Megan Jenkins: ECS alumnus

We are privileged to hear from another daughter of middle school teacher Mrs. Jenkins-- Megan Jenkins is a 2006 graduate of ECS, but even before that she was very involved in the Everett Christian community. She has great memories of her time here. 

1. Tell us about yourself. 

My name is Megan Jenkins and I am a 2006 grad. I went on to attend Cascade High School in Everett, WA and from there to obtain a Bachelor of Education degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. I currently teach Grade 5 in Chilliwack, British Columbia. After the wonderful experience I had at ECS, it has contributed to my desire and drive to become a teacher, and I love it!

2. What is your connection to ECS? When did you attend? 

I attended ECS from Kindergarten to 8^th grade (1997 – 2006). In Kindergarten, I had Mrs. Hammingh, 1^st grade my teacher was Mrs. Bishop, 2^nd grade my teacher was Miss De Jong, 3^rd / 4^th grade my teacher was Mrs. De Jong and Mrs. Clayton, and 5^th to 8^th grade my teachers were Mr. Bishop, Mr. D and Mrs. Jenkins (my mom). I spent my school days at Everett Christian, but I spent much of this time throughout my years before, during and after attending ECS in the afterhours. Whether it was helping my mom and various teachers setting up classrooms, serving and cleaning up after auctions, Saturdays spent helping my dad bring computers to ECS, or helping with the graduation ceremonies through the years…I greatly valued my time spent with people in this community.

3. Please share one special memory connected with ECS.

There are many special memories I have from my time at Everett Christian, so it is hard to pick just one. But, I think one of the most special parts about ECS is its small, welcoming, genuine community. There are always friendly faces eager and willing to serve, and the 7^th / 8^th grade class trip was an awesome opportunity for this. I particularly remember our Leavenworth White Water Rafting trip. I remember the games we played, the floods that filled our tents at night, the one or two kids that wouldn’t wake up in the morning, the intensity of the rafting, our various campground duties etc. There were many events and memorable experiences that I could name from this trip, but the one things that sticks out to me was the community we had within our class. Whether it was the volunteering attitudes of parents, the camaraderie between students, or the fun games played…the community and sense of togetherness we shared was a trademark (I believe) of ECS.

4. What is your favorite, or the best, thing about ECS?

The community and sense of togetherness and inclusiveness we had was by far one of my favourite things about ECS. We always did things together, and included everyone in all of our activities. Especially in those tough Middle School years, ECS provided us all with a safe place to truly be ourselves and figure out ourselves in a way that was honest. I am truly grateful for this safe, special time at ECS

Ronald Fisher: ECS alumnus

Ronald Fisher is a 1952 graduate of Everett Christian School. He shares a very unique perspective, having been involved in the school community for so many years. Thanks, Ronald, for taking the time to be interviewed! 

1. Tell us about you and your family. 

My mother’s maiden name was Pieternella (Nellie) Roodzant.  The Roodzants came to Oak Harbor, Washington, from the Netherlands in 1913.  My mom, one of ten, was 8 years old.  They came to Everett where my mom worked in the hospital.  There she met Frank Fisher, the ice man, who was Roman Catholic.  When they married neither side of the family was very excited about that.  They were blessed with three children.  Jack was born in 1927, attended Everett Christian and Everett High.  He died in 1986 of cancer.  My sister Joan was born in 1935, attended Everett Christian and died at age 13 in 1949 of a brain hemorrhage.  

I was born in 1938 and attended Everett Christian.  After my sister died in 1949 I came back to Everett Christian in the fall.  We viewed a movie of a missionary doctor.  I knew then I was being called to ministry.  I graduated from Everett Christian when Keith Kuipers was our teacher and principal.  He was and is a wonderful person.  

I then attended Rosehill Jr. High and graduated from Everett High in 1956.  I went to Calvin College for one year. Then I worked at Reinell Boat Works in Snohomish for one year.  Then I attended the Reformed Bible Institute or RBI (now Kuyper College) for three years.  There I met Gerry Vanderhill.  We were married in 1961 when I graduated from RBI.  Gerry had one year to go to graduate.  I served at Hillcrest Chapel in Grand Rapids, Michigan for one year and realized I needed more schooling.  I went back to Calvin College graduating in January 1965.  By then we had two children and I was working at least two nights a week.  I continued on to Calvin Seminary graduating in 1969.  We have been blessed to have served six Christian Reformed  (CRC) churches, as well as a being part time minister of congregational life for seven and a half years following retirement.  All of our ministry has been in Canada.

We have been blessed with four children.  Melanie was born in 1963, attended Calvin College and Aquinas College, both in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She now has her own accounting business in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Timothy was born in 1964, attended Redeemer University College, Calvin College, and Central Michigan University. Tim works at Agfa in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; a hospital software company.  Tim and Jeanne and their family live in Waterloo, Ontario. Michael was born in 1970, attended Calvin College, the University of Waterloo and Queens University in Kingston, Ontario.  Mike has his own business called Aterica Health which develops medical software.  Mike and Amy and their family live in Waterloo, Ontario. Christine was born in 1970, attended Loyalist College in Trenton, Ontario.  Christine is a special education teacher and lives with her husband Brad Faucet in Vernon, BC. 

2. Have you seen ECS change over the years? If so, please explain.

ECS has changed physically much over the years.  It seems that each time we are out west changes have been made from the original two room school I attended,

3. What do you hope the future holds for Everett Christian School?

That the Lord will continue to bless ECS with faithful supporters and continued blessings to all who attend as well as the staff and board.

4. What would you tell a current ECS student or ECS family is the most important thing to remember about their time at Everett Christian?

Listen to the Word and the Holy Spirit each moment the Lord gives you.  You never know what great adventures our Gracious God has in store for you as you seek to serve Him in His glorious kingdom.