RCS Newsletter-Summer 2024
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he impact that Bob Ippel
has had on the students,
staff, and families of Reho-
both Christian School is amazing.
Through his influence in the Gallup
community and the connections
he has made across the country and
world, he has touched thousands
of lives and has been an example of
Jesus to so many.
From an early age, Bob's parents,
Henry and Marian Ippel, modeled a
life as Kingdom workers and follow-
ers of Christ. They emphasized the
joy, fun, and adventure of life’s jour-
ney with Jesus. Bob’s heart beats for
justice—burdened by the inequities
of racism, economic disparity, and
philosophies that too often place
God on “our” side over all others.
Those early values deepened when
Bob wed Mary (Bandstra), and to-
gether they committed their lives to
helping those who suffer under life’s
challenges. Their efforts in the inner
city of Grand Rapids, their time
working in the hollers of Kentucky,
and finally their decision to leave
family and friends to establish roots
in Rehoboth, New Mexico demon-
strated their commitment to what
Bob likes to call “the upside down
Kingdom of Christ.” Throughout
those years, Bob and Mary learned
to create and nurture relationships
wherever God placed them. Those
bonds became family as evidenced
by the countless friends who contin-
ue to occupy space in the Ippels’ life.
Always a passionate teacher, Bob
lined up stuffed animals in his child-
hood “classroom” to receive their
lessons for the day. He notes that
each stage of his teaching years—
working in elementary, mid school,
and then high school—held new op-
portunities to serve; and Bob seized
them with unwavering dedication
and incredible understanding of the
task before him.
Vigorously Academic Beautifully Diverse Thoroughly Christian
p.2 »
S u m m e r 2 0 2 4
Tribute to Bob Ippel
Rehoboth's Executive Director Retires after 31 Faithful Years
By Gail DeYoung
Bob leads the Alumni Choir at his retirement celebration.
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Of all the different Rehoboth roles during Bob’s
career, working with the high school choir was a constant—
spanning over 25 years. In addition to choir, he somehow
managed to teach multiple subjects; work as the director of
the after school program; serve as the middle school principal;
and finish his career with seven years as the RCS Executive
Director. He pursued each of these opportunities with a fierce
work ethic that often meant sending emails at all hours of the
day and night.
Bob’s deep love for music energized much of his life. “In
choir, we formed deep relationships and established life-long
bonds,” he reflects. Students came alive during performanc-
es like the Christmas concerts at Sacred Heart Cathedral or
rousing gospel concerts. Spring Flings, WWII programs,
“Let’s Go to the Rock,” NM History programs, and the musi-
cal Light Brigade each motivated kids to sing and act at levels
beyond anyone’s dreams. On 20 choir tours, Rehoboth groups
traveled to Germany, Canada, New Orleans, Michigan, Iowa,
California, Washington, Texas, Montana, and many other
venues. Bob even helped produce seven CD’s throughout the
years he directed the choir.
According to Max Lucado, life events called eternal instants
provide glimpses of the reality of heaven. Bob points to sev-
eral eternal instants during his time at Rehoboth. There were
treasured students who tragically died way too early: Josh
Landavazo, Maria Hoelscher, Renzo Fowler, Megan Ortiz,
Zachary Begay, Steven Yoder, Toby Seciwa, and Alexandra
De Armond. Bob knows it’s in the grief and hopelessness of
“Holy Darkness” that we experience the very real hope that
our lives are in God’s eternal hands.
The beauty of creation in the Southwest marks a second
eternal instant for Bob—sun on red rocks, sky-spanning
rainbows, Ramah waterfalls, and Colorado mountains. For
him, these wonders are a foretaste of the life to come. Finally,
the beauty of Native American culture points to heaven. Bob
reflects that Native culture is so different from the culture in
which he grew up and exemplifies a much bigger, more beau-
tiful perspective, foreshadowing future glory.
Bob’s mother once remarked that it would be unwise to
grow close to Bob and Mary because they never stay in one
place very long. Thankfully, the Ippels chose to stay here
over 30 years and, in doing so, watched their family of seven
children (four biological sons and three children adopted
from Ethiopia) grow and flourish in this place. They’ve found
purpose in a close, diverse community, and their understand-
ing of Christianity in a world of pain and suffering has greatly
expanded their faith and trust in God.
The advent of COVID presented great challenges for Bob
as Rehoboth’s Executive Director. He feared that under his
watch, Rehoboth might close due to insufficient funding,
families not returning, and donations diminishing. Instead,
Rehoboth became a place of hope and ministry to others. The
school distributed food and wood, sent buses onto the reser-
vation to serve as internet hotspots, and provided dedicated
counselors to comfort those who lost loved ones to the horrid
pandemic.
The Ippels look forward to volunteering in the Rehoboth
Community but also want to serve with their son Andrew
and his family in Nicaragua. Bob’s holy discontent always
leaves him wanting more for God’s Kingdom at Rehoboth.
He asserts, “New Mexico ranks 50th in the US for education,
health, and family issues. How can we influence those areas?
How can we support our kids better as a team and provide
a private education for all children who desire to learn more
about Jesus? The work is never done.” Hopefully, that holy
discontent will keep Bob around for a very long time.
In the years ahead, Bob desires less busyness, more travel,
and more presence in people’s lives. Something makes me
think that in retirement, Bob and Mary will continue to live
as servants and use their lives to point us all to Jesus.
» p.1
Mary and Bob Ippel, then and now
Above: Bob is a servant leader. He
could just as soon be seen clean-
ing up or serving food as leading
a church service or directing the
choir.
An early shot of Bob perhaps
reading with an eye of things to
come?
Bob arrived on campus in 1993
and taught in the Mid School
for many years.
V i g o r o u s ly A c a d e m i c B e a u t i f u l ly D i v e r s e T h o r o u g h ly C h r i s t i a n
Junior, Alex De Armond, died suddenly in May of an undiagnosed
brain tumor.
I
am filled with gratitude
as I reflect on my time
as the executive direc-
tor of Rehoboth Christian
School over the past seven
years. While leading a school
was never something I had
imagined for myself, I am so
thankful for the opportunity
it has provided me. Serving as
executive director has allowed
me to form connections with
the various departments,
families, supporters, volun-
teers, and alumni of Reho-
both. It has also given me
the opportunity to immerse
myself in the communities
of McKinley County and the
Navajo Nation. Above all,
it has allowed me to under-
stand the beauty of Rehoboth
Christian School.
During my 31 years at
Rehoboth, I have been
reminded again and again
that Rehoboth is more than
a school. Rehoboth is family.
Even in the past semester,
especially amidst moments
of tragedy, the depth of love
for each other was so evident.
On January 24 the Reho-
both community heard the
tragic news of sophomore
Toby Seciwa’s death, leaving
behind family members in-
cluding Ash, a sister at Reho-
both. The community ached
and asked, “Why Lord?”
Bonds of love were deepened
as staff, students and family
cried together and reminisced
about Toby’s middle school
and high school experiences.
For many, Toby’s loss reawak-
ened other painful losses
students had experienced,
creating an atmosphere of
sharing and vulnerability.
Three months later, senior
Caleb Clauschee was involved
in an accident that resulted
in a broken back and femur
as well as a shattered ankle.
Caleb, nicknamed "Sarge"
by his friends, had a lifelong
dream of joining the Navy
and had received his dates for
basic training. He is devas-
tated physically, emotionally
and spiritually as he faces
a future with so many un-
knowns. However, it has been
amazing to see the Rehoboth
family support Sarge and his
grandparents with whom he
lives. Immediately after Sarge
was flown to Albuquerque,
staff and friends joined him
in the hospital, and Chaplain
Kevin Ruthven arranged a
hotel stay for Grandma. Staff
and students continue to
text, call, and visit Sarge as
he recuperates at his home in
Window Rock, Arizona. His
grandpa wrote after a visit, “I
am truly grateful for the lov-
ing Christian support of the
Rehoboth staff and students.
Caleb loves spending time
with everyone, and I loved
(hearing) the laughter.” As
this article is being written,
a ramp is being built so that
Sarge can cross the stage at
his graduation in his wheel-
chair to receive his diploma.
Rehoboth is family.
A week and a half after
Sarge’s accident, the Reho-
both community was again
called to love in the midst of
tragedy when junior, Alex De
Armond, passed away due to
an undiagnosed brain tumor.
Known for her smile and her
selflessness, Alex’s love shone
brightly on the Friday before
she passed away. She had
spent lunch with her “lit-
tle,” her fourth grade friend
whom she had mentored.
She had delivered a package
to the administration build-
ing and wished everyone a
good weekend. She wrote a
beautiful testimony of her
love for Jesus in her math
class (shared elsewhere in this
newsletter). She rehearsed for
the choir’s Spring Fling and
went to work after school.
No one expected Alex to be
gone by Saturday morning.
As members of the family
and Rehoboth staff gathered
around Alex’s body at Reho-
both McKinley Hospital, the
family shared of Alex’s love
for being a facilitator on the
ropes course, of her excite-
ment for next year’s choir
tour, of her involvement in
planning an upcoming mis-
sion trip, and of her love for
the Rehoboth students and
staff, a community of which
she had been a part since she
was three years old. They
reminded me that Alex had
wanted me to remain in the
position of executive direc-
tor for just one more year
so that she and I could leave
Rehoboth at the same time.
Alex, like so many of us, saw
that Rehoboth is more than a
school. Rehoboth is a family.
And for that, I will be forever
grateful.
Cherishing Connections
Tribute to Rehoboth Christian School
by Bob Ippel
Senior, Caleb Clauschee, was involved in a serious accident in late
April, breaking his back, femur, and shattering his ankle.
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his is the stone that
I got at our retreat at
Broken Arrow this
past January. At that time
I shared that it had a little
wave on it, which is like a
cosine wave, something I was
going to be teaching about
in the semester to come.
At the time I also found it
somewhat "prophetic" to
the ups and downs that I
was anticipating to come
in Semester 2. The ups and
downs I was anticipating
were more related to my own
children and family, to the
exciting plans we had made,
to the opportunities that
each child would participate
in as well as the preparations,
emotions, and excitement
of graduating our first child.
Those were the ups and
downs I was anticipating.
And the stone itself reminded
me that through the ups and
downs God is steadfast like a
solid rock.
What transpired this
semester was indeed filled
with ups and downs. Many
of them. And in reality the
ups and downs I anticipated
were nothing compared to
what we experienced as a
school and as a community.
As a school we've hit some
really low downs, and we've
had some ups, but God has continued to remain a solid stone.
For me, the most impactful up and down was the days surrounding Alex
De Armond’s death. Less than 24 hours before her passing, she wrote a TPQ
(Thought Provoking Question) that brought me to tears.
The TPQ from
Mr. Van Slooten
“Jesus came to earth to be an
inverse.” Now respond, refute, defend, agree, disagree,
discuss this statement.
The TPQ response from Alex De Armond
written the day before she died
“I do believe Jesus did come to earth to be an inverse, he is
our inverse. An inverse is a function that is the opposite of
another function and is used to “undo” that function. When
Jesus came to earth he was completely perfect. He never
sinned even though he was born into this world of sin just
like we were, this is the complete opposite of us. No matter
how hard we try we will always be sinners and we will never
be perfect. But when Jesus came to earth he was tortured
and killed by being hung on a cross, he went through all of
that pain, torment, ridicule, and emotional torture for us.
He sacrificed himself so that all of our sins could be forgiv-
en and “undone.” Jesus is an inverse and we are his oppo-
sites. Inverses are also reflections of another function and
Jesus told us we are made in his own image; we are made
like him. But we have hearts full of sin, not because Jesus
has sin in his heart, but because Satan got a hold of us, and
we fell. But even after all of that, Jesus, our inverse, undid
all of those sins for us and was the ultimate sacrifice.
Over the years, I've had very few students write a TPQ that
moved me the way Alex's did. That was an up. Then we
received Saturday morning's news of her passing. The shock-
ing sadness that that brought was an extreme down. The
days that followed brought ups and downs as we mourned,
celebrated, mourned some more, and celebrated her life some
more. Yet, Alex, too, believed in the unwavering love of God.
This stone has a wave on it. And life has been like that wave
this semester. Yet, the stone is solid. It can't be broken. The
stone is the foundation for that wave. I could throw the stone
away if I wanted, lose it if I'm not careful, or even forget about it, but it's still
going to be the same stone with a wave on it no matter what happens to it,
and that reminds me of God's love for me.
Alex De Armond with Lainey, the baby of one of her mom's coworkers
Alex's Answer
by Chris Van Slooten, High School Math Teacher
Rehoboth Teacher Ponders a Tough Year
V i g o r o u s ly A c a d e m i c B e a u t i f u l ly D i v e r s e T h o r o u g h ly C h r i s t i a n
The RCHS Band won a much coveted 1st place at the NM State Tournament against stiff competition.
The Band's spring tour this year saw them perform in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska.
fter months of prepa-
ration and fundrais-
ing efforts, the RCHS
Concert Band departed on
April 5 for an eight-day mid-
west tour that brought them
to Milwaukee, WI; Chicago,
IL; Hudsonville, MI; Taylor
University (Upland, IN);
DeMotte, IN; Pella, IA; and
the Winnebago Reservation
just north of Omaha, NE.
Students bonded on the
long coach bus rides and
shared their selection of
songs during scripted, nar-
rated concerts at a variety of
churches and schools in these
cities. It’s no small task to
transport music stands, large
percussion pieces, and all of
the other band instruments
to each location, so a team of
chaperones plays a valuable
role in supporting the logis-
tics of packing, unpacking,
and setting up the various
venues.
Band tour allows students
to visit parts of the country
many of them have never
seen, and director, Kevin
Zwiers, makes sure that they
get to know people at each
stop. “My favorite part of ev-
ery concert is during the in-
termission when we have the
kids go out into the audience
and talk to people. No matter
whether it’s a church full of
adults or a school gym full
of students, you just see the
walls come down when we
do that.” In addition to these
get-to-know-you conversa-
tions at the concerts, students
also stayed with host families
in several of the stops.
“We got to play ping pong
and go out for ice cream
with our host family. They
made us feel really welcome
and at home,” said fresh-
man Cayden Kenny. Similar
experiences were echoed by
many of the band members,
and it’s a reminder that these
tours are a terrific learning
opportunity, both for our
students and for people in
communities that support
Rehoboth. The evening con-
cert in Hudsonville, MI, was
a particular highlight as many
former Rehoboth staff and
students were able to attend
and reconnect with friends.
Upon returning home,
the band geared up for the
state competition one week
later at the massive perform-
ing arts center of Cleveland
High School in Rio Rancho.
Rehoboth is grouped with all
of the New Mexico schools in
classes A-3A, and bands need
to earn their way into the
state competition by achiev-
ing the highest rating of 1 at
their regional performances.
This means that at the state
level, we’re going against the
best of the best.
Having played their three
songs as part of each tour
concert, our students were
well-prepared. After perform-
ing first of all the groups,
the band members stayed in
the auditorium to listen to
the competition. In the end,
the judges awarded the Lynx
with the first place trophy,
and we are excited to hang
another state championship
banner in the gym. One of
the concert attendees at the
tour stop in DeMotte, IN,
was not surprised at our
result. “You are the best high
school band I’ve ever heard,”
he remarked to the chaper-
ones. These experiences drive
us to continue the excellent
tradition of music at Reho-
both for years to come.
RCHS Band Wins
Tours Midwest and Wins State Championship
by Dan Meester
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he Rehoboth Chris-
tian High School
class of 2024 had a
memorable year that includ-
ed personal and group ac-
complishments, deep sorrow,
and determined resilience.
The class of 2024 first of all
had many notable academic
and career achievements and
accolades to note. Thirty-sev-
en of the 42 seniors posted
a GPA above 3.0. Kaylee
Becenti, McK-
enzie Gilmore,
Jordyn Holt-
soi-Henry, and
Alieda Zylstra
are among the
seniors who
have earned
generous,
named schol-
arships from the
colleges and univer-
sities they have chosen to at-
tend. Haiden Schanefelt and
Frank Tah earned welding
certificates from University of
New Mexico Gallup Cam-
pus. Valedictorian Juliana
Meester plans to pursue a de-
gree in Spanish education at
Calvin University in the fall,
and Salutatorian Liam Bia
plans to attend Whitworth
University with hopes to
study structural engineering.
This class was also vital to
many projects and accom-
plishments outside of the
classroom. Fifteen seniors
were members and leaders of
the National Honor Society
which planned several service
days during their high school
years. Many members of the
class were part of athletic
teams that tasted success in
various degrees this year with
the volleyball, soccer, basket-
ball, baseball, softball, cross
country, and track teams
all making the state tourna-
ments. Emily Garcia distin-
guished herself as the state
champion in the 1600 meter
and 800 meter races, and was
also honored as the Rehoboth
Female Scholar Athlete for
2023-2024. Emily’s running
talents have also earned her
a scholarship at Fort Lew-
is College. Liam Bia was
also recognized as the Male
Scholar Athlete this year. The
Rehoboth Concert Band, an-
chored by 14 seniors, toured
the Midwest this spring and
won the state championship
band contest. A key group
of seniors also took part in
two drama productions this
year, with The Secret Garden
showcasing their talents.
Unfortunately, this group
of seniors encountered several
tragedies that rocked the
whole school community,
particularly in the death of
two students. The class
showed its resilience
and genuine concern
for each other and the
rest of the school with
their being present
through hugs, kind
words, songs, and many
encouraging communi-
cations with friends and
family members. This
unheralded leadership role
was vital for maintaining the
routines and processes of the
school in the most trying of
times.
These seniors have truly
established themselves as
valuable community mem-
bers, and their leadership at
Rehoboth Christian School
will leave a lasting impact.
We commend them to the
communities where God will
lead them.
Class of 2024
Senior Class Recap
by Seth Weidenaar
From top: Graduates deliver the opening prayer in different languag-
es. Speakers: Dan Meester, high school principal; golden class grad-
uate, Caleb Dixon; valedictorian, Juliana Meester; Liam Bia; Jordyn
Holtsoi-Henry; and executive director, Bob Ippel.
Executive director, Bob Ippel, addressed the graduates with a message of encouragement to continue to unwrap their God
given gifts as they step into this new season of life. Here, he leads the crowd as they sing "This Little Light of Mine."
V i g o r o u s ly A c a d e m i c B e a u t i f u l ly D i v e r s e T h o r o u g h ly C h r i s t i a n
The group from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Left: The Golden Class of 1974 50th anniversary. Pictured (L-R):
Alice Dickson (Descheene), Caleb Dickson, Lee Roy Herbert, and
Julia Jamon (Marie J.). We love when student sponsors attend the
graduation of their sponsored student! Mike & Wendy Patterson with
Shandiin Benson, and Jackie Bremer with Piper Tsosie and his family.
or a week in early May,
students and professors
from Grace College (Winona
Lake, IN) visited Rehoboth.
These education majors
stepped into classrooms and
counseling offices to get to
know our students and help
out around campus in ways
both big and small. The
group was thirsty to learn
more about Navajo and Zuni
culture, as well as the circum-
stances that have shaped the
lives of each of our students.
They took in a presentation
about generational trauma
from Rehoboth Board Mem-
ber, Sierra Yazzie Asamoa-Tu-
tu, and they toured key sites
on the Navajo Nation like
Window Rock, AZ; Hubbell
Trading Post; and Canyon
de Chelly. The Grace College
organizing professor, Kevin
Voogt, was enthusiastic about
the experience. “This is the
kind of rich opportunity our
students need. We will defi-
nitely be back.”
This spring, Rehoboth also
welcomed a group of stu-
dent volunteers from Embry
Riddle Aeronautical Univer-
sity. Associated with Campus
Christian Fellowship, the stu-
dents helped the Rehoboth
facilities staff with many tasks
including setting fence posts,
moving furniture,
and groundskeep-
ing, even getting a
lawn mower run-
ning again. Their
service helped
some much-needed
projects to move
forward. The group
also volunteered
with the non-prof-
it, Strengthening
Nations, for a day. The
Embry students toured two
of the Rehoboth bus routes
to Crownpoint and Zuni
as a way to experience what
it is like traveling to school
for some of our students
and realize how dedicated
many families are in send-
ing their children to RCS
in spite of the distance.
Showing particular interest
in topics like faith, mission,
and culture, the group was
also able to talk with pastor
James Zwier and principal
Tim Becksvoort at the Zuni
Christian Mission as they
toured Zuni Middle Village.
We are truly grateful for this
group of students!
New College Groups Visit and Volunteer
Calvin University (MI)
Crown College (MN)
Dordt University (IA)
Grand Valley State University (MI)
Hope College (MI)
Indian Bible College (AZ)
Lancaster Bible College (PA)
Luther College (IA)
Mary Hardin Baylor University
(TX)
Northwestern College (IA)
Simpson College (IA)
Taylor University (IN)
Trinidad State College (CO)
Trinity Christian College (IL)
University of New Mexico (NM)
Colleges and Universities Connected to Rehoboth
over the past 15 years
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Rudy Folkerts
Ready to Retire But Not Tired
fter a 40-year career in Christian education, Rudy
Folkerts is now embarking on a well-deserved retire-
ment, motivated not by weariness, but by a drive
to continue spreading joy through creativity, exploring the
wonders of creation, and reuniting with family. Far from
simply easing into retirement, Rudy's final days at Rehoboth
were marked by a flurry of activity. He beautified the cam-
pus and local art shows with student artwork, photographed
cherished moments at school events for the yearbook, and
eagerly brainstormed the future of yearbook classes. In his
never-ending desire to improve art instruction, he experi-
mented with discarded metal barrels to mimic the coloring
and glazing effects of pit-fire pottery, enthusiastically sharing
insights on the impact of elements like salt, seaweed, and
copper on color. Going above and beyond, Rudy offered to
build frames for donated artwork, orchestrated a student-led
mural painting at the Octavia Fellin Public library in Gal-
lup, and put together a senior class art show at graduation.
Throughout, Rudy remained
committed to his deep hope
that students should cultivate
their artistic talents, appreciate
God’s artistry in creation, and
convey truth through their art.
To an onlooker, it would have
been impossible to predict
that Rudy was on the brink of
retirement.
Rudy's eyes twinkle with
genuine delight as he recounts
tales from his years in the
classroom and on the field as
a coach. His unwavering goal
was to cultivate a sanctuary
within his classroom, a haven
where students could discover
peace, rejuvenation, and the freedom to delve into new skills
and ideas. Wayne Dykstra, the head of schools at Unity Chris-
tian in Orange City, Iowa and Rudy’s former superintendent,
aptly noted, "Rudy was known for thinking about the issues
we collectively faced with a unique perspective that caused all
to think more
deeply. Rudy
acted out his
love for others
by helping people. His actions and his art spoke louder than
his words. Students remember Mr. Folkerts as a teacher they
could talk to, often about the tougher issues.They felt he
listened to them.” It comes as no surprise that Rudy's class-
room was a constant hub of activity, with students gravitating
towards it at all hours of the day.
In addition to his substantial time in the classroom, Rudy
was equally at home in the maintenance shop and amidst na-
ture. A modern Renaissance man, his passions spanned a wide
spectrum—from the introduction of bamboo bikes in the
community to handcrafting bicycles from juniper trees and
constructing a plywood kayak. A devoted cyclist, Rudy and
his wife, Shirley, embarked on numerous bicycle trips, includ-
ing two remarkable 4,000-mile Sea-to-Sea journeys. His love
for the outdoors was reflected in weekends filled with hiking
and camping adventures. Rudy's thirst for exploration and
learning permeates every facet of his life and will continue in
retirement.
Rudy looks forward to a reunion with Shirley, who has
dedicated 27 years of service to Dordt University. The Folk-
erts' willingness to endure separation while Rudy taught at
Rehoboth Christian School stemmed from their love of and
commitment to the mission of Rehoboth. After navigating
three years of FaceTime calls and weekend travels, they have
decided that the time has come to be together in one place.
This decision allows Shirley to continue her work, while
enabling Rudy to bless his community through volunteer-
ing, substitute teaching, and pursuing his creative endeavors.
Together, they dream of camping, hiking, and biking adven-
tures throughout North America, as well as journeying to The
Netherlands to connect with numerous cousins and extend-
ed family members they have yet to meet. Rudy anticipates
establishing an art studio at home where he can paint and do
pottery. Thankfully, Rudy’s plans also include volunteering at
Rehoboth for a week each semester! Rudy Folkerts: retired,
but definitely not tired!
by Bob Ippel
Upper Right: High School Art
teacher, Rudy Folkerts and his
wife, Shirley, were honored
during the graduation ceremony.
Mr. Folkerts is planning to retire
after this school year.
Mr. Folkerts seems to be an
endless source of curiosity and
excitement which will continue
on in his next phase of life.
V i g o r o u s ly A c a d e m i c B e a u t i f u l ly D i v e r s e T h o r o u g h ly C h r i s t i a n
ehoboth Christian
School has two new
ways for our students
and community to enjoy the
outdoors and the company
of others, thanks to the work
of generous volunteers and
students.
The first is a new “9 Square
in the Air” apparatus that was
built in the space between the
Rehoboth middle and high
schools. The court has seen
much use in the first month
of its existence. This court
gives students a chance to get
some much needed exercise
outdoors.
The funds for the new
court were lovingly donat-
ed by Shalom Christian
Reformed Church in Sioux
Falls, South Dakota. Shalom
volunteers Dave Heilman,
Larry Postma, Barry Good-
win, and Luanne Wuestewald
traveled to Rehoboth to
make the project happen.
These volunteers were joined
by a SAC (Student Alterna-
tive Curriculum) week class
led by math teacher Emily
Wuestewald and a class led by
Spanish teacher Steve Ter-
borg.
The second outdoor
opportunity is found on the
extensive Rehoboth trail
system which has grown and
been made even more accessi-
ble and easier to navigate for
both students and the com-
munity. A new trail called the
East Trail has been construct-
ed. As the name indicates,
this trail uses the land east
of Rehoboth’s campus. The
serpentine, six-mile trail was
constructed by Gallup Trails,
Southwest Indian Founda-
tion, high school teacher
Chad Meekhof’s bike tech
class, and Steve Terborg’s
structural design and junior
seminar classes. Terborg’s
classes, along with SAC week
classes, have worked to make
a new trail head west of the
Sports and Fitness Center
parking lot. This new trail
head will have a trail that
connects to all the major
Rehoboth trails, and this will
be a welcome addition to
community bikers and hikers
who are not familiar with
all the trails. To make the
trails even more accessible,
Mr.Terborg plans to add a
simple structure with a board
containing a map and some
trail information in the near
future.
for Students and
Community
Outdoor Spaces
by Seth Weidenaar
"9 Square in the Air" being constructed with donations and volun-
teers from Shalom CRC in Sioux Falls, SD.
The new East Trail was constructed in a group effort of students,
teachers, Gallup Trails, and the Southwest Indian Foundation.
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w w w . r c s n m . o r g 5 0 5 . 8 6 3 . 4 4 1 2 p o b o x 4 1 r e h o b o t h n m 8 7 3 2 2
In memory of Roger Bruins
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck and Mary Johnson
In memory of Tim Callahan
Mrs. Patricia Callahan
In memory of Karl and
Helen De Haan
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Phyllis DeVries
In memory of Joyce Dykstra
Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Nancy Bos
Ms. Marilyn K. Brennan
In memory of Bill and
Lois Holwerda
Mrs. Judy Daverman
In memory of Chris Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald and Ruth Evenhouse
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck and Mary Johnson
In memory of Marian Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Jane Johnson
In memory of Bernard Koops
Mr. and Mrs. Henry and Eileen Hofstra
In memory of Daniel Paul Koops
Dr. and Mrs. Robert and Esther Koops
In loving memory of
Johanna Kromminga
Mrs. Mary K. Rhee
In loving memory of
Agnes Kromminga-Steigenga
Mrs. Mary K. Rhee
In memory of Arlene Kuipers
Mr. Jack Stegink
In memory of Marlene Landavazo
Ms. Paula Nesbit
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Rhonda Berg
Dr. and Mrs. Philip and Betty Kamps
Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Mildred Tatsukawa
In memory of Ken Slager, and
Edward and Ann Pylman
Mrs. Judith Slager
In memory of Courtney John
and Florence Sterk
Ms. Michele Weaver
Mr. and Mrs. Rory and Judy Sterk
Mr. and Mrs. Terry and Hildreth Butterfield
Mr. and Mrs. John and Lis Buteyn
In memory of Vivian Faith Talsma
Mr. and Mrs. George and Sharon Visser
Ms. Bertha Talsma
In memory of Henrietta Terpstra
Mrs. Betty A. Nikkel
In memory of Bert and Ruth Tjoelker
Mr. and Mrs. Rodney and Tenda Tjoelker
In memory of Vern and
Linda Van Klompenberg
Ms. Cheryl F. Van Klompenberg
In memory of Mary VandenBos
Mr. and Mrs. Don and Marlene VandenBos
In memory of Harriet VanderPloeg
Mrs. Audrey Veldhouse
Mr. and Mrs. Terry and Ladene Veldhouse
Ms. Melody Franje
Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Gail DeYoung
Mr. and Mrs. Alan and Virginia VanderHart
Mr. and Mrs. John and JoAnne Van'tLand
Mrs. Judith DeVries-Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Debra Bruxvoort
A.J. Storage, LLC
In memory of Rolf and
Nella Veenstra
Mr. and Mrs. George and Sharon Visser
In memory of Johannes Witte
Witte Travel and Tours
Ms. Kristi Roenning
Mr. Dan VandenBosch
Mr. and Mrs. Alan and Virginia VanderHart
Mrs. Gertrude Visser
Mr. Paul R. Witte
Mr. and Mrs. John and Judy Steigenga
Mr. Kenneth Piers
Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Joanne Hulst
Mr. and Mrs. Herman and Laurie Witte
Mrs. Norma Postma
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan and Grace Bradford
Mrs. Bonnie Stuk
Mr. and Mrs. Henry and Thressa Witte
Mr. and Mrs. John and Karen Wynbeek
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Joanne Bajema
New 2 You Shoppe
Mr. and Mrs. Keith and Dorothy VanderPol
Mr. and Mrs. John and Rachel Witte
In honor of Bob Ippel's retirement
Mr. and Mrs. Roy and Marjorie VanderKlok
In honor of Dr. Ken Kobes
Ms. Linda M. Miller
In honor of Jack and Cindy Ippel
Mr. and Mrs. William and Shirley Martinus
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon and Susan Anderson
Gifts Given in Memory & Honor
Campus Hostess, Volunteer Coodinator
Deanna Benson
volunteer@rcsnm.org
(505) 726-9603
Donations and Advancement
Ken Zylstra, Director of Advancement
kzylstra@rcsnm.org
(505) 488-3900
Dave Sytsma, Advancement Officer
dsytsma@rcsnm.org
(616) 283-4495
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