The High Note of Choir: CCHS Annual Instrumental Christmas Concert

Winter brings many new events such as the annual CCHS Christmas musical concert. Every year the CCHS choir and band astound everyone with their musical talents. These students are blessed to have these gifts and we are blessed to be able to enjoy them. There will be two performances: one at Northtown Mall and one at Grace Evangelical Free Church. The choir will perform at Northtown on Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00. The second performance will include the band and choir and will be held at Grace E Free church on Tuesday the 16th at 7:00. We hope to see you all there, God bless!



- Johnny Erickson

House on Mango Street at Park Square Theatre: CCHS Spanish Field Trip

On November 21st, the students of Miss Wheeler’s Spanish class went to see the play “The House on Mango Street.” The play was about Esperanza, a young girl living on Mango Street. Through the play we saw many of the monumental events in her life, including when her grandfather passed away, when she stayed after school, or when she told stories to her aunt. The play addresses the theme of “home is where the heart is” and what goes along with that saying. Most of the Spanish class walked away from the play feeling confused. There were only eight actors who all played multiple roles which made it hard to follow at times. Also the setting rapidly changed making it difficult distinguish one from another. The actors though were all talented you could follow the story by watching their faces. After leaving the theater there was a feeling of confusion, whether that was because it was thought-provoking or it was just hard to follow, remains to be said. Thanks to Miss Wheeler for making this possible!

- Gabe Modder

The Clan War Has Ended: The Clash of the Advisories - Results

Step into battle at the CCHS clash of the advisories! Early in the morning on Nov. 20, all of the advisories congregated in the gym. With different attack and defensive strategies we can all agree that the results surprised all of us. Each of the advisors set up their “town halls” or solo cups arranged in a pyramid shape. The advisories then threw giant yoga balls(giants) and dodge balls(goblins) at other advisories town halls. The victors came as a shock to most advisories; as Mr.Schaap’s advisory took the win by a default situation. Each advisory had to work together to think of strategies and tactics. This event helped us come together as an advisory and build fellowship with one another.

- Karl Ludwig

Independent Project Highlight: Ben Smith

Independent projects are a very important part of CCHS; they teach students good speaking and research skills, while learning about something they love. This year, there have been many projects presented by students, and one that stood out is Ben Smith’s project on careers. He was kind enough to talk to the Cougar’s Tale about his project.

What was your project on?

I looked at five different careers and researched a couple different question to get a more in depth look at what the jobs were like.

Why did you decide to do it?

        I decided to do it because I’m a senior this year and I’m starting to make college choices and I thought researching more about jobs would help me better decide what kind of job I wanted in the future, to get a more in depth look at them.

What was the process like?

        For each job I looked at four different questions. One is, how much would this job pay, and the next one was what is the future of this job and then what college education do you need to have to get this job. The last question was what skills do you need. Also, I interviewed someone who did that job and asked them what the best part and the worst part was about this job. I think that was really important because it helped me get an experience from someone who actually had that job and I really liked that part.

Did you know about your subject before you began the project?

        I knew that being a teacher required a lot of speaking, that most of the job needed good presentation skills and good communication skills, I knew that before about all the jobs.

What were some things that surprised you about your subject?

        Some things that surprised me were when I went on twitter I thought that you would need a high level of math skills, but I found out from the person I interviewed that you don’t need more than a high school education, and that surprised me because I always thought accountants had to know a lot about that stuff, but she said you didn’t need to know much about it.

What was your favorite part?

I think my favorite part about this job was interviewing the people, because most of my other projects were internet research, and I like interviewing people and interacting with them and asking questions about their job, because it’s something I like doing, and it was really fun seeing what their job was without internet research. It was fun getting to see what their job was actually like.

CCHS Winter Dance: Have a "Wonder"ful Time

Once again, it is almost time for the annual winter dance. The theme this year is “Alice in Wonderland.” Tickets are already on sale and people are encouraged to come to the event at the Blaine Campus. The event will start at 7 P.M. and go until 10 P.M. One ticket costs three dollars and two cost five. Feel free to come and enjoy yourself at this event planned by our very own student council. It should be a good time, just make sure that you don’t fall down a rabbit hole on the way there.

-Rick Derfus

CCHS Student Art Update

CCHS Enjoys National Peanut Butter Month

Peanut butter is one of the most common lunch items for Americans. How many times have you had to make your own lunch, and you put together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? If you’re anything like me, it’s probably been a lot. Now is your chance to show the pasty treat the love it deserves. The month of November is National Peanut Butter Month. If you’re still not convinced that it’s a big deal, consider that America will be eating 65 million pounds of peanut butter just this month! In fact, peanuts make up sixty percent of all nut consumption in the United States. Make sure to enjoy some peanut butter this month!

- Miriam Nelson

Reaching Out and Building Up

Reaching Out and Building Up

Upcoming CCHS Fall Fest

One of the things that is most emphasized at CCHS is community. The upcoming Fall Fest, being both the leaf-raking event and the lock-in, demonstrates two major parts of being a community of believers: reaching out and being in fellowship. During the afternoon on November 14, students will rake leaves for people around the neighborhood who cannot do it themselves, working with Fridley Chores and More to help the elderly and disabled take care of their yards. This is something that CCHS does annually, and it has had a big impact on the people around us. Emma DeVries, a senior, says that when she talked to someone who was part of Chores and More, “she said that we’re they’re biggest contributor; that means a lot to the community around us.” That same night from six to twelve there will be a lock-in for high school students at the Blaine campus. Here they will be able to grow in friendship in a comfortable environment. “It’s a different way for us to have fun,” says Emma DeVries.

- Nicole Krueger

Lava Flows Near Pahoa

This might even be too hot for tourists

http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/hawaiian-lava-flow-reaches-town/

Since June lava has been flowing from an active volcano near Pahoa, Hawaii. This is projected to flow until about 2040. So far the lava has not destroyed any property and only 20 families were displaced. It is about 500 feet from a main road, and it was projected to hit that road on October 31. The lava has stopped moving forward, but it is still moving laterally toward the back end of the flow. Matthew Patrick(geologist) said “the flow is still active, and there is still scattered activity in the flow” and “So it’s just a matter of where that activity is at any given moment.”
Even though things seem to be going well, and the people seem to be safe, the issue could continue for a very long time into the future, and people could be at risk as things continue. 500 feet is not that much of a gap, and the flow could continue forward to people at any moment.

- Rick Derfus

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/30/us/hawaii-volcano/index.html

IPhone 6: How many are needed?

The IPhone 6 and 6 Plus have just come out, and a lot of people are already wanting it. It is among the most popular products around and has got a lot of hype. I have limited experience with smart phones, and to me it does not look any different than the ones before it. Some might say that I simply don’t know enough, others might say I am right and there is little difference. 

There is a large difference in price between the new IPhones and previous ones. The most expensive version of the IPhone 5S is only $149, while the least expensive version of the IPhone 6 is $199. The least expensive IPhone 6 Plus’s cost $299. This alone is a deterrent for purchasing one of the new ones, but there are others as well. While the screen on the IPhone 6 is larger, the screen quality is not any better. For the 6 Plus the screen may be better than older models, but competitors do it better. Also added size can make them harder to handle conveniently, but the size does help with some things and makes it easier to use some functions. The new ones do have rounded edges and metal casing to prevent damage, but it is so sleek you are more likely to drop it. The devices do however have much more memory than the previous ones and operate much more quickly, and a better camera.


Even though the newest IPhones may have some improvements, the changes are not nearly worth the insane prices. Even if there were no negatives about it, it is way overpriced, and Apple will likely still improve the older models. Even if the new IPhones had a more reasonable price, why not wait until the next one? Apple could likely have included a lot of the features of the new IPhones on older versions, and this one is likely not as advanced as it could be. Apple could quite possibly be releasing inferior quality items to purchase new ones. To conclude, the IPhone 6 and IPhone 6 Plus are not worth the large price.


- Rick Derfus
info from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/09/18/iphone-6-and-iphone-6-plus-vs-iphone-5s-vs-iphone-5-should-you-upgrade/

A better Outlook for Saudi Arabian Society

One Step Closer to Equality

In Saudi Arabia, a breakthrough is starting for gender equality. Women have been discriminated against for a long time, but new opportunities are coming in the way of jobs. There are eight million workers who have come from other countries and are taking jobs that the government wants to go to citizens. Only one fifth of the female population currently is working, though the need for workers from within the country could cause a lot of more job vacancies to be available. Also, if the government wants to have native employees, they will need to employ women instead of workers from other locations. In the city of Riyadh, 3,000 vacancies have already been reserved for female employees, and another company elsewhere is planning on having an exclusively female group of workers. Prominent owner of Saudi Aramco, Khalid Al Falih stated “The irony is, many of the unemployed are highly educated females” and “Over 50% of unemployed females hold a university degree, and that’s because mixed work environments are not available.” Hopefully such recognition will spread to other employers.

Things are starting to look better, but they are far from where they should be. With recognition from employers starting to arise, and a problem with international employment, opportunities for equality in the business world are coming.

- Rick Derfus


information

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/05/business/brave-new-era-for-saudi-arabias-women/

Praising God Through Serving: Service-Learning Begins

CCHS Students at Crestview

Once again,  the CCHS service learning program has come into effect. This year, however, the class has encountered a few changes.The freshmen will continue serving at Lynwood and Crestview nursing homes. However, Northport Elementary, located in Brooklyn Center has changed their age limit for their volunteers. So instead of the tenth grade class serving for Urban Homeworks, they are all serving at Northport.  When the sophomores first heard about the new changes they were disappointed and questioned if they would have a chance to serve for Urban Homeworks. Anna Smith, a sophomore, says, “I am a little disappointed, but I think we have to make the best of what we have.” The best we can do is wait and see where the 10th graders wind up at for their next trimester. Calvin’s hope is that we leave a mark on wherever God places us, regardless of service-learning location.

- John Erickson

The NBA Begins Again: What to Expect as Things Start Once More

http://www.sportstalkflorida.com/nba-playoffs-1st-round-recap/

As things are starting in the NBA the fans can be happy again after the long wait. Sports are now coming along and predictions are already being made for the season to come. Things could be interesting this year, and once the playoffs start it will escalate even more. Those expected to be the best of western half of the association are the San Antonio Spurs(champions of last year), the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers. Out of the eastern half the favorites are Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It is also worth noting the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers, though they each lost a key player which limits their chances of success. Will the Heat make it to the championship for the fourth year straight? Will San Antonio do it for the second year in a row? The NBA is back, the NFL is back, and the world of sports is once again busy and exciting. It is time to get ready to watch an exciting NBA season where several teams are ready to battle for the title.

                                             

Rick Derfus

sources

http://www.latinopost.com/articles/8747/20140926/predictions-for-the-2014-2015-nba-season-who-are-the-top-contenders-contenders-odds-spurs-cavaliers-nba-news-nba-predictions-nba-season-vegas-odds-heat-clippers-bulls.htm

Ebola: Pray for Africa

During the summer of 2014, the Ebola virus broke out in Western Africa. Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea are now infested with this virus. This deadly disease spreads so quickly that Africans believe merely saying the word “Ebola” contaminates a person.

According to New York Times, Ebola first show symptoms of a simple flu, but progresses into bleeding through vessels while organs fail. So far, 5,800 people have this deadly virus, and 2,800 people have died. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that in 4 months, 1.4 million people could catch Ebola.

The New York Times also states that presently, the United States discovered a drug curing Ebola called ZMapp, so far only tested on monkeys. Much controversy has risen over the ethics of giving this drug to Africa as “guinea pigs.” The only way to treat this vicious virus is to cure the patients through their suffering until they die.

Pray that the United would have wisdom as they decide if they should share ZMapp. Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in the midst of the sickness. Pray for missionaries in Africa as they to discern what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the midst of death. Pray for families who have lost their dear ones, that their tragedy would turn into hope and bring them to Jesus.

Africa needs our prayer.

- Shannon Read


Cited Source: Ashkenas, Jeremy, Larry Buchanan, Joe Burgess, Denise Grady, Josh Keller, KK Rebecca Lai, Patrick J. Lyons, Heather Murphy, Haeyoun Park, Sergio Pecanha, and Karen Yourish. "How Many Ebola Patients Are Being Treated Outside of West Africa?" The New York Times. N.p., 7 Oct. 2014. Web. 26 Sept. 2014.

Experiential Learning 2014

Juniors and seniors at CCHS have an opportunity to create a semester-long project at any community-centered program, or job shadow they request to go to. This part of the curriculum is driven by the desire for students to create a project independently, combining the lessons learned in service-learning with the research component of independent projects. Students are already actively participating at their chosen locations, including some new locations this year. Some of these locations include The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, The Dwelling Place, Springbrook Nature Center, Calvin Blaine campus, & Rensfeldt's Automotive Inc. So, if you are around Monday afternoons, you will soon see juniors and seniors off and running to their experiential learning locations.  

- Angela Balboa

Calvin Christian High School Art: Art Splatters Calvin

Art: Jack Harrison

This year started art off with a clay-ng. Structures created by students and formed of clay. Art, the Elmers glue that holds some of this school-church together. Many projects have been introduced from the coasters of the freshmen to the creativity of the juniors and seniors. Art has impacted this school by giving students a chance to express themselves through pencil and charcoal. Students have been enthralled with art this year and have formed their own opinions about it. Kellie Hedberg, a junior, had this to say: “I enjoy art because it gives me a chance to be creative and express myself. Through my years in art I have acquired an improvement in my artistic abilities, a knowledge in art history, and an appreciation of other art styles.” Brad Mateer, a sophomore, said: “I like art because it allows me to explore my creativity. Through my art I have glorified God as well as become more creative of a person.”


- Ian Erickson

Service Learning at CCHS

“Businesses have logos that represent who they are. Service learning is like a  logo; it tells what we’re about.”  Here at CCHS, volunteer opportunities are provided for freshmen and sophomores. Service is an integrated part of who we are. When students participate in service learning, they understand that the most essential calling of humans is to be servants of The King. When we serve one another, we learn that we need each other. Also, students discover a gift, talent, or passion that they didn't know they had. As Mr. Schaap, school principal explains, "students get the most out of it by reflecting on what they’re doing."

- Miriam Nelson

A Delectable Start to the Year

CCHS Implementing a New Lunch Program

This new school year, Calvin Christian High School is implementing a new hot lunch program that serves lunch every day of the week. The school is partnering with Done Right Food, an organization also providing lunch for the Blaine and Edina campuses of Calvin. The years preceding this one, the school has served fast food only on Wednesdays, and now that is changed. Done Right Food focuses on serving wholesome food. Jeremiah Wicklund, a senior, says: “They’re having a real emphasis on being healthy. There’s not many good things to say about it, but that’s one good thing.” Also, students find that it is helpful that the lunch is served every day, instead of once a week. Students and even teachers look forward with expectation for the lunches throughout the rest of the year.


- Nicole Krueger

Skonewood Retreat 2014!

At the beginning of every school year, CCHS students and teacher go on a retreat to the Skonewood Christian Retreat Center in Cushing, Wisconsin. Going to Skonewood is a Calvin Christian High School tradition that is intended to encourage and facilitate the students and teachers to bond, build community, make friends, and have fun. Freshmen and sophomores work together on the “Who am I?” question, while juniors and seniors work on the “Where am I?” question. As part of an effort to build community, all five advisories competed in Advisory Olympics, a series of silly contests. Going to Skonewood at the beginning of the school year was an excellent transition into school!

- Jacob Allwine

Join us at the CCS Challenge!

On October 4th, at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, the third annual Calvin Christian Challenge 5K Fun Run will be taking place. Ms. Zlab, admissions and digital media associate, says that the funds help every Calvin campus to raise money for tuition, trips, and other Calvin needs while connecting with community. Anyone can participate and if you sign up by September 17th, you will be guaranteed a race tee shirt. The cost is $15 for kids and students, and $35 for adults. For more information, visit ccc5k.com. Hope to see you there!

- Miriam Nelson

Robin Hood: Anticipating the Fall Play

As the warmth of summer ends, Calvin Christian eagerly awaits the play accompanying fall. This year, we are excited to announce that the fall play will be the classic story of Robin Hood. Those who enjoyed last year’s light-hearted spring musical, State Fair, will be pleased to discover Ms. Lydia Thoreen is back to direct Robin Hood. “I always liked Robin Hood ever since I was in High School,” Ms. Thoreen says. “I got to do costumes for the show and saw the inner workings of it. I fell in love with the story.” Students interested in auditioning don’t need to prepare anything, only show up on October 3rd. Ms.Thoreen will have the the pieces picked out to read. “No pressure there,” she says. When asked what we can look forward to, Ms. Thoreen stated, “It’s Robin Hood. There’s gotta be a good combat.” For many of us, Robin Hood is a favorite childhood story. Seeing it coming alive on stage will be a thrilling experience.

- Shannon Read

Government Speaker: Mr. Prichard

This past Wednesday, students in the Government & Economics class had the chance to be able to sit down with Tom Prichard, former lobbyist and current President of the Minnesota Family Council. Part of the MFC, Mr. Prichard spoke to the workings of the organization, the establishment of the family in the American culture, understanding Biblical principles in America’s roots, and governments involvement in religion and the family. Presenting his work and ideals, Mr. Prichard spoke about the family, with his core message being ‘The family is the foundation to a working and functional society society,’ establishing that the family should be headed by traditional marriage between one man and one woman. For his most recent issues, Mr. Prichard and the organization have been involved with arguing the recent marriage amendment. Alongside the family, he brought to the table was the idea that former American society has been damaged, and provided a number of examples or steps that need to be taken to mend the wounds.

Within Mr. Prichard's visit, he expanded on the values, the accountability, and the establishment of leaders to be salt and light in the world. As the MInnesota Family Council quotes, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

- Andrew Thomas

Experiential Learning: Faithworks Transformations

For their experiential learning project, Trevor Bartz and Jacob Koehler, seniors, made a website for their families’ non-profit organization: Faithworks Transformations. The vision for this organization was to let people with skills in things like home renovation, landscaping, and many other things help families in need by renovating their houses, to show God’s love to them. Trevor and Jacob talked about how their families wanted to leave a lasting impact on people’s lives. They try to renovate one house of a family in need a year. So far, they’ve been able to transform the homes of five families. They can be supported by donating, which is possible to do on their website. We hope to learn more about Faithworks as it continues to grow, and pray that they can impact the lives of many.

- Ava Krueger and Connor Bartz

The Duluth Geology Trip: A Chance for CCHS To Explore God's World

Every year at CCHS, the freshmen class takes a trip to Duluth to deepen their knowledge of geology with Mr. V. This year, students went with Mr. V on Tuesday, May 27th to Wednesday, May 28th. During this trip, students enjoyed doing many things outside in nature, like rock collecting, hiking, and rock climbing. One of the highlights of the trip was skipping rocks at Lake Superior by Leif Erikson Park. The students visited a variety of national parks, including Taylor Falls, Jay Cooke and Banning. To end the first day the students walked up the Enger Tower to get a great view of the surrounding city and landscape. They stayed in the gym of a local Christian School at the outskirts of the city. Even though they were bitten by mosquitoes and baked in the sun, they got to experience God’s creation in an important way, and the trip was worth inconveniences like these. They had a good time and learned more about Minnesota, it’s geology, and the Creator who made it all.

- Rick Derfus and Johnny Erickson

World News: Turkey

On May 13th, a Turkish mine exploded causing an uprising. Turkish police claim at least 301 confirmed deaths, over 100 injured and 200 plus still trapped after an electrical fire and explosion in the mine. The number of people that died, were injured, and still missing is rising. Protesters are very upset and are blaming Prime Minister Erdogan, as well as the government for the mine explosion, saying they lack in safety standards for miners. Riots have broken out in Istanbul by protesters; riot control has been containing the swarms of angry people with tear gas and water cannons. Turkey says that this was the worst mine related disaster since 1992.


http://seattletimes.com/html/opinion/2023708948_filizkahramanopedturkeymine28xml.html

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/13/world/europe/turkey-mine-accident/index.html?iref=allsearch


- Bob Allwine

Freshmen Earth Science: Trip to the Stone Arch Bridge

On Monday, May 19th, the freshman class took a field trip to the Stone Arch Bridge. They learned about the history of St. Anthony Falls and the area around it. They took the trip with the goal of learning why this statement was true “We cheer for the Minnesota Twins because of geology.” The class learned about how the Twin Cities area changed and how geology like St. Anthony Falls can change the way an area is developed. They learned about how the area looked over two hundred years ago, and why it changed so much. The freshmen also visited Hennepin Island which is right next to the falls and looked for fossils and looked at the rock formations and how they changed the city. John Erickson, a freshman who was on the trip enjoyed seeing the city in a new way, He said “ It was cool to see that there is still nature in the city and that it is not all buildings.” Overall many students enjoyed the trip and found it very interesting.

- Connor Bartz and Rick Derfus

CCHS Looks Back at Memorial Day

Every year on the last Monday in May, Americans acknowledge those who have sacrificed their lives for their country. Most students in schools around America are excused from classes because of this event called Memorial Day. Most people take this day off as an opportunity for some early summer fun, but here at CCHS we want to understand what this day is really about. Soldiers die every day fighting for their various countries, and this day is a day to commemorate them. CCHS students should use this day as a chance to pray for fallen troops and their families. Many of the CCHS students have forefathers that did die for this country, and they are important to remember as well. More people in America need to remember Memorial Day as a day for our fallen troops and their families, and we as Christians should be the first to recognize them.

- Ava Krueger and Johnny Erickson

CCHS Prays for the Nations

This past Friday morning, joined by the Edina Calvin Campus, CCHS students participated in a prayer chapel, specifically focusing on countries in conflict The chapel committee worked to raise awareness of issues going on in several conflict countries such as Sudan, Syria, Kenya, Cambodia, Nigeria, and other  countries impacted by injustice and hardship.

Several of the Calvin's international students had the chance to pray for their country in their native language; prayers from students from China, Nepal, Kenya, Thailand, and the Philippines were given the opportunity to pray for their specific countries, and the wellbeing of the nation.

It was a great experience to come together as a school to pray for all of the nations under God's care.

- Andrew Thomas.

Computer Programming: Putting Data Into the Minds of Tomorrow

This year for the second and third trimester, CCHS has offered a computer programming elective taught by Mr. Smith. The class has been taught how to do two main things. The first thing they learned about in the class was how to use Java Script on Khan Academy which can be helpful for doing things like making and editing websites. They also learned about Python which is helping them learn about computer languages. and how to use a computer programming language called python. Junior, Nick Bonnema said that the class learned about the “language” of computers, and it was more complicated than he expected. His favorite part was learning how to animate things. In conclusion, computer programming has been a very helpful new class for several students. 

- Connor Bartz and Rick Derfus

Sudan Killings

The Islamic Sudanese government has been accused of killing the people of the Nuba Mountains, in a region that is 30 percent Christian. They have been accused of these systematic killings before, in the 1980’s and 90’s, and now they’re at it again. Although the U.S has been called in to help, there is still not enough awareness of the injustices going on. Brad Phillips, founder of Persecution Projects Foundation which has been working in Sudan since 1998, has had this ministry petition President Obama with something called Save the Nuba. They have been getting many signatures on their website for this petition to let the government know about the killings, so that they can protect the innocent people, both Christians and ethnic Nuba peoples being targeted. We hope that Phillips’ petition will come to the attention of the government, so that these people can be safe.

Ava Krueger

http://global.christianpost.com/news/us-asked-to-prevent-possible-genocide-of-persecuted-christians-in-southern-sudan-71164/

The Dancing Games: Party at the Capitol

Last Friday, May 9, CCHS held prom at the TPC Golf Course, with an all-new Hunger Games theme. The majority of the school attended, and it was a fun time. The food served was chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and rolls, with marble cake for dessert. After the meal, two juniors, Nick Bonnema and Sara Shields, read the senior wills and testaments, which were funny and enjoyable, lightening the mood. As soon as those were finished, most people were ready to dance. Halfway through the dance, the two tributes for the dance-off from each advisory entered the dance floor and performed their dances. It was a close match, but eventually Matt Johnson and Maddie Vande Kamp won the games. Mark Whitcomb, a sophomore, says, “Two memorable events from prom was the dance competition and Jeremiah’s song.”Many of the freshman attended, and enjoyed their first prom. Anna Smith, a freshman, says, “Being a freshman, I think that was great how they tried to make it memorable for us. It was a great first time.” Anna Bankes, a senior, says, “As my first[and last]prom, I liked it.” We hope the seniors all have great memories from their last prom as the year draws to a close.

School Girls in Nigeria Abducted

photo found here

Its been nearly a month since the abduction of an estimated 300 Nigerian girls. Yet, they are still being held captive and being threatened to be sold. Many of the girls have been forced to change religions, going from Christianity to Muslim. They are being taught parts of the Qur’an (the Islamic sacred book) and wearing traditional Muslim clothing. Even though this serious and horrible situation, it has also raised awareness for other countries that are being withheld from their education. Many other undeveloped countries restrict the right to education are women. On the following website, there is an opportunity to pray for a specific girl you can pray for:

http://achurchforstarvingartists.wordpress.com/2014/05/06/please-pick-one/#comment-4919

Angela Balboa

Independent Project Highlight: Is Beauty in the eye of the Beholder?

At Calvin Christian High School, sophomore Angela Balboa recently conducted a project about the standard of beauty. She was inspired by the attitude she saw in the media and among girls today about the subject. She said that she wanted to show them that what counted was what was beauty in “God’s eyes” and not what culture thought. She said that “society has distorted beauty”, and that what it considers to be beauty changes often.

Angela presented in front of the entire female student body and facilitated thoughtful conversation about body image, self-appreciation, and God's role in beauty today.

This is a good lesson can apply to boys also. Angela believes that today’s culture is very judgmental and idealized in several ways, and it can seem impossible to do everything the way it considers right. She reminds us that what matters is what God thinks of us, and that does not necessarily reflect the view of culture.

Thanks to Angela for starting the conversation!

- Rick Derfus

Washington DC: Exploring our Nation's Capitol

Every other year, Juniors and Seniors take the coveted trip of going to Washington DC to engage in both the political and historical significance of this country. This trip is always a highlight during the high school career for many students. Juniors and seniors are flown out to Washington DC for the week and engage in learning the story of America that Washington DC tells. 

Students visited many of the monuments such as the Abraham Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial. They visited many other monuments, Smithsonians and museums as well as meeting with two different Congressmen, Erik Paulsen and Keith Ellison. 

Students had the chance to be able to get away from the normality of Minnesota and experience a new setting and culture within the capital of the United States. Even when students were not out and about, they were busy building community with fun card games, board games, and enjoying one another's company.

Freshmen and Sophomores Go on Spring Trips!

Two weeks ago, students from Calvin Christian high school went on spring trips. The upperclassmen went to D.C. and the lower classmen to Iowa. The 9th and 10th graders trip was supposed to be a canoe trip, but that changed due to the unpredicted ferocity of the weather. 

After a day of planning, student were able to begin their endeavor the next day. On Tuesday, they drove about two and a half hours up to visit Mystery Cave in Preston, Minnesota. After touring the cave, they drove to their set campsite in Iowa, with a steady stream of rain all the while. Students slept in tents for the first two nights and slept at a Bible camp the last night. In between, the students visited the Effigy Mounds and Maquoketa caves. 

On Thursday, the students went canoeing for two hours on the Upper Iowa River.On the last day the group traveled to a Bible camp, where we stayed for the night. They enjoyed roasting marshmallows and bungee jumping. Friday morning, we split into two groups. 

While one group reflected on the trip, the other went on Iowa’s longest zipline, and the second longest in the entire Midwest. Overall students were very pleased with the outcome of the alternative plan. It showed the students that Iowa wasn’t the most boring state in the U.S.

A New Opportunity to Learn: A Plethora of New Faces Come and Gone

Calvin Christian High School has had the opportunity to host foreign exchange students for two weeks. Over the two weeks, they stayed with host families who attended the school and they had the opportunity to Minneapolis and St. Paul. During school they would often attend the classes and see what the school was like. This was possible because they had already learned about English, so they were able to communicate well, and the students were willing to be patient and cooperate.

It was a good experience for everyone involved, and everyone got to experience a new culture, whether by hosting or visiting. The students have now continued to other parts of the U.S., and thanks to the effort of all involved hopefully their experience will be remembered well. We might even see some of them again if they choose to come to our school, though wherever they go we hope the best for them.

- Rick Derfus

Calvin Christian High School Prom: The Dancing Game - The Reaping

This year, the theme for prom is: The Dancing Games; Party at the Capitol. On Tuesday, May 6, two tributes, male and female, from each advisory were reaped to participate in a dance-off (practically)to the death. The two remaining students will be pronounced as winners. From Miss B’s advisory, Rachel Anderson and Nathan Mulder were chosen. From Mr. K’s advisory, Sunnie Zhou and Bradley Mateer were reaped, but Destiny Smith volunteered to take Sunnie’s place. From Mr. Smith’s advisory, Marissa Lindsey and Jacob Allwine. From Mr. V’s advisory, Mollie Kelderman and Mark Whitcomb. From Miss Wheeler’s, Maddie Vande Kamp and Matt Johnson, who volunteered in place of Trevor Bartz. The Dancing Games are guaranteed to make prom more fun(for the non-tributes, that is). To the tributes, may the odds be ever in your favor.

- Ava Krueger

Spring Trips Next Week!

Calvin Christian High School will be going on spring trips next week. Every other year the freshmen and sophomores travel to Arkansas and canoe down the Buffalo River, except this year plans have changed and they are going canoeing on the Upper Iowa River in Iowa instead. At this time the 11th and 12th graders fly to Washington, DC and explore the history and monuments of our nation’s capitol. These trips begin on April 28th and they will be arriving back in Minnesota on Saturday. Many students are very excited for spring trips, it will be a very fun and interesting experience!

State Fair: CCHS Spring Musical!

Most people love the Fair, with its smells, sights, sounds and food, especially the food. That is partly why the director of the spring play, Lydia Thoreen chose to do “State Fair.” She comments “I chose this because I love the state fair so much. My family and I would go to every single booth and walk around the state fair 10 times. I also enjoyed the fact that it has great music and an interesting storyline.”

The story begins at the Iowa State Fair, and follows the romances and adventures of the Frake family. The main characters include: Able, the father ( Nathan Mulder), Melissa, the mother ( Maddie Vande Kamp) Wayne, the son (Matt Silker), Margy, the daughter ( Abby Peterson) , Pat, Margy’s lover ( Jack Harrison) and Emily, Wayne’s lover ( Kellie Hedberg). So far the cast has been working with the dancing and singing pieces, pushing through the songs of the musical before moving to acting. The final performances are set to be performed the evenings of May 23 and 24th.

What can you hope to see during these performances? Lydia replies “I am looking forward to the dancing in this show, it is going to be fun and lively, but it is really hard to pick just one thing. A huge part of it is working with the students; it is my passion to work with  theater and to work with youth. Passing on my knowledge is something that I am looking forward to and also  making sure the audience is enjoying the production itself.” As the cast members continue to pour time and effort into this production, the audience can continue to hope and expect a great play.

- Gabe Modder

CCHS: International Student Program

Merging American and Chinese High School Students

This week Calvin Christian High School is hosting a group of twenty five international students from China for two weeks. Members of the journalism class interviewed a group of these students about their views of America, and how it differs from China. When asked about some differences between their schooling and ours, they replied that our classes are longer. Back in China classes are only forty five minutes and here they are an hour long.

Host families and some American food have been their favorite parts of being in America. They feel very welcomed here by everyone's openness and outgoing personalities. They also enjoy seeing the cultural differences and being able to experience some activities outside of school, including going to Bethel University on Monday April 14th for registration and to sit in on classes as well as attending a visit to the Minnesota Art Institute on April 8th. They also will get to to experience going to a Minnesota’s Twins game on Thursday April 18th, Overall, this new program has been beneficial to both the Calvin and International students.

- Angela Balboa and Connor Bartz