Decatur Christian School

Goodbye Seniors.

KarrissaSpangler — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:12:15 +0000

On Thursday May 3, 2012 our Girls’ soccer team took on the Varsity team from St. Thomas More High School for our senior night game. Although the game itself proved to be a challenge, saying goodbye to our seniors was incredibly hard also. Over the last years of them playing on our team, we have all grown to love each one of them. They each add an element of talent and diversity that no other person could add. This year our team says goodbye to seven players: Michelle DeBrun, Hannah Guske, Heather Fronk, Taylor Scott, Hannah Woolard, Amber Crouch, and Mikayla Lehman. We all agree that the team will not be the same next year without them, but we will work hard to make them proud. These girls have been amazing leaders, encouragers, and friends. They have set an example for all athletes at this school by the way they act on the field. Every one of them recognized that they represented Christ during a game and did their best to represent Him well. And even though saying goodbye to them is hard, and almost unbelievable, we are so happy that they are starting a whole new future. I speak for everyone when I say that we will miss every single girl. The bus rides, and all of their memories, will never be topped and the crazy experiences we have had while eating out will be stories we never forget. Thank you seniors, for making this season so incredible. But most of all thank you for all you have taught us. You will be greatly missed but we all know that God has His mighty hand on your lives.

Karrissa Spangler
Junior Student

Apply for Financial Aid

wp-admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:37:32 +0000

Applying for Financial Aid

The Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) program provides a need-based financial aid analysis service that includes an income verification process. All information from FAST remains confidential and is reviewed by the school. You must apply for financial aid each year, using the online FAST application. After applying, you will mail tax documents to FAST for income verification purposes.

On the application, please use your name as it appears on your tax return.

The online application process is self-guided. You can partially complete an application and go back to it another time, if you don’t want to complete the application in one sitting. Please click the link below to start or resume your FAST application:

FAST Application Website

If you have any questions about the application process, please call the FAST Call Center at 1-877-326-FAST (3278), open 24/7.

The non-refundable application fee is $36, payable by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. The application fee will be billed to your credit card under the name of “Independent School Management (ISM)”, the company which provides the FAST application service.

After completing the application, please mail copies of your tax documents to the address below.

Please do not send any originals, and do not fax or e-mail the tax information:

FAST Processing
1316 N. Union St.
Wilmington, DE 19806

Reviewing The Play

KarrissaSpangler — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:02:40 +0000

“It appears that a player fouled another but we referees can’t seem to agree on a call. What do we do?”
“That didn’t look like a touchdown, but the coach is challenging that. How do we know what’s right?”
Review the play.
When it comes to athletics, mistakes can be made. Maybe a referee didn’t call something or maybe the outcome of a play was unsure. When something like this happens they will watch the video footage from that play over and over again until they seem sure of an answer. They put on headphones to block out distracting sounds and they get inside of curtains so that they will be completely uninterrupted when they are trying to focus. They play it in slow motion, zoom in and analyze it. Watch the play, restart the film and watch it again. This is how decisions are made.
In our walk with Christ we can become unsure about different choices and circumstances. When we hit that wall of confusion and we can’t seem to find an answer to our problem we need to learn how to review the play. Life is full of choices that you have to make. Maybe you have been in a situation where you didn’t see God’s leading because you were distracted by something else or you thought He spoke something but you weren’t completely sure so you were left feeling confused. Reviewing the play is the best way to get the right answer. Now it isn’t like you can just go watch film from your life that will magically point out what you are supposed to do, but it really can be that easy. All you have to do is review the play through God’s word. Get alone with Him and seek after His will. Block out what is distracting you so that you can be focused on finding the truth. Guard your ears and eyes so that you can remain attentive to the Lord. He knows you and loves you (Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.”). He set you apart before you were born. So even when you feel like you missed something and you are totally unsure of what to choose or what is the right path dive into God’s word and look for an answer, He will reveal it to you. Hebrews 13:5- “For God has said, ‘I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.’” Read it, zoom in on the true meaning of it and then read it again! Be open to hear from Him.

Karrissa Spangler
Junior Student
*for more Athletic Devotions check out www.sportsandthecross.wordpress.com!

A COMEBACK FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS

KarrissaSpangler — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:30:59 +0000

In 1981 Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns duked it out at Caesar’s Palace for the World Welterweight Title. Although Sugar Ray was the WBC champion going into the fight, his opponent held the WBA title and was undefeated. The fight began as it was expected to: Hearns rapidly closed in on Sugar Ray. Hearns’ long reach and sharp jabs gave him a significant lead by the end of round five as Sugar Ray tried to get a few blows in by throwing punches from a timidly fearful distance. With Hearns’ arms opening wider and wider to receive the title a bruised and battered Sugar Ray tightened his fists. With his vision more than likely impaired by a swelling under his left eye he threw a left hook to the chin that would change the history of boxing. In the following two rounds Sugar Ray refusal to be defeated screamed louder and louder with each swift throw of the fist. But then in an un-fairytale-like turn of events, Hearns began to come back. He won rounds nine through twelve on all three scoreboards. With the way things were going, the world believed that they were watching the un-doing of Sugar Ray Leonard. Hearns had the upper hand, and although Sugar Ray put up a good fight, it was possible that it wasn’t enough.

Sound familiar? When mankind fell, the world was destined to lose. We may have put up a good fight to become victorious over sin but it just wasn’t enough. Great spiritual leaders arose and set the gospel back into motion, but we never fully conquered the power that sin had on our lives.

Now back to Sugar Ray, round thirteen proved to be a moment that left the sports world breathless. He came explosively into the ring. With a furious combination of punches she sent Hearns through the ropes. Round fourteen rolled around. After completely uprooting Hearns’ lead, Sugar Ray threw an overhand right that swept Hearns into a swirl of defeat. Then Sugar Ray unleashed a combination of punches that would forever alter the way boxers looked at the game. A fire to win reignited in Sugar Ray as he threw each blow with determination and confidence. With Hearns still against the ropes, Sugar Ray continued to throw hard hitting punches. It got to the point that referee, Davey Pearl, had to come and stop the fight. Sugar Ray Leonard was crowned the Unified World Welterweight Champion and the boxing world ignited with amazement.

When we were down and looked like we were going to lose, (John 19:30-“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”) our Heavenly Father gave us a fighter, Jesus Christ. He took each blow for us (Isaiah 53:5) and right when Satan thought he won, Jesus unleashed “a combination of punches” that freed us from death. When Christ died on that cross for us, the fight looked like it was done. But he didn’t stay down; he came back with fury and resurrected to set all mankind free. His friends ran to the now-empty tomb and rejoiced when they stood in its emptiness. In John 20:6-8 we read: “The Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.” Jesus Christ was declared the champion (Revelation 1:5- “and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.”) and Satan was forced to sulk back to his corner of defeat. If that isn’t an ultimate comeback, I don’t know what is. The tomb was empty; the underdog came out on top and will forever reign in glory. His love was what walked Him to the cross, His passion is what slid His lifeless body off of that cross and his power is what rolled that stone away. Our God is ALIVE!

“The angel spoke to the women: “There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as He said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.” –Matthew 28:5-6

Karrissa Spangler
Junior Student
*For more sports devotionals visit www.sportsandthecross.wordpress.com!

Partners for Progress Dinner

wp-admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:22:28 +0000

Our annual Partners for Progress Dinner, From Heritage to Legacy, will be held at 6:30 pm on April 24, 2012 at the Hickory Point Golf Course Banquet Room. Join us for a wonderful evening as we unpack for you the heritage of DCS and how you can be a part of the legacy of the DCS future. Come hear renown speaker, Dr. Marshall Foster, noted historian and guest lecturer speak on the threads of history God has been weaving and how in this place and at this time, His plan, a plan that includes you, continues to be revealed. You will be riveted by his presentation.

Please call the school at 877-5636 for reservations for this Monumental event.

Because we would love to share the DCS story at no cost to our patrons, if you would be willing to underwrite some of the expenses of this event, please consider becoming a table sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities are as follows: Covenant Sponsor: $200, Heritage: $500, Legacy: $1,000

DCS Girls’ Soccer

KarrissaSpangler — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:09:19 +0000

With five players gone from last year’s roster, they have recruited some new faces. Coach by Natalie Robertaccio and Ashley Livingood, these girls are ready to start playing some games! Their first home game is THIS Thursday at Midstate fields. The Warriors will be suiting up against the Tribe of Judah from Judah Chrisitian, which is located in Champaign at 4pm. This should be a great game to watch. They would all love and appreciate your support, so come out to the game and show off your Warrior spirit! And for a full schedule visit www.highschoolsports.net!

Karrissa Spangler
Junior Student

…AND WHEN I DON’T WANT TO PRACTICE…

KarrissaSpangler — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:06:06 +0000

Sports are tough. And you truly have to be dedicated to your sport if you really want to improve. But where does improvement start? Practice. To a lot of athletes practice can become a drag and instead of being excited about improving, we dread what improving will cost us. We focus our minds solely on ourselves. “What am I going to have to give up to become better?” or “How much time will this practice take from me?” These are thoughts that innocently go through our minds. We want to be superstars on the field or court, but we don’t want to have to make some changes. We want to be able to run down the field of court faster than anybody else, but we don’t want to do running drills. We want to have the cleanest shot, but we don’t want to stay after practice to try to improve. We see this over and over again in our culture. We want to labor like slackers and receive like the hardest workers. This mindset will slow us down more than anything. Now shift your focus onto your spiritual life. Do you feel like you aren’t in the place that you should be in? So many of us go through that, but we never try to work at it. We want to desperately to be closer to God, but we don’t want to show up for church. We want to have more wisdom for our daily lives, but we don’t even glance at our Bibles. We want to have pure lives, but we don’t want to live a life that the world doesn’t promote. You see, our apathy is killing us spiritually. We want improvement, but improvement comes through change. If you want something to get better, then you need to change what is holding you back from getting it. Not trying will make you the player that quits because working is “too hard”. As believers on Christ we can do all things, nothing is too hard for us because Christ equips us with the strength we need to carry out those tasks. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. With this strength given to us, we can live pure lives (“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2) and we can bring ourselves closer to God. So when you don’t feel like showing up to church or reading your Bible, remember God has never fallen away from you. You have fallen away from God. And with that, it is your responsibility to get back to him. Your coach is waiting for you to come to practice. He can’t force you to come, but if you want to get better, lace up your shoes and get started.

Karrissa Spangler
Junior Student

“We Not Me.”

KarrissaSpangler — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:52:56 +0000

Students, parents, faculty and Warrior fans alike will agree: the boys Varsity team had an incredible season. They never lost a home game and they went undefeated in every conference game. Last Friday night in Mt. Pulaski the Warriors suited up to take on the Storm of Sangamon Valley for the regional Championship. Within minutes of the first quarter, junior Michael Houran set the tone for what would become an intense battle with an impressive three pointer. You could tell, even from stands, that these boys came to win. They worked the ball so fluidly the Storm’s defense just couldn’t hold them. And when Sangamon managed to get the ball, the Warrior defense made scoring a hard task. In the latter part of the first quarter junior Michael Hohm had a block that silenced the entire Sangamon Valley crowd. In the moments following, the Storm’s players acted like they didn’t know what just hit them. It was an incredible display or hustle and focus. The Warriors finished the first quarter with fifteen points to the Storm’s sixteen. A heated second quarter made sitting down impossible for spectators. Senior Brian Armour had a truly amazing game! He saw the hoop and had the ball; no one was going to stop him. He took fouls without protest and was a constant reminder to everyone on the court that they came to win. The second quarter ended with the Warriors trailing by five (32-27). The third quarter proved to be a tough battle with the Storm leading 53-37. For the Warriors a sixteen point lead was unacceptable. With some great plays from Coach Rapp, the boys reignited their passion to win. Fans of both Decatur Christian and Sangamon Valley stood in amazement as they watched the Warriors make a red-hot comeback. Each player on the floor worked with every fiber of their being to let Sangamon Valley know that it was going to be hard to shut them down. Clean shots were taken and amazing plays were executed. But when the clock ran out the Warriors trailed by a mere two points. Although the score board was a difficult thing to see, one thing stands out to everyone present at that game. It takes an incredibly talented team to have a comeback like that. These Varsity boys showed that they weren’t just a basketball team from a small Christian school. They proved that they were Champions.

For the entire season these boys have given their all on the court. They have suffered injuries and faced up-hill battles. But at the end of it all, the entire student body and parents couldn’t be more proud of them. So congratulations on an outstanding season! Your dedication and hard work took you so far! And most importantly you were great examples of Christian athletes by helping fallen opponents and keeping good attitudes.

Goodbye to seniors Brian Armour, Andrew McDowell, Alex Newbon and Wes Osborne! You were such a big part of this team and you will be missed! But buckle up Warrior fans; they’ll be coming back with a vengeance next season. Also, congratulations on moving on to the next round of the 3-point contest Michael Hohm! You can come to support him on Saturday, March 3 (time and location information will follow).

Karrissa Spangler
Junior Student

It’s Going to be Hard to Shut Them Down

KarrissaSpangler — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:56:58 +0000

Hot off of their victory over the Tribe of Judah Christian for the ECIC tournament Championship game, the Warriors will go on to play the Hilltoppers of Mount Pulaski on Wednesday, February 22, 2011 at 8 pm. You will not want to miss this game. With so much on the line, the guys are ready for the challenge that lies in front of them. When asked about his thoughts on the game to come, senior team captain, Andrew McDowell said, “I am feeling good about this game. If we just shut down their bigger players in the paint, we can handle their guards. The whole team is very confident that we can do this.” Adding to this, junior Michael Houran said that their team motto “We not me.” comes into play. “It’s not just one person that will win the game; it has to be a team effort.”
With the drive to win and the talent to carry it out, the Warriors are on an impressive winning streak. And they are really representing Decatur Christian in an incredible way. So come out and support our Warriors! With determination like this, it’s going to be hard to shut them down.

Karrissa Spangler
Junior Student

ECIC Tournament Champs

KarrissaSpangler — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:56:13 +0000

A packed gym on Friday February seventeenth hosted a victory that put the Varsity Warriors on a whole new level of playing. Our very own Decatur Christian Warriors took on the Tribe of Judah Christian for the ECIC (East Central Illinois Conference) Tournament. In a heated four quarters, the Warriors grabbed the victory and title they have worked all season to achieve. In the first quarter the Tribe outscored the Warriors twelve to eight. The second quarter was an intense eight minutes that ended with the Tribe having scored fifteen and the Warriors scoring ten. When these guys came out of the locker room, determination won the battle of fatigue. The desire to win became even more evident as the Warriors outscored Judah nineteen to nine to end the third quarter. With this new wind of energy, the Warriors went on to score fifteen to the Tribe’s meager ten points to seal the deal in a 52-46 victory.

This victory was ignited by a stellar performance of junior point guard, number 23, Michael Hohm. With an incredible twenty-three points and ten steals, he brought a sense of urgency to his team as they worked toward their goal on the court. And his sweat and pain paid off when the trophy was handed to them.
Along with senior, shooting guard Andrew McDowell scoring fifteen points with two steals, Michael Houran and Brian Armour scored seven points each. This was quite the game!
Killer three pointers and insane steals aside, the thing that truly impressed me was the attitude of the now Champion Warriors. After the coveted trophy was handed to them, they huddled up and yelled, “Thank you, Jesus!” That right there is the attitude of a true Warrior. After seeing that I became even more proud to say they came from Decatur Christian. With the sweet smell of victory in the air, the boys went to the locker room with the tangible evidence that they are in fact Champions.

Karrissa Spangler
Junior Student