School Seniors Can Carry Over Christian View
By Nora Froeschle, Tulsa World, Okla.
May 25–The 19 seniors in the Class of 2008 at Evangelistic Temple School leave with the very thing their administrators, board and faculty most wanted them to have: a Christian world view.
Graduating senior Kandyce Moore explained what that kind of view means for living one’s life.
It means she will contemplate “how would (she) react in a way that would be pleasing to God,” in every situation, she said.
Four years ago, the small school, which has an enrollment of around 250, went from offering an education through eighth grade to offering a full high school education, as well.
“Part of it was a shift in the school’s philosophy. We were trying to help our kids develop a biblical world view,” said Randy Fulmer, superintendent of Evangelistic Temple School. “How to see biblical truth in everything they see and read,” Fulmer said.
The school’s founder, Jerry Morris, flew back from a mission trip in Ecuador to attend the class’ graduation ceremony Saturday at the church, 5345 S. Peoria Ave.
His wife, Terry Morris, who is the school’s business manager, spoke to the Tulsa World on Wednesday about her husband’s return from missions to see the ceremony.
“He’s very excited
about it. He’s coming back in to be here for the graduation on Saturday, then he’ll turn around and leave Monday,” said Terry Morris, who has worked for the school for 20 years.
Fulmer said that before the school continued class through the 12th grade, a concern was that when students left after their eighth-grade year, they may or may not find a school where what they learned at Evangelistic Temple School would be reinforced.
“The Lord was telling us (to offer an education through the 12th grade),” he said.
Senior Mark Stewart said he has an “all-out devotion” to what he has learned at the school.
He plans to attend Tulsa Community College in the fall and transfer to Oklahoma State University in two years to complete a degree in veterinary medicine, he said.
Cheryl Wassall, the school’s academic adviser, said nearly half the class — eight students — will be attending TCC on Tulsa Achieves scholarships.
A couple of members of the class are enrolled at the University of Tulsa for the fall.
Three plan to attend John Brown University in Arkansas, and several will attend Christian colleges in Oklahoma including Oral Roberts University.
Fulmer is proud of the achievements of the class and the school’s offerings, which include AP classes, a fine arts program, athletics and an academic center intended to assist those students who need extra help.
Senior Ryan Thomas, who is one of two Oklahoma seniors to receive the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award this year, said he is glad he attended the school.
“A small school has its ups and downs, but the advantage is, we’re so close,” he said.
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