ACS recognized and thanked volunteers, faculty, and staff for their commitment and service over the past school year at our annual, year-end Thank-You Lunch on Monday, June 12 in the Multi-Purpose Room. Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz said that ACS was blessed with some 60 parents, grandparents, alumni parents, and friends in the community who gave generously of their time and talents as volunteers.
“We truly appreciate your selfless dedication and service to our school and our students, helping with our fundraising events, student lunches, teacher appreciation lunches, and much more,” Delacruz said. “We couldn’t have done it without you.” Delacruz and Services Coordinator Anne Block introduced 20 volunteers who were able to attend the lunch and presented them with a $25 gift card as a thank-you gift.
Some of the volunteers who attended the luncheon served in the lunch room, on the Parent-Teacher Fellowship board, sold concessions in the Cougar Den, helped train teachers in integrating technology into the curriculum, and served at the Race for Education, Cougar Classic Golf Tournament, and Legacy Gala fundraisers.
The volunteers pictured are, back row from left: Greg Louderback, Heather Shivers, Paul Vogel, Terry Vogel, Lori Pearson, Lisa Lawler, Brenda Maurer, Polly Ellison, Lisa Connolly, Ely Jacoby, Margie Rosso, Maria Campbell, Katelin Oglesby, and Alisun Klingert-Richards; first row from left: Patty Rosie, Michelle Stein, Amanda Costello, Jen Domsic, Art Jacoby, and Jan Beebe.
Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen also gave special recognition to ACS parents Paul and Terry Vogel for their 28 years of volunteer service while their 10 children have attended ACS. Paul has served on the Board of Directors and other Board committees and Terry has been the long-time president of the Parent-Teacher Fellowship. Their 10th child, Caleb, graduated on June 9 with the Class of 2023.
“I don’t have enough words to describe what a blessing you both have been to ACS for the past 28 years,” Oblen said. “We will miss you and we are so grateful for the way you have always promoted Christian education to everyone you meet. So many families have come to ACS because of you.” Terry said she and Paul plan to be involved with ACS in the future as they expect some of their grandchildren to attend ACS.
ACS also gave a warm send-off to 14 faculty and staff members who are leaving ACS to pursue other endeavors. “We appreciate you and we love you,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “You’re a part of our ACS family and a part of our heart.”
Oblen presented each departing employee at the thank-you lunch with a personalized framed word art created out of words that fellow employees used to described their character and abilities. Twelve teachers and two staff members — Athletic Director Pam Hitchner and Director of Development and Communication Carole Karabashian — were recognized.
The departing teachers who attended the lunch were, pictured from left: high school Bible teacher Urick Lewis; 4th grade teacher Eric Tardif; Spanish teacher Minelva Miller; Spanish teacher Estefany Gomez; art teacher Sherry Mirakian; Early Education teacher Jessica Samuels; Early Education teacher Heather Aspenberg; Early Education teacher Ruby Lewis; and 1st grade teacher Mindy Capito. Not in attendance: 5th grade teacher Samuel Gottschall; middle school science teacher Kelly Kirchhoff; and math/business teacher Chris Lopez.
