A SPIRIT WEEK TO REMEMBER

Mr. Rick Jones holds his book, Journey Through the School of Groaning.

By Samantha Weiler Managing Editor

Rick Jones‟ new book, Journey Through the School of Groaning, is full of propaganda. He says so himself, right before the introduction: “Warning: This is a propaganda book.”

But Jones is using the word “propaganda” in its original form—the one coined by Pope Ur-ban VII—which refers to everything helping to spread the Christian faith. So maybe “propaganda”

Issue One Wednesday, February 8, 2012 thevictoryvoice.wordpress.com

Final Push Leads to Victory Page 7

A New Concept in Valparaiso

Page 5

THE VICTORY VOICE

See “Jones” on page 3

Electing Character

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Inside

AP PHOTOS eos, raised money, painted banners and most impor-tant, learned more about God. Everyone rolled out of bed to kick off Spirit Week in style on Monday, pajama day. This classic day is hailed as a favorite every year because, as junior Daniel Ronjak said, “Why wouldn‟t you want to go

See “Spirit” on page 2

Students and staff worship at the combined South Campus chapel.

CONTENTS NEWS 2

NEWS 3

FEATURES 4

LOCAL NEWS 5

OPINION 6

SPORTS 7

CALENDAR 8

out in public in your paja-mas?” During the daily events: pajama, tropical, team sports, wacky and school spirit, students and staff saw a new installation of the drama team‟s video series in which the mem-bers impersonated teach-

MR. RICK JONES: A STORY OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

By Samantha Weiler Managing Editor

The biggest event of the year has come and gone, but not without leaving be-hind an impact on every stu-dent at Victory Christian Academy (VCA). Spirit Week, which spanned from Jan. 23-27, was celebrated by students and staff alike who dressed up, filmed vid-

Juniors Marisa Martin and Stephanie Gordon sport

school spirit.

PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE GORDON

PHOTOS BY NIKKI GEER

them to become warriors for Christ. Christian men of God, among whom was VCA alumnus Danny Mosco, waited to pray with the fifty plus young men who came forward. After publicly signing the pledge, each young man received ceremonial face paint from Chirch.

All week long, students com-peted in the Jar Wars competition, where they donated change in ex-change for Spirit Week points. Fourth through sixth grades raised about $850 for teacher Miss McSpadden; 7-12th-grades raised about $150 for the worship band. Finally, all of the North Cam-pus students gathered in the sanctuary for the pep rally on Friday afternoon, where all the winter sports teams were announced on stage. In chapel on the following Wednesday, Feb. 1, 9th-grade was announced as the winning class of the Spirit Week competitions, and given $100 to spend as the students choose.

THE VICTORY VOICE PAGE 2

HOMECOMING: A SUCCESS STORY By Matthew Stefanski Editor-in-Chief

ers. The students got a kick out of it. As a result, on wacky day, the teach-ers dressed up as their respective stu-dent impersonators. In chapels at the North Cam-pus Assistant Principal and Bible teacher Derek Chirch, introduced the week‟s theme: warriors. He and Rick Jones, retired pastor and secondary social studies teacher, alternated speaking with Chirch taking Monday and Wednesday; Jones Tuesday and Thursday. On Thursday, dozens of stu-dents responded to Jones‟ altar call. Eight students were saved, 23 recom-mitted to Christ and numerous others

asked teachers for prayer. At the South Campus, the students learned about a new warrior each day. On Monday, Pastor Jim Wellsand spoke about Moses; Pastor Denver Ayers spoke about David and Goliath on Tuesday. Aaron Podgorski spoke about Gideon on Wednesday and Bobby Capobianco, forward for the Valparaiso University Crusaders basketball team, wrapped up the war-rior theme on Thursday. “God is good. It‟s been a fabulous week, praising God for more committed, and for those who didn‟t, I‟m desperately on my knees,” said Assistant Administrator Tammy Canzoneri.

On Friday, all of the students met at the South Campus for a com-bined chapel in which both Chirch and Jones spoke. They then invited junior Kody Lindgren to join them. In a coffeehouse-type setup, Lindgren asked each of the men questions about being spiritually victorious men of God.

At the end of the service, Chirch read a pledge to all the young men in the room, inviting each of

SPIRIT Continued from page 1

Homecoming Court nominees stand alongside the Lion mascot.

From hammering the Hawks, to „A Night in Paris,‟ the 2012 Victory Christian Academy (VCA) Homecoming was a great success. Following an exciting pep rally and South Campus chapel, the staff and students of VCA geared up for the evening homecoming festivi-ties and basketball games against the Hawks of Hammond Academy of Sci-ence and Technology (HAST). The Lady Hawks and Lady Lions played a close match, however, the home crowd helped motivate the Lions to

obtain a single-digit lead. The Lions ended up beating the Hawks 31-27. Immediately following the girl‟s basketball game, the crowd greatly applauded as the Homecom-ing Court entered the doors. VCA

The 2012 VCA Homecoming Court

Senior Jordan Armstrong receives ceremonial face paint from Chirch.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GORDON

PHOTO BY NIKKI GEER

THE VICTORY VOICE PAGE 3

Every year Mr. Jones buys a new journal dedicated just to his prayers for the year. His first book, Seasons of a Pastor, was a col-lection of lessons he learned during his years as a pastor, all recorded in those prayer journals. This book, Journey Through the School of Groaning, is a year's worth of daily devotionals collected through his years of intentional prayer time. “We get caught up in prayer lists, devotionals, but some-times during my prayer time, I‟ll never say a word.” Jones said. Every morning, he spends time in silence and solitude, listening to God‟s voice, instead of his own. “Quiet time can be very refresh-ing,” Jones added, “especially when you work in a high school all day.” “Since Jones has been a pas-tor for over 40 years, I figured he is pretty set in his ways,‟ said junior Kody Lindgren who was asked by Jones to write one of the forwards

isn‟t such a strange label. After all, Jones, the junior high and high school social studies teacher, wrote this prayer devotional to do just that. Jones said that, during the over forty years he served as a pas-tor in neighboring La Porte County, “I‟ve noticed that more Christians struggle with their prayer life than any other aspect of the Christian walk.” He said one of the main reasons he wrote this prayer devo-tional was because, “I know very few Christians who say, „Oh sure, my prayer life is great.‟” He said everyone can grow in their prayer life if they just take the time. “We struggle with making our prayer life a priority. We have our prayer lists, our habits; we‟re established in our “methodology,” Jones explained, “And, before you know it, there‟s no more „exciting prayer time.”

for his devotional. “But not only is he really smart and wise, but he‟s really willing to keep growing.” When Jones approached Lindgren last year about writing an introduction to Journey Through the School of Groaning. Lindgren said, “I was completely honored. I hadn‟t even known him for a year, and he is respected by everyone. Of anyone he could have chosen, he chose me. And, to be chosen by Mr. Jones, means an awful lot.” Jones has already started working on his third book, a collec-tion of his stories from his over thirty trips to Haiti. “But since most of my writing is in the summer-time,” he said, “it‟ll be a while.”

To purchase your own copy of Jones‟ Journey Through the School of Groaning, stop by the North Campus, where you can pick one up in the main office or Jones‟ classroom, 104.

JONES Continued from page 1

Alumnus and 2011 Homecoming King, Nick Schrader and 2011 Homecoming Queen, Claire Abner waited patiently while Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Derek Chirch announced the cre-dentials of each candidate on the Homecoming Court. “Your 2012 VCA Home-coming Queen is Sam Weiler and your 2012 VCA Homecoming King is Daniel Ronjak,” exclaimed Chirch. Both juniors, stunned by the students‟ votes, accepted the crowns in awe. “More than any-thing, I was surprised. I did not

even believe that I would be nomi-nated,” said Ronjak. Students on the Homecom-ing Court were nominated by teachers based on their spiritual life, leadership skills and academic performance. “I just try to work hard in school. I respect the teach-ers because they treat us fairly. I believe our peers should find us relatable,” said Ronjak. Immediately following the Homecoming Court, the energetic varsity Lions entered, ready to play ball. The Lions maintained a close lead throughout most of the game. During the second half, the

Lions gained a greater lead. “There was a lot of energy. When HAST would close in a bit, our crowd would pick us back,” said Chirch. The Lions won in the end, 71-48. On Saturday, Jan. 28, the newly formed Student Council hosted the 2012 Homecoming Dance, „A Night in Paris.‟ “The student council wanted to show the students that we could exceed their expectations from previous events,” said Student Council president, senior Samuel Brown. Many stu-dents voiced that the Homecoming Dance “exceeded their expecta-tions” and are looking forward to future homecomings at VCA.

A NEW FAMILY MEMBER tist Bible College to pursue a degree in elementary education so she could help young people develop a life with Christ. She unfortunately left after only two years so she could have the chance to start her own family. Ayers married her husband Denver, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Val-paraiso and had children of their own. “I didn‟t complete school because I had babies,” she comments, “it‟s everyone‟s story, right?” She has two daughters, a second-grader and a third-grader, who attend school at VCA, and a younger daughter who is in first-grade at Northview Elemen-tary. Ayers credits her daughters for leading her to VCA. “I heard about VCA through my girls. I was interested in a private school for them,” she said. Ayers started working as a volunteer and substitute at the South Campus. Ayers made her way up to the North Campus, where she has grown fond of everyone. “I love how it‟s a small school; everyone gets along, and the staff is just wonderful. The teachers just love their students. They are very

By Michelle Parr Staff Writer Teachers, students, and par-ents of Victory Christian Academy (VCA): it is time to welcome a new addition to VCA‟s Christian family! No, there is not a new born baby in the midst. The new addition is North Campus secretary, Mrs. Ginny Ayers. Ayres started as the secre-tary at the North Campus on Jan. 2. But who is this person who now welcomes the students every morn-ing with a smile and a friendly “hello”? Ayers went to Trinity Bap-

STUDENTS TAKE INITIATIVE TO ESTABLISH FLAGPOLE

THE VICTORY VOICE

Features

PAGE 4

By Destiny Vargas and Samantha Weiler

Victory Christian Academy (VCA) has already made tremendous improve-ments throughout the 2011-2012 school year. In addition to the installation of a new gymnasium floor, VCA re-cently acquired a brand new

flagpole. However, this was not an item that the admini-stration decided to purchase. The fifth-grade class of 2011, the current sixth-grade class, put the plan to acquire a flag-pole into motion. During the 2010-2011 school year, Shania Kresel made an initial sugges-

tion to get a flagpole. “My dad felt it would be respectful to our country and it would be a good idea for our class to raise the money and take responsi-bility for the flag,” said Kresel. She had faith in her class, and began fundraising. The class recycled aluminum cans and sold baked treats to meet their

friendly and outgoing, and take care of each other, and I love that,” voiced Ayers. She has not only found great-ness in teachers, but in the students as well. “I love how they all have a heart for the Lord, and they‟re nice to each other. They all really caring, and respectful to the teachers too.” Even though Ayers has only been with VCA for a short time, teachers have already started to em-brace her as part of their “family.” “Ayers is friendly, and very welcom-ing. She is definitely making a smooth transition into the North Campus po-sition,” said technology director Lydia Addison High school math teacher Marisol Parr said,” Ayers is a very kind and gracious person. She is a great addition to our staff. It‟s as though she has always been here!” Ayers concludes with a word of advice, “Always put God first and always love each other the way you want to be loved, because it will carry on and affect the rest of your life.”

PHOTO BY ELLEN COOPER

PHOTO BY NIKKI GEER

The North Campus flag which was donated by the fifth-grade class of 2011.

North Campus secretary Ginny Ayers

THE VICTORY VOICE PAGE 5

FULL SERVICE: A NEW CONCEPT IN VALPARAISO

$500 goal by the end of the 2011 school year. In the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, the stu-dents were able to see how their hard work had paid off. Along with outdoor lights donated by the Horb family, the flagpole was installed directly south of the north campus. The cement used for the foundation was donated by Smith Ready Mix, and the flagpole was raised by a group of gracious volunteers.

An official flag-raising ceremony took place on Jan. 9, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. “I‟m excited because we get to see something we spent time working for as a class,” said Adeline Horb.

During the ceremony, Shania Kresel, Jacob Barden and Kylee Witt were given the honor of raising the flag for the very first time. Then their former teacher, Cassie Weideman, taught a brief lesson about the United States Flag. Weideman

then proceeded to lead the group in prayer, thanking God for providing them with their funding, as well as praying for the rest of VCA.

The hard work of the stu-dents was commemorated on the flag pole which reads, “donated by the fifth-grade class of 2011.” The fifth-grade class of 2011 has made a definite impact on school spirit. The installation of the flagpole is a major improvement for VCA, which was pioneered by a group of ambitious students.

Local News

By Matthew Stefanski

Editor-in-Chief

Amidst the frigid below-zero temperatures, the attendants at Costas Mobil check fluids, tire pressure, pump gas and wash windows all the while drivers recline in their heated vehicles. Full service gas stations are com-mon throughout the Eastern United States but are relatively

scarce in the Midwest. Costas Mobil, located at 2804 Calumet Ave. in Valparaiso, is currently the only full service gas station in Porter County. Due to the rising gas prices, owner Jay Costas decided to come up with a way to give back to the commu-nity. "Gas prices right now are ridiculous and we figured we would give some service to help out the community with expensive gas," said Kenny Owens, Manager at Costas Mobil. During winter months, full service is a great service for drivers so that they can stay in their vehicles. Student drivers also feel the benefits. Senior Jordan Arm-strong said, "A lot of young driv-ers do not check their fluids. It's great to have people that know how to do it for you without cost-

ing an arm and a leg." The full service aspect is a plus for Costas Mobil as well as the surrounding community."Full service has been very successful so far and we do not plan on end-ing it anytime soon," said Owens. Since full service is com-plimentary, many people have decided to go to Costas Mobil to pump their fuel. "When I am in the area, I will definitely stop at Costas Mobil if I need fuel," said Armstrong.

An attendant at Costas Mobil prepares to pump a customer’s gas.

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW STEFANSKI

YOURVOICE

There have been many privileges granted to the free citizens of the United States. One of these privileges surpasses the rest by its ability to truly represent the voice of the people. The privi-lege: voting for the lead-ers of this great nation requires responsibility and the upmost diligence of preparation by the people.

As it comes closer to election time, it is es-sential to talk about the presidential candidacy and the responsibility that vot-ers have in the choosing of the next leader of the United States.

During election time, the prevailing theme of thought that determines the popular vote is “what can the candidate promise me?” The promise of a tax break on small businesses, an increase in environ-mental awareness or even the promising

ELECTION 2012

pledge to create jobs and decrease unemploy-ment appeals to the vot-ers. This method of analy-sis of presidential candi-dates is flawed.

Rather than look-ing at what candidates say they will do, voters should look at the means of ac-tion that candidates have taken in their past political offices or occupations. The moral integrity and character of the candidates should be the primary ob-ject of scrutiny in deter-mining the correct presi-dential candidate.

A candidate who wishes to obtain the presi-dency must be a man or woman of character. The position of president must be filled not only by a reputable person, but by someone who can accu-rately demonstrate the moral virtues of truth, responsibility and moral consciousness. They must maintain political inspira-tion as well.

The position of president requires some-one of excellent moral caliber in order to demon-strate the rest of the world what the American people value in their leaders. Af-ter all, the president is the “face” of the United States to the entire world. His or her influence on foreign policy and domestic oc-currences hinges upon the character that he or she demonstrates in and out of office.

In today‟s age it would seem that many candidates do not have enough moral integrity to be president of the United States. This should change.

Students can also be the leaders of today by showing the world through their votes that character is the determin-ing factor of choosing a presidential candidate. Make a difference. Elect men and women of char-acter to lead this nation.

I welcome you to the first "true" edition of The Victory Voice. Throughout the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year we have had three preliminary edi-tions to promote the full print edition of The Victory Voice. My staff and I have put in countless hours to make this publi-cation succeed. Since the beginning of my fresh-man year, I have made many strides to-ward instituting a student publication at Victory Christian Academy (VCA). Now, the simple but large dream I had of a high school publication has become a reality. I wanted to institute a publica-tion to expose VCA more in Northwest Indiana, as well as first and foremost edu-cate our students of the happenings and news in our school and community. Con-sequently, the purpose of The Victory Voice is to report school news to the high school reader in an accurate, truthful manner, to educate the reader on the information presented, and to provide a school forum for open discussion. In our three preliminary edi-tions, I was seemingly surprised on how much our student body was pleased with the publication. My staff and I were ap-proached by many students, parents, and staff members with numerous compli-ments. This is my first year with The Victory Voice, but also my last. I keep building on our publication and working with our staff to make sure it succeeds. I want to stay around with The Victory Voice for years to come, but I know that is not the reality. I am going to college next year, and leaving the reigns of the publication here at VCA. This is a bitter-sweet moment, because it marks a begin-ning of a publication, but also a new beginning for me.

ELECTING CHARACTER LETTER FROM THE EDITOR A NEW BEGINNING

MITT ROMNEY

Winner of New Hampshire and Florida Primaries

NEWT GINGRICH Winner of the South Carolina Primary

MICHIGAN AND ARIZONA PRIMARIES: Feb. 28

By Samuel Brown Sports Editor

THE VICTORY VOICE PAGE 6

Sincerely, Matthew Stefanski Editor-in-Chief

AP PHOTOS AP PHOTOS

SPORTS PAGE 7 THE VICTORY VOICE

The Vic-

tory Christian Academy (VCA) Lions ran onto the court Tuesday, Jan. 24 with one clear goal, to win. “Our team goal is to always achieve a victory” said head coach Derek Chirch. Luther East High School Eagles of Lansing, Ill. traveled to compete against the 11-7 Lions not knowing what they would find. “Our recent struggle has been to build up momentum from our wins” said Chirch. After the aggressive first half, the Eagles knew that they faced a challenge. The game opened up with an intense barrage of full court game play. The fast paced action thrust the Lions to an early lead of 16 in the first half. “We played a great first half, I was really pleased with the defense my

FINAL PUSH LEADS TO VICTORY

THE VICTORY VOICE

The Victory Voice is the official student-produced news publication of Victory Christian Academy. The mission of The Victory Voice includes the following: to report news to the high school reader in an accurate, truthful manner, to entertain and educate the reader on the infor-mation presented and to encour-age students toward discussion and involvement. The opinions expressed in The Victory Voice are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily the opinions of the students, staff and administration of Victory Christian Academy. The Victory Voice is a member of the Indiana High School Press Association. Please visit us online at: thevictoryvoice.wordpress.com Contact us: vcavoice@gmail.com

Staff Editor-in-Chief Matthew Stefanski Managing Editor Samantha Weiler Copy Editor Logan Garnes Design Editor Lisi Dudash Sports Editor Samuel Brown Staff Writer Michelle Parr Destiny Vargas

Photographer Ellen Cooper Nikki Geer Stephanie Gordon Adviser Mr. A. Jones

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GORDON

By Samuel Brown Sports Editor

boys put out,” commented Chirch. The Lions played a solid man to man defense as well as being aggressive of-fensively. Going to the locker room the Lions were fired up and rearing to go. “I felt we were doing great. I knew I had the support of the team behind me and my confidence level was high” said 6-3 senior Lee Strong. Regardless of the Lions confi-dence, the second half turned into a slop of ugly turnovers and missed op-portunities. “The second half was aw-ful but we managed to pull ourselves together by the 4th quarter” said Chirch. The strong comeback by the Eagles was finally halted by the deter-mined Lions in the late fourth quarter to come out with a win of 66-50. Chirch attributed the victory to the determination of the Lions play-ers to not allow their first half success to be in vain. “I was pleased that this win helped us to gain some momen-tum to hopefully carry us to future victories” Chirch said. Strong scored a total of 37 points. Fellow Senior Evan Longhi scored 14 points and Sopho-more Calvin Reisigner put up a total of 11 points. The Lions face the Calumet Christian School Patriots in the next home game on Feb. 13.

highlights

January 6, 2012 Victory 58, Portage 49

Leventes Strong: 39 pts Calvin Reisinger: 9ts

Victory Christian @ Portage Christian

The Eagles try to block senior Lee Strong as he attempts to make a basket.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2 MSG @ GCS-5:00 MSB @ GCS-6:00

3 MSB vs. PCS-5:00 VBB vs. PCS-6:00

4

5

6 MSB vs. FRA-5:00

7 Mission visit to nursing home VBB @ GPC-5:00 VGB @LALU-5:30

8

9 MSG @ CCS-4:30 MSB @ CCS-5:30

10 VBB@HSRC-6:30

11

12

13 MSG@MCAC-4:30 MSB@MCAC-5:30

VGB vs. CCS-5:00 VBB vs. CCS-6:30

14 VALENTINE’S DAY

15

16

17 VGBvs.LALU-5:00 VBB vs. FBM-6:30

18 SSCC TOURNEY

MSG, MSB

19

20 NO SCHOOL President’s Day

21

22

23

24 SSCC TOURNEY

VGB, VBB (HOME)

25 SSCC TOURNEY

VGB, VBB (HOME)

26

27

28

29

February 2012

THE VICTORY VOICE

MSG=Middle School Girls’ Basketball MSB=Middle School Boys’ Basketball VGB=Varsity Girls’ Basketball VBB=Varsity Boys’ Basketball

What is Your New Year’s Resolution? YourWord

David Stover, freshman Ryan Ramsey, sophomore Daniel Ronjak, junior Maddie Parker, senior

“I’m trying to become a vegetarian this year.”

“I want to help around the house and spend

more time with my family.”

“I want to read the whole Bible in a year.”

“I want to start considering the

future such as college and becoming an adult.”

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