The Standard 2015 Fall issue

VarsityVOlleyballUndefeated Distrist ChampsTAPPS 4A State Champions

fall 2015

Editor: Julie Cordero

Creative Designers: Hadley Fletcher & Amber Moralez

Copy Editors: Dana Brewer, Lanisa Fitzgerald, April Kitchens

Contributing Writers: Chanda Allen ‘99, Angela Beck, Ashlee Blacklock,

Lisa Bollens, Blake Buchanan, Katie Dannheim, Deanna Duncan, Tyler Neal, Heidi Payne, Traci

Payne, Shanna St. Clair, Holly Vinson, Kent Waldrop

Contributing Photographers: John Altman/fastactionphoto.com,

Kala Ayers, Julie Cordero, Jenny Johnston, Shana Underwood.

TCS parent and staff submissions.

The Standard , the magazine of Trinity Christian School is published twice a year, fall

and spring semester, by the Trinity Parents Association.

Visit www.tcslubbock.org for the latest school news, sports updates, and additional photos. You may also connect with us on Facebook at

Trinity Christian School, our blog at tcslubbockblog.com or follow us on Twitter.

The Standard, the magazine of Trinity Christian School, welcomes your comments, photo

submissions, suggestions and involvement. Please forward your input to

[email protected].

_______________________________

Front Cover: TCS junior outside hitter, Sarah Wall, flies high to attack

the ball versus district rival Midland Christian. Sarah and the Lady Lions volleyball team repeated as undefeated district champions and TAPPS 4A State Champions this

season, capping off their 37 – 3 – 1 record with a five set victory versus Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian in

the state final in San Antonio on November 14. Over the past two seasons, the Lady Lions, lead by NCSAA National Coach of the Year Tyler Neal, have won 77

matches with only four losses.

Photo courtesy John Altman/fastactionphoto.comInternational students Tiantian Wu and Christen (Ziqing) Yu.

Trinity Christian High School Fall Dance 2015Photo courtesy Julie Cordero

The [STANDARD]

PHOTO GALLERY [ FALL SEMESTER HIGHLIGHTS ]

When I first came to TCS, now almost ten years ago, I was struck immediately by the way people treated one another. I was met with a tide of genuine Christian love and respect, with warmth and affection, with encouragement and appreciation, from everyone. To those who have not experienced it, TCS culture is hard to explain, and to those of us who have the privilege of drinking deeply from the TCS well each day, it is a gift of inestimable worth. It is the Trinity Christian School “culture of honor.”

“Culture” is a popular topic of discussion today, and the talk in most Christian circles is often centered around what has been termed the “post-Christian culture” in which we live. Very simply, however, culture is created whenever people get together. Nations have cultures, teams have cultures, families have cultures. Cultures exist everywhere. The important thing to remember about culture is that we shape our culture, then our culture shapes us.

The apostle Paul instructed, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). Like culture, “honor” seems equally ubiquitous these days. Everywhere we turn, it seems someone is being honored for some achievement. From God’s perspective, however, honor is not earned by what you do, but rather by who you are. Because you are made in God’s image you are deserving of honor. Peter reminds us, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God” (1 Peter 2:17).

In our first chapel this year, I challenged our junior high and high school to live out this biblical view of honor. In short, honor everyone. And I’d like to do it again. This concept of honor is far more than mere rule-following. It involves a heart to serve and love others. It means, “Treating people as special, doing more than what’s expected, and having a good attitude.” (Turansky and Miller). Remember, we shape our culture, then our culture shapes us.

C.S. Lewis explains this idea well in his famous address, The Weight of Glory: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.” Yes, it is immortals whom we go to class with, play basketball with, learn from, drive to school with, teach . . .

Even in our post-Christian culture, we must see each other from God’s perspective. We are His image bearers. It is this aspect of our culture at TCS that truly makes us unique. And the truth is, Trinity Christian School family, if we honor one another, we honor God—we give God glory, and that is why we are here.

A NOTE FROM [ OUR PRINCIPAL ]

A Cult ur eof

HONOR

By: Tyler NealT R I N I T Y C H R I S T I A N H I G H S C H O O L P R I N C I PA L

Tyler Neal is the TCS JH/HS Principal and Head Volleyball Coach. He and his wife, Brooke, have four

beautiful children: Emerson (8), Griffin (6), Sawyer (2), and Collins (1).

[4] THE STANDARD | The Magazine of Trinity Christian School | Fall 2015

THE STANDARD | The Magazine of Trinity Christian School | Fall 2015 [5]

Board

SeniorPastor

Superintendent

TKU ParentingCoordinator

Admissions/Communications Development AD

Asst.Superintendent

Curr/Instr

LSPrincipal

Asst.PrincipalK-3

Asst.Principal4-6

USPrincipal

Asst.PrincipalJH

Counselor

International/Leadership

Student LifeCoordinator

Curriculum TLC Director

BusinessOffice AccountsReceivable Facilities HR

CFO

2015/2016

As a result, the following departments are now grouped together under The Office of the Superintendent with the common goal of serving TCS families.

Admissions and Communications There are two main purposes of this newly created department:1. Assist prospective families in determining whether TCS is the right place for their family and once enrolled, ensuring new families have a successful adjustment. 2. Disseminate relevant, clear, and concise information from the school to families. Communication modes include The Roar, all outgoing email and printed admission materials, and the TCS website (new site scheduled for release in 2016). Dana Brewer, Director of Admissions and Communications, assisted by Lanisa Fitzgerald.

Business OfficeThe Business Office oversees the school’s budget, ensuring wise and efficient use of resources. Based on reports provided by the Business Office, administrators can make informed decisions about past and forecasted expenditures. This department also facilitates family financial services. Donna O’Donnell – School Financial ServicesSonya Lucero – Family Financial Services (registration, tuition fees, Renweb payments)

TCS Foundation Tuition paid by families only covers a portion of the total funds needed to educate TCS students. The TCS Foundation exists to raise money to fill that gap. This allows the school to keep the rate of tuition increases low, to provide competitive salaries for teachers, and to help those in need with tuition assistance. The main ways the TCS Foundation raises this money is through corporate partnerships and events like the golf tournament and spring event. April Kitchens, Director of Donor Relations for the Trinity Christian School Foundation, assisted by Lanisa Fitzgerald.

ParentingOne of the founding principles of TCS is to partner with parents in raising up the next generation to follow Christ. The Parenting department provides monthly parenting classes focused on biblical worldview education, offers family coaching, counseling, financial help and prayer when needed, and is the guiding area for the Trinity Parent Association (TPA).Carrie Hayslip, Parenting coordinator and assistant to the superintendent. Kelly Maner is the Central Office receptionist. She is the smiling face that greets all who enter the TCS Central office.

Trinity Christian School’s future is as bright as its history is strong. We are blessed to be part of TCS for such a time as this!

[ DATELINE ]

Since 1977 Trinity Christian School has been blessed with a rich heritage of God-honoring leaders, talented faculty

and staff, and dedicated families who have built the strong foundation on which TCS now stands.

Whether you are new or have been present many years, you know it is an exciting time to be part of Trinity Christian School. It is a time of unprecedented growth which provides opportunity for evaluation and improvement.

Our school has completed an 18 month process of strategic planning.

One outcome of this process is the re-ordering of the school’s

organizational structure.

Office of the Superintendent

B Y : H O L L Y V I N S O N

what a lo ud &jo yful way to start

the school year | TCS joyland night The annual TCS Joyland night is

such a great way to start the new school year off with a bang! Trinity

has been participating in this event for almost 15 years. With over 400

TICKETS SOLD to TCS families and 30% of sales going toward

fundraising, it proves to be a very successful night. The students were

greeted at the gates by their new teacher with huge smiles on their

faces, ready to ride the rides!

Every other year, Trinity Christian High School students have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. or New York City for a spectacular, educational, fun-filled and, yes, exhausting week of new experiences! This year, a group of 30 parents, teachers, and students headed to the Big Apple to see the sites, shop, ride the subway, and explore the city. Tours and locales visited included the Empire State Building, Lincoln Center, Central Park, St. Paul’s Chapel, Chinatown, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and even two amazing Broadway shows! The group even got to assist in a morning of ministry at The Father’s Heart, a soup kitchen and clothing shelter. Almost 750 people were fed a hearty breakfast and felt the love of Jesus in just two hours! Next year, if at all possible, plan on joining TCS for a trip to our country’s capital city.

TCS Students Head to the BigApple


the DoDgeballTournament

The final champions? Our Juniors earned the glorious title of TCS Dodgeball Champions! After the official game was over, the fun really began with the parents taking on the students.

The Junior Class recently hosted the annual Dodgeball Tournament. Each high school class rallied their team’s courage as the thumping “whiz-bangs” and humbling “you’re outs” were called. The Championship Game matched the confident Seniors against the talented Juniors.

The annual Grandparent Coffee is a very special day! The grandparents of TCS elementary students are invited for a time of refreshments and fellowship, followed by a Christmas-themed program, featuring the musical talents of our Prek-6th graders. According to parent Kristi Jones, “My children love hosting the Grandparent Coffee. Having a time set aside to honor their loved ones with a special program is truly magical. The 6th graders enjoy serving them breakfast and serenading them with hand bell music, in a room where tables are adorned in Christmas spirit and love, and joy fills the room. As the children gather in the sanctuary and take turns singing Christmas songs, a truly magical experience that each special grandparent deserves is completed!”

Celebrating OUR GRANDPARENTS

the TCS way


GO LIONS!

Prior to 2002, TCS students only wore uniform attire, polo shirts, khaki shorts, and the occasional school t-shirt designed by a fellow student. Polished, yes, but not always a lot of fun! Enter the TCS Spirit Shop.

The Spirit Shop, run by Leisha Gonzalez and Amanda Ellison, offers TCS families a wide array of attire and accessories, ranging from shirts and ball caps to stadium seats and key chains. On Wednesday afternoons, the women open the store, which is located inside the Lions Den, and on Thursday mornings, they bring their merchandise over to the Canton Campus for the Lower School families to shop.

Todd Duncan, the previous TCS Athletic Director, was the brain behind the idwea. “Several years back, we saw all the products our school was purchasing—shirts, uniforms—and agreed that if we could cut out the middleman and do it ourselves, we could return more money back to the

school,” he told us. “First, we brought the athletic gear in house, then we decided that if we could design our own classroom attire, that was within dress code and stylish, parents and students both would be happy.” The idea took off, and the Spirit Shop was born. Duncan designed the first items and then Tamara Kirkpatrick set up shop and ran the first store. According to Kirkpatrick, “We created our own designs, so that was fun! We were able to have specific t-shirts that celebrated our school and our biblical foundation. The Spirit Shop offered cotton t-shirts, polos, UnderArmour and Adidas gear, along with many other brands. Our first day open we had lines out the door and sold out of nearly everything! This confirmed our hopes that the Spirit Shop would be successful!”

And, yes, it is successful! So stop by if you haven’t recently and check out what’s available at the TCS Spirit Shop.

Keeping our studentsfashionable

TCS TO COMPETE IN THE TAPPS ACADEMIC & FINE ARTS COMPETITIONTCS has excelled in the athletic arena within our TAPPS competitive organization for a number of years.

Now, Trinity Christian High School proudly announces that our students are being provided with the opportunity to compete at the State TAPPS Academic and Fine Arts Competition in Waco in April 2016. Many parents and teachers have volunteered their valuable time and expertise to train and equip our students for success. We will develop academic teams

in the areas of Math, Speech, Fine Arts, Literature, Writing, Spelling, Social Studies, Spanish, and much more. Students, if you are interested in joining one of Trinity’s first Academic or Fine Arts Teams, please contact Mrs. Sheets, or email Mrs. St.Clair

at [email protected]. We are thrilled to be kicking off our teams in December and look forward to continuing Trinity’s tradition of excellence in competition in the TAPPS Academic and Fine Arts Arena.


Coach Curtis Ford has taken on a different role this year in the classroom as the new Introduction to Engineering Design teacher. In its third year, IED is a class open to any student potentially interested in engineering. According to Coach Ford, “Our curriculum includes big design projects such as the puzzle cube, train car, golf course, castle, reverse engineering products, repurposing products, and collaborative projects coordinated between other Project Leading the Way schools across America.” However, he states that the students are probably most fascinated with the Autodesk Inventor CAD program and 3D printer, which prints out a 3D object that the student has designed and created.

When asked about the student that thinks the IED class would be too hard for them, Coach Ford believes that “this type of class, while fun and entertaining, will challenge all students involved to the point that they learn a ton about both themselves and their abilities, but also about a possible future profession that they did not know much about.”

I n t r o t o Engineering Design

TCS 5th and 6th grade students had a wonderful opportunity in September to visit a replica of the Old Testament tabernacle at Aldersgate Church in Lubbock.

The Tabernacle Experience is not a museum or a theater production, but a traveling life-sized replica of the biblical tabernacle. Visitors experience a day in the life of an Old Testament priest, as they engage in the duties and rituals that normally took place within the tabernacle.

Students were clothed in the white linen garment of the priest, presented an offering on the Altar of Burnt Offering’s consuming fire, and approached the Laver and washed their hands in preparation for the work of the Lord. At the Lampstand, an oil lamp was lit and students could participate in communion at The Table of the Bread. The smoke rising at the Altar of Incense reminded participants of their prayers ascending to the throne of God. The journey culminated before the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat.

Many of the students were amazed to walk through practices once reserved for only the high priests, including prayer in complete darkness and the smell of incense burning. According to 6th grader Leah Vinson, “It became easier to understand how high priests and the Israelites lived in the desert but still worshipped God.”

The truths of the tabernacle are life changing. The Tabernacle Experience was a tangible, multi-sensory encounter that enhanced the student’s faith in the person of Jesus Christ to whom all the elements of the tabernacle point.

5 TH/6 TH GRADERS ATTEND The Tabernacle Experience


At TCS we are truly privileged to have Mrs. Andy O’Neill teach her love of

music to our 2nd - 6th graders.

The 2nd graders present the Bremen Town musical with both singing and

speaking parts. Our 3rd and 4th graders learn to read printed music

with the motivation to acquire colored belts in Recorder Karate, with 4th graders playing in chapel. By 5th

grade, students advance to perform hand bell concerts in the spring.

With 6th graders leading the way, our students perform at God and Nation and the Grandparent Coffee, singing and ringing hand bells for an audience of loved ones.

Mrs. O’Neill proudly reports, “Our kids learn how to stand confidently in front of a crowd and perform. My boys in Junior High tell me that they miss playing the hand bells!”

mus i c f or the Elementary minD

BY: HEIDI PAYNE

If you are curious about music coming from the JH/HS Great Room during Navy 4, you might just find the TCS Choir hard at work. Although the class has been a part of TCS curriculum in the past, it has made a comeback this year, with Mrs. Carrie Hayslip taking the reins.

Mrs. Hayslip stated that this new class of student performers is very close, they learn from each other, they pray together, and she, with emphasis, “just LOVES them!”

So far this year, the choir is learning some music theory, discussing the Biblical Worldview of Christian versus secular music, and they have even had the opportunity to write some of their own music. This talented group of singers performed at the Grandparent Coffee and The Evening of the Arts.

If any TCS high school students are interested in adding choir as an elective in the future, they are more than welcome.

Sound of Music

By: Traci Payne

Welcome to a

TCS reintroduces Choir as an elective

for high school students


Has your child grown in confidence at TCS? You may have Mary Jo Newton to thank. The TCS family is grateful she has been called by God to teach and encourage our students. Mrs. Newton is serving in her 20th year at our school, and she is currently teaching Bible- her favorite subject to teach. She has also educated 2nd and 3rd graders and taught 5th & 6th grade Bible, along with instilling a love of reading in 5th graders for the past six years.

Mrs. Newton told me, “A verse that ministers to me is Isaiah 61:1-2. I know this verse is speaking of Jesus, but he is my model as I teach, and these are my goals— to proclaim good news, bind up the brokenhearted, show captives how to find freedom, and bring comfort to those kids who need it.”

Mrs. Newton had wonderful parents who instilled a strong work ethic in her. She learned to love God

and serve Him with her life. She and her husband, Jerry, celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary this past May. They’ve served on church staff for over 25 years, mostly in youth ministry. Dacia, their oldest daughter, and Dacia’s husband, Josh, serve as missionaries with “Arise Africa” - a Ugandan ministry. The couple is in process of adopting a t w o - y e a r - o l d girl, Leya. Mrs. Newton traveled to Uganda this past summer. Her mission trip was really a “Mom helping her missionary kids out for a few weeks kind of trip.” Mary Jo’s youngest daughter, Raina, lives in Lubbock. Mary Jo says it is a joy to have her daughter close to her—and get to be a part of Raina’s everyday life. Mary Jo is grateful for their sweet relationship.

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Mary Jo Newton 7th and 8th Grade

Bible Teacher

Beth Bender has faithfully been a part of TCS for 27 years. She was born in New Mexico and spent many of her younger years moving. After attending five elementary schools, two junior highs and three high schools, she learned quickly to adapt and bloom where the Lord planted her! She graduated from Oral Roberts University with an education degree, and she met her husband of 38 years, David, while there. They have three daughters, Andrea, Tabitha, and Susanna, all of whom are TCS graduates. They have also been blessed with two grandchildren so far.

A fun fact to know is that our TCS school nurse, Sheila Carpenter, is her mother!

The Lord brought her family to TCS in 1985. She began working in the Mother’s Day Out program. “I wanted to work at Trinity to provide my daughters with a Christian education that fostered what we supported at home,” she tells us. Two years later, she was hired as the girls’ volleyball coach and later also as athletic director. The Lord then called her into the classroom in 1997, teaching junior high math. After teaching math and even keyboarding, she moved into teaching textiles, which is a quilting and sewing program. In 2006, Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer. She walked through chemo and radiation with the love and support of the people at TCS. While we talked, she spoke of what a time of growth that season was for her and her family. “It wasn’t a dark place, just a hard place,” she stated. “But He carried me through step by step!”

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Beth Bender 8th Grade English & Textiles Teacher


Playing for an

“Audience of One”

TCS Varsity girls rally to win the TAPPS 4A state volleyball

title the second year in a row

By: Angela Beck


Trinity Varsity Volleyball is making a name for itself. But that name is not just about the sport of volleyball. The defending TAPPS 4A State champions have put this year’s theme, “Audience of One,” into practice on and off the volleyball court.

Coach Tyler Neal, member of the 1997 Men’s Volleyball National Championship team at Stanford and the current Trinity junior high and high school principal, says that, “The girls continue to play volleyball with such enthusiasm and determination because it is simply the sport we get to play to accomplish the greater goal-- which is to show others Christ. Just because we attend a Christian school, doesn’t mean we always act like Christians. We want to be the salt and light wherever we go.”

Early on in the season, the team was caught on camera praying over some police officers at a Chick-fil-A restaurant after their Dallas tournament. Their gesture went viral and made it to the Dallas headlines and the Lubbock news media.

Throughout the season, the team kept their focus on their goals and compiled a 37-3-1 record. Senior captains, Molly Johnston and Sarah Jane Leaverton, knew how they wanted to lead and set the tone for the team, having been part of the successful “I Am Second” themed State Championship team from last year. Johnston says, “From the beginning we knew we wanted to have an ‘Audience of One’ attitude that would set the tone for how the team would represent Christ and love each other. That would be our testimony for this season, and we were

blessed in the end.” “We wanted to put the Lord at the forefront and give Him glory and honor in every single road trip, practice, and game. Our focus was the ‘why’ behind our play and that ‘why’ was our Audience of One,” says Leaverton.

Trinity Volleyball came up victorious against Fort Bend Christian Academy, 13-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-23, and 15-8 for their second straight State Championship title.

The Trinity family is proud to have been a part of this Audience of One!


Volleyball students praying over Dallas-based police officers

TheTCS Football Program through the Eyes of a Trinity Christian School DadMy wife, Beckey, and I have a son,

Brock, who is a senior at TCS and is on the football team. We are from Hobbs, New Mexico, but for the last two years, my wife and I have taken turns living in Lubbock with our son so he can attend TCS.Trinity Christian School is in its third year of a new football program that includes both junior high and high school teams. As with any new program there are many things to learn and develop, but Trinity is catching on quickly. The junior high boys have had a very successful season this fall, winning every game but one. With the addition of Rodney Blackshear as head coach, the high school varsity team has seen improvements as well.

An interesting development on the high school team is the addition of Karah Ross, the first female kicker on the TCS team. Karah’s talent put points on the board at the first win of the high school season.


Brock and Kent Waldrop

By: Kent WaldropIn August, Allen Financial Agency and Underwood Cotton sponsored a Varsity Football Team Breakfast Tailgate to kick off the new season. This fun event was scheduled just prior to the Trinity Christian Lions’ first game against Claude. Everyone enjoyed a delicious breakfast burrito, the Varsity Cheerleaders performed, and Coach Blackshear spoke to the group. It was a great start for a great season.

The highlight of the season, for me, was the first career win for Trinity Christian Varsity Football. It was a beautiful September evening in Morton, Texas. Trinity racked up a score of 27 – 0! It was absolutely exciting! The air was filled with electricity as the final 4th quarter horn blew signaling the end of the game. Faces were glowing and smiles were flowing. With all the pictures being taken, people probably thought we’d just won the TAPPS State Championship. The best memory I have is my son running to the stands, climbing over the railing, and giving me a gigantic hug! He said, “Dad, we did it! We finally won a game!”

I asked Coach Rodney Blackshear for his thoughts about his first season at Trinity and the future of TCS football. This is what he had to say: “The first season was an enriching learning experience. I saw the players grow, not only in football knowledge, but also as teammates. Uncertain boys became confident young men. With a strong offseason, I see TCS Football taking the next step into becoming a football program that embodies ‘Raising the Standard

of Excellence’ on and off the field.” Go Lions!


When students walk into Dionette Snelling’s Spanish class and Kathy Sea’s Latin class, they learn that small things make a big difference. Two letters which are inverted or a misplaced tilde can completely change the meaning of a whole conversation. Mrs. Sea and Mrs. Snelling take this concept to a whole new level within the language clubs.

Mrs. Sea is former missionary and Latin aficionado who wanted to teach heart issues, not just language proficiency. “I wanted our club to be more than just a fun activity. I wanted our students to have the opportunity to serve the community,” said Mrs. Sea. In 2002 she joined with former French instructor, Emily Kinsky, and introduced the language clubs to international missions work by supporting a child in South America. From there it grew to support the missionaries at the New Life Children’s Home in Guatemala.

On “Language Day” the Spanish and Latin Clubs join forces and sell Mexican stack-up. Small scoops of beans and rice typically turn into $1700 to $2500.

For Melvin and Marvin in Guatemala, that is significant.

Another project the language clubs tackle is selling the Spirit Bells, which blesses Lubbock. Three years ago, Mrs. Snelling’s Spanish Club joined the Latin Club and immediately the proceeds doubled. Strings of ribbons with bells are attached to small bags of candy and sold to students from 4th-12th grade. “If the buyer finds the saying, ‘VINCO!’ or ‘GANE’ ’, he or she wins a candy bar.

However, the real winners with the bells are the homeless of Lubbock and the hearts of the TCS language students. “I feel our students need to consider a world beyond the privileged one they lead and have a sense of compassion for those who have not had their opportunities or have fallen into a place of great struggle and difficulty, “ said Mrs. Sea.

The core of any language program is to expand the horizons of the student. At Trinity, this is not limited to just head knowledge, but through their service projects it expand to the heart.

LANGUAGE DAY

by: Deanna Duncan


The group consisted of players, parents, and coaches from the Trinity Christian Volleyball team, as well as several associated individuals. We were very graciously hosted by Score International. While on the trip, we played four matches against three Costa Rican club volleyball teams. We also had the chance to participate in different service projects each day of the week. One day, we cleaned windows and did landscaping for a local missions organization. We also got to play with and minister to children at the Casa de Pan, a foster home-like establishment that shelters children and young adults until they become independent. We engaged in street ministry as well, feeding the hungry in Costa Rican slums and passing out gospel tracts downtown. One of the most powerful experiences we had during our time in Costa Rica was going to a church where the pastor delivered a message in English and Spanish simultaneously.

This mission trip was one of the most rewarding experiences we’ve been privileged to be a part of. We got to see the hand of God move, and it’s a trip that we will never forget.

Last June we were blessed with the opportunity to embark on a volleyball mission trip to San Jose, Costa Rica through Destiny Sports Missions.

playing & Working for God in Costa RicaThe TCS Volleyball team embarks on an amazing trip over the summer

By: Kaylee Cowan and Sarah Wall, TCS Class of 2017



KEITH ROBERSON is a 1995 graduate of TCS and currently serves as the Beltway Park North Campus Pastor in Abilene, which was recently highlighted as one of the 100 fastest growing churches in the country. Under his service over the past eleven years, Beltway has grown to host over 4,600 individuals weekly, in an effort to influence the Big Country for the cause of Christ. Keith graduated in 1999 from TTU in Business Administration and Finance and is a 2015 recipient of Abilene’s ‘20 Under 40’ Outstanding Business Professionals. He is married to his wife of ten years, Magen, and they have four young children.

JOSHUA JONES is a 1998 graduate of TCS and currently resides in Aurora, Illinois. He received his BA in Music/Communications/Christian Education and Ministry from Wheaton College, where he also ran collegiate track and cross country and was the recipient of a Presidential Academic Scholarship. Since 2001 Joshua has worked as an award-winning artist at Maskil Maker Music teaching private guitar/piano/bass guitar lessons and serving as a guest lecturer on music theory and songwriting. He is also the Operations Manager for Forming America and Producer/Lead Musician for Backthird Entertainment, and has been featured as a headliner at numerous music festivals.

While a student at TCS, Joshua was an originator of the Praise and Worship Team, stand-out track athlete, Student Body Vice President, and the Valedictorian of the Class of 1998.

Joshua is a Music Faculty Member, steering committee member, and worship leader at Karitos Worship & Arts Conference, leads worship for a variety of church and para-church events in Illinois, and is founder of The Socratic Cafe, a monthly philosophy club. Joshua has been married to his wife, Isabel, for 14 years.

Alumni Highlights T C S A L U M N I C O N T I N U E T O M A K E W A V E S A R O U N D T H E W O R L D


LANISA FITZGERALD is a graduate of the TCS class of 1996. She told us, “I finished my college years at Texas Tech. Eventually, the Lord led me to Texas Tech School of Law, where I graduated in 2005. I practiced with my dad and brother (a 1998 TCS Alum) at the Agnew Law Firm until 2009. In 2009 our daughter was born – and all of my priorities changed. In fact, my “maternity leave” ended up lasting six years. When Lynley started kindergarten in the fall here at Trinity, I went to work at the TCS Central Office. I am so excited to provide the opportunity of a Kingdom Education for her.”

DINAH HARRIGER CUMMINGS is a 2002 graduate of TCS and is currently an Assistant Professor at Angelo State University in the College of Health and Human Services, where she teaches undergraduate courses in Nutrition and Applied Statistics and graduate courses in Research Methods and Health Promotion Theory.

Dinah received her B.A. in Psychology from Texas A&M University- 2006 (Magna Cum Laude), her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University- 2008, and her Ph.D. in Health Promotion from Texas A&M University - 2011.

She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, has been awarded with a Community Engagement Teaching Fellowship at Angelo State, is a published researcher, and is an Advisory Board Member for the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health - TTU System.

Dinah currently resides in San Angelo and is married to Dr. David Cummings, who is a medical oncologist.

Documents

The Standard 2015 Fall issue