse
Mark & Mary Lou Janeba
Anne Jantzi
Henry & Lara Janzen
Gertrude Johnson
Anna Kauffman
Ken & Sheila Kauffman
Norman D. & Margaret
Kauffman
Ray & Tina Kauffman
George & Dorothy Keillor
Gordon & Shari Kelly
Kraig & Nansie Kelly
Ben & June Kenagy
Vera Kennel
Wilbur & Georgie Kennel
Dorothy King
Leslie & Geri King
Charity Kropf
Ivan Kropf
Lester & Ruth Kropf
Michael & Ellen Kunz
Danaan & Rochelle
Kuykendall
Floyd & Claudia Lapp SB
James & Alma Larrew
La Vern Laugsand
Marlene Learfield
Don & Ann Lebold
James & Karen Lehman
Ron & Karen Litwiller SB
Juan & Janice Martinez
For the third consecutive year Western Mennonite School students have
participated in the Science Olympiad competition. The Science Olympiad
is an international organization devoted to improving the quality of science
education, creating a passion for learning science, and providing recognition
for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and
teachers. Under the leadership of Bob Snyder F/S, eight Western students
participated in this year’s Science Olympiad. Out of the 23 different options
available, they chose projects in Astronomy, Cell Biology, Fermi Questions,
Forensics, Herpetology, Oceanography, Physics Lab, Robot Ramble, and
Rocks and Minerals. Six high schools participated in the state competition
February 9. Congratulations to Caleb Grimms ’08 and Gus Kreder ’09
who each won a bronze medal in each Circuit Lab and Robot Ramble and
Maggie Kreder ’11 who won the gold medal in Herpetology (amphibians
and reptiles).
Academic Center Timeline
Groundbreaking – May 20, 2007
Construction Began – June 20, 2007
Expected Construction Completion – March 2008
Anticipated Occupancy of Building – April 2008
Grand Opening – May 18, 2008
All are invited to join us for the celebration.
Also, we’d like to thank the
faithful Phonathon 2006
donors who have pledged
support over a three-year
period. These funds have
helped to support student
grants as well as the
construction of the beautiful
new Academic Center.
A special thank you to this
year’s amazing volunteers
who helped make this event a
success:
Wendy Steckly ’73
Cindy Johnson
Cindy Low
Oren Horst ’59
Eric Martin FF/S
Vonnie Oyer SB FF/S
Sheryl Mast ’80
Darlene Fritz F/S
Andrea Wall F/S
Rachel Camp F/S
Russell Adrian F/S
Jani Van Pelt ’83
Marilyn Van Pelt ’62
Von Hershberger ’71 F/S
Patti Baker ’75
Mel Conrad
Jodi Hess
Jim Schweitzer ’62
Renee Winters ’85 F/S
Whitney Winters ’06
Rachel Marshall ’05
Tammy Gutierrez ’85
Bonnie Smith
Darren Stauffer ’00 F/S
Janet Spingath
Brenda Hull
Traci Oberoi
ACADEMICS
1
We’re Under Construction:
The sights and sounds of construction
have filled the campus as the Academic
Center has emerged, but it isn’t the only
construction site on campus.
2007-2008 Scholarship
Recipients
Alumni Scholarships ($700) – Esther Rydell and Shawnti Peachey
Alumni Scholarships ($200)
– Zach Boles, Amber Kelly and Jeffrey Li
O.D. & Velda Kropf Scholarships ($475)
– Enoch Humlie and Pierre Zook
Faculty/Staff Scholarship
($250)
– Jodi Steckly, Zach Boles and Stuart Nelsen
Student Grant Phonathon
Thank you to all who helped
us to reach and exceed our
goal of $30,000 for this
year’s Phonathon. Through
the generosity of $6,000 in
matching gifts and over 250
supporters we were able to
fund a significant amount
of the student grants that
have been given out for the
2007-2008 academic year.
Western Host to Alice Parker
Nationally Recognized Musician
The Fall Choral Concert featured special guest arranger and composer
Alice Parker. Alice Parker is well known in choral and vocal music
circles for her composing, conducting, and her special focus on sacred
music. She has arranged
and composed repertoire for
choruses around the world
including hymns, folksongs,
and spirituals. She studied
at Smith College and at
Juilliard School where she
studied choral conducting
with Robert Shaw. Parker
is the founder of Melodious
Accord, Inc., a nonprofit group that presents
choral concerts, sponsors
workshops and symposia,
and trains composers,
conductors, and song
leaders. She also serves on
the board of Chorus America
and is the recipient of four
honorary doctorates and the
Smith College Medal.
Alice spent a day working one-on-one with Western’s choirs. She was a
featured director for the Fall Concert and led a community hymn sing as
part of the concert.
A cappella Choir Heads to State
The A cappella Choir took first place at the West Valley League Choral
Festival held at Linfield College on February 20. Competing against 4A,
3A, 2A and 1A choirs, Western walked away with first place and will
perform at the State 2A Choral Competition in May.
Donor Thank You’s
Fred & Linda Mast
Michael & Carol Maynard
Ken & Cheryl Mayo Thomas &
K. Leanne
McClellan
Vena McCoy
Jodie & Michael McCue
Grace McLaughlin
Darrell Mendenhall
Stanley & Sharon Meyer
Alvin & Arlene Miller
Clara Miller
Earl & Grace Miller
Ervin & Esther Miller
Floyd & Marjorie Miller, Jr.
Cliff & Laura Monroe
Diane Moustachetti
James & Belle Mullet
Mark & Barbara Nelsen
Jim Newcomer
Carl & Louise Newswanger
Howard & Irene Nice
Alvin & Wilma Nisly
Willard & Bernita Nofziger
Tor & Margaret Noraas
Viola Nussbaum
Jim & Roxann O’Bryant
Mark Olson
Stephen Paisley
Ronald & Velma Peachey
Eric & Dorothy Pekkola
Daniel & Margaret Porth
Ralph & Lorna Pruett
Jane Rakonczay
Clarence & Ruth Reeser
Paul & Sharon Reimer
Aleta Rempel
Norman & Liz Rempel
Rick & Roxanne Robinson
Raymond & Elisabeth
Rohrer
Ken Roupp
Catherine Ryan
Marie Rydell
Carolyn Sangster
Peggy Schmidt
Bernice Schmucker
Charlene & Don Schrag
Eldon & Millie Schrock
Louie Schroyer
John & Dixie Schultz
Byron & Ina Shenk SB
Joleen Siebert
Merle & Florence Siebert
Richard Simpson
Penelope Skinner
Grace Slatter
Duncan & Charlene Smith
Erma Snyder
Janet Snyder
Michael Snyder
Norman & Mildred Steckley
Stan & Ruth Steffen
Dennis & Carol Stringer
John Stuart
Wayne & Sharon Stuart
Doris Stutzman
Naomi & Ernest Swartz
Robert & Clara Sweet
David & JoAnn Talbott
David & Cheryl Tate
Joann Thomas
Tom & Kristin Thompson
Timothy & Margaret Thut
David & Ruth Tompkins
Mike & Candi Tompkins
Mary Jane Toren
Jeff & Sue Tyvoll
Rosemary Umsted
Doney Urbigkeit
Dorothy Van Arsdel
Donald & Patricia
Van Hees
Joseph & Florence Voegtlin
Judith & L.K. Warkentin
Graham & Patricia Weeks
James & Mary Wenger
John & Leona Wenger
Paul & Helen White
Lanette & Eddie Willig
Albert & Margaret Wipf
Ron & Jane Wolf
Mary Ellen Woodard
Don & Karen Zapata
Carey Zeeb
Delvin & Twila Zook
Businesses & Program
Sponsors*
606 Club
Advancement Associates
Awnings Northwest*
Blossom Trail Photography
Capital Manor*
Dorsing Farms
Dr. Payne
EMBARQ Matching Gifts Program
F & W Fence*
Farmer’s Building Supply
Glass Magnum*
H & A Construction*
Hendgen Construction*
JC Media Group*
John Hess Yoder Retirement Security, Inc.-MMA
John L Scott WSL
Johnson Glaze & Co.
Jones Oil Company*
Keller Williams Realty
Kelly’s Home Center*
Kenagy Construction
Lemon’s Millwork
Les Schwab Tire Center West Salem*
Lincoln Store*
Lind Chiropractic*
Northwest Hazelnut
Company*
Olsson Industrial Electric*
Oregon Truss*
Pacific Pride Services*
PageWorks Graphic
Design
Par-None
Pennington Seeds
Pilgrims Fine Woodworks*
Pioneer Printing*
Ppi Group
Preferred Mortgage
Brokers*
PT Northwest*
RE/MAX Equity Group*
Rickreall Farm Supply*
Rite Way Electric*
Rock of Ages Mennonite
Home*
Ronald Klingler &
Associates
Roth’s IGA Foodliner*
Roth’s West Salem
Salem Electric*
SERA Architecture
Shetler Construction
Stutzman Services Inc.
Target
Tektronix Foundation
The Math Learning Center
Timothy Kreder Farms*
Today’s Hair Salon
& Day Spa*
US Bancorp
Valley Recycling &
Disposal*
Washington Mutual
Wells Fargo
West Coast Bank*
West Family Trust
Westside Newspaper*
Wilcox, Arredondo & Co.
Churches
Albany Mennonite Church
Butler Mennonite Brethren
Church
Country Bible Church
Emmanuel Mennonite
Church
Filer Mennonite Church
First Mennonite Church
Logsden Neighborhood
Church
McMinnville First Church
of the Nazarene
New Hope Bible Church
Pacific Covenant Mennonite
Church
Plainview Mennonite Church
Portland Mennonite Church
Salem Mennonite Church
West Hills Community
Church
Western Mennonite Church
Zion Mennonite Church
Estates
Chuck Bowles
Jerry & Letha Gingerich
Charity Kropf
Ivan Kropf
Barbara Lais
Marcus & Katie Lind
Key
F/S
Current faculty or staff
FF/S
Former faculty or staff
SB
School board member
‘xx
Graduation year
ng ‘xx
Non-graduate year
Calendar April 11-15
April 16
April 23
April 24
May 1
May 3
May 14-16
May 13
May 15
May 29
May 30
June 3-5
June 5
June 6-12
June 14
June 14
MSC Music Festival, Hartville, OH
Staff vs. Varsity Basketball Game, 7:00 p.m.
Middle School Choir Festival,
Delphian School
Joint A cappella Choir Concert with Corban College choir, 7:30 p.m.
High School State Choir Competition
36th Annual WMS Benefit Auction
Spring Drama Performances
High School Visitors Day
Middle School Visitors Day
Middle School Concert and Awards Night
High School Concert and Awards Night
High School Final Exams
8th Grade Graduation
High School Mini Terms
Graduate and Parent Luncheon
Senior Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Spanish Teacher
Social Science Teacher
Dorm Leaders
Dorm Director
Bookkeeper (part-time)
Food Services Director
Alumni Relations Coordinator
Spring 2008
Vol. 14 No. 1
Call 503-363-2000 or email wmsoffice@teleport.com
for an application. Review of applicants begins
immediately and continues until positions are filled.
Merlin Aeschliman
Cheeri Barnhart (Chair)
Dave Detweiler
Linda Dibble
John Hochstetler
Floyd Lapp
Ron Litwiller
Vonnie Oyer
Kevin Rediger
Byron Shenk
n
o
ti
c
u
tr
s
n
o
C
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e
d
n
U
e
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We
Board Members
Address Service Requested
INSIDE
THE
ISSUE
ACADEMICS pg 1
SPIRITUAL LIFE pg 5
GIVING BACK pg 7
- Western Host to Alice Parker, Nationally Recognized Musician
- Meet the Faculty
- Academic Center Update
- Hopewell Community Experiences Miracle
- Students Live Anabaptist Church History
- 36th Annual Benefit Auction “Under Construction” on May 3
- Building for Excellence
- Donor Thank You’s
Western Mennonite School
9045 Wallace Rd NW
Salem, OR 97304
Non-Profit
US Postage
PAID
Salem, OR
Permit No. 32