A Mustang Minute
Our December School Newsletter
MEET OUR NEW MUSTANG STAFF MEMBERS
Mr. Jordan Maroney
English Teacher
Hello! I am Jordan Maroney, and I am very excited to teach at YCS. I was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, where I attended Columbia International University for a few years before moving to the area with my wife. I recently graduated from Aurora University with a degree in Secondary Education. I have discovered a passion for educating, teaching, and mentoring young people through God’s guidance and opening my heart.
When I am not teaching, I love to engage in my hobbies and interests, which include college football, playing sports, and spending time with my family. I enjoy attending games, cheering on my favorite teams (University of South Carolina)) and staying active. Spending time with my family is also very important to me, and I treasure every moment I get to spend with my wife and precious baby girl.
I am humbled by how the Lord has led my life up to this point and how he has blessed me in various ways. I am so thankful for the opportunity to share his grace and love with the students I encounter daily.
MISSION ADVANCEMENT
Calendar Flips to December
December brings a variety of emotions from happy to frustration and everything in between to all age
groups. Further, before the month ends, many last-minute decisions are made and last minute gifts
purchased.
Personally, for our family, December translates to family and friend gatherings, awesome worship
services, donations to our favorite non-profit organizations, Christmas music/carols, and …. the dreaded
last minute planning, rushing, and shopping.
Last Minute Decisions
Our family has the opportunity to take time to review the mission of the non-profits that we support to
insure each is staying true to its mission as well as to its Christian commitment. After the review, we
prayerfully make the decision as to where our support will be given for the year. Obviously, Yorkville
Christian remains at the top of our donation list. Why?
Simply, Yorkville Christian is faithful to its mission of energizing, educating, and impacting students’
lives to make a difference in God’s world. It is a mission that is so important in our current world’s
climate. Therefore, as your family makes those last-minute decisions of what non-profits should be
supported, I encourage you to support Yorkville Christian Annual Fund.
How can you support? A check mailed to or dropped off at Yorkville Christian is one way. A second way
is to visit our website at yorkvillechristian.com, click on donate and follow the directions. Remember a
gift of any size is appreciated.
Last Minute Gifts
Last minute gifts are where I welcome any and all suggestions as I scramble to the “deadline.”
Therefore, I offer the following for you to consider as you debate, struggle, and rush for that last minute
gift.
As part of Yorkville Christian’s 10th anniversary celebration, a “Legacy Brick” program is being offered…
bricks will be installed at the main entrance and remain year after year.
Consider a gift of a legacy brick in honor of your family, your student, a friend, or your grandchild. For
more information, visit our website at https://yorkvillechristian.com/donation/ and complete the form.
Or, feel free to contact Janine McDavitt at 630-200-1305 or janinemcdavitt@yorkvillechristian.com.
In our busy lives, taking a few minutes for last minute decision and last-minute gifts, provides a quiet
time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas without being engulfed in the world’s view of Christmas.
Peace and Blessings,
Connie Brott
Director of Mission Advancement
YORKVILLE CHRISTIAN HOSTS FINE ARTS SHADOW DAY
On Thursday, December 7, Yorkville Christian hosted a Fine Arts Shadow Day. Shadow guests were treated to a very exciting day. The day started with the shadows attending a drawing session led by Yorkville Christian art teacher, Mr. John McDavitt. The shadow guests learned about shading and light and drew some cartoon characters to practice these concepts. The shadows attended a regular class with their hosts, and then they were treated to a special music lesson under the direction of Mrs. Christy Motley, Yorkville Christian’s music teacher. The shadow guests learned how to play the hand bells as well as the keyboard. Shadow students attended chapel and were treated to a catered lunch, where they were able to have a question-and-answer session with the Yorkville Christian fine arts teachers. Students also were able to learn about all the fine arts classes and clubs that are offered at Yorkville Christian.
Following lunch, shadow guests attended two more art classes – a Drawing and Painting Class with Mr. McDavitt, as well as an Adobe class, where they were able to use the new computers in the computer lab. Another highlight of the afternoon was attending Mr. Vester’s class where students participated in a podcast. Each shadow guest in attendance received a “goodie bag” and were able to ask questions of our Director of Enrollment, Mr. Tim Schnyders, regarding Yorkville Christian. It was a great day, and we are so thankful these students and families were led by the Lord to visit Yorkville Christian and learn more about our school.
YORKVILLE CHRISTIAN HOSTS AGRICULTURE SHADOW DAY
Yorkville Christian High School hosted an Ag Shadow Day on Thursday, December 14. The day consisted of several different exciting activities for the shadow guests. The shadow guests visited an “Intro to Agriculture” class; an “Animal Science” class; and a “Food Science” class. Mrs. Wiesbrook and Mrs. Stewart, the Yorkville Christian Agriculture teachers presented a variety of lesson activities including everything from “How to Make Ice Cream” to “Christmas Ag Facts.” The shadow guests had a great time with these activities. Shadows also had the opportunity to attend some regular classes with their hosts, as well as our weekly chapel. Another highlight of the day was a catered lunch, where shadow guests listened to presentations by FFA officers, as well as members of the Rodeo Club. There was also a question-and-answer session with the agriculture teachers. Each shadow guest also received a “goodie bag.”
We thank all of the shadow guests who joined us for the day, and a special thanks to Mrs. Wiesbrook and Mrs. Stewart for all of their efforts in planning the day’s activities.
CLASSROOM CORNER
Toy and Game Design
Toy and Game Design students recently completed a “Team Happy Meal” project. Each team picked a license and designed a line of Happy Meal toys, created a visual presentation to communicate their toys’ features and prepared their oral presentations to “pitch” their concepts to the client. Mr. John McDavitt, the Toy and Game Design class instructor, was very happy with the final products and presentations.
Food Science
Students in Mrs. Wiesbrook’s Food Science class recently created “Pumpkin Pie in a Bag” in
class. Students created their own miniature pumpkin pie in a bag and then transferred their mixture to a
cup and added homemade whip cream to top off the dessert. The final products were delicious!
Biology
Biology students, under the direction of Mrs. Laura Schnyders, completed a “Gummy Bear Bonds
Lab” as part of their “Chemistry in Biology” unit. Students gained an understanding of atoms, elements,
molecules, and compounds as well as the types of bonds that can form between atoms.
Drawing and Painting/ Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop/Toy and Game Design
Designer and Business Owner, Emilie Procsal, of Scarlet Cardinal Studios, visited Yorkville Christian to speak about her career to our
three visual arts classes. Emilie is a fine arts major who transitioned to product development (Wilton Ind,
Itzy Ritzy) and now provides photography and video solutions to the real estate industry. Emilie shared
valuable first-hand experiences with each class about her journey from student to professional to business
owner. It was a privilege to have her speak to our students!
Biology
Biology students in Mrs. Schnyder’s class completed a Frixion Lab as part of their “Chemistry in
Biology” unit. Students used hair dryers as a heat source to cause a chemical reaction in the Frixion ink.
The heat broke bonds that allow it to be visible – causing it to disappear! Students then used keyboard
spray as a cold source to cause the components in the Frixion ink to bond again – and the ink reappeared.
Understanding chemical reactions and the making and breaking of bonds will prepare students to
understand the biological processes they will be studying in our next unit: The cell.
Honors Geometry
Students in Mrs. Tickel’s Honors Geometry class worked on a partner project for their
unit. This extension project involved creating similar triangles and comparing their relationships of
corresponding sides and congruent angles. Students tested the angle at which they must roll a basketball
into the wall in order to create the correct angle to knock over a paper cup. They recorded their findings
and presented their data for their final project.
Drawing and Painting
Drawing and Painting students completed their Grid Drawing Projects. This project
incorporated all the skills the students learned during the semester including values (lights and darks), line,
form, and accuracy. The students did an amazing job!
Media Writing and Production
Students in Mr. Vester’s Media Writing and Production class recently
completed ten-minute newscasts covering six different beats – sports, weather, entertainment, food, crime,
and miscellaneous. The students did a great job putting the podcasts together. It was a great learning
experience for the students.
MUSTANGS IN THE COMMUNITY
GIRLS BASKETBALL BEGINS THE 2023-24 SEASON
The Yorkville Christian varsity girls’ basketball team kicked off the 2023-24 season the week of November 13-18 with a Thanksgiving tournament at Wheaton Academy. The girls faced three much larger schools, and even though they did not come out with a win, they battled throughout the tournament. Coach Schutt believes playing the opening games against much bigger schools will be a great help to the girls down the road, as they get into tournament time.
WRESTLING STARTS THE NEW SEASON WITH STYLE
On Tuesday, November 21, the Yorkville Christian wrestling team started their season with a home meet against Oakwood (Fithian) and Woodstock. The Mustangs lost the match with Oakwood by a score of 45-28, but defeated Woodstock by a score of 54-18. The following day, the Mustangs traveled to Batavia to battle Batavia and Morton (Berwyn Cicero). The Mustangs won both matches defeating Batavia by a score of 46-24, and Morton by a score of 72-12. The team was led by Aiden Larsen, Ty Edwards, Robby Nelson, and Tyler Gleason, who all went 4-0 in their matches. Ryan Alaimo, Tristan Gleason and Jackson Allen all went 3-1 to contribute to the wins.
The JV wrestlers also did a great job with Daniel Nelson going 5-0; Jackson Witt going 4-1; Henry Fox going 4-1; and Kenny Fox and Eddie Poe also competed well for the team. Great job, Mustangs! The varsity team wrestled at the DeRousse Individual tourney on November 25, and the JV team wrestled at the Rockford East Invitational on November 24. The varsity placed 5th out of 24 teams at the Ted DeRousse tourney in Antioch. Individual medalists were Aiden Larsen and Ty Edwards, both champions at their weights. Robby Nelson took 2nd place. Garrett Tunnel placed 5th, and Hayden Wheeler placed 6th. All Mustang wrestlers had at least one win and several had multiple wins. Other competitors for the Mustangs included Eli Foster, Tristan Gleason, Xander Oliver, Ty Lombardo, Isaac Gray, Tyler Gleason, and Jackson Allen.
BOYS BASKETBALL WINS THEIR HOME OPENER
The boys’ basketball program played their home opener on Tuesday, November 28, against Universal. The varsity won by a score of 78-48. The team was led by Jayden Riley’s 29 points and Zach Marini’s 25. The JV team also defeated Universal in what was their first game of the year. The JV team was led with balanced scoring from Graham Razum, Austin Vugteveen, and Joey Benig. Great job, Mustangs!
YORKVILLE CHRISTIAN SOCCER PLAYER EARNS AWARD
Congratulations to Yorkville Christian senior, Dakota Bulson, was named to the 2023 Kendall County Now All-Area Soccer Team, as an Honorable Mention selection. Dakota was one of 17 players selected to the team. Dakota helped lead Yorkville Christian to a school record in wins this season. Great job, Dakota!
WRESTLING TEAM CONTINUES WINNING WAYS
The Yorkville Christian High School wrestling team had a home meet on Friday, December 1, against Peotone High School and Ottawa Marquette. The Mustangs were very dominant throughout defeating Peotone by a score of 66-12, and defeating Ottawa Marquette by a score of 50-14. Aiden Larsen moved his overall record to 10-0 on the season, while Ty Edwards improved to 11-0. Robby Nelson moved his overall record to 8-1, and Garrett Tunnell notched his 9th win against only two losses. It was a great team effort for the Mustangs and Coach Vester! Great job.
BOYS BASKETBALL NOTCHES ANOTHER WIN AT HOME
The Yorkville Christian basketball program hosted Lombard College Prep on Saturday, December 2. The JV started the night off right with a win against the visitors. The varsity team had little trouble defeating the guests, winning by a score of 98-68. The Mustangs had five players in double digits including Jayden Riley, Trey Alford, Jordan Purvis, Noah Aguado, and Zach Marini. Brady Sovern contributed another near triple double with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists to help the Mustangs. Great job, team!
BOYS BASKETBALL HITS THE CENTURY MARK AGAINST IFS
On Tuesday, December 5, the Yorkville Christian Mustangs hosted IFS for a basketball matchup. The JV and varsity teams had a very successful night, as both teams recorded decisive wins over IFS. The varsity won by a score of 100-24. The varsity team was led by Jordan Purvis with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Brady Sovern shot lights out going 5-6 from the three-point line and finishing with 20 points. Jayden Riley distributed 12 assists, and Zach Marini added 18 points to the winning effort. Trey Alford (14 points and 7 assists), and Sam Painter (13 points) also contributed to the win. Great job, Mustangs!
YORKVILLE CHRISTIAN SERVES AT OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
On Wednesday, December 6, the entire student body and staff of Yorkville Christian School served at Operation Christmas Child. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. The organization fills shoeboxes with gifts for children around the world. Since 1993, more than 209 million children in more than 170 countries have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. It was a great reminder to our students and staff during this Christmas season of the importance of being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world today.
Our seventh graders did not meet the minimum age requirement for Operation Christmas Child, so they spent the day doing various projects around Yorkville Christian. They accomplished a great deal, and we are very appreciative of their efforts!
YORKVILLE CHRISTIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS’ BASKETBALL WINS TOURNAMENT
On Saturday, December 9, the Yorkville Christian Middle School boys’ basketball team participated in the
Wheaton Academy Shootout. The team started out strong with a 50-35 victory over the LAC Clippers.
The second game of the shootout was a battle with the Lincoln-Way Wildcats, a team out of the New
Lenox area. The Mustangs defeated the Wildcats by a score of 59-44 to secure the Shootout
Championship. All 12 players on the Yorkville Christian team played and contributed to the
championship. The team MVP was Giovanni Sanderlin, who scored 29 points, hauled in 11 rebounds,
dished out four assists, and had six steals and two blocks in the two games. Isaac Echols contributed 30
points on the day, including six three pointers. Jayden Alford added 20 points and also made four three
pointers on the day. Sean Drynan contributed 12 points and 16 rebounds in the two victories.
The two victories on the day pushed the team’s record to an overall mark of 7-3 on the season. Great
job, Mustangs! The team is coached by Coach Andy Bejlovec. We thank Coach B for his great work with
this group of guys! Good luck the rest of the way, Mustangs!
Register for a Shadow Day!
YORKVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS
- DECEMBER 23-JANUARY 7 – NO SCHOOL – CHRISTMAS VACATION
- JANUARY 8 – SCHOOL RESUMES
- JANUARY 15 – NO SCHOOL – MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BIRTHDAY
- JANUARY 12-18 – SEMESTER 1 FINAL EXAMS
- JANUARY 19 – NO SCHOOL – TEACHER WORK DAY
- JANUARY 22 – PREACT ASSESSMENT – EARLY DISMISSAL
- JANUARY 22 – SENIOR’S DAY OUT – MAIN EVENT
- FEBRUARY 19 – NO SCHOOL – PRESIDENTS DAY
- FEBRUARY 20-23 – FFA WEEK
- MARCH 25-APRIL 1 – NO SCHOOL – SPRING VACATION AND EASTER MONDAY