SUMMER 2023 Shiloh Today The Official Magazine of Shiloh Christian School Truth Weaving in PAGE 6 Faculty Spotlight PAGE 18 Feature Story a look back at the 2022-2023 school year
Your Legacy, their Future. Become part of the Shiloh Legacy: www.shilohsaints.org/legacy
SUMMER 2023 Stand Firm “We must stand firm in our faith and focus on His Word as we grow. The world will continue challenging biblical principles and trying to blur the lines of truth. Know that Shiloh Christian will stand firm and unwavering on His Word and His Truth. We are committed to developing the next generation of godly leaders who will engage and change their culture. We must be champions for our faith.” Dear Shiloh Family, We are at the precipice of significant educational reform in the state of Arkansas. This reform will provide educational choice opportunities for parents in ways that have never been achieved before. During this reform, Shiloh Christian School will remain focused on its mission and remain the cornerstone for Kingdom Education in Northwest Arkansas. I have challenged our staff to understand that change is inevitable and growth is optional. However, how we grow is vital to the culture of our school. I have no desire “to grow, just to grow.” We will grow on purpose with a purpose. We must posture our school to continue achieving Godhonoring growth for years to come. I have spent a significant amount of time over the past year researching, discussing, and visiting other schools to determine the size of a healthy school based on our mission, our culture, our facilities, and our competition. We have experienced significant growth over the last few years. I believe it is due to our unwavering dedication to our mission, our phenomenal teachers and coaches, and our ability to adapt, maneuver, and lead in ways many schools cannot. One of the primary growth focuses we have right now is facilities improvement and construction. So far, we have completed Champions Hall, which houses eight state-of-the-art classrooms, and provided a new secondary school entrance and administrative offices. We have also renovated 34 classrooms, locker rooms, the SEC foyer, the choir room, the band room, the fellowship gym, the SEC gym floor, the athletic hallway, the aine arts hallway, turfed the baseball field, built our bus fleet, and most recently we completed our indoor athletic complex. The next opportunity we are pressing toward is a new elementary building with an auxiliary gym. We must stand firm in our faith and focus on His Word as we grow. The world will continue challenging biblical principles and trying to blur the lines of truth. Know that Shiloh Christian will stand firm and unwavering in His Word and His Truth. We are committed to developing the next generation of godly leaders who will engage and change their culture. We must be champions for our faith. Cordially, Keith McDaniel Superintendent, Shiloh Christian School SUPERINTENDENT'S LETTER 1
SHILOH TODAY 18 Feature Story 22 06 Purpose For 47 years, Shiloh Christian School has been influencing the Kingdom of God by educating students about God’s truth and grace. We have stood firm in our mission to develop godly leaders who engage their culture and change it as we have aimed for excellence in all areas of biblical teaching, academics, arts, and athletics. God has poured out His favor upon us, and we are now experiencing the fruits of His work. The Shiloh Family is a special community. It’s easy to want to preserve what we have rather than grow it, but we are not called to complacency. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” As His creation, what is the purpose of Shiloh Christian School? What does He ask of us as administration, faculty, student, or parent? His Word clearly tells us in Matthew 28 to “go and make disciples.” Disciple making must be our ultimate goal. We must point to Him and share His love, truth, and grace both inside and outside our walls. Our classrooms, our athletics, our performances, our relationships, and our plans are simply avenues given to us to fulfill His purpose of reaching more people with His Gospel. Now as we enter the 2023/2024 school year, we have a fresh calling to influence more students and families than ever before. Don’t lose sight, but rather stay focused and take joy in knowing that we are fulfilling His purpose this year, making new disciples for His glory and to further His Kingdom. Sincerely, Alicia Brown, Class of 2000 Director of Admissions 2 CONTENTS 16 21 30 Contents 04 Campus News 06 Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Eric Michalls 08 Clubs & Activities 10 Elementary Spiritual Life 16 GME Trips 18 The Great Book Program: Chris Sutterfield ONLINE EDITION shilohsaints.org/shilohtoday FACEBOOK @ShilohChristianSchool
SUMMER 2023 32 26 Leadership Team SUPERINTENDENT KEITH MCDANIEL SECONDARY PRINCIPAL BRETT UNGER ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL KATERINA FOLEY 28 ADMISSIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS ALICIA BROWN PH ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL MICHELLE YOUNG 04 Shiloh Today MANAGING EDITORS Jenny Schisler, Lindsay Ramsey COPY EDITORS Sandra McCoy, Melanie Michaelis COVER & LAYOUT DESIGN Grace Smith CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS John Phillips, Tom Kim, Riley Carson, Grayson Crawford, David Merrifield, A.J. Bonanno 21 Fine Arts 22 Sports Summaries 26 Staff Spotlight: Jason Stewart 28 Class of 2023 30 Secondary Chapel: Matt Stewart 32 Retirements & Alumni Updates Springdale Campus 1707 Johnson Rd. Springdale, AR 72762 Pinnacle Hills Campus 5413 W. Pinnacle Point Dr. Rogers, AR 72758 © 2023 SHILOH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL INSTAGRAM @ShilohSaints CONTENTS 3
SHILOH TODAY campus news 01 Governor's Day Honors Ben Griffey and Eden Graves were recognized at the Governor's Scholastic Honors Day at the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock. Governor's Scholastic Honors Day recognizes Arkansas's best and brightest students. Public and private high schools are encouraged to select two students who best represent the academic achievement of their senior class. 02 Best of the Best Shiloh Christian School was voted NWA's Best Private School for the ninth year in a row! It is an honor to receive this recognition from the community. Shiloh is 2022 Best of NWA Gold Medal Winner for the Private, Middle, and High School divisions! Shiloh is also Silver Medal Winner for the Preschool and Elementary school divisions. 01 03 Athletic Signing Days This year, ten Shiloh Christian seniors signed letters of intent to continue their athletic/esports careers for academic institutions across the nation, including Ayden Benson (Fort Scott Community College - Baseball), Cooper Darr (Ouachita Baptist University - Football), J.T. Odom (University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Football), Ryan Russell (Southwest Baptist University - Volleyball), Aaron Sluyter (John Brown University - Esports), Eli Wisdom (West Point Military Academy - Football), Bodie Neal (Harding University - Football), Kate Duddleston (Ouachita Baptist University - Cross Country), Connor Gamboa (Ouachita Baptist University - Cross Country), and Alex Patrick (William Woods University - Tennis). 04 Welcome Mr. Unger! We are happy to welcome Brett Unger as our new Secondary Principal! 01 Mr. Unger has served with Springdale Schools since 2005 where he has taught, coached, and been an administrator. Most recently, he has served as the assistant principal at Har-Ber High School. Mr. Unger received his bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian University in Texas and his master's degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas Tech University. Brett and his wife Jodi have four children - Micah, London, Brooks, and Blake. 05 Athletic Complex Shiloh recently completed a premiere 54,000 sqft. Indoor Athletic Facility that features a 65-yard turf field, advanced strength, and speed facility, locker rooms, padded wrestling area, injury prevention and recovery room, learning facility, nutrition bar, and coaches' offices. 02 03 04 05 4 CAMPUS NEWS
SUMMER 2023 COMMUNITY OUTREACH SALT Shiloh’s Service and Leadership Team (SALT) students have had incredible opportunities to love and serve the Northwest Arkansas community this year. SALT had a record number of 6th-9th grade students participate in the monthly meetings and semester service projects. Students read the book Influence: Leadership Begins at the Feet of Jesus by Brent Crowe and Emily Pigott and had lessons over the book each month. As a group, SALT students have had the opportunity to serve Restoration Village, Tyson Elementary, Feed the 479, Compassion Center, Saving Grace Ministries, Camp Siloam, and Socks & Cookies for Soldiers. In addition to their corporate service projects, students diligently served outside Shiloh walls to impact the world around them. Of the 291 SALT participants, 256 students logged over 5,500 community service hours during the school year. They are godly leaders who are engaging their culture and changing it. CLA Impact Shiloh’s Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is a two-year program designed to develop personal and team leadership skills through completing monthly leadership labs as students prepare for their capstone Impact project each spring. This year, 84 sophomores and juniors participated in the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. They worked in teams to plan and execute every detail of their capstone impact project, Love through the Glove. They secured local donations, advertised within the school, organized volunteers, and hosted a fun day of food, fellowship, and softball for individuals with disabilities. CLA members and clients of Lifestyles, Inc of Fayetteville enjoyed lunch provided by Chick-fil-A of Springdale and softball on Servant’s Field. It was a blessing to all involved! We are proud of the hard work that Shiloh’s CLA students put into making this event successful. COMMUNITY OUTREACH 5
In 2014, Eric Michalls was fresh out of the Cross Church School of Ministry and seeking full-time ministry opportunities but God, in His good providence, opened the door to a teaching position at Shiloh Christian School instead. For the past 10 years, Dr. Michalls has inspired a love for God’s Word through his Biblical Studies classes and he is currently co-teaching the senior Worldview and Philosophy class. DR. ERIC MICHALLS FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
What inspired your love of theology? I’ve always loved the things of the Lord and studying the Bible. It was not until my Christian Theology class at Ouachita Baptist University that my love for God’s Word was truly ignited. My professor, Dr. Preben Vang, would begin every class with this question, “Why must we do theology?” and we would answer “Because we must preach on Sunday.” I learned that right theology will always lead to right worship. I attended a church while in seminary where the pastor, Dr. Mike Miller, was so helpful in stoking this love for theology in me. I hope to inspire other students of the Word to love theology as much as I do. What are your three favorite books? • Desiring God by John Piper. Piper’s book was so developmental to my growth as a Christian in college/seminary. • Knowing God by J.I. Packer. Packer’s book was so influential on the attributes of God in my life. In addition, Packer writes probably the best two chapters on God’s Wisdom entitled God Only Wise and God’s Wisdom and Ours. I keep coming back to these chapters on a regular basis. • Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. Ortlund’s book on the Heart of Christ ministered to me while walking through a difficult season. It has been one of the most encouraging books for my sanctification. What three things bring you joy? • Students having success. Whenever my students succeed in whatever they do, it brings me so much joy. Even kids who struggle academically, and are finding small successes, it brings me a lot of joy. • My niece Harper. She’s three and she brings absolute joy to my life. Anytime I get home or there is a family get-together, she always makes me laugh or gives me a hug after a bad day. She is absolutely filled with joy and that joy is infectious! • Golfing. I love to play golf with my dad, my friends, and even my golf team. It’s a hobby that allows me to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and do something active. Although it can be frustrating at times, it does bring me joy to have a hobby that I can share with a variety of people. What are three things your students have taught you? • Be real. Students know when you are being fake or putting on a show for them. I’ve learned that if I’m real and transparent with my students to show them that I don’t have it all together, they seem to open up more. • Take an interest in who they are. I’ve learned that when you take an interest in what they do, such as the sport they play, how the season is going, celebrating the wins, and encouraging them after a loss; they truly appreciate you taking an interest in their lives. • Don’t shortchange them on biblical truth. Students have a lot of good, deep biblical questions. And they desire to have someone answer them. If all I do is ignore their questions and don’t address them, then students think that I do not care about their questions. However, when I’ve answered them, they appreciate it. What motivated you to pursue a doctorate degree? My dad has a Doctorate in Pharmacy, so his example inspired me to seek higher education. For a brief season, I was uncertain if I would go as far as to get a Ph.D. I told myself, “If it happens, great!” Then I realized I should use the gifts God gave me for the sake of His Kingdom. I felt the Ph.D. program I completed provided an invaluable opportunity to love the Lord with my mind and be an expert in the field of the New Testament. What is the most important thing you want your students to take away from your classes? The most important thing I want my students to take away is a quote I read from R.C. Sproul, “You can have knowledge of propositions and still not know Jesus.” I can teach what every Christian believes, but ultimately those things do not save my students, they are a means by which God calls them to Himself and saves them. For students who are believers, I want them to know that right theology leads to right doxology. A right understanding of who God is and what He has done for us through Christ will lead to the proper and right worship of Him. FACULTY SPOTLIGHT 7
SHILOH TODAY CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES Elementary STEM Lab Secondary clubs and elementary specials enrich learning at Shiloh. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs are comprehensive interdisciplinary studies that students of all ages can learn. Shiloh Elementary students completed their first year of STEM LAB as a special rotation. STEM fields are significant forces of innovation and development, resulting in modern technology that improves our daily lives. Teaching STEM to our elementary students encourages exploration and curiosity and teaches them about the world around them in a fun, hands-on manner. First through fifth grade students attended the STEM LAB for 30 minutes each week with Mrs. Karli Godwin, where they participated in activities such as building catapults, planning cities, and discovering states of matter by creating a compound called “oobleck.” Med Club The Medical Club aims to provide students interested in pursuing medical careers with opportunities to explore the various fields of medicine and foster their growth of medical knowledge through clinical volunteering and lectures from health professionals. This year, Shiloh’s MED CLUB was led by Shiloh student Jordan Long and supervised by Shiloh’s College and Career Counselor, Mrs. Hollan Clark. The group held monthly meetings and hosted various medical professionals, including Dr. Drew Rogers, Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist, Dr. Wesley Cox, Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Ramon Ylanan, Sports Medicine; and Amber Hooper, M.S.L.P.C. who specializes in Mental and Behavioral Health. Students also pursued individual opportunities to shadow/volunteer at local clinics, including Tessa Slyter, who spent the day with a local orthodontist. 8 CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
SUMMER 2023 FIELD EXPERIENCE Anatomy and Physiology In January, AP Biology and College Chemistry II students had the opportunity to participate in John Brown University’s Human Cadaver Lab Experience. According to Dr. Tim Wakefield, professor in the JBU Biology Department, it was first introduced to the University in 1990. The lab is utilized by biology majors taking human anatomy or anatomy and physiology I and II, and cadavers are provided by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences at the beginning of each fall semester. This was an enriching opportunity for Shiloh students to gain knowledge and hands-on experience with human anatomy, get acquainted with the JBU campus, and spur interest in various medical fields. Shiloh students venture off campus frequently for hands-on learning. Physics In March, Physics students traveled to Major General Charles H. Wilson's Aviation Facility (where Dr. McDaniel flew Blackhawk helicopters) to extend their unit on optics, pneumatics, and hydraulics. Students learned more about optics by working with night vision goggles and continued their learning with hydraulics and pneumatics with various systems on the Blackhawk helicopters. It was a privilege to partner with the Arkansas Army National Guard and partner with the 77th Theater Aviation Brigade (TAB) headquartered at Camp Robinson. Captain Mike Roberts, First Lieutenant Tran Huyn, and Colonel Eric Ladd provided a unique and valuable opportunity for Shiloh’s Physics classes to gain hands-on experience and further our students' understanding of their studies. CLUBS & ACTIVITIES 9
ELEMENTARY BIBLICAL INTEGRATION When asked about the value of biblical integration, Mrs. Foley recounted a story about her grandfather turning 90 and taking up a new hobby. He bought a loom that filled an entire bedroom. There was just enough space to walk around the loom and sit down. Late in his life, he learned to weave rag rugs by pushing and pulling a wooden shuttle through cords of cotton. The finished product was beautiful and strong. In this way, a Christian educator diligently pushes and pulls the truth of God’s Word through the lives of her students. The Word becomes a part of the fabric of their lives, living and active, engrained in their identity. It is more than a single daily Bible lesson, prayer time, or weekly chapel service. It is knowing God’s Word and thinking critically and biblically about all things - applying truth to conflicts in friendship, science homework, sports practices, ethical issues, and family relationships. BIBLICAL INTEGRATION
BIBLICAL INTEGRATION
ELEMENTARY CHAPEL Every year, for over 20 years, Mrs. Foley has taught 24 creative and challenging weekly Bible lessons during elementary chapel. The lessons are built around a major theme that includes a memory verse, a song with choreographed motions, a music video, and a field trip shirt. As the spring semester winds down, many students will ask, “What is the theme for next year?” As a part of her own spiritual journey with the Lord, Mrs. Foley spends months studying God’s Word, listening to Christian songs on the radio, interviewing students, watching movies and shows, seeking counsel from Mr. Foley and Shiloh’s musical theater and media staff and praying diligently for discernment. In the fall, students arrive on campus and are eager to learn the theme. Through sound teaching, fun experiments, and interactive games, Mrs. Foley builds the faith and biblical wisdom of every elementary student who enters the worship center. 12 ELEMENTARY CHAPEL
ELEMENTARY CHAPEL 13
14 BANNER CHAPEL
5TH GRADE BANNER CHAPEL Banner Chapel is a beloved Shiloh Christian Elementary School program that showcases who God is in the lives of fifth grade students. In class, they study a unit on the different names of God. The students choose and reflect on a name of God (provider, healer, comforter, etc.) including scripture references and specific examples. Each testimony is unique, and each child creates a beautiful banner with their chosen name displayed. They hold the names of God high, proclaiming His goodness through personal testimony and song. Every year, it is powerful to hear how God has met each child uniquely when they have needed Him most. BANNER CHAPEL 15
Dominican Republic Trip 2 Living out the Great Commission Shiloh Global Mission Experience Dominican Republic S hiloh’s Global Mission Experience (GME) gives students in twelfth grade the opportunity to travel on one international or domestic trip. These trips are life-changing and impactful for our seniors. Since 2002, 1,466 students have participated in GME trips to places like China, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Peru, and Mexico. The objectives of a GME trip are to evangelize the lost, to encourage and equip fellow believers around the world, to expand the student’s understanding of the Kingdom of God, and to expose the students to the possibility of God’s call to missions for their lives. Biblical integration begins in preschool and progresses throughout elementary and into secondary where they have a Biblicial Studies class each semester. These courses are designed to give students a solid Biblicical foundation and help students defend and share their faith. The GME trip combined with the World View and Philosophy senior level class, is the capstone to a student’s biblical integration experience at Shiloh Christian and a key component of their education. 16 GME TRIPS
Brazil SUMMER 2023 Dominican Republic Trip Leaders: Jacob Gill & Heath Petten 36 Students (Two Separate Trips) • Hosted Vacation Bible School • Led Worship Services • Street Evangelism Brazil Peru Trip Leader: Keith McDaniel 13 Students • Street Evangelism • Hosted Block Party • Distributed Clothing • Served at an Immunization Clinic Peru Trip Leader: Alicia Brown 13 Students • Held Sports Camps • Hosted Movie Nights • Hosted Vacation Bible School Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Trip Leader: Jeff Conaway 17 Students • Hosted Vacation Bible School • Personal Evangelism at a Mall • Served a Local Church GME TRIPS 17
The Great Book Program I n the early part of the 1970s, a major earthquake struck Southern California, close to downtown Los Angeles. According to reports, a very large and expensive Presbyterian church was located near the epicenter. After the quake was over, the ministers and congregation came to see if there was any damage done to their beloved, old building. As one can imagine, they were delighted and shocked to see that not only were the doors still on their hinges, but also not even one stained-glass window had been broken or damaged during the quake. Just to be on the safe side, however, the church brought in structural engineers to inspect the building to make sure things were safe. What the engineers eventually discovered was that when the earthquake was happening, the church had shifted, totally intact, from its foundation, making it unsafe to occupy. Even worse, the building had to be torn down and rebuilt at the cost of millions. [This story may remind you of the verse, “If the foundations be shaken, how can the building stand?”] What we are facing in 21st century culture is not the shaking of windows or doorframes of a building, but of the very foundation of how people today view the world. Nowhere is this more evident than in education. It is no secret that we face a crisis in education today. The tectonic plates have shifted under our feet. If this statement is true, then what constitutes this 18 FEATURE STORY by Chris Sutterfield, College English Instructor and Worldview Teacher shift, and is it all that new? Ironically, the early Greek philosophers were engaged in the same debate over education as we are, and what hung in the balance, for them, is no less true for us today: civilization itself. If we were to create a Hall of Fame for teachers, who would make your list? For many, the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, known as the Gadfly of Athens, would most assuredly be at the top. While most people may recognize the name, what many may not realize is that what was driving Socrates was a kind of salvation, a salvation of Greek civilization due to the crisis of his day that emerged, from all places, in education. During Socrates’ time, a new form of instruction and learning came onto the scene, composed of a certain type of curriculum, and taught by a select group of teachers, known as the Sophists. The Sophists were well-paid and highly skilled in the area of rhetoric and persuasion. Their basic educational philosophy was that there was no such thing as absolute truth. In fact, even if there were absolute truth, there was no way, according to the Sophists, to discover it. So what did they teach? Well, the Sophists taught that it doesn’t matter if an argument or idea is sound or even true, but does it work? In other words, education became a means of living a pragmatic life, not a pursuit of truth or knowledge. “Give us
some news that we can use,” was their cry. For the Sophists, the person who made the most persuasive argument won the debate, no matter if the argument was true or not, much like the "clickbait" culture we see today, where truth is often determined by popularity polls. It was into this environment that Socrates stepped; and he said that if the ideas of Sophism won out, then civilization would be destroyed. He reasoned that if there is no ultimate truth, then ethics, the means by which people determine what is good and evil, would be lost. And if ethics were lost, then civilization would resort to barbarianism. Fast forward from the sixth century to the year I graduated high school—1987 (although my students think I was alive during the 6th century). During that year, a book was published that hit like a bombshell on the world of higher education. The book was titled, The Closing of the American Mind, written by professor Allan Bloom. In it, professor Bloom made an astonishing observation; he noted that 95% of all freshmen entering college were committed to the worldview of Relativism—which is a Sophist belief there is no absolute truth. Bloom noted that these ideas were now held by the majority of his students. He went on to say that this type of thinking, rather than being challenged, was reinforced in high schools and colleges around the county. Sometimes, as parents, we assume that a “The end then of learning is to repair the ruins of our first Parents by regaining to know God aright, and out of that knowledge to love him, to imitate him, to be like him […]” —John Milton, Of Education school system, to which we give our children, is the same school system we attended when we were children, teaching the same values and beliefs we hold. However, this is not the case today. The secular thought in 2023, when it comes to education and its curricula, is that not only is there no absolute truth to guide us, but also that education is neutral when it comes to its pedagogical practices. The problem with this thinking, however, is that no educational institution is neutral, because no person is neutral. Every educational system has a worldview—a system or way of seeing the world, by which it attempts to answer critical questions. Therefore, every educational system or program is working to produce some kind of student based on that institution’s beliefs about the world, about humanity, and yes, about God. To illustrate this, the late theologian R.C. Sproul told a story of when he and his wife enrolled their first-grade daughter, in the 1960s, into a highly acclaimed and “progressive” school in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. After a few weeks of classes, and wanting to know what the school was teaching their daughter, he attended an open house event. During that evening, the principal of this school informed the parents of their new approach to education. Recalling that night, Dr. Sproul writes, The principal reviewed a typical daily schedule. He was both winsome and articulate. “If your children come home and tell you that they do jigsaw puzzles in class, don’t be alarmed,” he said. “They are not just ‘playing.’ From 9:00 to 9:17 AM, they assemble these puzzles, which have been designed by pediatric neurosurgeons to develop the motor muscles of the fingers on the left hand.” Then he went through each segment of the school day, demonstrating that every moment was spent in purposeful activity. This tour de force overwhelmed the audience with its detailed and erudite explanation of every element in the curriculum. When finished he asked, “Are there any questions?” Spontaneous laughter erupted. Only a fool would raise a question after the principal had so masterfully covered all the bases. I risked everyone’s disdain by raising my hand. When the principal called on me, I said, “Sir, I am profoundly impressed by your careful analysis. You have made it clear that you do everything for a Socrates (469-399 B.C.) FEATURE STORY 19
SHILOH TODAY purpose. But there are only so many minutes in a day, and therefore you must be selective in choosing what specific purposes you want to achieve. My question is, Why did you select the particular purposes you have chosen? What is the ultimate purpose you use to decide what particular purposes you select? In other words, what kind of child are you trying to produce and why?” The principal’s face turned ashen, then beet-red. Without rancor and with humility, he replied, “I don’t know. Nobody has ever asked me that question.” “Sir,” I responded, “I deeply appreciate your candor and your spirit, but frankly, your answer terrifies me.” (R.C. Sproul, The Consequences of Ideas). At Shiloh Christian School, the term ‘Christian’ is more than just an adjective. We take education seriously because we take the Scriptures seriously. We uphold truth because truth is embodied, not in an abstract philosophy, but in a Person. The motto for our school speaks clearly to the type of student we are trying to produce and why we are trying to produce that student— “to develop Godly leaders In a culture where the foundations have shifted, we stand, as a school, on the solid foundation of The Great Book. This is the warp and woof, the very fabric and DNA of who we are as an institution. Here we stand. We can do no other. who engage their culture and change it.” As an academic institution, we adhere to the idea that education is not a finish line; it is a deposit. And yet, to accomplish this, we know that Christ must first and foremost not only find His way into every lesson we teach, every chapel in which we gather, and every conversation we have, but we also acknowledge that Christ and His Word is the very reason we exist as a school. In a culture where the foundations have shifted, we stand, as a school, on the solid foundation of The Great Book. This is the warp and woof, the very fabric and DNA of who we are as an institution. Here we stand. We can do no other. To give financially and become a part of the Shiloh Legacy, visit www.shilohsaints.org/legacy 20 FEATURE STORY
SUMMER 2023 Kim Darr Fine Arts Each singer, actor, painter, and musician is imbued with imagination, curiosity, and creativity, and through these windows light pours into every corner of the mind. The great theoretical physicist Albert Einstein had this to say: "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand." Education in the arts is an integral part of the development of students and a key component in learning throughout all academic areas. In the fall of 2022, Kim Darr was named the Director of Fine Arts for Shiloh Christian School. Mrs. Darr oversees all of the Band Choir Fine Arts programs (K-12) including Band, Choir, Performing Arts, Music and Art classes. This year, outside of her usual duties which include directing the fifth grade and secondary musicals, teaching elementary music classes, and directing elementary performances, she assisted with the first Secondary Art Fair in conjunction with the Spring Band Concert and introduced gowns and tuxedos for the high school competition choir. Mrs. Darr also orgainzed an Art Fair that coincided with the All-School Christmas Chapel. She will begin her 17th year at Shiloh this fall as she works to strengthen education in the arts at Shiloh and ensures their continued success and collaboration. 5th Grade Musical Secondary Art Show Elementary Art Fair Secondary Musical FINE ARTS 21
SHILOH TODAY SPORTS: SEASON SUMMARIES Check out what Shiloh's sports teams have achieved! Golf The 2022 Shiloh Golf Season was successful with both the girls' and boys' teams winning the district tournament for the first time since 2015. Brant Fowler finished the District Tournament with the lowest individual score. With their first place finishes, both teams qualified for the State Tournament in Hot Springs. The girls finished in fourth place and the boys had a top 10 finish. 2022 was the first time that the boys' and girls' teams have both qualified for the State Tournament in back-toback years. Volleyball The Shiloh Varsity Volleyball team finished 26-7-4 for the season. They were undefeated in conference (13-0) and won the Conference Tournament earning their 12th Conference Championship in 13 years. In the 4A State Tournament, the Lady Saints defeated Bauxite in the first round, Southside Batesville in the quarterfinals, and Mena in the semifinals. They fell to Brookland in the 4A State Championship game. Bella Bonanno, Laila Creighton, Reese Jones, and Ryan Russell were named 4A All-State. Rylee Kallesen was named 4A All-State Honorable Mention. Paige Addington, Bella Bonanno, Laila Creighton, Jill Dudley, Reese Jones, Rylee Kallesen, Ryan Russell, and Savvy Williams were named 4A NW All-Conference. Ryan Russell was named to the 2023 All-Star team. Bella Bonanno, Rylee Kallesen, and Caroline Ramsey were named to the 4A State Tournament All-Tournament Team. Boys Basketball The Sr High Saints showed resilience as they battled through a season where injuries continued to shake up the starting lineup. Due to the injuries, underclassmen were able to play valuable minutes which will pay off in the long run as we continue to build a championship program. Freshman Duke Bowman was voted 4A-1 All-Conference, and senior Walker Shankle was voted 1st Team 4A-1 All-Defensive Team. The Jr High Saints and 7th Grade Saints finished as Conference Runner-Up. Girls Basketball The Lady Saints Basketball team finished the season with a 6-19 (2-12) record behind a young but committed team. There were highs and lows throughout the season, but the program's growth was exemplified by improvements in every area, including shooting percentage, turnover percentage, and efficiency. The girls played extremely hard and competed, earning several victories and close games with some of the best teams in the state. Senior Eden Graves received All-Conference honors and a Conference All-Defensive Team designation. 22 SPORTS: SEASON SUMMARIES
SUMMER 2023 Wrestling The Saints finished the regular season with a 12-12 dual record including a 10-2 record against 4A opponents earning the third seed at the 2023 Dual State Tournament. In the postseason Saints Wrestling finished third at the 4A Dual State tournament, second overall at the 4A North Regional Tournament, and fourth overall at the AAA State Tournament. Shiloh had the honor of hosting the first-ever AAAsanctioned 4A North Regional Qualifier where seven Shiloh wrestlers qualified for the State Tournament. At the State Tournament, Shilon had four state placers, including two 4A State Champions, Jack Hooe and Dax Widger. Jack and Dax were also asked to compete at the Arkansas Wrestling Hall of Fame Meet of Champions. Trap Shooting The Shiloh Trap team had a very successful season! The team began their season with practice in the February cold and finished up in the June heat. Our Senior High Team placed first at the Arkansas High School Clay League State Tournament. Bryar Hale, Carter Holman, and Mason Leder were named to the All-State team and Bryar Hale placed first and had the overall highest score. The Junior High team had a strong season and finished third at regionals. Soccer The Lady Saints Varsity Soccer team finished the season 7-5-1. The Lady Saints had eight shutout performances in conference play and only allowed two goals. The team defeated Star City High School in the first round of the 4A State tournament, then fell to the eventual State Champion Harding Academy in the quarterfinal game. The Lady Saints continued to improve throughout the season with ball control and team play across the pitch. All 36 players on the roster contributed to the success of the team through their play on the field, in practice, and their leadership and dedication on and off the field. The 2023 team was the largest in recent years, allowing for an entire Junior Varsity team. Bella Bonanno, Gabby Bradshaw, and Olivia Grace Silvey were all named 4A All State. Cheer The Shiloh Christian Cheer Program exists to lead the Shiloh Community in school spirit while working hard to improve team and individual skills in the sport of cheer. With tryouts last April and the banquet to wrap up the season in February, it was a full season of making memories for our Youth, 7th Grade, Junior High, JV, and Varsity teams. Two hundred and fifteen girls were part of the program, making this year's participation the largest to date. Favorite events for our athletes through the season were UCA Home Camp, Choreography Day, Signing Day, Annual Elementary Clinic, Pep Rallies, Homecoming, Playoff Games, Competitions, the State House, Colors Day, Senior Night, and the end-of-season Banquet. Sophie Duke and Callie Rowland led the Varsity team as Co-Captains, providing outstanding leadership for the program overall. Olivia Grace Silvey received All-State recognition from the Arkansas Activities Association, becoming the first junior to receive this honor. SPORTS: SEASON SUMMARIES 23
SHILOH TODAY SPORTS SUMMARIES continued Tennis Check out what Shiloh's sports teams have achieved! The 2022 Shiloh Tennis season was a great success! The boys' team won the Conference Championship and the girls' team finished the season as Conference Runner-Up. Five players reached the State Tournament and the boy's team won the 4A Team State Championship with the doubles team of Aiden Matthews and Justus Thurlby winning the 4A Doubles State Championship and Alex Patrick finishing State Runner-up in singles. The girls' team finished third in the Girls 4A Team State Championship with the doubles team of Emily Vold and Hadley Humphrey finishing as State Runner-up. There are currently 43 players on the roster for the 2023 season and once again, expectations are very high for the upcoming team to win Shiloh’s ninth Tennis State Championship. Track & Field The Shiloh Track Team competed in eight meets during the 2023 season including a strong performance in the Conference Meet. Our team was able to place several athletes in the top three in several events, which qualified our athletes for the State Track Meet. At the State Meet, we had three athletes make the top six. Junior Seth Lowe came in fourth in the high jump while freshman Chloe Blessing came in 6th in the high jump and fourth in the 300H. Freshman Matthew Thurman placed in the top five in both of his events and won a State Championship in the 800m. Throughout the season, our team demonstrated great sportsmanship and teamwork and had several athletes who set personal bests in their individual events. Cross Country In 2022, the Saints XC team hosted over 1,000 runners in their 13th annual Saints Invitational Meet. The junior high boys brought home two regular season first place trophies and won the Conference Championship. Five junior high athletes earned All-Conference honors, Matthew Thurman, Carson Herron, Jack Hooe, Cooper Sudduth, and Angelica Bates. Katie Ditch also earned All-Conference Honors for the high school girls. At the 4A State Meet, the boys placed 4th overall, and the girls placed sixth overall. Two athletes earned All-State honors, including freshman Matthew Thurman (fourth place) and sophomore Katie Ditch (eighth place). Baseball The 2023 Shiloh Saints Baseball Team finished the season with an overall record of 14-9, finishing third in the conference with a record of 5-2. The Saints also qualified for the Regional Tournament. The Saints were led by seniors Graham Jones and Ayden Benson with many more players contributing to their success. Graham Jones was named to the 4A All-State team. 24 SPORTS: SEASON SUMMARIES
SUMMER 2023 Football In Shiloh's first 5A season, since 2015, the Saints football team won the 5A West Conference and battled hard through the playoffs to finish their season as the 2022 State Runner-Up and had an outstanding debut in their new classification. The team was led by a strong group of seniors that accomplished many victories on and off the field. These seniors leave a decorated legacy by winning the 5A West Conference in their senior season and playing in four straight State Championship games. Eli Wisdom will further his football career at United States West Point Military Academy (ARMY), Bodie Neal at Harding University, Cooper Darr at Ouachita Baptist University, and JT Odom at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Swim Varsity Swimming returned to Shiloh this year! The Saints were represented in the pool this season by senior Josie Korinek and freshmen Caden McKinney and Coi Call. The swimming Saints competed in a handful of meets with all swimmers achieving personal best times along the way and qualifying for the State Swim/Dive Championships. During the State Meet in Texarkana, Josie Korinek earned points for the Saints with her strong showings in the 100 and 200 freestyle events, placing fourth and fifth. Freshman Caden McKinney turned in another powerful performance by dropping time, setting personal bests, and placing fourth in the 200 freestyle and eighth in the 500 freestyle. Finally, freshman Coi Call earned All-State honors with his second place finishes in the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle. We are thrilled to welcome Coach Barnard back to the Shiloh Christian family! Coach Barnard embodies all that we seek in a person to lead our athletic program. He brings a history of winning and a passion for building a Christ-centered culture. With over 25 years of coaching experience and 12 years of experience in athletic administration as the Athletic Director and Director of Football Operations, Coach Barnard is ready to take all areas of our athletic program to the next level. Welcome Tucker Barnard ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AND HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
Jason Stewart Tell us about your Shiloh career: From my first day at Shiloh, I have served in a wide variety of duties! During my first year on campus, I drove the bus to Pinnacle Hills each day and taught a seventh grade P.E. class. It’s hard to believe the students in my first class at Shiloh graduated in May. I also started helping with athletic facilities and concessions, and I directed the Shiloh Cross Country Invitational, which is the cross country team's primary fundraiser each year. Since 2017, my duties have changed and grown to include other duties. I now arrange all of the transportation for Shiloh. This includes making sure buses are delivered to the appropriate places when students need to travel for field trips, sports events, or other activities and scheduling drivers for the buses. I work with all of our secondary sports teams that host games on our campus and ensure their concession stands are adequately stocked. I gladly serve in many other ways as needed. As I enter my seventh year at Shiloh, I am thankful for the blessing of God leading me here. 26 JASON STEWART
SUMMER 2023 What brought you to Shiloh?: In the spring of 2017, I was working in the restaurant industry when I was approached by former Shiloh President, Dr. Greg Jones. Before that I was in education for ten years with the Springdale School District. Dr. Jones asked if I was interested in returning to education by filling a position that covered several different areas and duties. He felt I had the skillset necessary to assist the school with potential for a permanent position. Following much prayer and consideration, I joined the Shiloh family in August of 2017, and I have loved serving our school since then. Tell us about your family: My wonderful bride, Crystal, and I have been married for 16 years. She currently teaches in the Rogers School District. Crystal is the epitome of a helpmate and supports me in all I do, including many of the responsibilities I have at Shiloh. We are blessed with six fantastic children. From oldest to youngest, we have Ciera, Katelyn, Billy, James, Jonathan, and Payton. They are all grown and four of the six have families of their own. We are blessed to have six grandchildren - with another on the way! We love to travel and go on adventures as a family from one end of the country to the other. We now have the joy of doing this with a whole new generation. Other than our son, Billy, who lives overseas while serving in the U.S. Army, we are blessed to see our kids on a regular basis. We stay busy with our family, work commitments, and the opportunities to serve our church. What do you love most about your job?: This one is pretty easy - It's the kids. I get to minister to and encourage children as young as four years old at Shiloh, then be a part of their life at school all the way through high school. I loved seeing the seniors who were in my first class graduate this year, and that I was still able to meet their needs and drive them places as they prepared to leave Shiloh. Students that were in PreK4 when I arrived are finishing up their elementary days, and I will help them transition to secondary and grow into young adults. I serve all grade levels at Shiloh, so I have the opportunity to model Christ and serve them the whole way through. This makes each day a calling for me and not just a job. What is a typical day at work like for you? There is rarely a typical day for me at Shiloh, but most days start early with traveling north to Pinnacle Hills to bring students to our Springdale campus. After I drop off the students, I park the bus and go inside to meet and greet our littlest Saints at the PreK4 sign-in table. The day can take many turns from this point. You will find me getting concession stands ready for home ball games or I could hop back on the bus to transport our students to a variety of locations for field trips or athletic events. If we have a special event on campus, you will find me preparing for the event and assisting our leadership team. I end my school day by taking students back to the Pinnacle Hills Campus. Many days, this is just the beginning of my “evening shift” as I return to campus for games or events after school. My days are never the same, but this is one of my favorite things about my job. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned during your time at Shiloh?: I have learned to see God in the small stuff. It is really easy to see God when big things happen. Often we forget that He wants to be involved in the smallest details of our lives. My time at Shiloh has helped me mature and focus on seeing Him in the smallest details of each day. This has helped me grow past the point of just looking to Him for big needs. I have learned to praise Him when I don’t have a need and thank Him for the simple things that are easy to take for granted. I am blessed to be surrounded by co-workers that are growing in their relationships with the Lord. JASON STEWART 27
SHILOH TODAY Class of 2023 S hiloh Christian’s 41st graduation class of 81 students was honored in a memorable ceremony on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. After the processional, Logan Davis introduced Shiloh’s Superintendent, Dr. Keith McDaniel, who welcomed the families of the class of 2023 and shared their outstanding accomplishments. Next, Eden Graves read the class scripture found in Isaiah 41:10, which reads, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Kate Brown led a special prayer for her classmates, followed by the Distinguished Honor Graduate Presentation by Dr. Keith McDaniel. 81 graduated % 69 30+ ACTAC T offered $8,341,107 in scholarships 69 graduated with honors 29 with distinguished honors 11 scored a 30+ on the ACT completed 2,200 total hours of college credit 16 students graduated as iThink scholars 28 CLASS OF 2023
SUMMER 2023 Following the presentation, Ben Griffey represented all Distinguished Honor Graduates and shared a special message on behalf of his classmates. After the Class of 2023 video was introduced by Josiah Thurlby, Bella Petrino introduced Mr. Donnie Grigg, who delivered a moving commencement address in remembrance of his son, Titus Grigg. The Presentation of Diplomas was given by Mr. Jacob Gill, Principal, followed by a special message from Dr. Nick Floyd. Before the Recessional, Dr. McDaniel gave the closing remarks, and Grace Wessels led the Benediction. Congratulations to the incredible Class of 2023! CLASS OF 2023 29
THE ROLE OF WORSHIP P “Man is one of your creatures, Lord, and his instinct is to praise you…. The thought of you stirs him so deeply that he cannot be content unless he praises you because you made us for yourself and our hearts find no peace until they rest in you.”1 -Augustine by Matthew Stewart, Dean of Spiritual Development eople were created to worship God. The fifth-century pastor-theologian, Augustine of Hippo, argued this from personal experience, which he recounted in his Confessions. Before Christ, Augustine searched for meaning and gratification in the fleeting pleasures of the world, only to be met with disappointment time and again. It wasn’t until, in the midst of an emotional breakdown, he picked up a copy of Paul’s letter to the Romans and read, “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:13–14).” For the first time, Augustine realized that his restless heart could only find rest through faith in Christ. Why revisit church history? Because Augustine and others remind us that humans are worshipping creatures (see Romans 1:18-25 and Acts 17:22-31). From birth to death, people love something; they devote their time, thoughts, affections, and energy to what they value most. Thus, education (whether Christian or “secular”) is ultimately about shaping worshippers, since all education is based upon presuppositions that are inherently theological. Knowingly or unknowingly, educators are constantly painting a picture of the “good life” for their students, and they do this in part through daily schedules and rhythms, or “liturgies.” That’s why James K. A. Smith argues “…the primary goal of Christian education is the formation of a peculiar people – a people who desire the kingdom of God and thus undertake their vocation as an expression of that desire.”2 Our goal as Christian educators is to shape students to become true followers of Jesus who love and treasure Christ and His Kingdom so that they live all of life to the glory of God, and we accomplish this in large part due to the daily liturgies we set for them. 30 SECONDARY CHAPEL
SUMMER 2023 For this reason, Shiloh incorporates a weekly chapel service into its schedule. Through this consistent rhythm, students are shaped through singing God’s Word, praying God’s Word, and engaging with the expositional preaching and teaching of God’s Word to become true worshippers. While we hope and pray that each chapel service is a life-changing experience, our greater goal is to mold the minds and hearts of students through the regular practice of worship, whereby their imaginations are captivated and honed by the power of the gospel. One day, however, students will leave the halls of Shiloh to engage in further education, begin their careers, and start families. When that day comes, our hope is that the spiritual development they received will shape their expectations of what healthy rhythms for both private and public worship should look like. We long to see students become true disciples of Jesus Christ who worship Him in Spirit and in truth, wherever life may take them (John 4:23). This will include spending time with Christ in prayer, Scripture mediation, and worship, as well as finding a local church that engages in the same practices. When all is said and done, what or whom we worship is the most important part of who we are. While the world, the flesh, and the devil vie for the hearts of our children, we endeavor as a Christian school to teach, equip, and shape our students to know and enjoy God forever, so that they would come to echo David’s prayer to the Lord: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11) 31 SECONDARY CHAPEL 31
SHILOH TODAY Retirements Thank you for faithfully serving Shiloh Christian School! Kim Duell - 34 years Mrs. Duell began her career at Shiloh in 1989 as an elementary teacher. She has spent the past 31 years impacting the lives of hundreds of students while teaching Gifted & Talented and assisting the Fine Arts Director, Kim Darr, with musical theater rehearsals and live productions. MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES Robin McLennan - 40 years Mrs. McLennan began her career at Shiloh in 1983 as a first grade teacher and has spent most of her years teaching Kindergarten. She has impacted the early learning and formative years of countless children and their families over the past four decades. Rhonda Brown - 20 Years Mrs. Brown began her career at Shiloh teaching sixth grade, and later was an integral part of starting LEAP, which is now the Directed Services Program. Mrs. Brown also coached Cheer for five years. She currently serves as the Director of Student Services and is one of the trapshooting team coaches. Alumni Updates Jake Scott - Class of 2011 Jake Scott, singer/songwriter, recently signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and has penned hits for dozens of artists like Carrie Underwood and Jason Mraz. He has racked up over 500 million global streams and averaged over three million monthly listeners on Spotify with his songs. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Rachel, and their two children. Jeremy Bush - Class of 1997 Dr. Jeremy Bush, MD, is an anesthesiology specialist in Springdale and has over 16 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine in 2006. He and his wife, Crystal, have two children who attend Shiloh, Isabella (6th grade), and Ryan (second grade). Alumni Relations ALICIA BROWN aliciab@shilohsaints.org (479) 756-1140 32 RETIREMENTS AND ALUMNI UPDATES
FREE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT ALUMNI T-SHIRT ADMISSION & FOOD OCTOber 13 5:30 PM - 7:00 pm Regis ter Today ! Shiloh Alumni, please make plans to attend our Alumni Homecoming Tailgate 33
1707 Johnson Rd Springdale, AR 72762 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM @ShilohChristianSchool @ShilohSaints
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