he Rehoboth class of 2025
graduated on Saturday, May
24. This commencement
ceremony closed out a year of hard
work that saw several accomplish-
ments and accolades as well as great
perseverance.
The class demonstrated outstand-
ing academic ability as 35 of the 43
seniors posted a grade point aver-
age above 3.0. In addition to the
high GPA’s, Zoe Claw and Mazey
Day received named scholarships
from George Fox University and
Arizona State University. Kather-
ine Baldonado earned a spot in the
University of New Mexico’s BA/MD
program—guaranteeing her a seat
in UNM’s Medical School when she
finishes her undergraduate work.
Sialim Benson was awarded the
prestigious Gates Millennium schol-
arship. Seniors Zach Van Drunen
and Karlin Yazzie completed study
in welding and auto mechanics at
the University of New Mexico.
p.2 »
Seniors Shine
The Class of 2025
By Seth Weidenaar, High School Principal
Mariah Johnson and Kat Baldonado process down the center aisle at Rehoboth's
2025 Commencement Service.
Vigorously Academic Beautifully Diverse Thoroughly Christian
S u m m e r 2 0 2 5
This year there was a veritable tie
in the race for Valedictorian; Hailey
Haven and Meg Zwiers were named
co-Valedictorians for their outstand-
ing academic efforts throughout
high school. Hailey and Meg earned
A’s in every single class they took
for the last four years, including
numerous Advanced Placement
classes for both of them. This is an
amazing accomplishment for these
two young women. Hailey plans to
attend Northern Arizona University,
and Meg plans to attend Whitworth
University in Spokane, Washington.
This class also excelled in extra-
curricular activities. Nineteen of
these seniors were involved in the
National Honor Society, doing
incredible work in service projects
and other much needed activities
around school. Many seniors played
integral roles in the choir tour to
California in early April. Angela
Sowers and Lillith Briggs displayed
their acting skills in the
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fall drama production, Anne
of Green Gables, and they
were heavily involved in
the shows from previous
years too. This senior class
also excelled in sports, with
CJ Mariano and Clayton
VanSlooten leading the way
as the scholar athletes of the
year. The boys’ basketball
and baseball teams made
deep runs into the state
tournament, as did the girls’
softball team. Seniors played
vital roles on all of these
teams, with Kristian Touch-
ine being named first-team
all-state for boys basket-
ball. Many Seniors joined
the track team this season,
where they enjoyed their
time and also saw some great
success. Touchine added to
his achievements with a fifth
place finish in shot put at
the state track meet. After
a distinguished career with
Rehoboth’s soccer team,
Morgan Arsenault signed to
play soccer at Hope College
in Holland, Michigan.
These seniors have truly
established themselves as
valuable community mem-
bers, and their leadership at
Rehoboth Christian School
will leave a lasting impact.
We commend them to the
communities where God
will lead them.
» p.1
The Alumni Newsletter is your go-to source
for all things alumni-related. We’re thrilled
to celebrate the achievements of our grow-
ing alumni family—starting with a big
congratulations to the Class of 2025! As
you step into this exciting next chapter,
remember that you’re now part of a vibrant
and inspiring community of graduates.
Each issue of the alumni newsletter features
alumni highlights, upcoming events, and
important updates. Whether you’re making
a career move, celebrating a personal mile-
stone, or impacting your community—we
want to hear from you! Have news to share
or want to receive our monthly newsletter?
Reach out to Todd Perkins, Alumni Rela-
tions Officer, at tperkins@rcsnm.org.
Stay connected, share your journey, and
keep making a difference. We look forward
to hearing from you in the next issue!
Alumni Stay
Connected!
Chad Meekhof addresses the
graduating class.
An open chair sits in memory of
student, Alex DeArmond.
CJ Mariano celebrates graduation with her student sponsors,
Gary and Marcia VanEe.
Special guests from the US Marine
Corps congratulate Eric Rogers.
V i g o r o u s ly A c a d e m i c B e a u t i f u l ly D i v e r s e T h o r o u g h ly C h r i s t i a n
he 2024-2025 school year seemed to go by in the
blink of an eye, however many life shaping events
took place during that blink. From new classes to
sporting events to tours to graduation, this year had loads of
highlights for the students and families involved.
The year launched with a few new and relatively new classes
in the high school. Our Project Bike Tech program grew
to include a Level 2 class for the advanced students. These
young mechanics dove deeper into bicycle maintenance and
did a great job keeping up bikes belonging to the school and
community. The high school tried its hand at social/emotional
learning with a new curriculum called Habitudes, and a few
great discussions were prompted. The science department
offered the first full year of a chemistry class using food and
cooking as a vehicle for understanding physical and chemical
properties and changes—a very popular option among the
11th grade students.
Mr. Ryu Ha completed his first year of teaching at Reho-
both this past year. He joined our staff as a recent graduate
of Calvin University and taught upper level English classes.
Students really appreciated Mr. Ha’s use of technology and
memes as a way to grasp Shakespeare and other classic writ-
ers. Ms. Jennifer Brown also joined our English
department this year, taking over the 9th and 10th
grade classes, along with New Mexico History.
Ms. Brown worked hard, directing students to
write and deeply consider their arguments—a real
highlight for many of our learners.
Of course there was no shortage of activities
during this school year. On Indigenous People’s
Day, Rehoboth hosted a festival complete with
horses, sheep shearing, weaving, and many other
cultural activities. The members of our National
Honor Society chapter organized a service day
that sent students to many different work sites
in the community. The band finished as state
runner-ups, and the choir toured California for a
week in the spring, leaving a lasting impact on our
young singers. Our drama department produced
Anne of Green Gables in the fall, and many stu-
dents participated, making it a wonderful event.
Rehoboth launched a new policy during the
month of February, requiring students to go com-
pletely phone free during the school day. What
may have seemed like a life-altering change for
the worse, actually turned out to be a change for
the better. New, face-to-face interactions blos-
somed in the halls and at lunch,
and students found new levels
of excitement in their classes.
They created fun opportunities
during their free time too, so the
phone-free change gave a posi-
tive flavor to the school year.
High School Recap
By Seth Weidenaar, High School Principal
The HS Choir toured northern California this spring. One of the most memorable stops
for the choir was serving and singing at Alameda Community Food Bank.
NHS Service Day
Food Chemistry
Serving at Children's Library
Bike Tech
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Anthony E. as Soviet cosmonaut,
Yuri Gagarin for the wax museum
ith the school year wrapped up, we want to look
back and share all the amazing moments and
achievements from the past months in elementary
school at Rehoboth. It has been a year full of learning, creativ-
ity, and “Unreasonable Hospitality.” That theme focused us
throughout the year on ways to live out our faith and calling
as Children of God through service in Him.
This past year has been packed with fun, meaningful activi-
ties. Our 4th and 5th grade students dazzled us with their
Living Wax Museum presentations on significant historical
figures, and their Christmas program showcased their talents
and hard work during the fall semester.
Mrs. Henry’s 3rd grade class spent much of the year learn-
ing about the different systems of the human body in science
class. To illustrate the functions of these systems, they often
created working models out of craft items. Balloons became
lungs, and students deepened their understanding of how our
God-given bodies function.
A special shoutout for service goes to our 5th grade class
who teamed up with Mrs. Leanne Gillson to dream, plan, and
build a peaceful “calm corner” on the playground—the per-
fect spot for students to take a breather when things get busy
or they feel frazzled. This calm corner comes from the tool of
“personal space” that students learn about in Rehoboth’s social
emotional curriculum called Toolbox.
The Toolbox curriculum aims to provide tools for students
to regulate the wide range of emotions that sometimes get us
feeling overwhelmed, upset, or anxious. It also equips stu-
dents to navigate basic conflict resolution discussions with
each other.
Throughout the rest of the year, our younger students
enjoyed adventurous field trips to the Gallup Children’s
Museum, sparking curiosity and wonder. Our family nights
celebrated our Explora and Bridges math curriculum, allow-
ing parents and siblings to get in on the curiosity as they tried
for themselves the exciting science and math activities these
classroom resources have to offer.
First graders put their persuasive writing skills to the test
by campaigning for a class pet—and they won! Mushu, their
new red-bearded dragon friend, was a delightful addition to
their classroom family.
It is hard to believe that another school year has come to
a close, and summer break is upon us. We are so proud of all
our students and grateful for your support. We can’t wait to
welcome these young learners back in August, refreshed and
ready for new adventures.
Kindergarten students build a hogan at the new Gallup Children's
Museum.
Delali as American astronaut and Physicist, Sally Ride, at the wax
museum.
Elementary Students Discover and Develop:
Recapping the Year
By Clarissa Johnson, Elementary/Middle School Assistant Principal
Addison P. as Navajo leader,
Annie Dodge Wauneka for the
wax museum.
Students helped construct a
Quiet Box structure for the play-
ground.
1st graders at the Gallup
Children's Museum.
V i g o r o u s ly A c a d e m i c B e a u t i f u l ly D i v e r s e T h o r o u g h ly C h r i s t i a n
he 2025 academic
year at Rehoboth
Christian Middle
School has been a remark-
able journey of discovery,
innovation, and spiritual
development. Our commit-
ment to education is deeply
rooted in our faith, creating
a dynamic learning environ-
ment that inspires students
to explore their God-given
potential and understand
their unique purpose in His
plan.
One of the year's greatest
educational experiences was
our comprehensive water
unit, which celebrated God's
intricate design of the natural
world. Students embarked on
an interdisciplinary learning
adventure that connected
literature, science, social stud-
ies, math, Bible, and critical
thinking with biblical stew-
ardship. Through reading the
novel, Healer of the Water
Monster, by local author
Brian Young, and visiting the
local wastewater treatment
plant, students discovered
how understanding God's
creation involves careful
study, critical thinking, and
reverence for His magnificent
design.
Our students demonstrated
exceptional enthusiasm and
talent, recognizing that their
abilities are gifts from God.
The science fair showcased
remarkable student-led
research projects, while math
competitions highlighted our
students' analytical skills. The
Battle of the Books encour-
aged literary exploration, and
our Forensic Science explor-
atory class provided unique
insights through an engaging
field trip to the local police
department. Above all,
students learned to use their
talents to glorify God and
serve their community with
excellence and humility.
Music continued to be a
cornerstone of our school's
spiritual identity. Band con-
certs and choir performances
became opportunities for
students to express praise
and worship, understanding
that artistic talents are sacred
expressions of God's creativ-
ity. Competitive events, like
All State, challenged students
to refine their skills while
maintaining a heart of grati-
tude and service.
What truly sets Rehoboth
Christian Middle School
apart is our unwavering com-
mitment to holistic Christian
education. Our dedicated
staff invests extra time and
energy into creating an envi-
ronment that helps students
grow spiritually, intellectu-
ally, and personally, always
pointing them toward God's
transformative love.
As we conclude this
incredible academic year, we
are reminded that education
is a holistic journey of intel-
lectual, creative, and spiritual
development. Our middle
school remains a dynamic
space of wonder and discov-
ery, preparing students to
become faithful servants who
understand their calling in
God's grand narrative.
We look forward to
continuing our mission of
transformative Christian edu-
cation, inspiring our students
to become lifelong learners,
compassionate community
members, and devoted fol-
lowers of Christ who seek to
make a meaningful difference
in the world.
Water Unit Projects
A Year of Transformative Learning and Growth
Middle School Year in Review
By Tara DeYoung, Elementary/Middle School Principal
Mid School All State Band participants Forensics Science Class
The Math Counts team ready to take on their competition All State Choir participants
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ehoboth class of 2025
graduate, Sialim Benson,
was named a Gates Millen-
nium Scholar in April. Her
effort to earn the coveted
prize was considerable, and
the scholarship will com-
pletely cover up to five years
of undergraduate study. The
award made Sialim’s top
college choice, Savannah
College of Art and Design, a
reality instead of a dream.
The Scholarship’s applica-
tion process is designed to
whittle down 50,000 appli-
cants until only 750 winners
remain. Sialim began the
initial application in August
of 2024. The first step asked
for basic information about
grades, family, and Sialim’s
future aspirations. Those
initial answers led to the
second round of selection,
which took place in Novem-
ber of 2024. In that phase,
Sialim discussed her extracur-
ricular work, which included
her place in the National
Honor Society, Big Brothers/
Big Sisters, and the Teen
Advisory Board of the Gallup
Public Library. Phase three
began in January of 2025 and
brought four essays. Sialim
was asked to consider what
her Native American heri-
tage means to her, what she
aspires to be, what subjects
she enjoys, and what lead-
ership means to her. Those
essays brought her to the
final interview round, and
that conversation took place
in March. Sialim then found
out she received the scholar-
ship in April.
Sialim’s work preparing
for the interview set her up
for success. She carefully
read over her essays so that
she could understand and
remember everything she
had written. Sialim and her
family then set up several
mock interviews to give her
a sense of what was coming
in the actual interview. Those
mock interviews featured
questions from other Gates
Scholars who knew what
Sialim would be asked and
how best to discuss the topics
that arose. With that exten-
sive preparation, things went
well; although Sialim said she
was still very nervous on the
day of the interview.
Sialim plans to study
interior design at Savannah
College of Art and Design
in Savannah, Georgia. She
became interested in inte-
rior design a few years ago
because she said it was a prac-
tical way to use her artistic
talents and vision. Sialim
dreamed of Savannah College
of Art and Design because
it is a hub for artistic careers
in the United States. She
thought the hefty price tag
might put it out of reach, but
with the Gates Millennium
Scholarship, Sialim is happy
that she can attend without
putting her family through
financial hardship.
The Rehoboth community
is extremely proud of Sialim
for putting in the great effort
to earn the Gates Millennium
Scholarship. We are also
overjoyed seeing the pride
that the Benson family has
for Sialim’s accomplishments.
All of us wish Sialim the best
as she steps forward into her
studies.
Senior Receives Prestigious Gates Scholarship
By Seth Weidenaar, High School Principal
12
years ago, Dave Sytsma
pursued Rehoboth
Christian School, eying
a position as a regional
advancement officer. A
passion for the southwest,
born out of time spent on a
mission trip to Zuni Chris-
tian Mission back in 2008,
prodded Dave to approach
us in the fall of 2013 as he
considered God’s direction
for his life and career. Dave
had spent 30 years working
in the automotive indus-
try for Prince Corporation
and Johnson Controls
when he first connected
with our school. After that
conversation, he had to be
patient as we fleshed out the
details of how he could work
remotely while also learning
and sharing about Reho-
both—the people, culture,
and unique setting that
distinguish our school in the
world of Christian education.
18 months later, Dave
joined the Rehoboth
advancement team as our
midwest advancement officer
and church relations coor-
dinator. In a letter he shared
with a group of supporters,
Dave tells the story of inter-
actions he had with his father
upon joining the Rehoboth
staff. His father asked, "Why
are you leaving your current
job to work at Rehoboth?"
Dave told him, “Dad,
don't you remember when I
was a kid, you always prayed
for Rehoboth at the supper
table?” Dave believed those
prayers led to his desire to
work at Rehoboth, knowing
that in some small way he
could have a hand in further-
ing God’s kingdom.
About one month before
his father died, he told Dave,
"I think you working at
Rehoboth is pretty neat.”
After his dad passed away,
Dave realized he had
Dave Sytsma: 10 Years of Service
By Ken Zylstra, Director of Advancement
Dave, with his wife Sharon, will be easing into retirement in
the coming months.
» p.9
Sialim Benson, Gates Scholar
V i g o r o u s ly A c a d e m i c B e a u t i f u l ly D i v e r s e T h o r o u g h ly C h r i s t i a n
“I
f one part of the
body suffers, every
part suffers with it…
Now you are the body of
Christ, and each one of you
is a part of it.” I Corinthians
12:2. In light of these words
from the apostle Paul, the
Rehoboth Christian School
community is grieving the
loss of someone very spe-
cial to us. Former teacher
and parent, Dirk Holle-
beek, passed away Tuesday,
May 27 in West Michigan
after more than seven years
battling acute leukemia,
the complications of graft
vs. host disease, and finally
pancreatic cancer.
Those who knew Dirk
will remember his laugh and
his wit—both equally quick.
They will have experienced
his huge heart and his desire
to minister to people who are
hurting. That passion became
a life calling, whether it was
as a teacher, as a counselor, or
as a principal. At all of those
stops along the way, Dirk left
dozens of adults and young
people ready to testify to the
power of his love and care in
their lives.
Seda Güney was a Turk-
ish exchange student in
Dirk’s class at Rehoboth
and shares these thoughts,
“Mr. Hollebeek was kind
and thoughtful. He listened
to everyone’s problems and
tried to help them or at least
offer comfort. He never
broke anyone’s heart. In my
country, we say, ‘The beauty
of your heart is seen in your
face.’ The beauty and kind-
ness of Mr. Hollebeek’s heart
and soul were truly reflected
in his face. Even though
I only knew him for nine
months, I’m certain he is one
of the people whose influ-
ence has shaped me into the
person I am now. I especially
want the whole family to
know that his influence has
spread beyond borders.”
“I was in high school
when Mr. Hollebeek started
at Rehoboth,” says Cherie
Tapahonso. “My best friend,
Dawn, and I performed a
synchronized dance for one
of his projects! It was so
silly, but we had so much
fun practicing. For another
project we made a medieval
recipe using chicken gizzards.
No classmates would try it,
but Mr. Hollebeek choked
it down . . . He was kind,
funny, and always gracious.”
Dirk was not the sort
you’d describe as a casual
acquaintance. He dove
deeply into the lives of
others, which is why our
community feels such fierce
love for him yet today. Dirk
and his family love this
place—the call of the trails
and the red rocks for hiking
and biking. They love its
people. And they love Reho-
both Christian School.
We give thanks that Dirk
is no longer in pain, and we
send our prayers and our
support over the many miles
to his wife, Stacey, and their
kids. We take comfort in the
knowledge that as Dirk met
his Lord and Savior com-
pletely healed, he got to hear
the words, “Well done, good
and faithful servant. Well
done.”
Dirk’s family is welcoming
donations to Rehoboth in
his memory, and those gifts
will help build the Hollebeek
Family Endowed Scholar-
ship, which supports school
families through the larger
Lynx Scholarship Fund.
Remembering Dirk Hollebeek
Dirk was known as a snappy dresser, both on and off the bike.
"Beek" jumped right into student life, including taking on the role
of Student Council Advisor. The student council of 2001.
Dirk speaks to the Class of 2008
by Dan Meester, Executive Director
Yearbook Faculty photo: 2006
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The Ippel Family
n our fast paced world,
carving out time to spend
with family members is
a challenge. Between work,
school, and extracurricular
activities, family bond-
ing often takes a backseat.
However, two of Rehoboth’s
long-standing volunteers
have solved that problem
beautifully. They spend time
at Rehoboth serving side-by-
side—grandparents next to
grandkids, learning, growing
and creating memories that
will last a lifetime.
Marlo and Carol DeYoung
have volunteered at Reho-
both for over 15 years and
decided it was time to show
their kids and grandkids
why this place is so special to
them. They spent a week here
during their grandkids’ spring
break from school. “When
volunteering at Rehoboth,
there is something for every-
one, no matter your skill
level or endurance. Our ages
ranged from 10 to 78, and
we were all kept busy—but
not too busy to have a special
time serving together,” said
Carol. “Family time is pre-
cious to us, so spending all
day and night together for a
week allowed for much fun.”
Jack and Cindy Ippel have
volunteered at Rehoboth for
the past 10 years. “We love
sharing Rehoboth with others
and feel like the best way to
learn about the school and
the Rehoboth community is
to experience it. Rehoboth
has a wonderful story to
tell, and much of it needs to
be encountered firsthand,”
commented Jack. This year
was not the first time Jack
and Cindy’s extended family
came to Rehoboth, having
served alongside each other
for many years now. “Our
granddaughters both com-
mented that it was so great to
be able to combine their vol-
unteering with time to relax,
explore and hike,” Jack also
mentioned. The Ippel family
not only painted multiple
spaces around campus this
past trip, but they also hiked
a total of 18 miles!
Both of these families are
grateful for the memories
and bonds created
by volunteering
together. They
hope to pass down
their deep love
for Rehoboth to
their kids and
grandkids, so one
day their children
can carry on their
legacy of service
here. What a
gift to all involved! Carol
DeYoung summed it up well
and said, “Our Lord doesn’t
ask us to do wonders. He just
wants us to be willing. We as
grandparents were so excited
to have this experience with
our children and grandchil-
dren.” Both the Ippels and
DeYoungs bless their families
by helping them develop an
understanding of the greater
world around them as well as
the benefits of giving back.
If you have any questions
about what it might look
like for you and your family
to spend time volunteering
at Rehoboth together please
reach out to Laura Blystra,
our Guests and Groups
Coordinator. She would love
to help set up a volunteer
experience for you that can
leave an impact for genera-
tions to come.
The Power of Generational
By Laura Blystra, Guest and Groups Coordinator
The DeYoung Family
Volunteering
Painting at the Mission House Campus clean up
V i g o r o u s ly A c a d e m i c B e a u t i f u l ly D i v e r s e T h o r o u g h ly C h r i s t i a n
Student Teachers: Cheyenne, Sarah, Noah, Kate, Lauren, and Kyra
by Dan Meester, Executive Director
Calvin senior, Kate McDonough, loved Meghan Cavanaugh's
5th grade class.
his past semester, Rehoboth rekindled a special student teaching program with Calvin
University (Grand Rapids, MI) that had been dormant for several years. Rather
than just individual education majors coming to Rehoboth, a group of five Calvin
teachers-to-be journeyed to our school, accompanied by Professor Al Boerema and his wife,
Marjorie. And just for good measure, we threw in a student teacher from Grace College
(Winona Lake, IN) as well. The group lived in the Rehoboth guest dormitory and went
through their student teaching seminar class under the direct supervision of Boerema.
These future educators partnered with Rehoboth teachers throughout our K-12 program in
elementary classes, subject-specific middle school and high school classes, and special educa-
tion classes. During that time, the student teachers formed tight knit relationships with each
other and with their mentors.
Cheyenne Clouse, from Grace College, was paired with Emily Wuestewald for high school
math and noted, “It couldn’t have been a better fit. I had some of the most genuine and mean-
ingful conversations with ‘Wuest,’ who guided me not only in teaching strategies but also in
navigating broader life topics.”
Sarah Howerzyl graduated from Rehoboth in 2018 and came back for student teaching as
part of earning her masters in education through Calvin. “Being familiar with Rehoboth and
then getting the opportunity to do my student teaching here gave me a behind the scenes look
at everything that goes into teaching at this school. Seeing how much effort the teachers put
into their work here made me even more appreciative of my own time here as a student.”
Howerzyl worked with Kellie Wright in a variety of high school social studies classes. “I
loved our Government class,” said Howerzyl. “It allowed me to talk about local politics with
our students and cover issues that mattered in Arizona, New Mexico, Gallup, and the Navajo
Nation. This experience definitely confirmed God’s direction and plan for me.” Howerzyl is
set to teach high school social studies at Calvin Christian School in Escondido, CA this fall.
At a celebratory dinner toward the end of their stay in the guest dorm at Rehoboth, Profes-
sor Boerema and each of the student teachers thanked the Rehoboth staff and administration
for the experience and especially for the welcome they felt from the moment they arrived.
“The community welcomed me with warmth and hospitality, creating a space where I felt
accepted and supported from day one,” said Clouse. Student teaching partnerships like this
help spread the word about Rehoboth and make more college students aware of the special
calling and opportunity it is to work here. We look forward to continuing to help shape the
next generation of educators in the years ahead.
Shaping the Future: Rehoboth Welcomes
Student Teachers
received his father’s blessing.
Over the past decade, the
time and energy that Dave
spent building connections
to Rehoboth and encourag-
ing support helped provide
funding to build our new
high school, purchase a new
fleet of buses, renovate our
volunteer apartments, expand
our special education (SALT)
program, and grant tuition
assistance each school year to
approximately 75% of our
students. We are grateful for
Dave’s dedication to visiting
with supporters, presenting
in churches, and writing
countless thank you cards.
As Dave eases into
retirement in the coming
months, he and his wife
Sharon look forward to
taking a trip to Europe,
including a Rhine River
cruise. Dave will also enjoy
spending time with his
grandson, fixing up his cabin,
and hopefully following
through on his promise to his
old boss to bring some veni-
son jerky back to Rehoboth.
If you are thinking about
how you might be able to
help Rehoboth continue to
build connections and grow
relationships of support,
please reach out to Ken
Zylstra, director of
advancement, to begin a
conversation.
“The absolute favorite part of my job
has been getting to know the people
who love and support the school with
their gifts, time, and prayer. I have met
many new friends—friends for life.”
Sytsma p.6 »
10
w w w . r c s n m . o r g 5 0 5 . 8 6 3 . 4 4 1 2 p o b o x 4 1 r e h o b o t h n m 8 7 3 2 2
In memory of Norma and Julian Baas
Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Connie DeHaan
In memory of Ann K. Boyd
Mrs. Elizabeth Lankheet
In memory of Alexandra DeArmond
Mr. and Mrs. Bobby and Beatrice DeArmond
In memory of Jim and Jan Dollahan
Mr. Scott Gortsema and Mrs. Molly
Dollahan-Gortsema
In memory of Wes Geurkink
Cascade Fellowship CRC
In memory of Ronald Goodyke
Cascade Fellowship CRC
In memory of Ed and Elaine
Gortsema
Mr. Scott Gortsema and Mrs. Molly
Dollahan-Gortsema
In memory of Bill and Lois Holwerda
Mrs. Judy Daverman
In memory of Henry and Marian Ippel
Mr. and Mrs. David and Barbara Ippel
In memory of John Kamps
Mr. and Mrs. Don and Kathleen Klompeen
In memory of Kenneth Kobes
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Susan Sappenfield
In memory of Bernie Koops
Mr. and Mrs. Henry and Eileen Hofstra
In memory of J. Barry Koops
Mr. Clayton Libolt
In memory of Susie Kravig
Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Charlene Prinsen
Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Mary DeVries
In memory of Susie and Arvin Kravig
Mr. and Mrs. Keith and Cheryl VanDrunen
In memory of Johanna Kromminga
and Agnes Kromminga-Steigenga
Mrs. Mary K. Rhee
In memory of Beth Kuiper
Mrs. Karen Admiraal
Ms. Sharon L. Fuhs
Dr. and Mrs. Richard and Janet Yzenbaard
In memory of Benjamin and
Louise Musket
Ms. Melvina Musket
Dr. Milford Muskett
Dr. Lorenda Belone
In memory of Robert Onderlinde
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Rhonda Berg
In memory of Robert Poel
Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Marybeth Haverkamp
Cascade Fellowship CRC
In memory of Ed and Ann Pylman
Mrs. Judith Slager
In memory of Robert Ritsema
Mr. and Mrs. James and Joanne Olthoff
In memory of Ken Slager
Mrs. Judith Slager
In memory of Donald Slater
Mrs. Kay L. Slater
In memory of Robert Smickley
Cascade Fellowship CRC
In memory of Lorraine Tapahonso
Gleason
Ms. Sue Tapahonso
In memory of Rev. James L.
Vanderlaan
Mrs. Eunice Vanderlaan
In memory of Gertrude Voortman
Mrs. Joann Veenstra
In memory of Johannes Witte
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Geraldine Kartes
Gifts Given in Memory
Alumni
Obituaries
Marian Newman (Class of 1953)
- January 31, 2025
John Bernard Koops (Class of 1957)
- April 9, 2025
We encourage you to commemorate
our Alumni who have gone before us
by sending us an email and sharing
any information to our Alumni Rela-
tions department.
Email: tperkins@rcsnm.org
V i g o r o u s ly A c a d e m i c B e a u t i f u l ly D i v e r s e T h o r o u g h ly C h r i s t i a n
11
Guest and Groups Coordinator
Laura Blystra
lblystra@rcsnm.org
(505) 726-9603
Director of Advancement
Ken Zylstra
kzylstra@rcsnm.org
(505) 488-3900
Executive Director
Dan Meester
dmeester@rcsnm.org
(505) 726-9623
Contact Us
Thank you, Volunteers!
Long Term Volunteers
Jack and Cindy Ippel
Al and Marjorie Boerema
Wes Brower
David Mc Lure
Liz Bigley
Short Terms Volunteers
Denny and Ruth VanAndel
Bob and Susanne Jordan
Harry and Mary Blystra
Marlo and Carol DeYoung
Dave, Holly, Conrad, and Marcus Timmer
Michael DeYoung
Janelle, Alec, Graeme, and Rex DeYoung
Paul Oester
Dennis and Bonnie Huenink
Jon, Joy, Isaac, Kendra, and Ella Ippel
Sarah Plaggemars
Mark Deckinga
Les and Betty Visser
Michelle VanDenBerg
James and Barbara Newell
Dave and Joy Koning
James and Sarah Dirksen
Jim and Luanne Wuestewald
Dave and Lori Heilman
Randy and Jan Bode
Patty Whittaker
Duane and Jacki Matter
Bob and Mary Matter
Allen and Lynn Likkel
Arie VanderZouwen
Gerrit and Ann Nydam
Doug Bosscher
Elizabeth, Charles, Tess,
and Lucy Van Snellenberg
Volunteer Groups
Manhattan Christian School–
Manhattan, Montana
Lutheran Church of Hope–
West Des Moines, Iowa
Arrowhead Christian Academy–
Redlands, California
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University–
Prescott, Arizona
Lutheran Church of Hope:
Kairos College Ministry –
West Des Moines, Iowa
Shalom CRC–
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Third CRC–
Lynden, Washington
Calvin University Clean Water Institute–
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Student Teachers
Kyra Nolan - Calvin University
Lauren Feak - Calvin University
Noah Albers - Calvin University
Sarah Howerzyl - Calvin University
Kate McDonough - Calvin University
Cheyenne Clouse - Grace Bible College
s we look to close another school year and
soon begin the next, we ask for your con-
tinued support to meet our year-end financial
needs. Through June 5, we have received gifts for
our Tuition Assistance and Annual Fund totaling
$1,879,949. We are close to meeting our budgeted
need for contributions, but anticipate a finan-
cial shortfall in the amount of $158,000. This
shortfall is due to lower than anticipated tuition
income and other revenue, coupled with higher
than anticipated expenses, primarily in staffing and
benefits. We ask you to consider helping us with
an additional gift so that we can meet our year end
financial needs and encourage you to reach out if
you have questions or for additional information.
Keith Kuipers Gym Project
Progress continues to be made towards the finish
line of the Kuipers campaign. Please visit our proj-
ect webpage at www.rcsnm.org/support/kuipers.
cfm for more detailed information. We are thank-
ful for gifts given recently to reduce the remaining
campaign need as of May 28, 2025 to $386,720.
Tuition Assistance/Annual Fund Needs
An exciting community partnership with
UNM-Gallup is coming in fall of 2025—one
that will allow three of our high school students
to join their Multi-Vocational Student Oppor-
tunity Program for job training and experience.
They will learn job and life skills every afternoon
for a month at the UNM Gallup campus, before
being placed into a real work environment for
the remainder of the semester. You will hear more
about this exciting partnership in the fall.
We are grateful to each of you who faithfully
supported our growth over the past four years. The
number of students in our area with special needs
is many times higher than the national average,
and the SALT program carves out a place for those
students to thrive at Rehoboth. The remaining
need to fully fund the SALT program for the
2024-2025 school year is $32,327.
» SALT cont. from cover
NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
GREENVILLE MI
PERMIT #338
PO Box 41
Rehoboth NM 87322
ur SALT (Students All Learning Together) program is celebrating four
years since its formal inception in 2021! SALT continues to create
belonging for every learner at Rehoboth, and this past year we were able to
support 55 students in grades K-12.
In addition to the classroom academic support SALT provides, we now
have the opportunity to meet more developmental and social/emotional
needs as well. For 2024-25, SALT provided speech therapy, occupational
therapy, physical therapy, and mental health counseling to identified Reho-
both students. We also continued a partnership with Calvin University’s
Speech Pathology and Audiology Graduate Program that allows for addi-
tional speech therapy as needed.
Elementary students walking back from lunch arm in arm
with one of our SALT students.
p.11 »
by Emily Jeninga, Director of SALT
SALT Celebrates
Four Years
Vigorously Academic Beautifully Diverse Thoroughly Christian
Enroll
Your Child
at Rehoboth
Today!
Rooted in faith and academic excellence, we are
committed to helping students thrive through
hands-on learning, outdoor experiences, and
community-building opportunities, all within a
Christ-centered environment that shapes both heart
and mind. With a 100% graduation rate for the
class of 2025, we are equipping young people to
lead with purpose, love deeply and serve others with
humility and strength.
To learn more, contact the Admissions Office
at 505-863-4412 or visit www.rcsnm.org.