Five years ago, Spencer Adventist Christian School opened its doors to a small group of students. One of these students was Kaitlin Stephens, daughter of Marie and Jeff Haygood of Spencer, Indiana. On Thursday evening, May 22, with scores of family and friends in attendance, Kaitlin was awarded her 8th grade diploma by school board chairman, Pastor Kenny Pickett, and teacher Mrs. Lutricia Whitlow, making Kaitlin the latest graduate of our church school. Mr. John Taylor, representing Indiana Academy, awarded Kaitlin with a $500.00 scholarship, which she will put to good use as she plans to attend I. A. in the fall. We're proud of you Kaitlin, and wish you the best at I.A. and beyond.

At her request, Kaitlin's friends and classmates Delight and Bethany Olson, and Haley and Lauren Self, accompanied by pianist Greg Huffman, performed "Lord Prepare Me." Mrs. Whitlow then presented the students with special awards. While the students were recognized for their achievement in reading, it was of special note that all of them received an overall 3.0 ( B ) grade point average or higher for the year. Three students were cited for being on the Honor Roll. These are students with a composite GPA of 3.67 or above. These students are Third Graders Emily Self (3.89) and Nathan Huffman ( 3.97), and Sixth Grader Lauren Self (4.0).

Pastor Dean Whitlow delivered the graduation address, themed around Kaitlin's class motto: "The Past Gone Forever; the Future Lies Ahead." Snacks and Cake followed in the Fellowship Hall.

Congratulations Kaitlin and all the students and teachers of Spencer Adventist Christian School !

Spencer Students Receive Special Awards

Mrs. Whitlow presented the students with special awards. While the students were recognized for their achievement in reading, it was of special note that all of them received an overall 3.0 ( B ) grade point average or higher for the year. Three students were cited for being on the Honor Roll. These are students with a composite GPA of 3.67 or above. These students are Third Graders Emily Self (3.89) and Nathan Huffman ( 3.97), and Sixth Grader Lauren Self (4.0).
BR> Congratulations to all the students and teachers of Spencer Adventist Christian School !

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On Thursday, April 27, students from Spencer Adventist Christian School spent the day exploring and discovering the history of Owen County. Trip organizer Sandy Culp had the students begin their day at the Ten O'clock Treaty Line Monument in Gosport. Next was a stop at the site of the old Train Station, on a bluff overlooking the location of where the White River port used to be. A visit to the Gosport Museum followed, where museum curator Sue Trotman guided the students through the various exhibits, explaining their significance, answering questions and explaining the history of the places they had seen.

After a stop at Cooper Commons for lunch and some playground time, the students participated in an history-themed scavenger hunt. Next stop was the Owen County Public Library, and a meeting with Children's Librarian, Ginny Coppedge, who talked to the students about the history of the city of Spencer. After a tour of the library and some general instruction on the use of the facilities, the students were given a chance to browse the collections and check out a book or two.

The National Guard Armory was next, as the students toured the facility and learned how the “Guard' serves and protects the community. The trip ended at Riverside Cemetery, locating the graves of some of Owen Counties famous citizens, including sculptor Ernest Viquesney.

By Terry Self

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The Spencer Adventist Christian School enjoyed two recent field trips into the area. On November 16, 2006, they traveled to the Indiana University Speech and Hearing Center in Bloomington where they toured the audiology clinic. Master’s level audiology students demonstrated how the clinic’s equipment tests various aspects of a person’s hearing and ear function. The kids were given opportunities to be tested, such as having images of their eardrums taken and shown on a computer monitor. They learned about hearing aids and alerting devices that help people who have hearing losses. In addition, the children were able to ask questions about the career of an audiologist, learning that math and reading are important skills in this profession.

Following a sack lunch and visit around Fountain Square Mall on the Bloomington Square, everyone trekked back to Spencer for a tour of Babbs SuperValu. The owner Rob Babbs explained the many functions of a grocery store business as he led the groups through the various departments. They observed a skillful cake decorator at work in the bakery, visited the computer office where store records are generated and maintained, watched a demonstration of the machine that crushes cardboard boxes, and saw where trucks unload the shipments in back. There were several rooms that were kept cool to preserve foods waiting to be sold, and a quick trip into the freezer explained why some of the employees wore jackets on the job. When asked his favorite part of the job, Mr. Babbs described his enjoyment in meeting and working with different people. He also talked about the characteristics of a good employee and how each one must contribute to a team effort in order for a business to do well. At the conclusion of the tour, each student was given a complimentary cookie and plastic cup bearing the Babbs SuperValu logo. All members of the school agreed that the day had been fun and educational.

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A second field trip occurred on December 11, 2006. That morning began by climbing several flights of stairs in the Owen County courthouse to the top floor. There Judge Frank Nardi welcomed the group and invited them to find seats in the courtroom. He provided an interesting history of circuit courts and the Owen County Court, in particular. Judge Nardi also responded to questions, including the training and qualifications necessary for becoming a judge. He explained how math, reading, and writing are all skills he must use every day to carry out his responsibilities. Then he excused himself and prepared to open the court for hearings. The school group remained seated and observed several proceedings, noticing that the court also involves a team approach with other participants including attorneys, bailiff, sheriff’s deputies, court clerk, and others. It was fascinating to observe the diplomacy and patience with which the judge handled each case.



Lunch was had at Taco Bell and Dairy Queen in town. Then the field trip continued at the Spencer Town and Country Veterinary Clinic. Virginia Dunn, a Vet Technician, served as a very knowledgeable guide through this facility. She showed the students where animals are examined, undergo surgery, and are housed while in their care. The children observed models of a dog’s ear and teeth and illustrations depicting heartworm and other common parasites. Ms. Dunn turned out the lights in one room and clipped X-rays to light boxes to show real cases of broken bones and other ailments of small animals. She also passed around a jar of large bladder stones that were surgically removed from one poor dog. The kids asked her many questions about the field of veterinary science. They discovered, among other things, that math, including simple algebra, is frequently used on the job.

It was another fun day with gracious hosts who patiently took the time to address the students’ questions and interests. Four very different career areas were explored over the two days. Yet, it became apparent that math, reading, and writing and a spirit of teamwork were vital to success in each one. The students and faculty of the Spencer Adventist Christian School look forward to meeting more people in the workplace in the coming months.

Eighth Grade Graduation Ceremony for 2006

The Spencer Adventist Christian School conducted their 8th Grade Graduation and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 26, 2006. Several students were given awards for placing in the Student Healthy Lifestyle Contest of the Indiana Conference. The winners' posters have since been forwarded to the North American Division for the next level of competition. Winners in their respective grade levels included, Madison Ingram 1st Place, Tana Mudd 2nd Place, Haley Self 1st Place, and Steven Self 3rd Place. Congratulations to each one!

Steven Self completed his 8th Grade at our school after having attended the Bloomington Adventist Christian Academy for the previous seven grades. Steven noted in his speech that it was a big change for him to come to Spencer for his final year, thanking "all my classmates for making me feel welcome, and making my 8th grade year a really cool one." He also extended appreciation to his parents Terry and Kellie Self, sisters Haley, Lauren, and Emily, grandparents Richard and Carol Kinser, Bloomington teachers Mrs. Hughey and Mrs Ruby, Spencer teacher Mrs. Whitlow, assistant Miss Hainey, and art teacher Mrs. Barrett, Pastor David Fish, and both churches for their support.

Steven invited Pastor Charlie Thompson to give his graduation address. "Pastor Charlie" is the Youth Director at Timber Ridge Camp and has known Steven for many years. He also baptized Steven and his sisters Haley and Lauren Self. He spoke to Steven's class motto, "There is Victory with God." Kellie Self's cousin Jill Riley sang, "Be Thou My Vision," accompanied by Steven's second cousin Jennifer Myer. A reception followed the ceremony.