Workdays in July Help Ready NC Campus For School This Fall
by Jess McHargue, Director of Development
More than 50 members of the NC family, including parents, students, staff members, and board members, gathered on July 16th and 17th for workdays to help prepare the campus for the fall. They pulled weeds, trimmed trees, washed windows, painted many things, prepped the football field for the fall season, mulched the landscaping, and, most importantly, formed and strengthened relationships.
Being a part of this day was very eye-opening for me personally, as I witnessed true ownership in the families who call NC home. The people I met found joy in serving, and the time given was seen as an investment not only in the school but also in the lives of the students who would benefit from the work that was completed.
In addition, the workdays helped Curtis Heuermann, NC’s new Director of Buildings, Grounds, & Transportation, and his team get ahead in preparations for the 2021-2022 school year, which will allow them to focus on some of the larger projects around campus. When asked about the days, Curtis smiled and commented that he was, “Very thankful for all the support and helping hands from the NC community…[and] all the glory to God and praying for a great school year.”
Overall, the feelings of gratitude and thankfulness to all of those who came to serve cannot be expressed in words. Time and energy are intangible ideals in our current culture, and how we invest what we have will leave a legacy for the next generation. So, as we move forward together, we at NC, invite you to focus on “whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” as we continue to prepare for the upcoming school year and beyond (Phil. 4:8).
For more pictures of Summer Workdays 2021, click here.
NC Welcomes New Staff Members
Bethany Deprez, 3rd Grade Teacher
NC’s new third grade teacher, Bethany Deprez has known about NC since she was young. She graduated from Cross County High School and then earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education Inclusive from Wayne State College. Hailing from York, Bethany has most recently been a preschool teacher in York Public Schools.
Bethany delights in helping develop a love of learning in her students and is excited to do so in a Christian environment. “This job appealed to me because I’m passionate about teaching others about God and His Word,” she said. “The Gospel is central to everything we do as Christians, and I’m excited to display that in my teaching.” She also shared that she is excited to meet her students and build relationships with them and their families.
Nicole Hixson, 4th Grade Teacher
NC’s new fourth grade teacher, Nicole Hixson is just one of a few new employees that we’re pleased to welcome to the NC team. Nicole and her husband Dustin live in Fullerton with their daughters Eleanor (5th) and Addisyn (2nd). Nicole appreciates the spiritual conversations she can have with her students, and the ability to pray with and for them in a Christian school setting.
After graduating from Newman Grove High School, Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from UNL. Most recently, she taught at New Hope Christian School in Cairo, but she is looking forward to the much shorter drive to NC. When asked what she’s looking forward to this school year, Nicole responded, “I’m excited to get to know my students and their families. I know this is where God wants us, and I believe it will be a great fit for my family.”
Jess McHargue, Director of Development
Jess McHargue, NC’s new Director of Development, visited NC’s campus for the first time this spring. He and his wife Annalise came from Lexington to check out the school as an option for their young children, Mercer (1st), London (PreK), and Jasper (1 year), though transferring schools would require relocating. Annalise, once an NC student herself, had attended elementary and junior high at NC before her family moved away in 2004. The McHargues felt drawn to the school, and the visit resulted not only in two of their children’s applications for school, but also Jess’ application for the Director of Development position.
Jess grew up in central Nebraska, graduating from Kearney High School and earning his Bachelors in Secondary Education from UNK. He continued his education and earned his Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Chadron State University and is currently pursuing his MDiv in Pastoral Preaching from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Previously an English teacher in Lexington and more recently a youth pastor there, Jess could see the Lord leading him to NC where his two passions, education and ministry, come together. He gets to be part of a school family whose goal is to glorify the Lord in all they do. When asked what he’s looking forward to this school year, Jess replied, “Becoming part of the NC family! We’re so excited to put down new roots here and raise our family with a Christ-centered education!”
Campus Renovations Continue as School’s Opening Day Nears
If you couldn’t stay away from NC over the summer months and took a drive through campus, most days, you may have noticed a dump trailer perched next to the Administration Building. Taking trip after trip to the landfill with plaster, lathe, and all manner of interior materials, most of which dates back 100+ years, our staff and volunteer crews worked tirelessly to gut the garden level, main hallway, and third floor.
This demolition, which revealed a beautiful brick facade for future modernization and usage, was no small feat. The Lord provided willing servants to take on a daunting task. Thank you to all those who stuck it out with respirator on and Gatorade in hand.
With most of the building down to the studs, a new bathroom and two new offices are in progress on the main floor. Due to several additional project requirements, the office staff will not return to the Ad Building by the start of the school year; however, diligent and expedient work continues so that they may move back as soon as possible. Our front office welcome desk has temporarily moved to the main entrance of the high school building. Those needing administrative staff support should start there with any questions. Additional office staff are in temporary offices in Elliot Hall, the girls’ dormitory.
This summer’s progress on the Ad Building lays the groundwork for restoring this cornerstone of our campus to the fullest level of functionality and safety to bless our students, staff, and guests for years to come.
In addition to all the work on the Ad Building and the outfitting of temporary office space, a new elementary classroom has taken shape in the west hall of the Gym Building in what some may remember as Room 3 and others as the Auction Office. Amy Merchant will welcome preschool and kindergarten students to her newly renovated classroom in less than two weeks.
Finally, the boys’ locker room overhaul is completed while the girls’ and visitors’ locker rooms continue to see daily progress. Fresh paint, new lockers, modern fixtures, and updated ceilings and floors make the locker rooms ready for the upcoming sports seasons. Air conditioning may be the most popular locker room improvement among the student-athletes and coaches. Many thanks to all who have helped make these renovations and improvements possible this summer!
FREE Old Yearbooks and Jerseys
As we have cleaned out this summer, we uncovered some hidden gems! Click here to request a copy of your old yearbook or a classic NC basketball jersey. Only jersey styles pictured are available. Items will be mailed on a first requested, first served basis. Please consider defraying mailing costs by giving a free-will donation here.
Alumni Flashback
Summer workdays have long been a tradition at NC. Here is a look back at some summer workdays of the past. Do you recognize anyone or any of the places they are working? Do you have any special memories from helping with workdays? Please share them with nc@nebraskachristian.org. We may feature some in an upcoming Advance issue!
A team works on northwest entryway to the Gym Building. The gentleman is standing in the mens’ bathroom doorway.
Part of summer workdays in July used to be putting up corn to be used for meals throughout the year. Kayleen Riley, Denise Schreiber, Marilyn Medberry, Amy Schreiber, Becky Deichmann, and Barb McHargue are pictured here.
Larry Cooper paints a small storage shed that was used for recess equipment like soccer balls, jump ropes, and flag football belts.
John Patrick (left, class of ’99) helps with wiring new switches across campus.
Nathan Musgrave (left, class of ’92) awaits instruction on what to do next.
Clint Patrick (left, class of ’00) helps Les McHargue prepare doors for installation.
Weather permitting, painting has been part of nearly every workday the school has ever hosted. Which buildings have you helped paint?
Summer Workdays 2021
Brent Strong trims trees in the lift.
A bird’s eye view of campus taken by Curtis Heuermann while trimming trees.
Evelyn McHargue, a rising kindergartener, helps her mom Janae (class of ’10) pull weeds along the sidewalk.
Harold Cook and Voleta (Cooper) Wall (class of ’92) wash windows in the high school building.
Curtis Heuermann, NC’s new Director of Building, Grounds, & Transportation, leads the crew in work all across campus.
Sophomore Grace Strong helps paint posts between the Elementary and Gym Buildings.
Even the trash barrels got a fresh coat of paint thanks to Melissa (Francis) Rankin (Class of ’92) and Cheri Strong.
Cheri Strong scrapes and paints the bleachers to get them ready for the football season.
Lunch was provided for the groups that came to work each day.
In the midst of the busy days, it was a blessing to all to pause and thank the Lord for His work at NC and pray for the school year to come.
