Alumni
LCS ALUMNI – What’s new?
Do you have a new address or email that needs updated? Be sure and contact us with your new information. LCS desires to stay in touch so that you can be informed about life at your Alma Mater as well as upcoming events for Alumni. Send an email to alumni@lansingchristianschool.org with your name (including maiden, if appropriate), graduation year, address, email and cell #. We would love to hear from you!
ALUMNI FROM THE 60s
If you graduated in the 60’s come and be a part of the Class Reunion of the 60’s! Follow the link to make your reservation.
Class Reunion – Class of 1977
Recently the Class of 1977 gathered for their 40th reunion! From left to right in the photo are: Rock Campbell, Lori Bykerk, Doug Gutzki, Ellen Robbins, Steve Whitaker, Marc Emery, Tom Swab, Tim Wesolek, and Tom Simmons. Tom Swab’s comment, “We look good for a bunch of old people pushing 60!” It should be noted that Rock Campbell is not a student from that class, rather he was one of their teachers. Rock is from the class of 69’.
Distinguished Alumni Award – 2018
The Distinguished Alumni Award is given each year to an alumnus who exemplifies integrity and Christian character whether on the job, at home, or in the community. They have also remained loyal to LCS through their partnership with the school in a variety of ways.
Ths year’s recipient of the Ninth Annual Distinguished Alumni Award is no stranger to LCS. Melanie Jabara Seal graduated in 1988 as Valedictorian of her class and has been a part of the school family through for several years since through our music program.
After graduating from LCS Melanie received a degree in piano performance from Cornerstone University. Further education began at MSU however, it was set aside for her MRS degree which she has held for 20+ years. She, her husband David Seal, and 3 children reside in East Lansing.
Melanie’s career in piano performance has led her to play for congregations and choirs at both River Terrace and South Church of Lansing over the past 25 years. She has also accompanied students in solo and ensemble competitions across the state of Michigan allowing her to fulfill her love of classical music. In the Lansing community she has accompanied the community choir, “Men of Orpheus”.
For Melanie, music is a way of connecting the body of Christ together. Her love and faith in Jesus is expressed every time she plays those black and white keys. Her upbringing in a Christian home and the church led her to her love of hymns. It was her mother who passed away early in her life who gave her these words, “Keep your heart focused on Him to guide you through life’s arpeggios of ‘ups and downs’”. Those ups and downs led her to eventually record a CD 2 years ago.
Currently, Melanie teaches piano to 22 students ranging in age from 6 to 76!
The 2017 recipients were Jason and Kristin (Clark) Peters (class of ’82), 2016 recipient was Randy Hebden, the 2015 recipients were Jeremy Van Antwerp (Class of ’90) and Bob Isenga (Class of ’63), the 2014 recipient was Rock Campbell (Class of ’69), the 2013 recipients were Heidi DeVries and Buck Hagy (Class of ’84), the 2012 recipient was Chad Mcree (Class of ’80) and the 2011 recipient was Cathy (Bowden) Bytwerk (Class of ’69).Contact Cathy (Bowden) Bytwerk cbytwerk@lansingchristianschool.org with any questions.
ALUMNI FEATURE
Paul Beckman Ellenwood
Class of ’12
It’s always interesting to run into an LCS alumnus and sometimes it happens right at home! Such is the case with Paul Beckman Ellenwood, class of 2012.
During Service Week there were a group of students stationed at LCS spreading mulch, pulling weeds, and doing odd jobs around the school. When I would check in with them I noticed the size of the group had increased by one student and that student was more focused than any others on his job. Come to find out it was Paul! Apparently he had service hours to complete for his college and the place to serve was here at LCS. Thanks Paul for remembering your alma mater and for doing a great job to spruce up the place.
Service Week never ends!
I’m looking forward to serving you so be sure to email or call with any updates or stories of your life. You can connect with me at cbytwerk@lansingchristianschool.org or 517-882-5779 x302
Cathy Bowden Bytwerk ’69
Alumni Coordinator
Memoriam of LCS family that have recently passed away:
Herman Bushnell, alumni parent, former LCS board member. His 3 children were graduates of LCS: Tom, class of 1973. Mary Bushnell Simmons class of 1973. James, class of 1977. Click here for his obituary.
Todd Rakestraw, alumni parent to A.J Rakestraw class of 2015 and Nikki Rakestraw class of 2013. Click here for his obituary.
Marker Years of Graduation
1963 = 54 years (first graduation class. One graduate living; Rod Bytwerk); 1967 = 50 years; 1972= 45 years; 1977 = 40 years; 1982 = 35 years; 1987 = 30 years; 1992 = 25 years; 1997 = 20 years; 2002 – 15 years; 2007 = 10 years. If any of you are celebrating before the year ends be sure to send pictures and updated contact information. Contact Cathy Bytwerk cbytwerk@lansingchristianschool.org, Alumni Coordinator.
Click here for Christmas Concert or All-Alumni Reunion photos.
Click here to see photos and descriptions of past reunions.
Click here to view a copy of the Pilgrim Journey.
