COURIER MAGAZINE - The Geneva School
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THE
COURIER MAGAZINE MARCH 2021
THE GENEVA SCHOOL
SALT: Serving and
Learning Together
page 5
Rhetoric Retreat
Reflections
page 13
Winter Sports
Recap
page 21
Inspiring students to love beauty, think deeply, and pursue Christ's calling.
CONTENTS
MISSION
The Geneva School seeks to
provide students in grades K4–12
an extraordinary education,
by means of an integrated
curriculum, pedagogy, and
culture, both distinctly classical
and distinctively Christian, that
pursues goodness, truth, and
beauty in all spheres of life,
while viewing these spheres as
elements of a divinely ordered
whole. Further, Geneva seeks to
instill in students a desire to love 3–4
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
5–8
SALT
9–11
WALK WITH ME:
beauty, think deeply, and pursue LIFE IN SIXTH
UPDATE
Christ's calling. GRADE
ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
Katie Deatherage (Director)
Sarah Cloke
Carol Beth Haynes
AnnMarie Hamilton
Christy Herzog
Kelley Jain
Kedi Milajecki
Christina Walker
CONTACT
2025 SR 436
12
LOWER SCHOOL
13–16
RHETORIC RETREAT
17–20
ANNUAL AUCTION
Winter Park, FL 32792 THEATRE REFLECTIONS GALA
407-332-6363
genevaschool.org
Photographs in this issue
taken by
Kathleen Bosse, Les Coggins,
Alison Epps, Melissa Dietel,
AnnMarie Hamilton, Kellie
Harding, Ashley Johnston, Lars
Lindblad, Carrie Panzella, Joe
21–24 BACK
Petro, Elisabeth Sutton, Mandy
Turnbull, Kelly Weir, and Sabrina WINTER SPORTS
25–26
Q&A WITH PAGE
Wood. RECAP DAN HARGER SUMMER CAMPS
Front page photographs taken by
Cheree Foreman and AnnMarie
Hamilton
1
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE
HEAD OF SCHOOL love • think • pursue
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
Like many, I am fascinated with stories of our nation’s founders. You
and I benefit from the sacrifices women and men made 200 years ago.
We are free to assemble, talk, and worship as we see fit thanks to their
wisdom and hard work. Two towering figures are John Adams and Mercy
Otis Wilson. Their correspondence, at times heated, led to memorable
exchanges as they debated the principles and policies on which our
newly formed nation would survive and thrive.
In a letter dated April 1776, Adams wrote:
The Form of Government, which you admire, when its Principles are
pure, is admirable indeed. It is productive of every Thing, which is great
and excellent among Men. But its Principles are as easily destroyed, as
human Nature is corrupted. Such a Government is only to be supported
by pure Religion, or Austere Morals. Public Virtue cannot exist in a Nation
without private, and public Virtue is the only Foundation of Republics.
Geneva is part of the Christian classical school movement. It is a movement
that, while still in its infancy, is growing and thriving. Christian classical
schools exist to provide an education steeped in the foundational texts of
Western civilization combined with the aim of developing women and men
of Christian virtue. These schools intend, first and foremost, to serve God’s
kingdom. An added and not inconsequential benefit is to our nation. The Geneva School will
always seek to
In the pages that follow, I hope you find glimpses of the future, virtuous
women and men who are being formed in our homes, churches, and school. be a place where
scholarship and Christian
character thrive: a
community that
brings glory to God and
good to neighbor.
Brad Ryden, Head of School
2
Gather
WE ARE
$900,000
AWAY FROM FUNDING
A THE NEW LOWER SCHOOL
M OVEMEN T
IN
LOWER SCHOOL (including LS parking lot) $15.1M
51,000 square feet that include 27 K4–6th grade classrooms, library, art rooms, music rooms, science rooms, a da Vinci
room, offices, covered outdoor dining, playgrounds, and small study spaces
VARSITY COMPETITION GYMNASIUM $5.7M
30,000-square-foot gym that holds 1,200 people (all-school events and attendance for state tournaments), expanded
weight room, training room for physical therapy, storage, JV and varsity locker rooms complete with shower facilities
ENTRANCE AND CIRCLE DRIVE $687K
Extend the road into the site to allow more cars off of Seminola Boulevard, soften the turns into and out of the parking
lot/drop-off lanes, reduce the size of the grass circle, add a water element for aesthetics, and add more landscaping
EXTEND UPPER SCHOOL DROP-OFF LOOP $127K
Double the length of the drop-off road to accommodate the additional cars entering and exiting the campus safely
ATHLETIC PARKING LOT $149K
A school always needs more parking
CONCESSION STAND EXPANSION $225K
Expand the concession building to provide more athletic storage and a canopied area, (including fans) for
spectators and athletes during heat or inclement weather
TOTAL: $22 MILLION
3
NOW IS THE TIME!
Geneva is ready to build; the architects have drawn, the
permits are approved, and the community is excited. We
are confident that we will build, but we are not quite
sure what we will build. The board has little appetite
to increase long-term debt, so we will build according
to how much we raise. Right now, $10.6MM has been
raised, and we are confident in a net of at least $4.8MM
from the sale of the 436 lower school campus, bringing
the total committed to $15.4MM.
The cost to build the lower school and site
improvements that provide the necessary infrastructure
for growth (minus the varsity gym) is $16.3MM. We need
to raise $900,00 during the remainder of March in order
to move forward and open the lower school in the fall of
2022; we need to raise $6.6MM to build the whole scope
of work. The board will vote on the building project on
April 1 based on how much has
been committed.
Join us in the Gather
Campaign today. Please
discuss your family’s
commitment and formalize
your pledge before April 1.
Pledge payments can be spread
out over three years. Please email
Katie Deatherage at
kideatherage@genevaschool.org or
visit genevaschool.org/gather-campaign
to make your pledge.
4
SERVING OTHERS
CULTIVATING GENEROSITY
DEVELOPING CHARACTER
We want students’ hearts and intentions to be
continually directed toward the needs of others
and to experience the satisfaction that comes
from working together for a greater good.
5
W e desire our students to grow in wisdom and
discernment, develop godly dispositions of love,
compassion, and humility, and serve their fellow
man. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the
world and to live and give sacrificially for the sake of others.
Our annual day of service and philanthropy—SALT: Serving
and Learning Together—helps students practice doing just
that.
Now in its ninth year, SALT has become a well-loved
Geneva tradition. On Friday, February 5, Geneva students,
teachers, school staff, and parents became a force of over
700 volunteers serving 14 organizations throughout Central
Florida. This translated to over 3,000 service hours donated
to the local community while Geneva students learned
more about important issues such as homelessness,
hunger, people with special needs, and more.
During the SALT Serveathon, each
grade was assigned its own project
where they spent their day doing
things like sorting and stocking
shelves at local food pantries,
cleaning up local parks,
planting gardens alongside
autistic children, making
seniors smile at retirement
homes, packing over
10,000 meals for hungry
children around the world,
sharing joy to those in their
homes from their driveways,
and making teddy bears for
emergency first responders to
take to children who have been in an
accident. It’s a day of hard work and
heart change, blessing others and being
blessed.
We want students’ hearts and intentions to be continually
directed toward the needs of others and to experience
the satisfaction that comes from working together for
a greater good. SALT is also an important philanthropic
effort and encourages a culture of giving. Instead of selling
wrapping paper or walking a 5K to raise money, students
ask friends and family for donations to support their day of
service. Donations generate critical funds for the school’s
tuition assistance program fulfilling another Geneva value:
to make Christian classical education available to families
who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it. Our greatest
hope is that SALT would cultivate a lifelong desire within our
students to give and serve long after they graduate from
The Geneva School.
6
RAISED FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS 7
SP ONSORS Laura Grace Alexander Aloma Church
Armstrong Financial Blue Water Spa Covers Chick-fil-A
GOLD SPONSORS
Clean Co. Earth Trades Gould & Co.
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Bob & Marjean Ingram Onsite Safety Dan Haber
Rifle Paper Co. John & Laura Riley Dayle Seneff
Shutts & Bowen Sighthound Westbrook
All Glory to God Altamonte Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry Assured Partners
Best Brothers Group Cynthia Blevins Anthony & Heidi Bruno
Shrell & Leonore Chamberlain Clancy & Theys Coldwell Banker - Rhonda Hunter
Dan DiLeonardo & Victoria Nassar Floridian Construction Group Fortress Storage
SILVER SPONSORS
Gator Door East Generator Superstore of Orlando Grit & Grain
John & Amy Heidmann Kupietz Family Kim & Cathy Lopdrup
Match-Up MICHEL RE LLC Prestige World Marketing
Puff 'n Stuff Vernon & Connie Rainwater RAM Performance and Rehab
RealThread Jim & Marti Shiflett Site Storage
Sleep and Wellness Centers of Florida Jose Torres Universal Roof & Contracting
Mark & Allison Vollenweider Whatever It Takes Ministries Gordy & Kate Wilhite
4 Rivers Smokehouse Merrick & Sandra Agurto Robbie & Janet Andreasen
Barham Court Consulting Nathan & Anna Bond John & Anne Classe
Gordon & Sarah Cloke Les & Cathie Coggins Jorge Lopez Da Re & Mirta Villalba
Clay & Katie Deatherage Curt & Amanda Doherty John & Susan Dunnavant
Fringe Benefit Gary & Ellie Frost James & Tara Fussell
BRONZE SPONSORS
Florin & Christina Gadalean Tony & Lacey Gray Heart Play Institute
Gray & Courtney Hill Brandon & Rebecca Hueber Joe & Christine Johnson
Steven & Liz Kennedy Jason & Meg Mages Douglas & Debbie Magruder
Ralph & Becky Martinez Steve & Steph Maughan Mark & Linda Meyer
Pinch-a-Penny Jeffrey & Holly Pohlig Reformed Theological Seminary
Brad & Becky Ryden Jeff & Shellie Sevor Clifford Spiller
State Farm - Jim Daniels Tammie Sykes Bryan & Patti Thompson
Adam & Phyllis Weaver Walker & Co. Windows by Anderson
Andersen
Keenan & Sabrina Yoho THANK YOU
8
6th Grade Team
Walk with Me:
Life in Sixth Grade
by Ruth Bingham, Grammar School Curriculum amd Instructional Coach
Classical School Friends and Teammates
9J ust a few doors down from
the lower school offices on
Pioneer Day
the left-hand side of the
hallway stand two wooden doorways.
Pick one, either one. Peek in through
the rectangular window. Or better
yet, open the door wide enough to
tiptoe in with me. They won't mind
our entrance. In fact, the students
will rise and welcome us and then
return to their work. As we settle in
and gaze around the room, it's clear
… we have entered a magical place.
Magical places are places of beauty.
Look around. The sunlight streaming
through the window highlights the
rich colors of the murals depicting
scenes of American history. The Magical places have interesting think. After further classical training
teapot and assorted teacups on the and wonderful characters. Gandolf, at Grove City College in Pennsylvania,
window ledge, one for each student, Bilbo Baggins, Corrie ten Boom, and Miss VanDerhoof joined Geneva
not only add color and warmth to Lincoln lead the pack in literature, first and Mrs. Tobias a year later.
the room; they hint of the warmth and Alicia VanDerhoof and Courtney Together again, these "characters"
of friendship, shared ideas, and Tobias are characters no less are young, enthusiastic, well-trained
good books. Lovely, cursive writing interesting and wonderful! Friends friends who work with harmony, joy,
of Scripture points to the One who since playing volleyball together and passion. Ideas flow, virtues are
is all-beautiful. There is order and in grammar school at the same modeled, and laughter abounds as
peace here, from the way books Christian classical school in Detroit, these two utilize their gifts as a team
and backpacks are organized to the these two have grown up both at to lead our interesting and wonderful
student work hung on the walls. home and throughout their grammar, sixth grade "characters."
Beauty inspires. Beauty breathes life. logic, and rhetoric years immersed in
We can see it and feel it here in this Christian classical education. It's a Magical places are also full of
magical place. part of who they are and how they adventure. Spending the day with
eleven- and twelve-year-olds is an
adventure in itself, one that Alicia
Immigration Day and Courtney truly embrace and
enjoy! Students at this stage of
development are standing on the
cusp of a new adventure. One foot is
planted in the grammar school, yet
the body, mind, and emotions are
leaning forward with the other leg
reaching out toward the increased
challenges, responsibilities, and
privileges of the logic stage of
development. It takes love and an
understanding of this stage in a
student's life to be able to effectively
teach and inspire students. It's
clear these ladies have both. "Our
students are still sensitive and tender
10on the inside and are just beginning
to form an outer middle school
persona. They are not sophisticated
in their toughness," Courtney smiled
as she spoke. "I love teaching the
whole person. We can build deep
connections because we are with
them all day long. My dad was my
sixth grade teacher, and I know what
a life-changing experience it was for
me," added Alicia. These ladies are
passionate about what they teach,
how they teach, and how they live
before their students. Learning is an
adventure in these rooms, not only
because of what and how they are Pioneer Day
studying but also because of with
whom.
two from literature, and two from adventures, new routines, and new
Lastly, magical places inspire dreams anywhere)—and the Well Spoken opportunities to learn and grow as
for the future. This sixth grade team Words memorization and recitation they make the move from the lower
is passionate and purposeful about each month, are only some of the school building to the upper school
preparing their students not only for many, unique ways students in the building next fall. The teachers
the upper school but for life. What sixth grade are inspired to think are excited knowing they will be
is taught is undergirded with an eye deeply, love beauty, and pursue able to work alongside their upper
on training in virtues particularly Christ's calling in their lives. school colleagues, interact with past
important for a life well lived: self- students, and watch as their own
governance, perseverance, effort, Our visit is over. As we stand, stretch students benefit from knowing, and
independence, responsibility, a bit, open the door, and then walk being mentored and inspired by,
servant leadership, organization, and back down the hall, we remember those who have walked the halls
sacrificial love. Special projects and that soon it won't be this hallway, and opened the doors before they
additions such as the commonplace these doors that will hold this arrived. There's always a door to
book—where students keep a magical sixth grade team. It will be a open at Geneva!
record of noteworthy quotes each new building with new friends, new
week (i.e., two quotes from Bible,
11T G S LO W E R S C H O O L T H E AT R E
Charlotte’s
Web
Adapted by Lisa Hines and Hollie Mariniello
A Third Grade Production
THE ADVENTURES OF
ROBIN HOOD CHARLOTTE'S WEB
4th Grade / MAR. 24 3rd Grade / MAR. 31
I NEVER SAW ANOTHER
BUTTERFLY EXODUS
6th Grade / APR. 14 2nd Grade / APR. 21
THREE PIGGY OPERA BRAVE AND FREE
K4 / MAY 5 5th Grade / MAY 11
By: Lisa Davidson Hines
2019-2020
12Rhetoric Retreat
REFLECTIONS by Peter Vande Brake
T
he much beloved retreat for rhetoric students (9th–12th grade) normally takes place at the beginning of the school
year in August. The purpose of the retreat is to welcome back students from their summer break and to kick off the
new school year in an enjoyable and relaxed setting. Like so many other things this year, the retreat was postponed
because of the looming threat of COVID-19 as we started the school year in August.
After much deliberation, the administrative team decided to go ahead with the retreat in January once we were able to get
all of the necessary pieces in place including protocols to ensure student safety on the trip. These included holding our group
meetings outdoors, reducing the number of occupants in each cabin to half the normal capacity, and wearing masks indoors.
The retreat was held over three days and two nights at Southwind Young Life Camp near Eustis, Florida. We caravanned from
the upper school campus early on the morning of January 20 and returned on the afternoon of January 22. We did not take
buses but had parents drive students to and from the camp.
The theme this year was “A Shalom Worth Pursuing,” and the speaker was Alf Clark, a former colleague of Dr. Vande Brake’s
at The Potter’s House High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The schedule for the retreat was relaxed in order to allow the
students to have more time to enjoy the activities at Southwind. These included swimming and a water slide (yes, a few
students braved the frigid water in the pool for as long as it took to get from the bottom of the slide to the stairs). Students
went canoeing and paddle boarding on the lake where they also swam to a floating dock. Some played basketball, Wiffle ball,
sand volleyball, octoball, and much more.
Even with the safety protocols in place, the retreat brought a welcome feeling of normalcy during this challenging year. The
weather was spectacular, and students, faculty, and parents were able to enjoy all the camp had to offer as well as
good fellowship with one another.
One of th
e best pa
the rheto rts about
ric retrea There were also many
having c t was
onversati fun activities I
or even b ons
rief talks enjoyed that didn't
people yo with
u might involve the pool or
otherwise not I really enjoyed going on
ta
It was a g lk to in school .
lake because the
reat oppo the rhetoric retreat! A water was freezing.
to grow c rtunity couple of things I took
loser to G This really put the
have fun od and away from the sessions
fellowshi treat in retreat.
friends a p with we had included that God
t the sam -Aurora Flores
e time . is always talking and that
-Joey Ro
we He is for you.
- Judith Chali
1314
The rhetoric retreat was fantastic and
After moving here from a school where
thought provoking
I was the only Christian, Geneva’s in many positive
focus on a Christian education has I loved the
worship an ways. During the
I liked the sp d
been extremely impactful in my growth delivered m
eaker who trip, I had plenty of
with Christ. The community developed essages on outlets to connect
challenging
, thought- and have fun with
through times of worship, small provoking
topics. Aft
er all my friends. The
groups, and prayer allowed the class of the messag
es, I enjoyed retreat also provided
discussing th
2021 to grow closer and celebrate the em with my opportunities to
small group
Christ-centered community we have . talk about and work
- Aidan Vo through deep ideas.
had the privilege to be developed in as llenweider
Alf asked a lot of hard
leaders and disciples.
questions. I can’t wait
to go again next year!
- Katherine Alford
- Jedidiah Flood
This year som
e of my favo
takeaways are th rite
e “intense” 11th gr
volleyball match ade
es, when we wre
each other into stled
freezing cold la
water, and wen ke
t down the ev
colder water sli en
de, the shrill scre
on the Screamer ams
(my screams), an
the tearful pray d
ers we all shar
with each other ed
the morning we
I couldn’t be mor left.
e thankful for th
amazing group e
of people I get to
through school go
and life with.
- Ella Hunter
15This past rhetoric retreat was much
overdue, and while it was different in
many ways, overall, it was as valuable
and beneficial as years before. Even
with the colder weather and water, there
were plenty of activities to enjoy, and
more opportunities to bond as a grade.
It was especially significant that the
new students in our grade already felt I had a great time making new friends and
comfortable and welcomed, allowing them
to share and strengthen the friendships spending time with old ones. My favorite activity
they already had made. I noticed that, that we did was the Open Mic Night. The
unlike the rhetoric retreats before
(being at the beginning of the year), audience was so welcoming and supportive and
friendships were not formed, but
strengthened. This detail of the retreat
the talent (both student and teacher) was just
made myself, and others, appreciate the AMAZING!!! Another great part of the getaway
goodness of God in unlikely situations
(such as the pandemic). was the amazing musicians who came to us all
- Anna Mages the way from The Potter's House in Michigan.
Their spirited music led to awakenings and
deepenings in faith, bringing us closer as a
Christian community.
For almost a year now, the tireless tune entitled
“Because of COVID” has entered our homes and - Gracie Coplin
consumed the workplace and school. The song
continues to be inescapable and spoils all plans of
normalcy. But when I heard that the annual rhetoric
retreat was still going to happen, I was able to take
eat was an
a breath of relief. For a moment I was able to forget the The rhetoric retr
allowed me to
lyrics of a pandemic world, but slowly the endless melody opportunity that
fast-paced
crept into my thoughts. How would mealtime look? Free slow down from a
n to God. It
time? House time? Worship? Would I still be able to daily life and liste
lue of quieting
experience the integral part of the retreat, community,
taught me the va
while facing these new safety concerns? Needless to say, God’s word. I
my head to heed
I was very anxious to see how everything would play out. e it gave me the
enjoyed it becaus
But God always has a way of helping things fall perfectly t to know my
opportunity to ge a
into place. Although the retreat was different, nothing
r being online for
felt lost in the transition. I was still able to eat with great classmates afte r.
whole semeste
friends and faculty each meal, there was plenty of free
- Sarah Paul
time to partake in all of the amenities of Southwind, and a
house competition still took place. If this year has taught
me anything, it is that with change also comes new
opportunities.
- Mya Shroyer
16Come Sail
way
You are cordially invited to
The Geneva School’s
Annual Auction Gala
MAR 27 5PM
Saturday
Upper School Campus
1775 Seminola Boulevard
Casselberry, FL 32707
Attire Is Navy Nautical
Please register to attend at
genevaschool.org/auction2021 by March 19
17A Geneva School tradition, our
Annual Auction Gala is a special night
of community, entertainment, and generosity.
Auction Details
Silent Auction in the Gym, Preview Begins March 25
Dinner and Live Auction Under an Outdoor Tent
Catered by Puff ‘n Stuff
What Is Navy Nautical?
Attire Ideas for the Ladies
Cocktail dress
Evening pantsuit
Flats
Bright colors or bold stripes!
Attire Ideas for the Gentlemen
Navy jacket
Colorful tie
White shirt
Dress slacks or khaki pants
Loafers or deck shoes
(Socks optional)
See more auction style ideas at
genevaschool.org/auction2021-dress
All proceeds from the event
benefit our school's
commitment to
aiding families who desire a
Geneva education, but
without financial assistance
could not choose it.
BIDDING IN THE SILENT AUCTION
IS OPEN TO ANYONE!
Anyone can register on the auction
website and bid. So spread the word to
your friends, neighbors, and family.
The all-important web address is
genevaschool.org/auction2021
18GE T R E A DY TO B ID !
Escape to your own private oasis
for seven nights in a 3-bedroom/
3.5-bathroom luxury residence at
Timbers Kaua'i—Ocean Club and
Residences.
Timbers Kaua'i is nestled within the renowned 450-acre
Hokuala resort, next to the tranquil waters of Kalapaki Beach.
Residences overlook the Pacific Ocean and feature lavish
fixtures and furnishings, each one designed to make your
days flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors. You
will enjoy spacious lanais, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and
doors opening to ocean breezes.
Access to the Ocean Course at Hokuala, Kaua'i's only Jack
Nicklaus signature course, is included in this package, as
well as complimentary airport transportation to and from
Timbers Kaua'i, daily breakfast, and access to a host of five-
star amenities and services that include magnificent pools,
state-of-the-art fitness center, an award-winning spa, beach
club privileges, oceanfront yoga, personal training, an organic
farm experience, and use of beach cruiser bikes, golf
clubs, beach toys, paddle boards, snorkel gear, and
more!
Your luxury escape must be reserved by August
31, 2021, and stay completed by April 1, 2022.
Subject to availability, holiday and peak
season blackout dates. Housekeeping and
other fees apply. Offer is 100% non-
transferable.
2-Night Bed & Breakfast Stay at the
Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
Built in 1913, this stately golf resort has views of the Blue
Ridge Mountains. Your premium mountain-view room
comes with free Wi-Fi, minifridge, and flat-screen HDTV.
Enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast for 2 each morning and
complimentary self parking. The spa has a sauna, a steam
room, and a terrace. Other amenities include an 18-hole
golf course, a sports complex with 6 tennis courts, an indoor
pool, and a fitness center. There are also 5 restaurants, 3
bars, and a cafe. Subject to availability; holidays & blackout
dates apply. Expires December 21, 2021.
19 19Lots of Great Vacation
Opportunities
Pappy Van
Winkle's Glen Falls Estate Home, North Carolina, for a Week
Arrowleaf Lodge in Deer Valley, Utah (7 Nights)
Family Reserve High Pointe Gulf-Front Resort Condo for a Week
20yr New Smyrna Beach Condos
Ponce Inlet Condos
2-Night Nashville Getaway
3-Day Weekend Break in Thomasville, Georgia
2-Night Stay at Rosen Shingle Creek
2-Night Manasota Beach Club Family Getaway
2-Night Stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
And More
Lots of Cool Teacher Experiences
Teacher for the Day (2nd Grade)
Taco Tuesday with the 6th Grade Team
Head of School for the Day (3rd–6th Grade)
Lunch at Huey Magoo's with Harger & Thigpen
SALT Crazy Hair Day the Easy Way (Leslee Mendez)
All Fired Up with Mrs. Fraser
Rifle Paper Co. Behind the Scenes After-School Adventure (K4)
Elephant and Piggy Party (Kindergarten)
Everyone has heard of Rifle Paper Co. The products and Coach C for the Day (2nd–6th)
the designer behind the brand has been profiled in Garden Brain Games with Mrs. Andrews & Mrs. Schaefer (3rd–6th)
& Gun, Southern Living and many other media outlets. And Much More
But you and a few friends or your child and a few of their
friends have the wonderful and unique opportunity to
meet co-founder and creative director Anna Bond, spend Lots of Great Silent &
time with her and her team behind the scenes in their
production space, learn about the company, participate in Live Auction Items
an activity, and hear their story first-hand. Leave with new
ideas, inspired thinking, and possibly a few Rifle Paper Co. Jewelry
goodies! Time to be worked out for all parties. Limit of 6 Apparel & Accessories
people. Expires March 2022.
Health & Beauty Packages
Home & Garden Goods
Fitness Packages
School Spirit Offerings
Travel & Entertainment Experiences
Theater Tickets
And More
20Girls Varsity Soccer
The 2020–21 soccer season was a bit of a roller-coaster 2–1 win with goals by Rachel
year. The team entered a rebuilding year with many Seneff and Ella Petersen. Kate
young players, including ten seventh/eighth graders. Costar excelled as she had
The season was also frequently interrupted with game to step in as goalkeeper,
changes due to the scourge of COVID-19. However, the and Anna Foreman held
wonderful group of young ladies grew, learned, and down the defense.
had fun together in spite of a regular season that only The girls went
ended up having eight games. In spite of this limited on to play
preparation, the team pushed through and won two perennial state
tough games in the district tournament to take home powerhouse St.
the title. This was an exciting win for a team that started Johns Country Day School
six eighth graders in our district final! It is also the third in the state semifinals
district title in the past four years for the Lady Knights on Friday, January 26, and lost a tough
and spells the culmination of playing time game. Despite that loss, this was an
for the teams’ only senior—Anna Foreman. incredibly exciting and successful year
Anna has been an All-District Player for four for our Lady Knights soccer team.
years and was selected District Player
of the Year for the 2020/21 season. Boys Varsity Soccer
In addition to this, Ella Petersen, The 2020–21 varsity boys soccer season began with one
Hayden Kish, and Emma Keys goal—to improve day by day. There was no talk of how
were also named to the many wins they were aiming for or what championships
All-District Team. they wanted to win, rather a very modest commitment
to being disciplined, working hard in training each day,
On February 16, the team and improving as a team with every practice session.
entered the regional
competition without any Coming off a rough season last year, the team defined
expectations and went on to win their what its playing style would be and what the overall
regional quarterfinal game against Victory strategy would be for games. Before even stepping foot
Christian 5–0. They then won their regional on the field, Coach Eddie met with the boys and went
semifinal game on the road against Santa over what his expectations were for each player in their
Fe Catholic 4–2 in a tough physical respective position on the field.
game. The team was so excited to be
hosting the regional finals against The team started off the season on fire winning its first
Cambridge Christian on February three games in a row. As the season progressed, the
23. They pulled out a spectacular
2020–2021 WINTER SPORTS RECAP
21GENEVA KNIGHTS
opponents became stronger causing a few close matches the #3 seeded Faith Christian and complete the upset.
that were decided by a one-goal margin. The team was “The boys were elated,” said Coach Eddie Jimenez. “It
still very motivated and determined to continue its goal was such a great moment for the team. They’ve
of improving each day no matter the results. They went worked so hard all year to improve each day—
into the Christmas/New Year break with a they deserved a win like this.” The Knights
record of 3–3–0, which was a big went on to face Orangewood Christian
improvement from the previous year. School in the semifinals, but they came up
short.
The new year started off with a
run of difficult opponents for the Overall, it was a good season for the boys soccer
Knights. Even though they could team. They learned a lot about themselves as
see improvement as a unit, that wasn’t individuals and as a team. The core of the team
translating to victories on the field, which is very young and most players will be back next
made it tough to stay motivated. The good year, so this is just the beginning for this young group
news was that in postseason play, everybody
starts off with a fresh slate. Coach Eddie used Boys Varsity Basketball
this as motivation for the team, explaining to This year’s boys varsity basketball team played
the boys that the regular season didn’t matter inspired ball from the opening game of the
anymore—when it came to the playoffs, season up until the final horn of the final
anything could happen in single-elimination game.
play. The team was in high spirits gearing up for
its playoff game and was determined to upset the The Knights ended the season with one
opponents in the first round of playoffs. Prior to of the best records in recent years at 11–7
the game, Coach Eddie told the team that playing as with a huge win coming over public school
the underdog is always an advantage in sports. “The team Tavares Bulldogs 70–62. Inspiration
pressure is completely on the other team to win. was sparked from the beginning of the
Use that to your advantage and play with no fear. season as the team welcomed back
Believe that you guys can win and play your hearts Yoshi Nimmo who had suffered a season-
out.” That is exactly what the Geneva Knights did. ending injury last year. Yoshi went on to have several
On a cold, windy day at the Faith Christian Academy monster games, including scoring 32 points versus ICS,
soccer field, the Knights were tied 0–0 at halftime in and finished as the team’s second leading scorer behind
a tough contest where both teams were fighting sensational eighth grader Mikel Brown who averaged
hard in search of the first goal of the game. In 26.8 points per game. Players like Zachary Andreasen
the second half with about twenty minutes left and Evan Sarnicki might go overlooked. However, the
in the game, team captain Jarrett Brodrecht found coaches call them the reliable ones because whenever
the head of teammate Elias Clark with a perfectly their number is called, they are always ready.
placed cross to take the lead 1–0. The Knights were able
to hang on to their one-goal lead and went on to beat
2020–2021 WINTER SPORTS RECAP
22GENEVA KNIGHTS
Brayden Vogt was by far Geneva’s most improved Knights. Andreasen came on strong late in the season
player as he dominated the paint this season. During and had some double-digit scoring and rebounding
the Breast Cancer Awareness game, Brayden had an performances. Geneva’s lone senior, Katherine Alford,
unbelievable 18-point, 18-rebound game! Geneva’s was a highlight for the team. Katherine’s positive
heart-and-hustle award goes to sharpshooter Alec attitude and smiling face brightened everyone’s day.
Ortiz who will serve as team captain next season.
Boys JV Basketball
The boys basketball team was led by senior For the second year in a row, Geneva filled
captain Jonatan Torres who modeled a boys JV basketball team. The boys battled
Christlike sacrificial leadership on through some obstacles to have a respectable
and off the court. It’s safe to say season for this young and talented squad. The
boys basketball is back and ready Knights posted key wins against ICS at home
to play at Geneva! Go Knights! 50–33 and Crooms Academy. In the game of the
season, the Knights took a much bigger Osceola
Girls Varsity Basketball Christian Prep into double overtime, eventually
The Lady Knights decided to venture out as losing by just one point. This game gave insight into
a varsity team this past season instead of a the competitive nature of our program. This year’s
junior varsity team as they did last year. The team was led by sharpshooter Mitch Moyer who had
season was impressive, to say the least, as a 28-point outing draining seven 3-pointers. Mitch,
the girls finished 7–6 on the season. The only a sophomore, will look to provide
team’s major highlight of the season was a big win that same spark on the varsity
in overtime against our cross-town rivals The First team next year.
Academy. Just as impressive, the Lady Knights won
the semifinal game of the Sunshine Conference R.J. Ingram's court awareness
State Tournament. The team came short of winning the and skill set beyond his years
championship by six points. kept the team in every
game. Seventh grader
This season the Lady Knights were led by seventh grade floor general Josh
sensation Ciara Hayes. Hayes had several 20-point Washington led the
outings to carry the Knights. Ailani Collazo was the team in scoring in
anchor on the defensive side of the ball, taking charges
and snatching down rebounds. Catherine Wilhite used
the same intensity she gives to volleyball and brought
it to the basketball court. She took on every task with
excitement and heart. Maddie Stafford returned to the
court as one of our most seasoned and fundamental
players. Sarah Andreasen, Ella Kinnett, Addie Bowman,
and Aubrey Clark proved to add depth and skill for the
2020–2021 WINTER SPORTS RECAP
23GENEVA KNIGHTS
many games. Colson Smith and Liam Cassedy proved and allowed the team to stay competitive in every game.
to be the most improved players as they had break- Rounding out the roster were Turner Davis, Josh Keihner,
out scoring games. This duo scored in the double digits Caleb Reid, Griffin Smith, and Marcus Jho, who all showed
several games providing sparks for the Knights. Jason great improvement throughout the season. It was an
Zirbel, Gabe Philippe-Fisher, and Nikko James provided outstanding season. Go Knights!
great depth and athleticism to a young JV roster.
This group’s commitment to excellence was shown Girls Middle School Basketball
throughout the season as they were the most improved The middle school girls basketball team had a stellar 2020–
team. Our future for varsity boys basketball is very bright 2021 season. The Lady Knights recorded one of their best
as this young squad looks to make a big splash on the records to date ending the season 9–1. The girls went on to
varsity team in the upcoming years. win the Metro League Championship in convincing fashion
over Kingsway Academy. More excitingly, every player who
Boys Middle School Basketball suited up for the Lady Knights on day one finished out
The middle school boys basketball team finished the the season as well. The Lady Knights were led by seventh
season with a respectable 8–6 record. The boys peaked grader Ciara Hayes and eighth grader Ailani Collazo. These
at the right time and fought through the semifinal game sharpshooters and tenacious defenders inspired the
to make it to the championship match against Faith Knights to play hard, and the team followed their
Academy where we lost by 2 points. The boys finished lead. Maria Seneff’s flawless shooting form provided
as Metro League runner-up. a spark for the Knights as she tallied many points
throughout the season. Madison Goranson, the
Led by a pair of seventh graders, R.J. Ingram most improved player, accepted the challenge
and Josh Washington, the fourteen-boy roster as a fifth grader to play up on the middle school
worked hard at practice and in games to team. Other players such as Lourdes Starr, D’Asia
develop their skills to become better and Duncan, Ella Mariniello, and Lura Shepherd
more complete basketball players. The trio of showed much improvement throughout the
eighth graders—Micah Swain, Michael Sharp, season. The Lady Knights will look to repeat next
and Chris Bruno—rounded out the team’s season as all but one player is expected to return.
starting lineup and provided an experienced We are excited for the Lady Knights!
punch with size and shooting prowess that
made them tough competitors. Baker Costar,
the team’s lone sixth grader, played up and
will be one of the team’s key players on
next year's roster. His ability to hit big shots
at key moments was pivotal in the run to the
championship. Other rotational players included
Noble Renfrow, Jacob Prisciandaro, and Thomas
Milajecki. These boys played key minutes in
every game and, even in losses, played hard
2020–2021 WINTER SPORTS RECAP
24Q&A
KNIGHT ATHLETICS
DIRECTOR OF
with ATHLETICS
DAN HARGER
1. Tell us about yourself— varsity sports, and we’ve won and supporting their needs. This is
where you grew up, what 31 district championships, 12 probably the most important part of
sports you played, and your regional championships, and 1 state my job.
time before Geneva? championship. In addition, we’ve had
34 students go on to play their sports
I was born at Winter Park Memorial in college. I’m not bragging, I’m
Hospital. I’m as local as it gets and (we’re) just exceptionally blessed! 3. What do you like most
I never plan to leave. I grew up about your job?
doing two things: playing baseball
and fishing. I played baseball at a One of the best things about working
very small college in South Jersey at Geneva is the quality of the people
and there ended my playing career. I’m around every day, both staff and
Apparently 155-lb catchers don’t students. The two biggest blessings
make it to the “bigs.” After moving in my life are marrying my wife Cami
back to Florida, I earned a and working at Geneva (my kids are
bachelor's in physical education pretty amazing too). God has used
and a master's in exercise these to make me into the person
physiology from UCF. I am today. I love that my job is
not bound to a desk. I get to go
I landed my first full time outside and take care of the fields
job in 1993 teaching PE at and work with the grounds crew. I
Sterling Park Elementary also get to coach softball.
in Casselberry. I enjoyed
that for seven years before
I was called to something 2. What do you do as an
different. This tiny little school that athletic director? 4. What are the biggest
few knew existed wanted to build changes you have seen in
an athletic program. Although I was I do what my old athletic director athletics in the time you have
not qualified, I was interested, and I at Edgewater High School told me worked here?
had an “in.” My mother-in-law was a athletic directors do. I rake the fields,
rock star at Geneva where she was sweep the gym floor, take out the I wish I could show today’s parents
teaching kindergarten. I interviewed trash, clean up throw-up, and serve the facilities we have had to use
and was offered the job, teaching PE our families any way I can. I took in the past. The first gym we ever
to every single student while building his wise words to heart and believe rented had a concrete floor and
an athletic program from the ground it’s the reason I’m still around. a leaky roof! To have been there
up, and build we did! Twenty-two The other key to my longevity has and to now walk out on to our very
years later, we have a thriving youth been the wonderful coaches that own beautiful, new, state-of-the-
sports program (offering soccer, we’ve been blessed with here. To art athletic complex is like a dream.
basketball, volleyball, golf, tennis, God be the glory. He delivers them I remember praying for our own
and track) and middle school and and I work hard to keep them. This building in the early days. What we
JV teams. We compete in 17 means providing them with the tools have now is too good to have even
25imagined. I love it when alumni from that is unlike any other. The
way back stop in to visit; their gaping interactions between
jaws tell the story. teammates during a contest,
the precise instruction to17
execute a drill, even the
unspoken bond that develops VARSITY SPORTS
5. What do you see as the between a player and
biggest challenges for TGS 1
coach, are all indications
athletics in the next five of the importance
years? of communications in
athletics. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
One challenge that comes to mind is
that so few of our coaches are full- Of course, all of this
time employees. When we have the
luxury of coaches in the building all
would be wasted
if it weren’t for
12
day, it makes a huge difference (take the common thread REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
for example Coach Chamberlain and of Christ. Our goal
Coach Benjumea). Being here all day in athletics is to
helps coaches keep their fingers on
the pulse of our student athletes and
manifest Christ-
likeness. Geneva
31
their needs. athletes play with
purpose, delight, and
DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS
I believe the next five years will be respect towards opponents,
our best yet. Bringing the grammar teammates, coaches, and
school here to Casselberry will be officials. Athletics teach us
amazing. I’ve missed seeing the big the positive attributes of hard
kids interacting with the little ones. work, discipline, and setting a goal
That’s one of the special things about while also reminding
Geneva. The new competition gym, us to look out for
training facility, and expanded weight the interest of others
room will require a lot of work and ahead of our own.
planning. But it will definitely be a
labor of love. "I remember praying
for our own building in
the early days. What we
6. How do athletics fit within have now is too good to
the school’s Christian classical
philosophy? have even imagined."
Athletics as an integral part of a
Christian classical school can draw
the student/athlete into an even
greater understanding of the trivium.
In sports, we learn the basics, or
grammar, first. These have to be
comprehended and implemented
in order to develop capable student
athletes. As student athletes grow,
they move on to the logic of their
sport. Here we teach strategy,
rhythm, methodology, etc. Finally,
athletics instills a form of rhetoric
26THE GENEVA SCHOOL
2025 State Road 436
Winter Park, FL 32792
THE GENEVA SCHOOL
is excited to offer a number of summer camps
this summer at both the lower school and
upper school campuses.
Invite your friends!
Geneva summer camps are open to anyone—
TGS students, family members,
friends from the community… anyone.
genevaschool.org/summercamps
T HE G ENEVA S CHOOL • 2025 SR 436 • WINTER PARK, FL 32792
407-332-6363 • www.genevaschool.orgYou can also read
