Cliff Borden’s job is to try to take Elliot athletics to an even higher level.  Borden is the school’s new athletic director, replacing Jane Davis, who stepped down this summer after a successful nine-tenure that saw the school add football and build a softball program that is among the best in the state.

Cliff Borden (front and center) pictured with family

“I have some ties here, so I know a lot about the school and have kept up with it,” said Borden, whose sister and brother-in-law, Dan and Beth Lambdin, founded Elliot in 1997.

Borden is appreciative of what he’s been handed.  “Jane has done a great job of getting the program to where it is,” he
said. “My job is to come in and try to make it a little better.”  Borden seems well equipped for the challenge, with 25 years of coaching, teaching and administrative experience. He spent the last nine years at Redding Christian School, where he was the principal, a teacher and a softball coach.

Borden graduated from the University of Pacific with a degree in computer science and then started his career at Brookside Christian in Stockton in 1986, where he served as principal and athletic director before leaving for a school in Monterey in 1997.  He’s coached soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball and track.

“We’re expanding the role (of AD) to more administrative and he’s been an AD, administrator and teacher,” Elliot Principal David Couchman said of Borden. “He just has more ability to do some things.”  Borden is leaving a school that had an enrollment of about 130 students and coming to one that is at 225 and growing. He said he believes this year’s freshman class is already full.  “Even in this economy they’ve continued to grow,” Borden said.  He said he doesn’t intend to coach this year but it’s a possibility in the future.  Borden added that he could see Elliot adding some sports in the coming years.

Davis, who also taught physical education at Elliot, leaves an impressive legacy.  She took over as AD in 2002 and the school had a football team a year later, led by her husband, Dean. During her tenure the softball team won seven section championships.  Her sons, Jon and Matt, and daughter, Katie, were also star athletes at the school.  “Jane did a fantastic job. She is very upbeat and energetic and works well with the community and loves the kids,” Couchman said.

“Stepping up to coach track and field when there was no coach for the 2011 season — even though she had no track and field experience — That is very representative of her.”

Source: Lodi News 8/15/2011

Aartman, Serena

Anema, Katie

Buhrkuhl, Emily

Cabral, Andrew

Cabral, Jamielyn

Canepa, Christian

Collins, William

Crawford, Stephanie

Cubangbang, Khelani

Elliot, Rachel

Giesbrecht, Sara

Goans, Whitney

Hanson, Laurel

Hausauer, Gabrielle

Hensley-Elliott, Jade

Huffhines, Charles

Lambdin, Amy

Leary, Ashtin

Liu, Christopher

Martinez, Ana

Martinez, Ronald

Monroe, April

Neeley, Kristen

Nicholas, George

Olson, Cameron

Olson, Jonathan Konanui

Olson, Kaitlyn

Patterson, Austin

Riley, Michelle

Robinson, Casee

Santos, Brianna

Schmidig, Kayla

Siken, Jacob

Smith-Newman, Sarah

Stanley, Emily

Treat, Sarah

Tunquist, Cierra

Vaughn, Matthew

Vierra, Lauren

Voorhees, Sarayah

Ward, Macie

Wesley, Aria

Congratulations!  You will be missed…

Kristen Neeley, valedictorian for Jim Elliot Christian High School’s Class of 2011, at Temple Baptist Church in Lodi on Saturday, May 28, 2011.

For Kristen Neeley, four years of hard work has paid off. This week, she walked across the graduation stage as valedictorian of Jim Elliot Christian High School.

“I really tried hard to get good grades. I took all the classes I could to challenge myself,” Neeley said.

Neeley graduated with a 4.2 grade point average earned by taking advanced placement history and calculus classes.

Neeley has always excelled in school, from before she attended middle school at Mokelumne River School and all the way through high school. She was a quick learner, and new subjects came easily.

But when it was time for calculus, she wondered if the complicated math would tarnish her history of perfect grades.

“I’m not used to not getting things right away,” she said.

But Neeley did what she knew to do. She studied harder. Put in extra time needed to grasp the material. And in the end, even conquered calculus.

Neeley’s mother, Michelle Neeley, says her daughter has always been a bright student, and they’ve always expected her to succeed.

“Her dad and I are so proud of everything she’s accomplished … it’s a blessing having her as a daughter,” Michelle Neeley said.

Throughout high school, Neeley enjoyed hanging out with friends, going to the movies, dining out with friends and playing softball.

She felt attending a small school like Jim Elliot — with about 50 seniors in her graduating class — allowed the students to be a part of a tight-knit group.

“It was just a really good environment and a good school,” she said, adding that she thinks the school helps give students morals and character.

One of her favorite high school memories is when the entire school went to a spiritual camp at Jessup Park at the beginning of the year.

Though Neeley will miss her friends and playing softball, she is excited about the future and working toward becoming a lawyer.

For the next two years, Neeley plans to attend Cosumnes River College before transferring to William Jessup, where she wants to major in political science. After that, she plans to go to University of the Pacific’s law school.

Contact Lodi Living Editor Lauren Nelson at laurenn@lodinews.com.

Mackenzie Freed is Runner Up for Miss Teenage Pageant

Mackenzie is a 15-year-old sophomore at Jim Elliot Christian
High School. She stands 5’6″ tall with blonde hair and blue/green eyes.
She serves in the Interact Community Service Club where she makes sandwiches
for the homeless in her area. She also is a volunteer for the Cancer Kids of
Lodi, and organization helping children with cancer. She has held a position in
student government for the past three years, and currently serves on her
schools Student Council. She is responsible for planning and organizing spirit
week, homecoming week as well as the winter formal. In addition she is involved
in track and field at school, as well as being active in basketball and
cheerleading,. She plays both the guitar and piano, and hopes to graduate with
high honors and eventually proceed to law school, with a long- range goal of
becoming a prosecutor. As this year’s 1^st runner up she is the
recipient of a $4,000 college scholarship.

An Emperor Exposed

Bravo!  Bravo!  Audiences were amazed and entertained by the Elliot students’ performance of An Emporer Exposed which is a take on the story of the Emporer’s New Clothes.  Students, school staff and parents have been working very hard for months on the production.  The had a sold out crowd opening night, Friday at 7pm on May 6th.  Chairs had to be added to accomodate the crowd!  What a blessing.  Performances ran Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 2pm and 7pm.    A video was recorded of the performances and may be available.  Contact Mr. Stow or Mrs. Theisen at JECHS at 209-368-2800.  When asked to comment, Mr. Stow said the glory belonged to God.  He said that despite a nearly new group to acting, the students did a marvelous job.  They worked hard since January and even though there were struggles with role changes and prop difficulties, they worked through it all and made a wonderful play come to life!

An Emperor Exposed is based on the play Dean L. Dyer and was directed by Mr. Steve Stow.

Shull visits White House

            Kaila Shull is experiencing all the perks of being a national champion. The former Elliot Christian softball star, who helped the UCLA softball team win the NCAA national title in June, got to visit the White House on Monday. The Bruins were one of 30 NCAA championship teams honored by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House.  Shull, a catcher, hit .287 in her senior campaign with 30 runs scored, 20 runs batted in, seven doubles and six home runs.

For some of you reading this post it wasn’t that long ago—and for others like myself, we are decades past that milestone in life. Having recently attended my 30-year high school reunion, the memories not only of the first day, but also my entire high school experience, are a bit more in focus.

Fifty-six incoming freshmen experienced their first day at Jim Elliot Christian High School this week, and it was everything a typical first day at any high school in the county would include:

• students piling out of cars barely looking back at their parents wishing them well on their first day
• moms taking photos - to the horror and chagrin of their children
• frustrated attempts at figuring out how to open lockers
• nervous laughter and acute self-consciousness
• the mad search for anyone familiar to simply stand next to
• attention given to teachers as they went over classroom rules again and again, class after class
• becoming overwhelmed with paperwork, details and homework assignments

You get the picture!

Yes, in many ways it was just a “typical” first day of high school.  But at Jim Elliot it was so much more than typical!

• Incoming freshmen were greeted by, encouraged and made to feel right at home by dozens of student council members, ready and willing to help them and  easily spotted in their bright blue StuCo t-shirts.

• Smiling teachers and staff were there not just to dole out homework but to invest in the lives of the students even outside the classroom through advising, coaching, mentoring and discipling them

• The beginnings of deep life long friendships that often happen more in a small school atmosphere were set into motion. (after 25 years in Christian education I can confidently attest to the fact that these students will form close-knit life long relationships with friends and teachers)

• The day began with not merely an opening assembly but with prayer, an uplifting time of worship and encouragement from the Word of God!

• And most importantly they began their high school years at a school whose main goal is to glorify God in everything they do - positive social activities, life changing community service opportunities, athletic teams where winning isn’t the only thing, clubs and extra curricular activities that add value to life, inspiring arts and cultural experiences, academics from a Biblical world view – all while training students to live for Him and go out and make a divine impact on the world!

Perhaps this is what you experienced your first day of high school. If so, you know the blessing this ministry will be to the entire student body, their families and the community during the 2010-11 school year. If you are a JECHS alumnus or alumnus family, you are also well aware of the lifelong impact such a school will have on the students who have the amazing opportunity to be enrolled here.

During freshman orientation I had a conversation with a mother of an incoming student who also had a daughter attend JECHS several years ago. She was sharing with me her story of how they had to pull her out of school after two years because they were experiencing financially devastating circumstances in their lives at that time. Her daughter went to a local public school where things began to spiral out of control to the point that she ultimately decided to homeschool for the remainder of her high school education. As this mother lamented that one decision (of taking her out of Elliot) and the consequences that ensued, she said, “If I had to do it over again I would stand on the street corner with a sign asking for money before letting finances be the thing that kept my children from being here.”

I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as I listened to her heart-wrenching story.  If I had my way, every student who wanted to attend Jim Elliot, but was prohibited because of finances would be here!

Don’t get me wrong—the hard working JECHS board is doing everything possible to ensure that we have financial assistance for those in need. In fact this year alone the board has allocated close to $100,000 for tuition assistance. We also have tuition assistance coming from the Al Gotelli Memorial Fund that was started last year in honor of one of our wonderful Founding Families. 

But it is still not enough…

We have several students who experienced their amazing first day at JECHS this week, for whom we have stepped out in faith, believing that God will provide the money needed to keep them in school.

We are sending out a call for help to you today (picture me standing on the street corner with a sign: “Please help keep our kids in school! Donations needed”.)  Our business manager Marlene Weigum has informed me that just to help the currently enrolled students in need of tuition assistance, we must raise $16,000 at minimum. That does not take into consideration those families who may need emergency help this year due to personal financial fallouts or unexpected tragedies. I would also love to have this fund overflowing with money so that we can encourage those who truly want and need the Jim Elliot experience, yet have never even hoped to attend because of finances, to walk through our door knowing that we can assist them financially.

You may be thinking to yourself: I don’t have that type of money to give to scholarships. Let me give you some encouragement—you do not have to donate hundreds or thousands of dollars to this fund. If everyone reading this letter simply made a small donation to our Founders Fund, that was established in 2009 during our 10th anniversary celebration by Kevin & Sandy Huber to encourage donations specifically for students in need, we would have more than enough to help these students stay at Jim Elliot. The biggest variable in that equation is…“if  everyone”.

• Perhaps you are an alumnus or family member of an alumnus who attended JECHS or a school like it. This is a great opportunity for you to help another student have that experience, too.
• Or maybe you are an individual who at some point in your education or life received financial help, and you would like to give back. This would be a great time!
• Some of you may even be teachers who know firsthand what an amazing place this school is, and despite your ongoing sacrifice are willing to do yet one more thing to pour into these students.
• Every year, existing students have given what they can to help their peers stay at Elliot. (This always fills my heart with great joy!) Maybe some of you reading this will give up a trip to Juice it Up or Starbucks to contribute to this fund.
• If you are like me and did not have this type of high school experience, you may be wishing that you had had such an opportunity, and would love to bless someone else with this unique experience – please do it!
• And lastly, maybe you are completely unconnected to this school, but are looking for a worthwhile place to contribute money—this is it!

Like many of you, things are challenging for our family financially right now and there are a lot of questions about the future. However we are making a small donation, in faith, to help students receive the Jim Elliot experience because we are so convinced of the eternal value in making a difference in the life of a young person!

Won’t you join us?

Here is a link to the JECHS secure Pay Pal account if you would like to make that donation to the Founders Fund right now! (we would love that) – https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8706119

Or you can make a donation in person or by mail at the school office (Please identify that the donation is for Founders Fund):

Jim Elliot Christian High School  2695 West Vine St  Lodi, CA 95242

If you have any questions, please contact Marlene Weigum at 209-368-2800

Thank you for your consideration in helping make the difference in the life of our students. May your generosity have lasting eternal impact and come back to you in abundance. And together let us thank the Lord, in advance for His abundant provision for this need.

Blessings,

Beth Lambdin

Director of Development

P.S. – I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that after three years of having the honor of serving the school and the Lord in this capacity of Development Director at Jim Elliot, it appears that He is sending me on a new path this fall.  Of course I will still be actively involved as a parent of three current students (and with my youngest child graduating in 2027…I should be around for a very long time!); the wife of  the infamous Mr. Lambdin; and being passionate about Christian education & JECHS.  I did not want this to be the final communication you hear from me as an official staff member and have you wonder why I seemingly disappeared. I would appreciate prayers for the Lord’s clear direction and will as I seek to use the gifts and talents He has given me for His glory as well as prayers for our awesome school as they look to go in a new direction with the development department. God is faithful & true!

Lodi Lions Club $1,000  –  Alis Sokolova 

Sheri’s Sonshine $300 each – Tyler Nuss, Megan Crutchfield, Alis Sokolova 

Virginia Davis Memorial Scholarship $250  -  Brittani Hilscher  

Lodi Grape Festival “Bucks-4-Books”      Megan Crutchfield 

Good Samaritan Award $750  –  Jessika Bonds 

Buhr Scholarship for Robotics $250 each -  Katie Copeland & Jill Libhart 

United States Army Award  – Russell Hausauer  

Growth in Leadership Scholarship $250 – Alis Sokolova 

Young Entrepreneur Scholarship $250   Anthony Galleta 

Dedication to Art Scholarship $250      Jill Libhart 

Young Artist Scholarship $100           Kat Ruiz 

Drama Award $100       Rachel Grenz 

JECHS Scholarship $250 each       Megan Crutchfield & Kaitlyn Liu 

Elliot Legacy Award $1000 each      Jonathan “Bubba” Wall & Alis Sokolova 

Mary Crutchfield Memorial Scholarship $500 each – Paul Goossens & Kari McKinnon 

Devotional Competition and Scholarship   

      1^st – Joey Van Meter ($100)

      2^nd - Tyler Nuss ($50) 

Wendy’s Heisman Regional Award  – Andrew Cotton 

Pinnacle Award       Andrew Cotton 

Distinguished Student Award – The Stockton Record        Alis Sokolova 

ACSI Distinguished Christian High School Student Award presented in Academics, Leadership, Fine Arts, Athletics and Christian Service 

Juniors: Katie Anema, Emily Buhrkuhl, Stephanie Crawford, Jade Hensley-Elliott, Amy Lambdin, Chris Liu, Ana Martinez, Kristen Neeley, Kaitlyn Olson, Kona Olson, Austin Patterson, Jacob Siken, Lauren Vierra, Sarayah Voorhees, & Macie Ward

Seniors: Andrew Cotton, Megan Crutchfield, Leslie Huber, Jill Libhart, Kari McKinnon, Drew Musgrave, Tyler Nuss, Audrey Plath, Kat Ruiz, Alis Sokolova, Jessi Towne, Sam Towne, Joey Van Meter, Bubba Wall, & Chiles Wilson 

National Merit Scholar (PSAT)      Joey Van Meter 

Bank of America Certificate of Achievement 

•       Jill Libhart – Art     
• Kat Ruiz – Foreign Language (ASL)
• Joey Van Meter – History              
• Kari McKinnon – Foreign Language (ASL)  
• Nate Fickert – Mathematics    
• Joey Van Meter – Foreign Language (Spanish)
• Tyler Nuss – Mathematics       
• Kaitlyn Liu – English  
• Tyler Nuss – Science     
• Sam Towne – Religious Studies 

Bank of America Plaque of Achievement       

• Andrew Cotton – Liberal Arts   
• Alis Sokolova – Science/Math 

Bank of America Achievement Award – Central Valley Region  

Andrew Cotton competed for over a two hour period.  A luncheon of over 300 people followed.  The winners from the four categories were announced. Andrew came in first place in the Liberal Arts category.  To help you understand the caliber of this competition, fifteen thousand of the top students from California were originally recommended by faculty committees.  From that group, eight of the top students in the four categories competed in each of the five regions. He received $2,000 as a Bank of America Achievement Awards Winner. 

Prudential Spirit of Community Award  Megan Crutchfield & Jill Mulrooney 

National Association of Secondary School Principals Leadership Award

      Andrew Cotton 

Student Council Leadership Awards 

2009-10 Student Council: Andrew Cotton, Alice Sokolova, Megan Crutchfield, Luke LaRue, Ana Martinez, Makenna Cowden, Anthony Galletta, Chiles Wilson, Alisabeth Cotton, Tom Lippert, Tyler Nuss, Joey Van Meter, Rachael Grenz, Stephanie Crawford, Sam Towne, Chris Liu, Julia Lippert & Peter Isaak 

2010-11 Student Council: Ana Martinez, Alisabeth Cotton, Macie Ward, Kevin Ellis, Kona Olsen, Emily Buhrkuhl, Justin Santos, Makenna Cowden, Chris Liu, Abby Crutchfield, Rachel Elliot, Tyler Hale, Alexander Lappas, RJ Martinez, Laurel Hanson, John Johnson, Brittany Gross, Jordan Tiner, Austin Vickers, MacKenzie Freed, & Rachel Stadnitsky 

Volunteer Parent of the Year

Teri Crutchfield 

Outstanding Community Service Awards (Interact)  Andrew Cotton, Brooks Coussons, Megan Crutchfield, Jill Mulrooney, & Alis Sokolova 

Presidential Club Award & Outstanding Interacters 

      Megan Crutchfield & Jill Mulrooney 

Martens Family Scholarships $100 each

Jill Mulrooney, Megan Crutchfield, Alis Sokolova 

California Scholarship Federation Life Membership Award 

Andrew Cotton, Brooks Coussons, Megan Crutchfield, Paul Goossens, Rachael Grenz, Drew Musgrave, Tyler Nuss, Alis Sokolova, Jessi Towne, Sam Towne, Joey Van Meter & Bryan Williams 

Creative Writing Awards 

      Lorin Gran, Jill Self & Daniel Holston 

Dale Lacky/GMC Scholar Athlete Award and Scholarship $600  Megan Crutchfield & Paul Goossens 

Golden Eagle Award & Scholarship $250

      Andrew Cotton  & Megan Crutchfield  

Harvest Christian League Scholar Athlete Award (3.5 GPA all 3 quarters)

Katie Anema, Randall Blythe, Emily Buhrkuhl, Michael Callahan, Andrew Cotton, Makenna Cowden, Stephanie Crawford, Abby Crutchfield, Megan Crutchfield, Joshua Daniel, Kevin Ellis, Nathan Fickert, MacKenzie Freed, Paul Goossens, Lorin Gran, Rachael Grenz, Jade Hensley-Elliot, Nathan Huft, Evan Hust, Harrison Husting, Austin Johnson, Katie Kishi, Kenna Kitamura, Andrew Klinker, Kristen Lambdin, Julia Lippert, Kaitlyn Liu, Kathryn Liu, Kari McKinnon, Drew Musgrave, Erica Musgrave, Kristen Neeley, Tyler Nuss, Kaitlyn Olson, Samantha Picone, Katrina Ruiz, Clayton Silva, Colton Simpson, Alice Sokolova, Jessi Towne, Michael Treat, Sarah Treat, Cierra Tunquist, Alex Van Meter, Joseph Van Meter, Austin Vickers, Lauren Vierra, Tori Villagomez, Sarayah Voorhees, Jonathan “Bubba” Wall, Lauren Williams & Chiles Wilson. 
 

Perfect Attendance Awards 

Randall Blythe, Lorin Gran, Ryan Guerreo, Austin Johnson, Ryan Neal, Jacob Siken, Jessi Towne, Amy Ung  

Henry’s Hero Award for no violations

 9^th- Samantha Picone, Keith Rivas, Jillian Self, Joel Siken, Shay Lynn Voorhees, Brandon Wilkinson 

10^th – Michael Callahan, MaKenna Cowden, Maddison Ezell, Kristen Lambdin, Erica Musgrave, Ryan Neal, Marissa Sutton, William White 

11^th – Katie Anema, Emily Buhrkuhl, Stephanie Crawford, Sara Giesbrecht, Jade Hensley-Elliott, Amy Lambdin, Kristen Neeley, Cameron Olson, Kaitlyn Olson, Jacob Siken, Sarah Smith, Emily Stanley, Sarah Treat, Sarayah Voorhees, Macie Ward 

12^th grade

Jessika Bonds, Jared Chacon, Katie Copeland, Andrew Cotton, Rachael Grenz, Daniel Holston, Nathan Huft, Jill Libhart, Kari McKinnon, Andrew Musgrave, Kristi Popuch, Katrina Ruiz, Megan Spurgeon

Academic Excellence Scholarship (4.0+)  

Jessika Bonds, Andrew Cotton, Megan Crutchfield, Paul Goossens, Kaitlyn Liu, Kari McKinnon, Drew Musgrave, Tyler Nuss & Alis Sokolova 

JECHS Christian Character Awards

•   9th –  Roman Butler   
• 10th – Michael Callahan  
• 11th – Macie Ward
• 12th – Jessika Bonds 

We asked for the Lord’s blessing on our annual JECHS dinner auction event and it felt as if His face was shining down upon us as the high winds became calm and the warm sun sparkled through the trees, just as hundreds of people began to arrive at Oak Farm Vineyard for a delightful evening.

And the delights were abundant!

• The picturesque vineyards created a beautiful atmosphere that perfectly set the mood for the evening
• 
• Guests were greeted by students eager to serve as they passed out sparkling cider and pointed people in the direction of the abundant silent auction offerings for them to bid on and a table filled with refreshing appetizers
• 
• Two of our animated and amazing Senior guys, Sam & Chiles, enthusiastically sold raffle tickets for a chance to win one of the 10 special raffle prizes
• 
• Music drifted sweetly through the air as Leslie, Kevin & Rachel shared their God-given talents with us all
• 
• As more and more guests arrived the sounds of laughter, joyful greetings and upbeat conversations filled the place
• 
• The tables were decorated with fresh flowers and strawberries complimenting the dark chocolate table cloths and cranberry napkins.
• 
• A delicious dinner & dessert was graciously served by our wonderful Jim Elliot students
• 
• We were blessed by the musical talent of students and alumni and our hearts were touched by the stories of lives changed by the school ministry
• 
• The live auction was upbeat, funny and entertaining as Jim Mulrooney captured the attention of everyone with his playful banter and superb auction skills.
• 

And the dream that began 13 years ago in the summer of 1997…the dream of a Christian school in San Joaquin County like none other:  a school where ->

• The staff and teachers are committed Christians with a heart for ministering to and discipling students.
• Students desire to grow closer to God and are trained to go out and make a difference in the world.
• Training in academics, athletics, technology and the arts is accomplished with a spirit of excellence.
• The social atmosphere is positive, uplifting and inspiring.
• Jesus is lifted up and the light of His love shines brightly to the entire community.

That dream is able to continue to grow and flourish in large part because of the funds raised each year at our annual dinner auction.

Drum roll please…..the 2010 dinner auction – “Divine Delights & Dreams” broke a new record for Jim Elliot Christian High School raising over…

 $46,000

….for the Annual Fund, which bridges the gap between the price paid for tuition and the actual cost of running the school.  We give thanks to the Lord for His divine providence and abundant provision for our school! Glory to God!

Enjoy this slide show of the evening and some comments from those who attended!

“Kevin and I were impressed from the moment we parked our car and began our walk down the lovely tree lined path toward the beautiful white barn. The surrounding vineyards and flowing irrigation station heralded our entry. We met friends, made new friends, ate delicious food and enjoyed an educational and wonderful program. At the end of the evening we walked out the door after making the winning bid on an auction item to Orlando, Florida for a full weeks stay at a resort. Oddly enough, it is located just minutes from where our daughter, Leslie, will be attending college next year! Jim Elliot Christian High School is a blessing to our community, our family and to a broader world hungry for Christian Disciples.”       Sandy Huber, JECHS Parent

“It was exciting to see so many items!  You had a wonderful variety.  I was impressed!”  JECHS Parent

“Last night was fabulous!!! My wife was blown away at the venue, the students working together and the people who gave. She wants Aidan to start to high school next year (he’s barely turning 2). I was blessed and encouraged by it all. Thanks for renewing my hope and joy and calling to Christian education.”  Jason Tacderon  JECHS Teacher

“Thank you for one of the most incredible evenings EVER! I was so completely blessed to attend the JECHS dinner auction last night. It was a wonderful gift that Pam invited me to join them at their table and it was so fun to reconnect with many special people in my life through the evening, even for just a few minutes here and there…and the setting was just spectacular!  It was an amazing event and I know everyone had a great time and were extremely touched by the students who shared their talents and stories. I know I certainly was!”   Sherry Wulff, Guest of Dave & Pam Payne

PS – Our financial goal for this years dinner auction was to raise $50,000….and we are so very close to meeting that goal.  If we could receive another $3,800 in post auction donations we would meet our 2010 dinner auction goal.  If you were unable to participate in or attend this event and would like to help us “hit the mark” you can donate securely at this paypal link - https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=R2MN7HS5WY62Y    or by sending a check designated for the 2010 dinner auction to JECHS 2695 W. Vine St  Lodi, CA 95242

The JECHS auction was a beautiful evening that greatly benefited the ministry of Jim Elliot Christian High School.  First things first…this event would not happen without the efforts, support and generosity of so very many people. 

As you read this list and see names of friends, family members or businesses you know, I hope that you will feel prompted to give your personal words of thanks and appreciation to those who gave of their time, talent and treasure to our school. 

With a heart of thanksgiving I gratefully acknowledge:

Our Divine Delights & Dreams Auction Team

• Teri Crutchfield - the “go to gal” for everything auction related.  You ask her to do something & she says yes. She oversaw the Homeroom Basket Moms and she & her husband Jerry also let us take over their home with auction items for over a month!  She picked up all the auction donations, stored them, helped to make them ready for sale & delivered them to Oak Farm Vineyard (even though she had a family wedding to attend the same day!) Thanks Teri for all that you do and all that you are – a true servant.
• Monica Martinez - the other “go to gal” Monica worked tirelessly towards the success of this auction – procuring donations, basket preparation, running errands and taking care of many both small and big details. Monica and her family spent the entire day & night of the event working for JECHS, finally pulling away from the Vineyard at 1am. Monica, our school is blessed to have you as a part of the family.
• Debbie Manley & Jeanine Hicks both brought in many of our silent auction items and Debbie procured one of our highest value live auction items. Jeanine volunteered to help with the collection of baskets from our families as well as looking for “deals” for our auction needs. Debbie also helped as a homeroom basket Mom, set up and as a night of the event volunteer. Thanks ladies!
• Carrie Fox-Buttram – used her amazing creativity to design and put together the beautiful table decorations!  She also worked almost ’round the clock for two days on auction details with enthusiasm and passion (as she does with everything she touches!)even staying until the “bitter end” of clean-up duties along with her husband Brennen.
• Lisa Fairchild - combined efforts with Carrie on the beautiful table decorations and gave up her entire day on Friday to help trouble shoot our wind “issues”…smiling the whole time! It was great having her sweet spirit back in the thick of things at JECHS. She is such a blessing!
• Tracy Rodriguez – coordinated, recruited & supervised all of our 75 “day of the event” volunteers.  And what a HUGE job this is!  The event would have never been pulled off without her. Thanks Tracy for volunteering even in the midst of your very busy life…after not having anyone in this position last year, I appreciated so much your “stepping up to the plate” to take it on.
• Sandy Huber – was in charge of our student ticket sales incentive program which was a BIG success.  We had more tickets sold six weeks prior to the auction than we have ever had sold before.  And her job is not over yet, she will be coordinating the free dress days & pizza party for the students who participated in the program. Thanks Sandy for your thoroughness & follow through…I never had to give this program a second thought with you in charge!
• Brandi Gaston – besides being a part of securing corporate donations to pay for several tables, she almost single-handedly created & printed every one of our silent auction frames & certificates.  Her husband Scott also gave of his time helping put up our video screen for the event. Brandi shared her heart for our school during the program which brought tears and warmth to many hearts in attendance. Brandi you are fabulous! (Thanks for the pedicure & flowers too!)
• Sandy Musgrave - along with her sweet daughter Erica, processed well over 100 auction donations into the computer giving hours & hours of their time to keeping us organized and on top of things. And her work is not over yet! This behind the scenes work is critically important to the success of an auction and yet very few people see the effort. Sandy…thank you for your faithful service to our school.
• Michelle Sallee - used her amazing graphic design talents to create our dinner auction logo, fliers, posters, tickets and program.  She also made all the signs at the auction as well as several gift certificates. Not to mention donating her own personal photography skills to our Mother’s Day basket and staying until 1am to clean up after the event. She spent hours creating a slide presentation that due to time restraints we unfortunately did not even get to use…and she did not even complain about that. What an asset to JECHS!
• Kathi Martens & Marlene Weigum - These two ladies do it all…collect, track and input all the auction donations, send out receipts, answer countless questions from parents, students & staff, take care of ticket and table sales as well as organizing and running the check out the night of the auction.  Not too mention they efficiently take care of everything I ask of them and are encouraging and supportive.  They are the backbone of this event!
• Jim Johnson – once again came to an Elliot event with his camera & professional photographer skills and captured the evening on film for all to enjoy.  Thank you Jim!
• Janessa Meier - a JECHS ’02 alumna was my personal assistant all night long…taking orders and graciously caring them out with efficiency and style.  She was the girl “behind the scenes” making sure all the details that came up throughout the event were taken care of immediately.  And of course, she was there past midnight cleaning up. Janessa, you would make a great administrative assistant!
• Dan Lambdin while he was not “officially” part of the Dinner Auction team….I guess when he took his wedding vows 23+ years ago, we became a team!  Besides taking care of the “home front” for months before the auction he took on many aspects of the actual event including securing the sound system, recruiting student volunteers, assisting with security, troubleshooting problems, setting up until late the night before the event, showing up right after school the day of the event and staying until 1am to clean up (and personally moving over 150 wrought iron chairs…yikes I think I owe him a massage!)…then back out for the next several days to pick up large items and return them.  He definitely went above & beyond the call of duty but hey I think…he adores the Director of Development! Thank you Dan for being my partner in everything!

Our Table Sponsors - these corporations, businesses & families sponsored tables at the event are crucial to the success of our auction as they invite and introduce others to supporting JECHS and help underwrite our expenses.  Table sponsors receive a donation receipt, program recognition and a reserved table for eight at the event. Thank you to all of our 2010 table sponsors…we hope that you will be back next year!

• Don & Peggy Walters
• FRS Enterprise
• From the Farm
• Bruce Parker & Family
• Jeff & Kathy Wooton of Sherman & Associates
• Jim & Sandy Musgrave
• The Guy & Tarianne Cotton Family
• David J. Elliot & Sons
• The Schwemley Family
• Chase Chevrolet
• BP Fabric of America
• Verve Networks
• Synectic Technologies
• Grupe Company
• San Joaquin Electric
• Dave & Pam Payne
• Bovine Beautician
• Jeffrey & Crystal Simpson
• The Grenz Family

Our generous financial donors - we are blessed by many grandparents, alumni families, current parents, friends and fans of JECHS who chose to give financially to the success of our fundraiser!  Thank you so very much, your contributions are key!

• John and Carol Biggs
• Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Couchman
• Cory and Sarah Syrock
• Andrew and Faith Dabill
• Mr. and Mrs. Reinold Geisbrecht
• Gertrude Bopp
• Virgil Anderson
• Roy and Kelly Hale
• Dr. and Mrs. Bob Howen
• Mr. and Mrs. Michael Akahori
• Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Callahan
• Dr. and Mrs. Chris Elliott
• Ken and Karen Isaak
• Mr. and Mrs. Harry McLaughlin
• Mr. and Mrs. Jess Bonds
• Jerry and Tina Young
• Steve and Jane Wall
• Romeo and Pearl Cubangbang
• Teri Hess
• Cathy Popuch
• Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hibler
• Mr. and Mrs. Mel Fong
• Glenn Olson
• Shirley Booher
• Mr. and Mrs. Eric Leary
• Mr. and Mrs. Scott Scofield
• Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Passey
• Mr. and Mrs. Grant Fletcher
• Mr. and Mrs. Ernie DeLosAngeles
• Mr. and Mrs. Jim Mulrooney
• Ben Dais
• Julie Copeland
• Danny and Sue Callahan
• Larry and Pat Anderson
• Mr. and Mrs. Bill Huckabey
• Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hale
• Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hall
• Daryl and Sharon Cumber
• Miyo Kitamura
• Gene and Sara Lee
• Gloria Grupe
• Mr. and Mrs. Gary Unterseher
• Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Olson
• Mr. and Mrs. Mark Talley
• Anthony and Belinda Costa
• Marvis Gatto
• Sue Jo Reid
• Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Purviance
• Mr. and Mrs. Travis Hausauer
• John & Genevieve Picone

Thanks to the following individuals and businesses who helped us save thousands of dollars on this event by donating or discounting their services.  Please take the time to thank them for their generosity to our school and if you can please patronize or refer their businesses to others, I know that would bless them. We are so very grateful to…

Jim Mulrooney our professional auctioneer who generously donates his services to us every year (even years before his children were students here)  I hope everyone realizes that a good auctioneer who excels at his craft, has a passion for the organization and is charming, funny & persuasive is truly the key to a successful auction event.  We have all that and more in Jim Mulrooney.  He is amazing.  Even if you are not actively involved in the bidding at the live auction, he makes it entertaining for all.  We all need to give a big “Shout out!” to Jim for what he does for our school (and can we sign a 30 year contract with you Jim?) –http://mulrooneyauction.com/

Oak Farm Vineyard …Dan & Dayna Panella along with their parents Bob and Dorothy Panella donated their beautiful venue for our event.  We are truly grateful for their desire to use their property to bless others.  Dan & Dayna both attended local private religious high schools and know first hand the value of this ministry to young people. They are also committed Christians who love the Lord. We are also thankful for Sarah Vigil Jones, their event coordinator who gave of her time and energy to help us make this event a success! On top of their generous donation they also donated two of our popular silent auction items that sold for a over $700! Oh wait, their generosity didn’t end there…I should mention that they are also the owners of Vine & Branches Christian Bookstore ( http://www.vblodi.com) and donated an auction item from the store.  Thank you, thank you Dan & Dayna!   http://oakfarmvineyards.com

Mission Printers of Santa Cruz – Paul Couchman (Prinicipal Mr Couchman’s cousin) printed our lovely full color 20 page program absolutely free and even shipped it to us!  The programs were beautiful and this one donation allowed us to save $1,000 in auction expenses.  Thanks as well goes out to Linda Couchman for asking for this donation.  http://www.missionprinters.com/

 Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar graciously gave us a discounted price on their catering services for our dinner and was it ever delicious! We enjoyed appetizers of fresh fruit, cheese & crackers and anti pasta followed by an amazing dinner that included a Greek salad, Mediterranean Chicken Pasta, Roast Sirloin with A Merlot Demi-Glaze, Fresh Sautéed Italian Green Beans, Carrots & Red Bells with Butter, Garlic & Seasoning followed by cheesecake with fresh raspberry & chocolate sauces.  Yum! The owners, Jennifer & Andy Pappas were wonderful working with our student servers! They are also committed to Christian education and have their elementary school children enrolled at one of our feeder schools – St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Lodi. We love Papapavlos!   http://papapavlos.com/Main.aspx

Cherokee Memorial Park – donated all the flowers for our table decorations – a huge savings & blessing to our dinner auction event!

Thanks to our students & alumni who made the evening perfect by sharing their talents and their passion for Jim Elliot…you were all awesome!

Senior, Leslie Huber blessed us with her beautiful voice and her talented song writing.  If you missed it…come to graduation for another chance to hear this fabulous young lady! Thank you Leslie!

Sophomore, Kevin Ellis just back from playing at Carnegie Hall in New York was amazing on saxophone!  Thank you Kevin!

Alumna, Rachel Bishop Parrish (’03) was a hit!  She came and not only performed beautifully but shared her heart and touched us all.  Thank you Rachel! We are cheering for your continued success in music & ministry.

Our Security  JECHS alumni Ryan LaRue (’99), Lodi PD and Jaron Blythe (’06) along with Kevin Hess, Stockton PD spent the evening taking care of all our parking issues and security. I do not think they sat down even for a minute.  You guys are worth your weight in gold and thank you is just not enough! (I owe you all dinner…BBQ this summer at the Lambdin’s!)

Countless Volunteers – the following JECHS parents, grandparents, students and staff  who gave of their time to work for our dinner auction event both months before as well as vigorously the week prior and night of the event. Thank you, thank you, thank you….did I say thank you?

• Janine McKinnon – Homeroom Basket Mom
• Kelly Hale – Homeroom Basket Mom, Basket Presentation
• Jeanette Towne – Homeroom Basket Mom, Basket Presentation
• Shannon Wesley – Homeroom Basket Mom, Basket Presentation, Silent Auction Hostess, Clean-up (until 1am!! Thank you)
• Bill Weseley – Clean Up (until 1am!!! Thank you)
• Karen Liu – Homeroom Basket Mom
• Becky Elliot – Homeroom Basket Mom, Basket Presentation
• Tutu Elliot – Basket Presentation
• Freddie Freed – Homeroom Basket Mom
• Debbie Smith – Homeroom Basket Mom
• Jeff & Marlene Weigum – Cashiers
• Kathi Martens – Cashier
• Christina Rivas – Auction Paddles
• Debbie Shannon – Night of Event Volunteer
• Donna Schwemely – Set Up Crew, Night of Event Volunteer
• Nina Ward – Basket Preparation
• Marcy Moser – Set Up, Night of Event Volunteer
• Debbie Goosens – Basket Presentation
• Ana & Ramsey Garza – Night of Event Volunteers
• Dianne Goans – Set Up
• Tonya Secrest-Reiss – Night of Event Volunteer
• Sam & Donna Villagomez – Night of Event Volunteer
• Marilyn Arvin – Basket Presentation, Set Up, Night of Event Volunteer
• Lori Cowden  - Week of Auction Details
• Cathy Popuch – Week of Auction Details
• Kass Meier – Week of Auction Details
• Donna Lawton – Set Up, Night of Event Volunteer
• Robbi Johnson – Set Up
• Pam & Neal Self – Set Up, Night of Event Volunteers
• Vicky Hall – Night of Event Volunteer
• Cathie & Emily Parrish – Silent Auction Hostess
• Penny Theisen  - Silent Auction Hostess
• Kerry Kishi  - Silent Auction Hostess
• Jeanette Gross – Silent Auction Hostess
• Michelle Silva  -Silent Auction Hostess
• Steve Stow – Cashier
• Sal Martinez – Cashier
• Dottie & Mike Henry – Cashier
• Cindy & Rick Jines – Clean up (until after midnight – thank you!)
• Dennis Buchmiller  – Auction Assistant
• Jason Tacderon – Auction Assistant
• Jill Mulrooney – Auction Assistant
• Chiles Wilson – Raffle Ticket Sales
• Sam Towne – Raffle Ticket Sales
• Jared Chacon – Sound Tech
• Jay & Linda LaRue – Prayer Team

JECHS student servers – Our wonderful students served in many capacities – table servers, kitchen line, tray servers, table maintenance, raffle tables, set up, clean up & much more!  Here are some comments from those in attendance - “They were pleasant, well mannered, and delightful!”  and  “They were first class!!!  We totally enjoyed their enthusiasm and heart to serve!”

Our students are awesome young people and I am proud to have them at JECHS!

• Nettie Martinez
• Anna Moore
• Ana Shannon
• Holly Gaston
• Jill Self
• Shay Voorhees
• Natalie Noto
• Nathan Yepez
• Emily Copeland                                 
• Sarah Wooten                        
• Aria Wesley
• Casey Carpenter                                 
• Sarah Towne
• Eli Scofield
• Olivia Scofield
• Jacob Olson
• Timmy Parrish
• Roman Butler
• RJ Martinez
• Trevor Manley
• Andrew Klinker
• Jordan Tiner
• Nick Dodgion
• Matt Stewart
• Lizzie Fickert
• Alis Sokolova
• Bri Santos
• Britteny Secrest
• Michelle Riley
• Kayla Schmidig
• Sarah Smith
• Michael Wick
• Olivia Kelso
• Rachel Stadnisky
• Sasha Pagni-Brown
• Kona Olson
• Amy Lambdin
• Kristen Lambdin
• Emily Buhrkuhl
• Kaitlyn Olsen
• Monica Rodriguez
• Brittani Hilscher
• Anna Martinez
• Merisa Parker
• Sammy Picone  
• Lorin Gran
• Tori Villagomez
• John Springer

 Live Auction Donors & Buyers – You could not have a succesful auction without the generosity of both the donors and buyers.  We are blessed with people who want to help the ministry at JECHS.

• Beautiful Custom Designed Bookcase

Value: $3,500  Donated by: Jeffrey & Crystal Simpson (JECHS Parents)

Purchased by: Neva VanWyk   $4,000

• Surprise Auction Item! An Original Devotional Book by the 2009-10 Student Council

Value: Priceless

Donated by: JECHS Student Council

Purchased by: Bev & Jon Hathorn  $1,000

• 1 week vacation at the Gold Crown Sheraton Vistana Resort in Orlando Florida

VALUE: $2,600
 Donated by Jeff & Kathy Wooton, Sherman Associates (JECHS parents)
Purchased by: Kevin & Sandy Huber  $2,400

•  An original Gil Dellinger Painting – Autumn Vines

Value: $6,750     

Donated by Gil Dellinger (frame donated by Cellar Art Studio)

Purchased by:  Kathleen Arata  $2,200 

• The front row RESERVED seats just for you and your guests at the 2010 graduation ceremony! (includes reserved parking) – We auctioned off 2 rows

Value: Priceless

Purchased by: Jim & Ruth Mulrooney $1,000

Guy & Tarianne Cotton $1,000

• Bed & Breakfast near the Nation’s Capitol

Value:  $1,650

Donated by: Gloria W Borden, JECHS Grandparent

Purchased by: David & Linda Couchman $1,000

• A five course private gourmet dinner party for by chef Scott Fichtner

Value: $750

Donated by Scott & Rachel Fichtner (JECHS Founding Family)

Purchased by: The Cottons & The Walters  $1,900

• JECHS Principal for the day

Value: Priceless

Purchased by: Pat Gotelli  $1100

•  Dinner party on the Mokelumne River                                                                                            

Value: $500

Donated by: Don & Peggy Walters, JECHS alumni family & board member

Purchased by: Kevin & Sandy Huber  $950

• 5 Nights in a beautiful South Lake Tahoe Private Home

 Value: $1,750

Donated by Buzz Buzunis (Incoming JECHS Parent)

Purchased by: Chris & Carrie Elliott   $1,200

• A Year of Luxury for the Lady – year of flowers and cookies, car washes, hair services, Wine & Roses gift card for spa services, jewelry & box and much more! 

Value: $1800+   

Donated by many vendors including: Blossoms by Lisa, Karen Liu, Janessa Meier of Oasis Salon, Gary Sallee, Kelly’s Car Wash & more

 Purchased by: Dr Bob Howen for the lovely Jamie Howen  $1,700

• Surprise Auction Item! Chiles Designer Shoes

Value: Priceless

Donated by: Chiles Wilson Jr

Purchased by: Pat Gotelli  $500

Our “Trip to Anywhere” big ticket raffle donation – a huge thank you to John & Ginny Bylsma, a Founding Family of JECHS and alumni family for their very generous donation of a week long timeshare vacation through RCI.  This last minute addition to our auction…doubled our raffle ticket sales!  Congratulations to the “big winner” Linda Rulo (Junior Macie Ward’s grandmother) who won with just $20 in raffle ticket purchases!  We look forward to hearing about your vacation!

Silent Auction & Raffle Donors - thank you to our JECHS parents, friends and local businesses who generously donated auction items and created auction baskets.  They were amazing!

• Mark & Denise Huft
• Pitman Family
• Vickers Family
• Paul & Lori Cowden
• Jim & Stacie Hanson
• The Silva’s
• Theresa Sutton
• Elaine’s Bangles
• Richard & Becky Elliot
• Kris Tally
• Jan Stanley
• Steve Isaak
• Jim and Kay Nicholas
• Gary Sallee
• Linda Duran
• The Rohl Family
• Caroline Kirchner
• Janine McKinnon
• Beth Lambdin
• David Couchman
• Creative Quilts
• Little Firehouse Boutique
• Felipe & Tracy Rodriguez
• Nina Ward
• The Martens
• Kerry Kishi
• Nuss Farms
• Lara Gartside
• The Ung Family
• Gary Silva, DDS
• Fritz and Phyllis Grupe
• Grupe Commercial Company
• Fashion Safari
• Cellar Art Studio
• Sassy Sisters
• Amy Borrero
• Brian Siken
• Von Wallin
• Willow Tree
• House of Coffees
• Perry Manley
• Serenity Med Spa
• Secondhand Rose
• Jamie Howen
• Crossfit 209 Sport
• Dayna & Dan Panella
• Angelos Mexican Rest.
• Teriyaki Time
• Taste of Heaven
• DeVinci’s Deli
• Fiori’s Butcher Shoppe          
• Brenda Buhrkuhl       
• Ashley Willhite          
• Eric & Mary Johnson
• David & Carole Vaughn
• Robert & Jan Moreno
• Tina Phelps
• Kenneth & Kathryn Tiner
• Debra Hensley
• Jeff & Suzie Wick
• Carole Laughton
• Jessica Fong
• Gary & Michelle Neeley
• William & Harriet Lappas
• Travis & Vicki Hausauer
• Perry & Tami Hilscher
• Diana Vega
• Dr David Gran
• Chiles & Leslie Wilson
• Sherry Wulff & Grand Island Retreat Center
• Matt Stewart & Dan Lambdin

If I inadvertently left anyone out(and chances are I did) …please forgive me & let me know. We, as a school truly appreciate everyone who contributed in every way to our annual dinner auction and personally I am so very thankful to each of you as well!  May the Lord bless you abundantly for your giving and sacrifice.