An Unforgettable 75th Celebration

This special event concluded a year-long recognition of the anniversary milestone and the ways in which God has blessed and grown our school in the decades since 1942.

 
The evening began with a reception in the courtyard with background music by an ensemble of current and former WCGS student instrumentalists.  The assembling of more than 500 participants felt to many like a foretaste of Heaven!  Dinner in the gym included the recognition of the many alumni in attendance, and a fun rendition of "Happy Birthday WCGS" led by members of the Class of 1967 who were celebrating their own 50th reunion.

Program speakers included Marybeth (Knudsen) Sauter ’74 as a student and current teacher, David Roth, former principal, and Jon Nielson ’97 as a former student and new school dad.  Many others joined in through video participation:

Worship and praise to God in song was a central focus of the evening.  Our administrators each played an important role as well:  Roger Burgess gave a historical overview, while Marc Painter pointed us to "Bright Hope for Tomorrow."  Steve Clum served as the host and emcee for the evening, but also shared the great opportunity we all have to participate in paying off the remaining $2.3M which remains on the new (2010) campus. 

Each attender received a brochure of WCGS history, a calligraphy of Psalm 78:4,7 by Timothy Botts, and a devotional book ("Words of Wisdom") written by a number of current and former WCGS employees. And as the evening ended — after Board President Jim Rathbun led us in a prayer of recommitment to our mission — lights were dimmed and 75 lanterns lit the stage as we sang the Doxology.  It was a fitting reminder to all of those present that WCGS must continue to be a light in our community and our world! 

Other events throughout the year leading up to September 8 included the display of historical banners for each decade of WCGS history, a photo of our entire student body, and a float in the Wheaton July 4th Parade.  To God Be the Glory!