Developing Diverse Abilities for God’s Glory

By: Emily Chesnic, Campus Communications & Volunteer Coordinator

Lake Center Christian School values students’ diverse abilities, recognizing everyone in the body of Christ has varied gifts. “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function.” Romans 12:4

Lake Center celebrates the differences of others, understanding all people are created in the image of God to accomplish His distinct plan. 

“My hope is that when children are in my care they feel respected and valued for who God made them to be,”  said Mrs. Mary Shilling, K-6 Art Teacher.

The school encourages learners to also appreciate others’ capabilities in all areas, including athletics, science, mathematics, literature, and the fine arts. Education at Lake Center offers students avenues for contributing, growing, and excelling in these areas while developing Christian character and life skills.

Fine Arts Reflects Christ

Students at Lake Center have the opportunity to participate in music classes, band, choir, orchestra, handbells, theater, and create art to accommodate diverse interests.

Orchestra Director Ms. Amanda Fulwell said she mentors students to use their talents for Christ. It is special to have an orchestra at Lake Center, as many Ohio schools do not offer the program. Beginning in 3rd grade, Lake Center students can begin taking string lessons and join in orchestra ensemble, continuing through senior high school. 

Joining a performance group can be a wonderful way to step out of one’s comfort zone and grow alongside peers, said LCCS Senior High Choir member Matthew Strudthoff. 

“Everyone in our choir is there to help you expand your abilities,” said Strudthoff, who sings bass. “This is my second year in choir and I quite like it. It really helped me become more confident to also sing at my church.” 

Mrs. Emily Meraj, 7-12 Grade Art Teacher, said it is a joy to see students grow in their gifts.“I encourage them to think of art as more than a painting on a wall,  but rather an active way to participate in the Kingdom,” she said.

Senior high cellist, choir member, and play performer Delaney Smith said fine arts are “extra meaningful” at Lake Center Christian School. 

“I used to go to a public school and it is so different here. Our instructors make sure our performances are centered on Christ,” she said. “I have not only grown as a musician at Lake Center, I have grown spiritually.” 

LCCS 5-12 Grade Band Director Mr. Don Bechtel confirmed Lake Center’s 5-6 Grade, Junior High, and Senior High Bands and the Senior High Handbell Choir are all committed to musical excellence in a way that always “glorifies our Savior Jesus.”

Fine Arts Readies Students for Adulthood

Junior Caitlin Moyer, a Senior High Band member and play performer, said the arts are helping her develop life skills.

“I love fine arts. That is why I came to Lake Center. It has encouraged cooperation, commitment, diligence, time management, and professionalism,” she said.

Senior play performer and choir member Kennedy Woodberry said fine arts involvement specifically has taught her communication skills and how to “lift others up.”

Senior Micah Wright added fine arts has improved his “ability to work under pressure, people management and leadership skills, and perseverance.”

Lake Center Christian School values students’ diverse abilities, recognizing everyone in the body of Christ has varied gifts. “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function.” Romans 12:4

Lake Center celebrates the differences of others, understanding all people are created in the image of God to accomplish His distinct plan. 

“My hope is that when children are in my care they feel respected and valued for who God made them to be,”  said Mrs. Mary Shilling, K-6 Art Teacher.

The school encourages learners to also appreciate others’ capabilities in all areas, including athletics, science, mathematics, literature, and the fine arts. Education at Lake Center offers students avenues for contributing, growing, and excelling in these areas while developing Christian character and life skills.

Fine Arts Reflects Christ

Students at Lake Center have the opportunity to participate in music classes, band, choir, orchestra, handbells, theater, and create art to accommodate diverse interests.

Orchestra Director Ms. Amanda Fulwell said she mentors students to use their talents for Christ. It is special to have an orchestra at Lake Center, as many Ohio schools do not offer the program. Beginning in 3rd grade, Lake Center students can begin taking string lessons and join in orchestra ensemble, continuing through senior high school. 

Joining a performance group can be a wonderful way to step out of one’s comfort zone and grow alongside peers, said LCCS Senior High Choir member Matthew Strudthoff. 

“Everyone in our choir is there to help you expand your abilities,” said Strudthoff, who sings bass. “This is my second year in choir and I quite like it. It really helped me become more confident to also sing at my church.” 

Mrs. Emily Meraj, 7-12 Grade Art Teacher, said it is a joy to see students grow in their gifts.

“I encourage them to think of art as more than a painting on a wall,  but rather an active way to participate in the Kingdom,” she said.

Senior high cellist, choir member, and play performer Delaney Smith said fine arts are “extra meaningful” at Lake Center Christian School. 

“I used to go to a public school and it is so different here. Our instructors make sure our performances are centered on Christ,” she said. “I have not only grown as a musician at Lake Center, I have grown spiritually.” 

LCCS 5-12 Grade Band Director Mr. Don Bechtel confirmed Lake Center’s 5-6 Grade, Junior High, and Senior High Bands and the Senior High Handbell Choir are all committed to musical excellence in a way that always “glorifies our Savior Jesus.”

Fine Arts Readies Students for Adulthood

Junior Caitlin Moyer, a Senior High Band member and play performer, said the arts are helping her develop life skills.

“I love fine arts. That is why I came to Lake Center. It has encouraged cooperation, commitment, diligence, time management, and professionalism,” she said.

Senior play performer and choir member Kennedy Woodberry said fine arts involvement specifically has taught her communication skills and how to “lift others up.”

Senior Micah Wright added fine arts has improved his “ability to work under pressure, people management and leadership skills, and perseverance.”

Lake Center Christian School values students’ diverse abilities, recognizing everyone in the body of Christ has varied gifts. “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function.” Romans 12:4

Lake Center celebrates the differences of others, understanding all people are created in the image of God to accomplish His distinct plan. 

“My hope is that when children are in my care they feel respected and valued for who God made them to be,”  said Mrs. Mary Shilling, K-6 Art Teacher.

The school encourages learners to also appreciate others’ capabilities in all areas, including athletics, science, mathematics, literature, and the fine arts. Education at Lake Center offers students avenues for contributing, growing, and excelling in these areas while developing Christian character and life skills.

Fine Arts Reflects Christ

Students at Lake Center have the opportunity to participate in music classes, band, choir, orchestra, handbells, theater, and create art to accommodate diverse interests.

Orchestra Director Ms. Amanda Fulwell said she mentors students to use their talents for Christ. It is special to have an orchestra at Lake Center, as many Ohio schools do not offer the program. Beginning in 3rd grade, Lake Center students can begin taking string lessons and join in orchestra ensemble, continuing through senior high school. 

Joining a performance group can be a wonderful way to step out of one’s comfort zone and grow alongside peers, said LCCS Senior High Choir member Matthew Strudthoff. 

“Everyone in our choir is there to help you expand your abilities,” said Strudthoff, who sings bass. “This is my second year in choir and I quite like it. It really helped me become more confident to also sing at my church.” 

Mrs. Emily Meraj, 7-12 Grade Art Teacher, said it is a joy to see students grow in their gifts.

“I encourage them to think of art as more than a painting on a wall,  but rather an active way to participate in the Kingdom,” she said.

Senior high cellist, choir member, and play performer Delaney Smith said fine arts are “extra meaningful” at Lake Center Christian School. 

“I used to go to a public school and it is so different here. Our instructors make sure our performances are centered on Christ,” she said. “I have not only grown as a musician at Lake Center, I have grown spiritually.” 

LCCS 5-12 Grade Band Director Mr. Don Bechtel confirmed Lake Center’s 5-6 Grade, Junior High, and Senior High Bands and the Senior High Handbell Choir are all committed to musical excellence in a way that always “glorifies our Savior Jesus.”

Fine Arts Readies Students for Adulthood

Junior Caitlin Moyer, a Senior High Band member and play performer, said the arts are helping her develop life skills.

“I love fine arts. That is why I came to Lake Center. It has encouraged cooperation, commitment, diligence, time management, and professionalism,” she said.

Senior play performer and choir member Kennedy Woodberry said fine arts involvement specifically has taught her communication skills and how to “lift others up.”

Senior Micah Wright added fine arts has improved his “ability to work under pressure, people management and leadership skills, and perseverance.”

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