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Engineer Designs Passion for His Field
 Do you often question how things work? Did you like to play with Legos as a child? Do people ever call you a nerd or a geek? Bart Thompson, a prominent engineer on Michelin’s Innovation Team, opened his discussion at Southside Christian School with these questions that reflect the characteristics of an engineer. Having rolled on stage on a Segway, Thompson had already gained the students’ attention. He continued his presentation with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Using charts and video clips, he demonstrated the process Michelin used in taking the Tweel, the innovative tire/wheel used on the Segway, from inspiration to reality.
Thompson closed his discussion answering the question of why a student would choose to become an engineer. He explained that although using natural abilities, making money, and having fun are all reasons to become an engineer, his personal motivation goes deeper. Alluding to the quote from Chariots of Fire, "God made me for China, but He also made me fast . . . and when I run, I feel His pleasure," Thompson clarified that his fulfillment as an engineer parallels the fulfillment of Eric Liddell. Engineering allows Thompson to pursue his passion, to pursue excellence, and above all, to reflect the character of God.
Thompson’s presentation concluded five days in recognition of National Engineers Week. Science teacher Susan LaFlam had guided her classes in modeling the disposal of radioactive waste, building bridges, and constructing rafts in a lab environment. Several classes also participated in a business project to design and construct a new product while meeting specifications, managing a budget, and responding to changes in the marketplace. "I discovered that sometimes even the craziest ideas work, and no matter how much planning you do, in the end the results will always be a little different," junior Ben Wofford wrote on his evaluation questionnaire. Other students discovered that they enjoyed working with a team or found abilities they didn’t know they had.
In the presidential proclamation for National Engineers Week, President George W. Bush states, "This week is an opportunity to recognize engineers for their many contributions to our way of life and to encourage young people to pursue their curiosity by studying math and science." Thanks to Bart Thompson and Susan LaFlam, engineers were recognized and students were inspired at Southside Christian School during National Engineers Week.
Students Build ‘Habitat’ for the Community
 When Southside Christian upper school teacher Tim Bosier first worked on Greenville’s Habitat for Humanity Project with his son’s YMCA soccer league, he knew right away that it was a project worth pursuing. In September, Bosier began what would soon become a volunteer experience like no other. With the help of four SCS students, juniors Jeremy Burns and Paige Ayers and seniors Zach Pretulak and Brianna Satterlee, a home was built for a local single mother with three children. Setting out with nothing but good spirits, the students lifted rafters, nailed roof pieces, and secured hurricane braces. “I really had never had any construction experience,” said Satterlee, “but I was there to help. It just felt so good to be doing something and to see the other houses being built by all of the volunteers.” Though the students were unable to meet the future owners of their house, the reward came through their servanthood.
The students were so excited and responsive to the first project, Bosier quickly organized a second. “If you look at the website for Habitat for Greenville,” said Bosier, “their mission statement says, ‘In response to the teachings of Jesus Christ, Habitat for Greenville seeks to improve lives by partnering with families in need and community volunteers to build decent and affordable homes.’ It has been my hope and prayer that as we volunteer we would also do it ‘in response to Jesus Christ’ our Lord and Savior.” While Bosier himself was personally moved by this mission statement, he was truly overwhelmed by the enthusiasm from his students. Upper School students Sarah and Bethany Irwin, Brandon White, Andrew Panagakos, Caitlyn Broyles, and Christy Halbert spent an entire Saturday dismantling a playground in Saluda Bluffs, a Habitat neighborhood. Local children came from all over the neighborhood to watch the students work, constantly asking when the students would be back.
With two projects down Tim Bosier is planning a third, scheduled for March 2. A group of twenty volunteers will frame the exterior walls of a home in Traveler’s Rest. “I believe that service projects like these not only give students a chance to learn basic skills such as construction, but also give them a chance to share their faith with those around them. Whether to the family they are building for, to the other volunteers they work with, or to the neighbors in the community who just come to watch, the students get a chance to say, ‘Because of what the Lord commands, we are here to serve.’” -- Submitted by SCS senior Kristen Gehrman
Environmental Science Students Learn more than Science
When Kathy Wert agreed to teach Environmental Science at Southside Christian School, she had little idea that the instruction would take her far beyond the realm of science. Class discussions have moved to ethics and government policy as well as conservation.
The class recently finished a study on landfills. Students built model landfills in the lab, layering plastic and imperviable clay in plastic containers. They added compacted trash and a covering of soil or plastic, planning for leachate and piping for methane gas. The discussion turned to source reduction through buying less, packaging differently, recycling, and composting, but they also discussed government policies that would encourage conservation. In addition, students discussed proper ethics in situations such as dumping in restricted areas. The students were able to visit the Enoree Landfill to view the layering of plastic, clay, trash, and soil in a real-life environment. They also observed the leachate pond and the pipes which pump out methane gas.
Wert intends to take what she has taught her students to new levels at SCS. She is working with Explore Lab instructor Ellen Kahue in the Early Education department to plan a compost pile. The compost will be used to grow kale and lettuce in the Early Education Garden, and the lettuce and kale will be used to feed the bearded dragons and guinea pigs that are housed in the school's three science labs. In addition, Wert is making recommendations to the Operations Director for pursuing more recycling at the school.
SCS YIG Makes Motion for Success
An air of excitement filled the Southside Christian School lobby as twenty students in grades 10-12 waited for the buses to arrive. Sponsored by SCS government teacher Laurie Loper, SCS Youth in Government reached the pinnacle of club involvement at the YMCA Youth in Government Conference at the State Capitol in Columbia on November 30 - December 2. Prior to the trip, many students wrote bills to be discussed in the model House of Representatives and Senate. Other students pulled some long nights working on mock trial cases. Junior Jessica Russell and sophomore Renee Anderson also conducted compelling campaigns for government positions. All events at the conference simulate the actual workings of the South Carolina government, allowing students to actually sit in the seats of state representatives in the Senate and House. "Our participation in this year’s model legislature and court was enjoyable and beneficial. The members had the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and court procedures through role playing. I am grateful to the Lord for the talents and abilities He has given these students," said Loper upon returning from the trip.
Aside from the educational benefits of Youth in Government, the Southside Christian students gained distinct recognition for their efforts. Congratulations to Kley Sippel who received the Terry Haskins Christian Leadership Scholarship and the Outstanding Statesman Award, to Taylor Garrick and Eric Goodwin who received the award for Best Bill in the premier Senate, and to Garrison Carpenter who received the award for Best Appeals Attorney. Awarded Outstanding Delegation, Southside Christian was recognized over all other schools at the conference for their effort, organization and conduct. A special congratulations goes to the entire delegation and their officers, president Kley Sippel, vice president Chris Onken, secretary Jessica Russell, treasurer Krysia Kimlin, Renee Anderson, Emily Becraft, Will Burns, Garrison Carpenter, Courtney Cooper, Elizabeth Cote, Isaac Elder, Taylor Garrick, Aislyn Garris, Eric Goodwin, Hanna Fields, Kristen Gehrman, Trent Long, Mary Avery Piper, Anna Thompson, and Tyler Wert. The delegation also earned Premier Delegation status. -- Submitted by SCS senior Kristen Gehrman
Revolve Tour Inspires
As a group of fifty girls and their sponsors boarded a chartered bus at Southside Christian School, anticipation of what the weekend would hold filled the air. The destination was Atlanta and the Revolve Tour, a conference for teenage girls hosted by Women of Faith. The theme of the weekend was, "What does your world revolve around?" Over 10,000 other teen girls and women were challenged by this question: Does your life revolve around sports, boys, friends, or making the grades? The speakers included Dove Award winner Natalie Grant, Tammy Trent, and Chad Eastham. Each speaker reminded the girls that Jesus loves them and encouraged the girls to maintain a hope in God, no matter what their circumstances. The conference attendees heard about difficult circumstances that God had brought the speakers through. Chad Eastham talked about the difference between boys and girls and explained that the choices girls make about how they view themselves will determine how boys will treat them. It was a weekend of bonding between the girls and some of their moms and among friends. It was a spiritual shot in the arm for each one. To God be the glory for what the Lord accomplished in each heart. -- Submitted by SCS Dean of Women Vivian Welkner
Ambassadors for Christ
As future shapers of the next generation, an overwhelming number of students expanded their borders this past summer in a variety of summer missions. In grades 9-12, forty students participated in a significant amount of volunteer work in the name of Jesus Christ. Whether with their personal families or in collaboration with their church youth groups, the students dispersed themselves across twelve states and five countries, rebuilding dilapidated schools, refurbishing senior centers, and conducting international Vacation Bible School classes. “The best part about my mission trip to Mississippi was getting to know the youth there and learning that they are just like us,” said junior Anna Reid. Five other students, all in conjunction with various organizations, volunteered as aid workers for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, while another seven seniors preached the gospel on the streets of New York City. “New York was good because it gets you out of your comforts zone and opens your eyes to the lives of other people,” said senior Laura Gray.
Students still thrive on the enlightening emotions that were evoked while abroad. Berkeley Bagwell said, upon being asked about her mission work, “My trip to Brazil was amazing and enlightening. To see first hand the poverty is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The people loved me without restraint even though they didn’t know me. I miss it so much.” Freshman Austin Nelson said, “This summer I went to Texas on a mission trip. We did a week long day camp for kids ages K5 through 5th grade and reached an average of one hundred and fifty each day. We were really able to see the Lord work.” As SCS students step outside their comfort zones, they are truly fulfilling Paul’s call to the Christians in II Corinthians 5:20 by becoming “ambassadors for Christ,” spreading the love of Christ to the world. -- Submitted by SCS Senior Kristen Gehrman
SCS Psychology Students Gain Professional Point of View
On Thursday, October 19, thirty Southside Christian AP Psychology students took a field trip to Furman University to visit various labs, audit a class and gain an overall experience of life on campus. Led by psychology professor Don Woodward, the students divided into two tour groups. Each group explored the various branches of psychology, spending time in the Developmental Learning Labs observing how psychologists study children, learning about the study of neuroscience through animal experimentation, and listening to a current student discuss her explorations in various cognitive experiments. “The trip gave us a small glimpse of what college life is like. Eating on campus and observing the students was particularily interesting,” said Emily Becraft. After dining in the cafeteria and visiting all of Furman’s specific labs, the students were able to sit in on a higher level psychology class as Furman students presented their personal projects and case studies. “The purpose of the trip was to expose my students to the different disciplines of psychology, hopefully sparking further interest,” said Woodward. -- Submitted by SCS senior Kristen Gehrman
Redefining High School Reading
High school students at Southside Christian School can be described in almost one word: overachieving. Whether in fine arts, athletics, or academics, these students are unafraid to get involved. This was displayed in late August when twenty-two SCS students arrived at Panera Bread for the first-ever Book Club meeting. Though the club has yet to decide on a name, it is not suffering with a lack of identity. Joined by book-lovers, knowledge-seekers, and socialites, the club is destined to be long-standing and of great benefit to all members. Founded by literature teacher Professor Don Woodward and senior Kristen Gehrman, the club offered its first meeting as a chance to gather the interest of members on a variety of titles. After an evening of books, food and fellowship, the books for the year were selected. Among them were Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, Wilkie Collin’s The Woman in White, and the first book to be read this year, Catch- 22 by Joseph Heller. "From the book club, I really hope to gain some friends that love books as much as I do," said junior Nikki Miller. Along with Nikki, many interested students hoped to gain a better understanding for a variety of literature and a chance to talk about it with new friends. In his final statement for the evening, Professor Woodward summarized the value of a new club like this. "You all are of a generation that does not value the written word, but by being here tonight, you are showing me that you are willing to be apart from this world in your desire for knowledge."
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