Mrs. Rachel De Young
My husband John and I both graduated from Timothy in 1971, and attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our son John is a 1997 Timothy graduate and also attended Calvin. Son David is a 1999 graduate and attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan.
In my church I have served on the Long Range Planning Committee, worked on the newsletter staff, and currently serve on the Liturgy Committee. I was involved in the inception of the Coffee Break/Story Hour program in our church over ten years ago, and continue to be active in that ministry. Together John and I have participated in small group leadership. John has served as deacon, elder, Timothy board member, and is currently on the Rest Haven Board of Directors. Several years ago, I served a term on the Timothy Education Committee, and was also part of the North Central evaluation process. If you stop in at the New toYou Resale Shop, most Thursdays you will find me behind the cash register.
Christian education is a significant investment and commitment on the part of parents. For these reasons it is the challenge of the board to ensure that every facet of that education be of the highest standard. In a culture that is increasingly influencing our children, the board is also responsible for setting policy and giving direction that will retain the distinctively Christian nature of Timothy Christian School. Staff should be sufficiently motivated, encouraged, and continually challenged to uphold the mission of training wise students who will model their faith. As a board member representing a supporting church, I would take the role of liaison seriously. All members of the congregation should be fully aware of the issues and concerns related to Timothy.
I am thankful for the Christian education I experienced, and am extremely grateful we could provide it for our children. As a Board member I would welcome the opportunity to engage in the prayer, constructive discussion, and wise decision-making necessary to ensure that Timothy remains notably Christian and academically excellent.