“Deck the Halls with Gratitude” honors  employees investing in the future generation

Lake Center Christian School’s Year-End-Giving Campaign, “Deck the Halls with Gratitude,” is an opportunity to honor and encourage steadfast servants who have devoted their lives to shaping students into Christ-followers ready to impact the world. This Christmas season, we invite past and current families, alumni, and community members to join this heartfelt effort to bless the school’s faculty and staff. Your tax-deductible, monetary donation will help express sincere thanks to Lake Center’s teachers and staff for their abiding commitment to building God’s Kingdom.

Serving 512 families and 950 students on the LCCS campus in Hartville, LCCS’ influence extends beyond the local community, with a ripple effect reaching across the country. For over 78 years, LCCS has unwaveringly provided a Christ-centered education, cultivating academic excellence, spiritual growth, and servant leadership. The lasting impact of LCCS is seen in the lives of students and alumni, many of whom now return as parents and teachers, continuing the legacy of faith, learning, and character-building.

Honoring Decades of Service

This year’s “Deck the Halls with Gratitude” campaign celebrates the dedication of LCCS faculty and staff. Among these is Mrs. Julie Weaver, LCCS Central Office Manager, who has wholeheartedly served at the school for more than 40 years. Her legacy of love, care, and commitment embodies the heart of Lake Center. Additional faculty and staff members have also spent decades changing lives, academically and spiritually, one student at a time.

“Lake Center is more than a school—it’s a family,” said Head of School, Dr. Tim McAboy. “Our teachers and staff pour their hearts into discipling students, spending nearly 1,000 hours each school year in the classroom and countless additional hours preparing. They do this remarkable work while earning, on average, 65% of what public school employees make. Their faithfulness is humbling, and this campaign is a chance to show our deep appreciation.”

Through this campaign, LCCS encourages individuals and families to express appreciation for their 205 faculty and staff members. Contributions received by December 13 will go directly toward staff Christmas bonuses. Each donor will be acknowledged in a special Christmas card presented to all school employees.

“We hope families and community members will prayerfully consider contributing to this campaign,” Dr. McAboy encouraged. “It’s more than a financial gift—it’s a tangible way to honor those who make an eternal impact on our children’s lives. Every contribution matter, no matter the size.”

A Multigenerational Legacy

Lake Center’s influence is uniquely multigenerational. Many current parents once walked the school’s halls as students, and former parents are now grandparents, witnessing their children’s children flourish in the same faith-filled environment. This enduring connection reflects the school’s mission to partner with families in raising students to know, love, and serve God.

Among the alumni is Mr. Chris McQuistion, a Contemporary Christian Music artist and worship pastor at Belmont Christian Church in Christiansburg, Virginia. Known for his hit Christian songs “See Me Through It” and “I Got Joy,” Chris credits Lake Center for nurturing his spiritual gifts.

“Being taught from a biblical worldview, having the Bible weaved into each class, and having the ability to lead worship regularly at Lake Center laid the foundation for what I do today,” he shared. “I was blessed to be part of such a joy-filled environment surrounded by personable, caring teachers. Lake Center equipped me for ministry.”

Alumni Serving the Next Generation

Many LCCS alumni return to minister with the same passion and biblical knowledge they encountered at the school. Lake Center third-grade teacher Mrs. Angela Kerchner, an LCCS graduate, shared how the school touched her life.

“Growing up surrounded by teachers who were strong in their faith allowed me to understand God and know Him on a deeper level. I love teaching here because it doesn’t feel like a job—it feels like home. I get to share the love of Christ and live out the Great Commission daily. It’s an incredible blessing to play a small part in shaping godly men and women for the future,” she said.

LCCS second-grade teacher Mrs. Stephanie Miller, also a school alumna, shared how Lake Center’s Christ-centered community strengthened her walk with the Lord.

“My great-grandparents were part of the community of churches that envisioned a school teaching biblical truth and supporting families in raising children for Christ. I attended LCCS from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and it gave me a strong foundation for my faith, academics, and life. Now, as a teacher, I am privileged to plant seeds of faith that God will see through to fruition,” she said.

A Community United in Faith

Lake Center stands as a shining example of what God can accomplish through consistent obedience. From its founding vision to its present-day mission, LCCS continues to raise up students who lead by example, drawing others to Christ, in part through the educators in their lives.

Junior Kaitlin Gehrett said her teachers consistently point her to Christ. She highlighted Senior High History Teacher Mr. Bryan Luton, saying, “He presents the material clearly and engagingly, incorporates Scripture into his lessons, posts a daily devotion, and prays with us every day before class. Mr. Luton is definitely an example of Christ in my life.”

We invite you to join Lake Center in giving financially to support those who give so much. For more information about the “Deck the Halls with Gratitude” campaign and to make a contribution, visit lccs.com/support or contact Lake Center’s Special Programs Coordinator, Mrs. Laura Kell, at [email protected]. “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11, NIV)