The Stats:
Presented at:
Calvary Bible Church
On-Site Coordinators:
Vicki Mason & Paul Moxon (KAHSA)
John Beck (HCA)
Sally VanderArk (SMCS)
Students attending: 55
VIPs:
Justin VanderArk - SSI Alum
Keith Robinson - Van Buren County Prosecuting Attorney
Fred Taylor - Attorney, Chairman of Kalamazoo County Republican
Mary Balkema - Kalamazoo County Treasurer
Paulette Brack - Jacqua Realtors
Margaret O'Brien - Portage City Councilwoman
Gerald Whitaker - Whitaker-Lachance Insurance
Rachael Moxon - SSI Alum
Deborah Shields - District Director for Senator Tom George
Jack Hoogendyk - State Representative, 61st District
Dale Shugars - Former State Senator, 20th District
Tonya Schuitmaker - State Representative, 80th District
John Zull - Kalamazoo County Commissioner
OnSite Report
Kalamazoo Area, February 20-21, 2008
For
our fourth Onsite of 2008 we traveled to Kalamazoo and worked with 55 students from Heritage Christian
Academy, Kalamazoo Area Homeschool Association, and
Southwest Michigan Christian Scholars. It was exciting to once again partner with
three different organizations. Although there are many logistical hurdles in these types of programs, the interaction of the students
from the different groups really enhances the learning experience.
Our lineup of local community leaders included State Representatives Jack Hoogendyk and Tonya Shuitmaker, and former State Senator Dale
Shugars. Other local officials included Kalamazoo County Treasurer Mary Balkema, Van Buren County Prosecuting Attorney Keith Robinson,
and Portage City Councilwoman Margaret O'Brien. And, once again we had a couple SSI Alums role-playing as lobbyists.
Calvary Bible Church generously provided the facilities, and we are especially indebted to Paul
Moxon who went the extra mile in making sure that everything ran smoothly. Most people do not know how much work goes into making one
of these programs happen. Thank you Paul! In addition, John Beck, government teacher at Heritage, Vicki Mason with KAHSA, and Sally
Vanderark with SMCS all contributed to making this a wonderfully successful event.
Finally, this program was really only possible because of a generous contribution by State Representative, and
U.S. Senate Candidate, Jack Hoogendyk. To help the Summer Program a few years ago, he
launched the SSI Legislative Leadership Fund (PDF), which has been a great
blessing to many families who could not afford the registration fees. This time, he provided the initial underwriting that was the
spark that made it all possible. In addition, Dr. Terry Rowland and Carl and Marilyn Rosema provided generous support as well. Thank
you to everyone who gave of their time, talent and resources!
- James Muffett, SSI Founder & President
Photo Gallery
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