Middle School Summer Celebrations
As we start another exciting year in Middle School, we asked our teachers and staff to share something exciting they did this summer. We hope that all MS students and families had an amazing summer and everyone is ready for a year of EMPOWERMENT!
Jessy Villafane, Middle School Principal – My family and I left Florida and moved to China, joining the amazing Concordia community.
Travis Coverdell, Middle School Assistant Principal – My family went to Hong Kong for my daughter’s archery competition. We were able to visit Disneyland while we were there.
David Lyon, Visual Arts teacher - One exciting thing I did this summer was to drop off my daughter at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. My son is already attending the same university as a junior this year.
John Thompson, English Language Arts teacher - I visited the Space X Starship base and saw their new starships that are a part of SpaceX’s mission to colonize Mars.
Brittney Rader, Physical Health Education teacher - Celebrated my 10-year wedding anniversary! Woohoo!
Mia Bjorkman, Strings teacher - I got to see two of my favourite jazz singers (Melody Gardot and Laufey) live in concert at the Seoul Jazz Festival this summer! It was very exciting and inspiring, something I will remember forever!
Kalei Brumsickle, Counselor - Seeing my family for the whole summer 24/7 was simply rewarding and made my heart absolutely full.
Danielle Mizel, RSB teacher - One thing I did this summer was travel to Paris to attend the Olympics! We went to three events including Beach Volleyball, Athletics and Indoor Volleyball.
Adam Karsten, Counselor - The Karstens were able to get out and about, exploring nature and see some old and new friends!
Darrell Roddick, Choir teacher - We took our four grandchildren for five days to Prince Edward Island. It was the first time the four of them have had a chance to travel away from their parents. We all survived!
Jake Stephens, STEM teacher - I enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with quality time spent with family, highlighted by cheering on my nephews as they played JV and varsity baseball. Watching their team advance to the qualifying rounds of the state tournament was a memorable experience.
Jordan Williams, MS/HS Librarian - My highlight from this summer was spending a day with my family rafting down the James River in Springfield, MO.
Van Taylor, ELL Specialist - This summer, my family and I visited Colombia and traveled from the coast of Cartagena to the mountains of Medellín. I was able to practice my very rusty Spanish and explore the varied topography of the beautiful country.
Jiyun Kim, Visual Arts teacher - I went on five different trips this summer and had some bonding time with my friends and family. Some new places I’ve visited are Nha Trang in Vietnam and Hokkaido in Japan!
Yuan Yao, Mandarin teacher - This summer, we had an epic family adventure in the Eifel mountains in Germany, where the laughs were as endless as the scenic views!
Bryce Rickett, Science teacher - What unforgettable tour of Vietnam! This summer, I had the pleasure of exploring the vibrant cities of Hanoi, Danang, and Hoi An. It was truly a blessing to immerse myself in the local culture, whether it was engaging in friendly pickleball matches, hitting the golf course, or savoring the diverse and delicious indigenous cuisine.
Pam Rampley, Science teacher and James Rampley, STEM teacher – Our family visited 3 national parks, North Cascades, Mount Rainier and Olympic, in Washington state in 10 days!
Dave Berntson, Math teacher - I went on a fishing trip in Ontario, Canada with my father. He and I had a great time telling fishing stories and playing cards when we weren't fishing.
Amy Chen, Mandarin teacher - The most exciting thing for me this holiday is waiting for my daughter’s high school entrance examination results and high school admission letter. Thank God, everything has come true!
Ashley Hohnholt, ELL Specialist - One fun thing I did this summer was go camping with my family in Michigan. We enjoyed beautiful weather and scenery, but more importantly, we enjoyed the rare opportunity to all be together!
Regina Rumford, Social Studies teacher - I traveled to remote parts of the Okavango Delta and Vumbura Plains in Botswana. During the safari I encountered breathtaking wildlife and stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Lydia (LouLou) Steinhaus, Science/RSB Intern - I partook in classes at the International Academy of Apologetics and Human Rights in France with my dad.
Sally Kim, Math teacher - The most exciting part of my summer was spending two weeks in Jeju Island in South Korea.
Brian Kennedy, Social Studies teacher - I rode the Wildcat's Revenge roller coaster at Hershey Park with my son Andrew, an HR intern there, and was thrilled to experience the ride that ranked #4 among the top 20 coasters in the U.S.
Steve Dignin, MS/HS Innovation Coach – The most exciting part of my summer was getting to hold my newborn niece, Naomi Grace.
Constance Leung, English Language Arts teacher - I went on a croissant tour, and watched the Olympics in Paris!
Angela Hou, Mandarin teacher - This summer was filled with excitement as I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich tea culture of Fujian Province, which was an unforgettable experience.
Belinda Tan, Learning Support Specialist - My summer is a blend of mixed feelings. Although I am excited to have both sets of grandparents come for Cayden’s (my older boy) graduation, I am also saddened by his departure to college. I think he is more excited to leave than me seeing him leave. Well, it’s one of those things that we have to learn to let go!
Rachel Kask, Curriculum Coordinator - This summer I was able to visit the east coast and some famous Civil War battlefields like Gettysberg and Antietam. It was amazing to see first hand something that I grew up learning about.
Everyone in the Middle School looks forward to hearing from all the students about their summer break adventures as well. Wishing everyone an exciting, fulfilling, and blessed new school year!