“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

Middle School Awards Night

My first year of teaching at Windham Christian Academy, the middle school didn't even have an awards night.  For whatever reason, the elementary and high schools had special evenings set aside for end of the year awards, but the 7th and 8th grade classes did not.  I learned this too late into the spring that first year, but I decided that had to change, and middle school awards night has been a major event and loads of fun every year since.

The first rule of awards night is, it's not about the awards.  Yes, we want to recognize achievement in math, science, etc.  Yes, we'll acknowledge perfect attendance (Which I affectionately call the 'my parents send me to school even when I'm sick ' award.)  But our evening is just beginning when the last award is presented.  This year we did a singing tribute to my aide, Amanda, who is going back to college after three years as Ed McMahon to my Johnny Carson.  It was called "Amanda, the Middle School Assistant", to the tune of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  What follows are the lyrics:

Amanda the middle school assistant

Did a really awesome job

LIKE A TEAMSTER

When she announced she’s leaving

Mr. H cried and sobbed

LIKE A BABY

All of the boys in middle school

Like to stare at her and drool

LIKE A ST. BERNARD

And Rose clings on to her

Every single day at school

LIKE A MAGNET

Then one sunny Easter day

She turned 25

Now when we’re on field trips

The van she’s… allowed to drive

LIKE DALE EARNHARDT

But not Miss Amanda’s leaving

And we think she’ll be really bored

LIKE MATH CLASS

Working all those extra hours

At the Gorham Hannaford

In addition, we did a skit we call "Ideas that Worked, and Ideas that Failed".  While you may catch the video on facebook, I have no way of posting it here at this time.  Just to give you an idea, though, one portion was

"Ideas that worked: machete juggling"

RACHEL ENTERS AND DOES A THREE MACHETE CASCADE

"Ideas that failed: spaghetti juggling"

RACHEL EXCHANGES KNIVES FOR BOWL OF SPAGHETTI, AND PASTA FLIES EVERYWHERE!

The second rule of awards night is, awards are earned, but gifts are unconditional.  Then Amanda and I begin a traditional segment of the evening in which we give a personalized gift to every student.  These are the highlight of the evening, as they are a great time of reliving memories form the past year and having a lot of laughs. One student, for example, shared a lengthy, detailed story about her old dog being neutered, and the change in his appearance after the procedure.  So we gave her the gift of a stuffed animal dog and a pair of scissors.  Her mom tells me she keeps them on her dresser next to her picture of her dog.  Silly and sentimental at the same time.  A perfect combination for middle schoolers.

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The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

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