Smithville Christian Echoes August 2024 : simplebooklet.com

IN THIS ISSUEAUG 2024VOLUME XLIV, ISSUE III6488 TOWNLINE RD.P.O. BOX 40,SMITHVILLE, ONL0R 2A0PH. 905.957.3255FAX 905.957.3431smithvillechristian.caCONTACT:MARLENE BERGSMAmbergsma@smithvillechristian.caPAGE 1 A LIFETIME OF BLESSINGSPAGE 4 LEARNING HOW TO BE GRATEFUL LEADERSPAGE 6 CLASS OF 2024PAGE 8 GRAD 2024PAGE 10 AWARD WINNERSPAGE 12 VALEDICTORIAN SPEECHPAGE 14 A BLESSING AND THE ROAD AHEADcontinued on page 2 . . .A lifetime of blessings at Smithville Christian High SchoolBY FRED BREUKELMAN, INTERIM PRINCIPALThirty-eight years ago, a small and naive Grade 9 boy walked through the doors of the school then known as Smithville District Christian High School. Little did that boy (me!) know the impact this place of learning would have on his life. God was at work when he guided my parents, Fred and Sylvia Breukelman, to make Christian education a priority for their four children.Fred Breukelman and his father Fred Breukelman Sr. at a recent badminton tournament.Doreen and Fred Breukelman and their son, Silas, at the graduation of the Class of 2024

Page 2

2ECHOES AUGUST 2024In 1984, our family of six moved from a dairy farm in Tillsonburg to a chicken farm in Binbrook. Despite the challenges of transportation, my parents chose to send me to Smithville Christian High School – which involved driving to a drop-off point on Hendershot Road, carpooling to a bus stop on Westbrook Road, followed by an hour-long bus ride to school. This lasted for three years until we made a move to a farm in St. Anns. We quickly realized St. Anns was a wise choice because the Breukelman children were very involved in athletics and activities. With an early driver’s license in Gr. 10, the Breukelman kids could now get back and forth to games and practices on their own. And, that they did – a lot! Morning and afternoon practices for soccer, volleyball, basketball, track and eld, badminton, the play, choir – whatever the function was, my siblings and I did our best to be part of the fabric at Smithville during our secondary school years. My parents recognized the value of a faith-based education and community for their family. They were fully invested and actively involved. My dad served in property management and my mom was involved on the board and different committees. As we look back, we can see how our parents’ commitment and service has shaped our intentional involvement with the education of our own children. In making these decisions, my parents were having a generational impact; each of my siblings’ families chose Christian education for both elementary and secondary schooling. Don’t ever underestimate the importance of placing Christ at the forefront of your decision-making, including Christian education. I know that my mom and dad never regretted the decision to send us to educational institutions that put God at the centre of all learning. Twelve years after graduating from high school, while I was teaching at Toronto District Christian High, I had a conversation with my former principal, Marc Stroobosscher. The following September, I found myself back at Smithville Christian High School – this time as a teacher. I was glad to be back, but my parents were ecstatic about their son returning to teach at a school for which they had cared so deeply.Over the past 22 years, I have seen rst-hand how Smithville Christian provides an education that allows all learners to Fred Breukelman, Interim Principal, helps a student with his grad gown at the graduation of the Class of 2024Fred and Silas Breukelman at Grad 2024

Page 3

3www.smithvillechristian.casucceed: those destined to be doctors, mechanics, dental hygienists, plumbers, building contractors, business owners, nancial advisors, lawyers, millwrights and more. Since its doors opened, Smithville Christian has been a place where teachers and support staff are empowered and equipped to hone their craft and to work alongside children, guiding and mentoring them to see that God is sovereign and desires to have a relationship with each one of them. My wife, Doreen and I, along with our four children, have been richly blessed by Smithville Christian High School. Smithville gave our four children a strong foundational knowledge of their Heavenly Father which they have carried into their post secondary learning. Smithville Christian gave me the opportunity to pursue my passions – working alongside teens, pushing them to think bigger, to see that God’s creation is so diverse, and to know they can serve him in their own unique capacity. Offering travel opportunities – both local and international – stretches the minds of young learners, and allows them to experience God in different cultures or through other lenses. Seeing God at work outside of Niagara opens our eyes to the vastness of God’s love.This fall, I will be moving to Eastern Ontario, where I will begin a new chapter in Christian education, serving as the principal of Quinte Christian High School. I am excited, but it is not without a sense of sadness at what I am leaving behind. I am so grateful for the conversations I have had with many of you. You have helped shape me into the leader I am today. As the Athletic Director, I was able to lead and mentor coaches and athletes. As the Vice-Principal of Students, I was able to navigate tough situations and conversations. And I end my time at Smithville Christian serving as the Interim Administrator for a year. A highlight has always been working in partnership with all my colleagues who approach teaching and leading as a team effort, and do so very well.As I and my youngest son, Silas (Class of 2024), bid a nal farewell, I encourage you – parents, grandparents, friends of Smithville Christian, alumni, present students or future students, past or present staff – to continue this intergenerational blessing of the Smithville Christian High School community. Continue striving to be the salt and light we need to be for each other and for our broader community, and continue to make God smile in all that you do!Alia BreukelmanClass of 2022Nisha BreukelmanClass of 2018Derick BreukelmanClass of 2020Fred Breukelman, Grade 9Fred Breukelman, Grade 12 Silas BreukelmanClass of 2024Fred and Silas Breukelman at Grad 2024

Page 4

Lammers said he was impressed by both the spirit and substance of the students’ conversations, which he overheard because many happened outside his classroom door. “I regularly hear you speak with each other in ways that show that you value, honour and care for each other,” he said. “Many of you show an openness to welcoming others into your conversations. The sense of community you have been promoting has been characterized by a sense of belonging. You want to know that you belong, but you want others to feel like they belong also.”And the appreciation goes both ways.In their parting feedback to the school, students of the Class of 2024 are grateful for the opportunities they were given to lead worship, create community, and do cool work that ignited their passions. As they presented their reections on their academic highlights to panels of teachers, community members and board members, here are a few excerpts from what they shared.4ECHOES AUGUST 2024Will Lammers, VP of Students, at Portfolio Day 2024Learning how to be grateful leadersThe Class of 2024, in their own wordsBY MARLENE BERGSMA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTThe Class of 2024 is leaving the school a better place because of their leadership in worship and in creating community, the students were told. In his Portfolio Day devotions this spring, VP of Students Will Lammers told the students that their character and their actions reminded him of the members of the early church, who are described in Acts as “devot[ing] themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Page 5

This school has taught me how to put God ahead of everything else. I learned how to have a better walk with God.I feel I have really grown as a leader . . . and (the start of Grade 12) was a turning point in my life because I started trying to be someone others can depend on.I have learned more about God and how to strengthen my walk with him. (At chapel) I find myself overwhelmed with God’s presence.Smithville Christian has been amazing. I have grown in my personal knowledge and in my faith and realized my calling to ministry. I love the impact this school has had on my attitude and my relationship with God. This school has a great community that I treasure, and I am, for sure, going to miss a lot.I have had a fantastic experience at Smithville Christian. I’ve made a lot of memories, learned lots of cool things, and worked on some really cool projects. Although I am looking forward to graduating, it will be a little sad to leave all of this behind.My experience at this school has been extremely positive and I attribute that to the teachers and their ability to make even the most tedious tasks interesting. The teachers in all my classes have pushed me to be the best I can, and we have shared some laughs along the way.It was a huge blessing to be able to attend Smithville Christian. I have loved being able to have prayer at the beginning of my classes and have chapel every week. I have loved my teachers and how they encouraged me to grow in my faith and learning.This school helped me grow emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. My classmates were always respectful, showing kindness and trustworthiness, and the teachers even more so. My experience has been excellent, and the teachers really seem to have a passion for helping the students and creating a healthy learning environment.After attending a public school, it makes me appreciate the gift of a Christian education. Having God woven into all aspects of life has helped me see God in all things we do and learn. The teachers at Smithville Christian are invested in students and their journeys with God. The teachers are great role models and provide positive examples of what people of faith look like.Smithville Christian has impacted the way I look at things and has transformed my thinking because of the Christian perspective on things. I have begun to understand the impact even the small things can have on my faith through regular devotions, chapels, prayer before lunch, and incorporating faith into our projects. My personal understanding of God’s love has grown, and I have been able to reﬂect on my actions and what they really mean. I am so grateful we can learn from and be taught by teachers who really care for us, and I have recently reﬂected on how privileged we are to have that kind of support.This school has shaped my walk with God. I am thankful for my years at Smithville and the growth I have experienced. I have grown to love Christ and love others just as Christ wants me to. www.smithvillechristian.ca5

Page 6

Page 7

www.smithvillechristian.ca7Jeremy TalsmaEddie van den BosJacob VanderMolenAbigail WinterEphraim NyweningAngie PopovychCorey TeeuwsenZac Van MarrumDaniel VandeweteringJonas ZuidersmaKalan SchatAbigail VahrmeyerMatthew Vander WierHannah VellengaTitus NeufeldJayden teBrake Evan Van HuizenKyra VanderWierBetty WuLogan RichardsonValentina TorresAddison VandenbergSydney VanHerwynenRyan SolteszAustin Van BerkelDavid VanderKolkRiley WiersmaLiam WhiteheadEACH OF YOU SHOULD USE WHATEVER GIFT YOU HAVE RECEIVED TO SERVE OTHERS, AS EACH OF YOU SHOULD USE WHATEVER GIFT YOU HAVE RECEIVED TO SERVE OTHERS, AS FAITHFUL STEWARDS OF GOD’S GRACE IN ITS VARIOUS FORMSFAITHFUL STEWARDS OF GOD’S GRACE IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS. - 1 PETER 4:10

Page 8

Page 9

Page 10

10ECHOES AUGUST 2024Award winners of the Class of 2024Smithville Christian High School celebrates the students who contribute to the life of the learning community by awarding Athletic Plaques, Activity Plaques, and School Plaques for various levels of extracurricular participation. Individual students are also given awards for positive academic and character accomplishments. We thank our sponsors for their investment in the things that matter to us. All winners have characters that align with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Athletic PlaquesJoseph AttiaSilas BreukelmanNoel HuininkJeremy TalsmaAddison VandenbergSydney Van HerwynenActivity PlaquesEthan de BlieckReuben DeBoerIsaiah deKleineEsther GerrytsCoralie GooderhamTitus NeufeldEphraim NyweningLogan RichardsonEddie van den BosDavid Vander KolkAbby WinterSchool PlaquesAwarded to students for outstanding performance and participation in both school athletics and school activities.Ethan De BlieckReuben DeBoerEsther GerrytsNoel HuininkEphraim NyweningKalan SchatTop Marks Scholarship - Isaiah deKleine)$250 to a student who has made a signicant contribution to the quality of student life. Niagara Pallet Construction Excellence Award - Isaiah deKleine)$250 to a student who demonstrates excellence in construction technology, while demonstrating initiative, motivation, and work ethic through the use of their hands. Smithville Christian High School International Student Award - Betty Wu$250 to a graduating international student who has contributed to the life of our school community, has maintained a positive relationship with staff and students at Smithville Christian High, and is graduating with an average over 80% in Grade 12.Michael VandenDool Scholarship - Hannah Vellenga$250 in honour of Michael VandenDool to a student who has displayed the qualities of servant leadership and a caring heart.Smithville Animal Hospital Biology Award - Hannah Vellenga$250 award to a student who has demonstrated interest and prociency in biology.Stanpac Science Award - Hannah Vellenga$250 to a student who demonstrates excellence in science.Smithville Garden Club Award - Hannah Vellenga$275 to a student who is dedicated to pursuing a program in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, ecology or environmental science at an accredited college or university and has accumulated the highest average over 3.5 years among those who are eligible for this award.West Lincoln Township Council and Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award - Esther Gerryts$100 from the West Lincoln Township Council and a certicate and pin from the Lieutenant Governor to a student who has displayed exemplary community contribution or outstanding achievement through volunteer activity.Cornerstone Christian Assembly Spiritual Leadership Award - Esther Gerryts$250 to a student who has shown spiritual leadership in classes, chapel, or other extracurricular activities, who exemplies the character of Christ, and has encouraged spiritual growth in others.

Page 11

11www.smithvillechristian.caCanadian Citizenship Award - Abby WinterA certicate to a student who has provided community or volunteer service in and outside of our school community, has participated in a number of extra-curricular activities, and has achieved an academic average of 75% over 3.5 years.West Niagara Cornhole League Perseverance Awards - Anhelina Popovych, Logan Richardson$250 given to two students who have displayed perseverance in the face of challenges while maintaining steady scholastic efforts and positive attitudes and interactions with others.ISSERVICE Computer Award - Ryan Soltesz$250 to a student who demonstrates excellence in computer programming and/or computer design, and who shares that expertise to the benet of others.Stranges & Associates Excellence in Business Management Award - Joseph Attia$350 to a student who demonstrates excellence in business management. Gordon B. Park Dramatic Arts Award - Willem Hultink$250 given by Smithville Christian High School to a student who demonstrates excellence in the dramatic arts.Woodshed Award - Logan Richardson$250 to a student who demonstrates excellence in construction craft.Bryan Van Geest Entrepreneurship Award - Ephraim Nywening, Austin Van Berkel$300 given in honour of Bryan VanGeest, Class of 1991, to a student who has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit along with kindness and humility.Stranges & Associates Excellence in Mathematics Award - Reuben DeBoer$350 to a student who demonstrates excellence in mathematics.W. J. May English Literary Award - Hannah de Jonge, Matthew Vander Wier$250 award is given to a student who demonstrates excellence in English literary arts.Floyd Elzinga Visual Arts Award - Samuel Clarkson $250 to a student who demonstrates excellence in visual arts.Christian Reformed Churches of Niagara Worship Leadership Award - David Vander Kolk$250 to a student who demonstrates excellence in musicianship and who uses their gifts to benet others. Governor General’s Award - Reuben DeBoerThe Governor General’s Award is a bronze medallion awarded to the student who achieves the highest academic average upon graduation from secondary school.

Page 12

12ECHOES AUGUST 2024Valedictorian SpeechBY WILLEM HULTINK VALEDICTORIAN, CLASS OF 2024 Okay Willem, you can do this. Stay calm, breathe. Really glad this microphone isn’t on or they’d be hearing all of this… *Ahem* Hello everyone, and welcome to the Smithville Christian High School graduation for the Class of 2024. I’m very excited to be up here right now and to have been given this opportunity to talk about the past four years. I still can’t really believe where I actually am right now or that we’re all really graduating. I can still remember arriving at the school for the rst time. Believe it or not, I actually used to be shorter than this. The school used to feel like such a different place, and not just because I could only reach the bottom lockers. Our Grade 9 year was very different from Grade 12. For starters, does anyone remember the old COVID schedule of two classes a day? Nothing makes a kid love school more than two hours of French at 9 AM. Grade 9 was also the year we were introduced to all the Smithville staples, like Ms. Waters’ giant cookies, the overpriced vending machines, or Mr. Korv’s endless dad jokes. We were also given our MacBooks and our rst ever lockers.Unfortunately, later in the school year, COVID shut us down yet again, and we were forced to return to remote learning. This continued for the rest of the school year, which also meant they were forced to cancel the bike trip. Some of us are still a little upset about that. Anyways, moving on.When we returned to the school in September for Grade 10, we were happy to get back on track. And I am glad to say that year went much smoother. Our

Page 13

www.smithvillechristian.ca13Ottawa trip was pushed to the spring, so we never got to go dogsledding or skating on the Rideau canal. But that was okay, because our hotel had a pool. By the time Grade 11 rolled around, we were all extremely relieved to be done with masks and online learning, and ready to get back to what really matters, like procrastinating and falling asleep in class. Oh, but never Mrs. Neufeld’s class! Sorry, she paid me to say that. Erin, I take cash or cheque. Early on in the year, we took a trip to Hamilton to volunteer around the city, and it was a great opportunity to step out of our comfort zones and take a look around. This trip marked a crucial point in our high school careers. We were halfway nished already, and now it was time to buckle down and get to work. Or, you know, sit back and enjoy the ride. Both equally good options.The rest of grade 11 was lled with fun projects and experiences, like making The Spark magazine or launching rockets at the Leisureplex. Finally, we capped off the year with exams and moved on to summer break.Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and before we knew it, we were back in school. This time, however, we were seniors, which meant we got to make all the rules. We started the year with the Grade 12 retreat, three days of games, swimming, and sitting around the re. We grew a lot closer as a class, and learned a lot about each other, and ourselves. It was a great time, and my only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough. And after all of the tests, assignments, exams, and Sciencepaloozas here we are, to celebrate each other. The theme for our grad this year is ‘Serving in His love’ and our theme verse is 1 Peter 4:10. We’ve been hearing something similar to this a lot this past year, mainly at our ‘Everything is Worship’ chapels, where Mr. Bender has helped us see we don’t have to worship God in one specic way. Everything we do should be worshiping God because God gives us the ability to do all of it. We serve others by using our individual talents to better the world and the people around us, and we all serve in different ways. No two of us are the same, and we each have the power to effect serious change in our own ways. Never lose that individuality. God didn’t make us all the same on purpose.Thank you to all my classmates and teachers. Thanks to all the parents for sending their kids to this school, including my own. Thanks guys. Good choice. Finally, I want to give thanks to God for guiding us all these past four years and being there every step of the way.Other than that, I just want to say how grateful I am to receive this ‘Most Handsome Senior’ award. That was what this speech was for, right? Thanks for listening, congratulations, and have a great rest of your night.

Page 14

14ECHOES AUGUST 2024A blessing and the road ahead for the Class of 2024BY LINDA BOOY-KORVEMAKER, HEAD OF STUDENT SERVICESIt is a privilege to work with each of you as you navigate your high school education and post-secondary plans. When you share your hopes and dreams and develop your strategy to achieve your goals, you make my job interesting and challenging. Proverbs 3:6 says: “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” God does not promise that our lives will be easy but he does promise he will journey with us. For some, the path has been relatively easy and for some “you still haven’t found what you are looking for.” My prayer is that you all know God goes with you and he always works even the hard things out for his good plan. Some assistance for the journeyAwards, bursaries and scholarships are granted to our students from various post-secondary institutions, in part to entice our students to attend a particular institution. It is important for our supporting community to know that the education students receive at Smithville Christian High School and the people who they are is valued beyond this gathering. Here are some of the awards given to students in the Class of 2024.• Niagara Principals’ Scholarship – 2 x $2,500 • Schulich Scholarship – $120,000• Various entrance and academic Scholarships from Brock, Guelph, Western, Toronto, Waterloo, D’Youville, Redeemer, Calvin, Dordt and Trinity Western universities, ranging from $3,000 CDN to $14,000 USD annually• Calvin President’s Scholarship – $18,000 USD• Graeme Walker Seath Trillium Award – $2,400• Niagara College’s Destination Award Scholarship• Athletic Scholarship – Redeemer Men’s Volleyball – $3,000• Voortman Foundation Scholarship – $4,000• The Eagle Kingdom Builders Award – $1,500 • Dordt Trustees’ Scholarship – $14,000 USD • Vermeer Foundation Agriculture Scholarship – $3,000 USDThis list is partial – other awards are still being offered. God has blessed you with so much. I pray that you continue to use your gifts to bless others just as you have blessed Smithville Christian High School. https://bit.ly/Class_of_2024_GradWatch the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2024

Page 15

15www.smithvillechristian.caClaudia AlvesMarketing ManagerHorticultural | Agricultural | Residential | Industrial | CommercialSamuel Dekker Master Electricianfeederelectricinc@gmail.com1-905-932-6975Wainfleet, OntECRA/ESA Licence #70159130%is printed on 30%post-consumer recycled paper.30%Blinds. Shutters. DrapesGRIMSBY, ONWilliam and Christina Bezemer905.945.800880100120140601604020180Dekkers Auto SalesService Automotive Sales • Repairs • A/C • Tires • Alignments • Diagnostics 905.386.6253Lorem ipsumHead Office36 Killaloe CrescentGeorgetown, ONL7G 5N2TICO #50019509905.701.7900www.sticker -it.caWe print stationery, business cards, interior & exterior signs, banners, ﬂags and vehicle wraps. MORE THAN JUST STICKERS!Haldimand County’s#1 Print Shop!1051 Broad St. E., Dunnville, ON905-774-61152400 Highway 56, Binbrook, ON905-692-44151380 Fourth Ave., St. Catharines, ON905-688-5520

Page 16

We draw Christian schools and donors together toexpand the inﬂuence of Christ in our culture.www.christianschoolfoundation.caThe Echoes is a periodical published ve times a year by Smithville Christian High School. Editor: M. Bergsma1.888.BAYVIEW ext 344P.O. Box 2, 3764 Jordan Road, Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0phone 905.562.7321fax 905.562.7851www.Bayviewﬂowers.comGrantham Plaza, 400 Scott St., St. Catharines, ON L2M 3W4Phone: 905-937-8833 • Fax 905-937-7196website: www.vandendooljewellers.comServing all of Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton & NiagaraRIJUS HOME DESIGNJason Schilstra I 905-701-1110 I www.rijus.comNew Custom Homes/Cottages • Additions • Stock Plans Garages/Pole Barns • HVAC Designs • 3D RenderingsCUSTOM HOUSE PLANSPVC Interlocking Liner PanelsCOMMERCIALAGRICULTURALRESIDENTIALadam@easybuildingproducts.cawww.easybuildingproducts.caAdam Bylsma (Outside Sales)289-686-9477EASY BUILDING PRODUCTSMetal Rooing,Wall CladdingPVC LinerProductsWindows, Doors,Accessories345 Argyle St. S. 214 Broad St.Caledonia, On N3W 1L8 Dunnville, On N1A 1G2(905) 765-5788 (905) 774-7576fax: (905) 765-1811 fax: (905) 774-9479cell: (905) 929-6783 email: peter_dieleman@cooperators.caPeterDieleman, CFPAgent*Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Companyof Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023.Advice from someone you trust.Matt Dam* Hons BA, CLU®Financial Planner, Sun Life Jingwei Raina Sun* CLU®, RRC®, CFP® Financial Planner, Sun Life Matt Dam Financial Services Inc. Tel: 905-892-5993 Fred & Adrian KoornneefSuppliers of Greenhouse Vegetables and Tender Fruitwww.koornneefproduce.com