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PAT|iOT VoICE
THE
Fall 2013
3 Familiar Face at the Helm 6 Why Open Door
Christian Schools? 8 ODCS Commited to El Salvador 11 Life after ODCS:
Tony Madalone
The Daniel household has recently embraced the adventure of
having a new musician in our home. As our home echoes the
sounds of a beginning flutist, I am reminded that the sounds
of a beginning are very different than the sounds of a finish!
However, I am also reminded that the beginning sounds need to
be cherished and nurtured for the product that will soon follow.
Such is the excitement of Fall in a new school year. We have the blessing of
serving our students as they embark on many new beginnings. We watch them
grow as the inexperience of new classes, new sports, new instruments, and
new friends become steadily replaced with success in their new environments.
We enjoy observing, even with noisy beginnings, the
growth and success of our students.
I, too, am enjoying my new beginning as Head of
Schools. The first quarter has provided numerous
blessings, one of which has been in learning the
rich legacy of Open Door Christian Schools. For
over thirty-five years, ODCS has been a place that
provides a quality education and trains students to
impact their world for the cause of Christ. Legacies
are born from the efforts of people and there are
so many who have sacrificed, prayed and poured
their efforts into making ODCS a vibrant example
of Christian education. The Lord has honored their
efforts as we have grown into the largest Christian
school in our region, continue to add new programs, and are poised to see
continued blessings in the future.
In moving forward, my prayer for our current students is that they will
recognize the distinct privilege of attending our school and embrace the
responsibility of weaving their gifts and talents into our proud tradition.
I am confident that they will do so as their new beginnings grow into
another proud chapter of ODCS. May each of us do our part to see the
Lord bless each student with success.
Sincerely,
Denver L. Daniel
Head of Schools
2
In partnership with the family and
the local church, our mission is the
salvation, the discipleship, and the
education for life and service of the
students entrusted to our care.
The Patriot Voice is published for
families and friends of Open Door
Christian Schools, Inc. For reprint
permission, contact (440) 322-6386.
EDITORBronwyn Tucker ’92
PROOFREADERSBrenna Burger, Arleita Dirne,
and Gayle Goodwin
PHOTOSHannah Blandin, John Butcher ’83,
dpix Photography, Jenna Gerber ’06,
Leanne Jones ’00, and Ashley Nida ’06
SCHOOL BOARDRandy Crowder, Chair
Susan Elder
Brian Gevry
Scott Giesbrecht ’94
Jamie Jackson
Jon Phillips, Secretary
Todd Wright, Vice Chair
ADMINISTRATIONDenver Daniel, Head of Schools
Darrell Dunckel, Principal (grades 7-12)
Angie Lowe, Principal (grades preschool-6)
Susan Schrodt, Director of Finance
Bronwyn Tucker, Director of Admissions
ODCS admits students of any race,
color, and national or ethnic origin.
www.odcs.org
www.facebook.com/ODCS.Patriots
DESIGN Courtesy of Aespire {aespire.com}
Greetings from the New Head of Schools
PAT|iOT VoICE
THE
3
The name Denver Daniel is not a new one in
the hallways of Open Door Christian Schools
(ODCS). We have seen Mr. Daniel cheer
for his son, Denver, at cross country races,
stand on the sidelines of the football field
and basketball court encouraging Caleb, his
second born, and attend concerts and Parent’s Days with
his youngest, Halle. And, of course, he is checking in with
his wife, Dawn, in her preschool classroom to make sure he
is at the right event, for the right child and at the right time.
It is easy to see that Daniel’s heart is at Open Door
Christian Schools because his family is here. But God
led him to ODCS for much more than being with his
family. “The Lord kept moving in my heart,” Daniel says
about God’s leading him to accept the position as Head of
Schools. He believes that God gave him this opportunity
so that he can “minister more directly and disciple more
intimately and intentionally” than in his former positions
in the field of education. Two of his biggest passions have
converged into one path as he joins the ministry of Open
Door Christian Schools: student ministry and education.
It was the desire to help people and build others that
first motivated him to become an educator. As an elemen-
tary school teacher and principal it was the “excitement of
learning” that fueled his passion for people. In addition
to serving in the schools, Daniels also serves as a student
minister at his church. His experience in student ministry
has had a major impact on his interaction with students
because he has learned the dynamics of different age
groups and how they think. “Ministry is not boring!” he
says, “It’s relational based — it can’t be good unless we
cultivate relationships.” Daniel believes that establishing
good relationships with students leads to establishing
their relationship with Christ.
It does not take long to sense his hopeful anticipa-
tion for the present and future of Open Door Christian
Schools. Recently, he remarked at a faculty inservice that
he is still just as passionate and excited now as he was
when he first started as Head of Schools. His positive
attitude is evident and it is already making a palpable
difference in the building. When asked what his ultimate
vision is for the future of Open Door Christian Schools,
he replied that he wants students to see what a privilege
it is to attend ODCS and for the faculty and staff to rec-
ognize they impact the future generations for Christ. God
has led Denver Daniel to be at the helm of Open Door
Christian Schools so that this ministry can continue to
succeed for His glory.
Familiar Face at the Helm; Who Is He Really? BY EMILY HAWKS, ENGLISH AND BIBLE TEACHER
4
Decorating lockers,
covering books,
checking with your
friends to see if you
will be in English
together, bustling
through Target to find new school
supplies, and making sure that you
have picked out the “right” combi-
nation of uniform items to look
amazing on your first day of school.
This is what the beginning of the
school year is all about isn’t it?
Of course it is. We plan, organize
ourselves, connect with others, all for
the sake of becoming “more” than we
were the year before, because we have
passed one grade and we are ready for
the next. We believe this is true with
our spiritual lives as well.
Spiritual formation is an integral
part of education at Open Door
Christian Schools. There have been
many conversations by concerned
faculty, staff, parents, and students
about how we can connect with God
on ever deeper levels, and become
stronger and more committed
disciples of Jesus Christ. There are
passionate discussions taking place
about how we can move toward deep-
er spiritual formation.
At first blush the task seems like
it wouldn’t be too difficult. I mean,
come on, just love Jesus more, right?
But how? How do you create an
environment that inspires kids, but
not come across as the adult trying
to force feed a kid who appears to
be not even hungry. The last thing
anyone wants is another institution —
in a long line of institutions — force
feeding the “good news” to folks.
The task is much bigger than one
might think. The goal can’t be
program-centered, and it can’t be sys-
tematized. It must invoke a passion
for connecting with God through
Jesus Christ. Somehow, it has to be
God-centered. We have discovered it
begins with prayer.
Last April a handful of students
and teachers organized a first ever
evening of student-led prayer. The
gym’s climate was softened, lights
were dimmed, and what is usually a
space where athletes battle, became
a battleground of discipleship, a
battleground of prayer. It was the
beginning of a focus on prayer as the
agent for real change.
We began our school year with
something “new” this year. We start-
ed off asking God to take another
school year, significant as it may be,
and transform it into something
deeper and bigger than we could
imagine. We repented of loving
ourselves and sought the love of God,
in hopes that we might matriculate
from a weaker believer into a stronger
disciple of Jesus. Our prayer contin-
ues to be, “God please grant us less of
ourselves and more of you.”
I mean, come on, just love Jesus more, right? But how?
It Begins with PrayerBY BRUCE NEUBAUER, BIBLE AND ART TEACHER, AND
BRAD GRANNEMAN, BIBLE TEACHER AND GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
5
After years of planning and two years
of playing a non-varsity schedule, the
ODCS Football program is making
the leap to the Varsity level during the
2013 season. The timing could not be
better, as the Ohio High School Athletic
Association has created a Division 7 in football and the
freshman players who helped start the program are now
juniors. ODCS is the only Division 7 school competing in
football in Lorain County. Coach Ray Lowe and his staff
have sought inspiration from the Bible and the army 300
in the Battle of Gideon, as they impact the community
for Christ. “Our players, both those that played last year
and those currently playing, completed a fasting and
prayer commitment over the summer months. We asked
our players, coaches and parents to give up something
(Facebook, ice cream, ESPN, etc.) for 30 days and to spend
at least nine minutes every night at 9pm in prayer for our
team. “We prayed for each player by name, for the coaches
and for God to provide us with those boys interested in
playing. We started the program with 14, and this year we’re
at 19,” said Coach Lowe. “What an answered prayer.”
On August 30, 2013 the ODCS Patriots made their
debut under the Friday night lights, by taking on
Danbury Lakeside. While our team came out on the
wrong end of the scoreboard, the Patriot fans faithfully
made the trip out to the Midview stadium under the
lights to see the players give their all in making school
history. Coach Lowe summed up the night by saying, “For
our school, community, team and students, I really believe
this is the beginning of something special at ODCS. The
wait for Varsity football has been a long time at ODCS,
but it has arrived and good things are in store for our
program.” As Coach Lowe told the Chronicle Telegram,
“We’re going to keep praying. We told our kids, win or lose,
we honor God with how we play. I feel like the young men
who were on the field gave everything they had. I couldn’t
ask for anything more than that. And for me, that is how
we honor the Lord. So, it was an outstanding night.”
Thanks to the Patriot Pride Athletic Boosters Club
(PPABC) and the ODCS Athletic Department,
our weight room now has new paint, new flooring
and upgraded weight equipment. ODCS student-
athletes are excited to put the equipment to use, as
they work to raise ODCS athletics to the next level.
First Varsity Football Season BY MATT BLANDIN, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
ODCS “EXTREME MAKEOVER”
6
77%
Middle & High school
Elementary school
Preschool
Why Open Door Christian Schools?
The largest Christian school from Cleveland
to Toledo
Preschool through grade 12 including weekly chapel and
quarterly family chapels.
INTEGRATED BIBLE CURRICULUM
95% of 2013 grads went on to HIGHER EDUCATION and earned over $1.7 MILLION
IN SCHOLARSHIPS.
AVE
RA
GE
CLA
SS
SIZ
E
ENRICHMENT OFFERINGS include visual arts, drama, band, choir, media arts,
digital technology, and robotics.
of high school
students INVOLVED IN ODCS EXTRA- CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
of middle & high school
students PARTICIPATED IN SPORTS.
LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND GLOBAL MISSIONS TRIPS
AND PROJECTS
2013-14 marks three-year partnership with sister school in Luz de Sotomayor, El Salvador.
Strengthen the BodyChallenge the Mind Guide the Soul
Football
BaseballBasketballBowlingCheerleadingCross Country
Volleyball
Track & FieldSoccer
Softball
COMPETITIVE SPORTS TEAMS
96+496%
35
AC
T TE
ST
SC
OR
ES 23.1
21.820.9
ODCS Ohio USA
INCREASING TECHNOLOGYn Three computer labs
(two laptop and one iMac)
n Four iPad 2 classrooms
n Two Chromebook classrooms
n 94% of classrooms have Smartboard or Interactive TV
77% 106 AREA CHURCHES
represented in student body.
3,500+ HOURS OF
COMMUNITY SERVICE performed by high school
students in 2013.
7
Revenues and Expenses 2012–2013
n Tuition and Fees 77%n State Funding 11%n Development 5%n Other 7%
n Salaries and Benefits 63%n Equipment, Supplies, and
Teaching Materials 4%n Services 4%n Financial Aid and Discounts 15%n Facility 7%n Other 7%
77+11+5+7+qREVENUESUP TO $99Anonymous (4)
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Atwood Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. David Clark
Mrs. Sandra J. Clark
Mr. & Mrs. Harry R. Enlow
Mr. & Mrs. David R. Knechtges
Mr. & Mrs. Leland Meier
Miss Ashley N. Nida ’06
Speech & Language Links
& More, LLC
Mrs. Gloria Mantini
$100 TO $249Anonymous (10)
Mr. & Mrs. John Abraham
Mr. & Mrs. Robin Breidinger
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cox
Mr. & Mrs. John Cutter
Mr. & Mrs. Rob Dirne
Ms. Roberta Garcia
Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Gorman
Mr. & Mrs. Willard A. Knapp
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Lowe
Mr. & Mrs. John F. Mizerek Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Novak
Mr. & Mrs. James J. Oswald
Mr. & Mrs. Karl Peura
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond R.
Raeburn Sr.
Mr. Russell Reising
Mr. & Mrs. Leslie J. Rice
Rev. & Mrs. Darrell Shumpert
Ms. Norrene E. Speckhart
Mrs. Gladys R. Spencer
Ms. Linda Stotts
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Tucker ’91/’92
Mrs. Visobe Welch
$250 TO $499Anonymous (3)
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Bond
Mr. & Mrs. Darrell Dunckel
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Lazar
$500 TO $999Anonymous (5)
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Donnelly
Mr. Vernon Dunckel
Mr. & Mrs. William LaFluer
$1,000 TO $2,499Anonymous (3)
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey J. DeMange
Mr. & Mrs. Donald L. Haslam
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Hayden
Mrs. Margaret A. Hickle
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Jones
The Lubrizol Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Phillips
Rochester Manufacturing, Inc
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Valentine
Mrs. Carmen Sheets
Mr. & Mrs. Steve R. Wallace
Mr. & Mrs. Todd J. Wright
$2,500 TO $4,999Anonymous (2)
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Alder
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan M. Beckett
Dr. & Mrs. Kevin Chang
Mr. & Mrs. Frank L. Jaram
ODCS Parent Teacher
Fellowship (PTF)
PNC Bank
Aespire
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Sooy
$5,000 TO $9,999Anonymous (1)
$10,000 AND ABOVEAnonymous (1)
Dr. & Mrs. Jonathan M. Burton
Green Circle Growers
Patriot PartnersThank You to Our Faithful Supporters!
63+4+4+15+7+7+qEXPENSES
8
I remember being a Freshman
when Open Door Christian
Schools (ODCS) took its first
international mission’s trip
to the Dominican Republic.
I wanted to go so badly; but at
the time it was only open to Juniors
and Seniors, so I vowed to go on the
next one. Unfortunately, another trip
wasn’t taken before I graduated and
went off to college. God brought me
back to teach Spanish at ODCS, and
15 years after the school’s first inter-
national missions trip, in January of
2012, I was finally able to complete
that vow as I joined the team on
a missions trip to La Libertad, El
Salvador.
As Christians and as Americans,
sometimes we think we can change
the world, and we set out to make
our mark on society, on other people.
What I never expected, was to have
the people of El Salvador leave such a
mark on my own life. The battles are
real, and the daily struggle is evident
in every aspect of their lives. Food
and housing are not guaranteed by
the government, so if a family does
not have enough money for food,
they don’t eat. We have luxuries that
I didn’t even realize were luxuries —
hot water, refrigerators, beds, and
clothes to name a few.
What moved me the most during
the last two trips to El Salvador
(January, 2012 and January, 2013),
has been watching how serving
others has changed the lives and
hearts of the students who have
stepped outside of themselves. Over
20 students have felt the call over the
past 3 years, and God has used each
and every one of them, with most of
them having gone more than once
and/or planning on returning to
El Salvador in January 2014. They
have formed a bond, a common
desire to make a difference. They feel
the change in themselves, and they
want others to share in those experi-
ences. They are devoted to their sister
school “Luz de Sotomayor” and the
ODCS Commitment to El Salvador ContinuesA Personal Commitment FulfilledBY LEANNE JONES ’00, SPANISH TEACHER
Every student has different abilities, and I was given the gift of watching all of them step up to the challenge that God had placed before each of them.
9
ODCS Librarians, Wendi Phillips and Linda Hardesty, had a vision to make a
fun, yet functional reading loft. With the expertise and help of Rich Hardesty
(Linda’s husband), Chuck Deeks and Jim Wright that dream came true.
The area is an extremely popular place for preschool and elementary students
to “read aloft.” If you haven’t seen it, please stop in. You will quickly see why
the students think it is so special!
people of the church “La Iglesia Gran
Comisión.”
Every student has different
abilities, and I was given the gift of
watching all of them step up to the
challenge that God had placed before
each of them. As we spent time at the
local daycare and the orphanage, I
was touched to see how they inter-
acted with the children, showing so
much love and compassion. We spent
two days cooking food to deliver to
a local impoverished community,
and we were blessed as we were able
to share the gospel via the Wordless
Book Bracelets that so many at ODCS
participated in making. In the mid-
dle of the city, these same students
wrote, memorized and performed a
skit proclaiming the love of Christ.
Time after time, I watched them
move and be moved. I have been
a teacher for almost 10 years now,
and I truly believe that this mission
partnership is the greatest experience
I have had through ODCS. I pray
we continue to make international
missions trips not only a possibility,
but also a priority for all of those
students who feel the call of the Lord.
We are so blessed, and it has been and
will continue to be an amazing way
that we can give back to God for all
He has done for us. By taking these
trips, by sharing His Word, we are
saying, “Thank you, Lord! May we
continue to bless others in the way
that You have blessed us!”
LIBRARY TAKES READING UP A LEVEL
10
Fall Play: High School performance
Friday, November 22, 2013 at 7pm
and Saturday, November 23, 2013
at 2pm
RNC stage at Open Door
Christian Schools
Tickets are $10 each and can
be purchased two weeks prior at
the ODCS High School office or
at the door.
Winter Play: Grades 2-6
Friday, January 24, 2014 at 7pm;
Saturday January 25, 2014
at 2pm and 7pm
RNC stage at Open Door
Christian Schools
Tickets are $6 and can be purchased
2 weeks prior to the show in the
ODCS Elementary office or at the
door before the show.
Spring Musical: Grades 7-12
Friday, March 28, 2014 at 7 pm;
Saturday, March 29, 2014
at 2pm and 7pm.
LCCC Stocker Center
Tickets are $10 and can be
purchased by calling the
Box Office at (440) 366-4040
between noon and 6pm, Monday
thru Friday, or by ordering online
at www.lccc.edu/stocker. Tickets
are always available at the door
before each performance.
Patriot Theatre Presents ’13/14 Season
The legacy of the theatre program lives on because of the talented
thespians that have dedicated themselves to perform each year.
Bringing the stage to life and
entertaining our audiences is a way
that we can bring glory to God and
use the many talents with which
He has blessed our students.
Last year’s productions included Peter Pan, Alladin, and Snow White.
SPOTLIGHT ON PATRIOT THEATRE ’12/13
11
Recently I had the opportunity to sit down
and interview Tony Madalone for both
The Patriot Voice and the Minuteman Press.
Tony is a 2003 Open Door alumnus,
founder and CEO of the company Fresh
Brewed Tees, and Co-Chairman for Ohio
Homecoming. Freshed Brewed Tees produces Cleveland-
themed shirts and also has a contract with the NFL Player’s
Association to produce player themed shirts. Tony is cur-
rently working on organizing the Cleveland Rocks: New
Year’s Celebration taking place in our fair city this coming
New Year’s Eve. Here is some of what he had to say:
HOW WELL DO YOU THINK ODCS PREPARED YOU FOR THE BUSINESS WORLD?
“Very well; I would say that in comparison to other
schools, a lot better. Essentially, ODCS was more geared
towards college education compared to most high schools
in the area.”
WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE T-SHIRT BUSINESS?“So I started selling vintage t-shirts out of my dorm room.
I became a powerseller on eBay; then vintage [clothes]
got super oversaturated and everybody was doing it —
so I couldn’t make any more money. But I learned the
industry. We were doing so much buying, getting stuff
shipped from Arizona, buying stuff for like 50 cents a
shirt and then selling them for about five bucks a shirt.
I got my Master’s Degree at Ashland and was supposed to
go to Wall Street. Then I was like, ‘I can’t do the desk job;
I can’t do the corporate world.’ But I knew a little bit of
the industry, I know sports well, and I know Cleveland
even better. I spent about
six months researching
the market, got a small
loan from a family mem-
ber, and the first shirt we
did showed up on ESPN.
It was crazy; we sold a
hundred shirts before we
even printed it. We killed it with LeBron here; the Cavs
were good. We started working with some players so it just
sort of transpired from there. I can’t say that apparel was
my dream but it was an opportunity to stay in sports. It
allows me to be with the players and be at the games. It
allows me to produce stuff for the fans. It’s something I
can be proud of and make some money. It brings the fans
together and it brings Cleveland together. The same thing
[is true] with ODCS — it brings people together.”
For the full interview, visit the Student Online Newspaper at
www.odcsminuteman.org.
BY JACOB KESSLER, ODCS JUNIOR
Life After ODCS
Tony Madalone, Class of ’03
A Patriot is frequently defined as a person
who loves, supports and defends his or her
country and its interests with devotion. A
patriot’s voice would therefore passionately
proclaim what he or she believes. At ODCS,
The Patriot Voice rallies our fellow Patriots
around the same theme of loving, supporting
and defending the cause of Christian education
at Open Door Christian Schools.
Welcome to the newest issue of The Patriot
Voice! It is back, better than ever, and has
something for everyone. Each issue will keep
the ODCS community (alumni, parents, stu-
dents, supporters and friends) informed. We
want you to know not only what is happening
on campus these days, but what our amazing
alumni are doing, what issues our students are
facing in the world today and how an ODCS
education makes a difference. So take a look…
from academic trends to athletic history, from
changes on campus to the impacts ODCS staff
and students make around the world.
— Bronwyn Tucker ’92,
Director of Admissions
The Patriot Voice Returns
What’s new in your life? Married? New baby? New job? Please
tell us what you are up to! Scan the QR code above or visit
www.odcs.org/alumni.
Calling All Alumni!
8287 West Ridge Road
Elyria, Ohio 44035
Non-Profit Org.US POSTAGE
PAIDElyria, OH
Permit No. 662
Several ODCS alumni and their children stopped by for a picture at the 2013 Homecoming.
Design of The Patriot Voice was generously donated by:
Mission-driven design for meaningful causes
@ A E S P I R E | A E S P I R E . C O M