Faith Lee

 

I see the word Christian over a door, I wonder and hope, but I also get a little anxious. How do the people using that word mean it? Timothy Christian Schools has Christian imbedded in its name and that is my greatest motivation in serving on the school board. Names matter, and I care very deeply about Timothy Christian’s mission, its vision, and its witness in the community.

There are lots of things to love about Timothy: dedicated teachers, a nurturing environment, strong academics, hills on the playground, art work on the walls, all contributing to an intentionally Christian education. My husband, Ray, and I are happy that our three children have been able to attend Timothy for many years. Our daughter Sabrina will graduate in June 2009 from Timothy, our daughter Sydney graduated from Timothy Middle School in 2007 and is a sophomore at York Community High School, and our son, Sam, is a Timothy 6th grader.

I grew up in Elmhurst, for the most part, attending Immanuel Lutheran School (Elmhurst) for 8 years and graduating from Timothy in 1977. My father’s profession took us out of state twice so that when I transferred to Timothy as a high school sophomore,
Timothy was my fourth school. Unfortunately, its student body proved to be the coldest I had encountered. I went on to earn a BA at Calvin College and an MA in English Literature at UIC. I’m a writer and concentrate on poetry and short stories. Before children, I earned my keep as an editor, first at UIC and later in corporate America.

Ray and I have been members of Christ Church of Oak Brook for over 20 years, where I have taught Sunday school, mentored confirmation students, and served on the
church’s Arts committee. Besides my love of literature, my interest in academics, and my varied educational experiences, some of the less-than-rosy memories from my
own Timothy years are also assets I can bring to the board. To ensure that Timothy’s mission is accomplished, board members should be able to listen carefully, not only to the noisy concerns of the day but also to quiet, sometimes unstated, problems
and disappointments. I welcome the chance to address, honestly and earnestly, some of the school’s weaknesses as well as to celebrate its history and its many strengths.