The high school chapels this year have been a wonderful variety of speakers and worship music. Yesterday, we were blessed by the Concert Choir, Witness, and the Speech and Debate Team. The choirs performed some of the pieces that they have prepared this quarter. A few of the choir students shared personal testimonies about the Lord and what His gift of music has meant to them.

The Speech and Debate team was recognized and a few of their members spoke about what participation on this team has meant to them as both students and believers. It was mentioned how they get interesting reactions and in-depth questions from other students when they tell them what school they attend. They are asked if they are Christians and why. Our students have an opportunity to share their faith. Another CSCS student shared how she learned to look beyond the outside appearance of those she meets to see the person from the heart.

The words our students spoke to their peers were heartfelt and powerful. Our students are learning great skills in classrooms, but they are also learning how to be salt and light in the world. That is what we desire for our students; that they be prepared academically, socially, and spiritually for whatever the Lord has ahead for them.

Colorado Springs Christian High School is off to a great start and it is hard to believe that we are approaching the end of the first quarter. We have experienced dynamic chapels, which included student testimonies and exhortations to their peers. See You at the Pole was celebrated as many of our students met early on a Wednesday morning to pray and worship with their schoolmates around the flagpole. SYATP is a tradition that started in the United States in 1990 and has grown internationally.

Some other first quarter activities at the high school include:

• Band students have been busy auditioning for community honor bands
• The cast of Cinderella is working hard for their upcoming production
• The Junior Class Council is busy preparing for the Junior/Senior Banquet
• The ACTS team is attending seminars and learning how to fulfill their roleStudents have been leading worship and Scripture reading in chapel
• The Homecoming committee is busy preparing for the banquet and coronation program
• Golf finished their season with a state meet
• Tennis had a very strong finish to their seasonVolleyball is about to enter districts
• Football is still competing with several contests scheduled
• Our Cross country team is entering the final weeks of their season
• Soccer is still competing with some tough matches and post play ahead

As the year's routine takes root, students have been working diligently in their coursework. Twelve dual credit HS/College courses are now being taught at CSCHS.

Looking ahead to Quarter 2:

• Parent-Teacher conferences are being held October 25 & 26. Please visit the high school homepage at www.cscslions.org to request conferences.
• On November 6, we will celebrate a special Veteran's Day chapel along with CSCS middle school students
• Cinderella will be performed in the CSCS auditorium on November 16 & 17
• Winter sports kick into gear on November 9
• The bands and choirs will perform their Christmas concerts on December 3 and 10, respectively

Colorado Springs Christian High School is a busy place. The high school administration and faculty encourage students to get involved in a variety of different activities. High school is a great time to find areas that are fun and where students might discover their gifting.

The Colorado Springs Christian High School Concert Band recently performed at the Colorado Music Educators’ Association (CMEA) conference. On January 26, many hours of practice culminated with an outstanding performance held at the International Center at the Broadmoor Hotel. The Concert Band, under the direction of Debbie Baker, performed a variety of pieces for music educators and directors. Being asked to play by the CMEA board is an immense honor and the band performed with excellence and great musicality.

The Colorado Springs Christian High School band was commended by a renowned conductor for their music quality and outstanding musicianship. Our band is among the smaller of the concert bands in the area, but the sound was big and the quality of the overall sound was excellent and not diminished by band size. It was noted that our students demonstrated that band numbers are not the determiner of excellence, which they also established at Disneyland last spring when they received both the 1A top band honor and also the All Classes Top Band honor. The dedication of the students and excellent leadership of their director was acclaimed once again this past Saturday.

 I was very proud of the CSCS students and Debbie Baker. The students were up early on Saturday for the performance and they played and looked great. Thank you to each of you for your dedication. Thank you also to the many parents who support the fine arts at CSCS by supporting your student and our school.

National Day of Prayer was observed at Colorado Springs Christian High School yesterday. Students led the school in prayer and worship at the beginning and the end of the day. In between the two programs, students were able to choose between a variety of prayer activities. About 40 high school students worked with elementary students on prayer and writing postcards to people in our community after praying for them. A large group of young men went to Crossfire Ministries to assist in the kitchen to help the Colorado Springs community. Another group of students walked the paths of Garden of the Gods and prayed in the natural beauty that defines this city. The students did a great job planning and executing this day set aside for prayer.