Fall Town Hall

"Campaign Rally 2008"

Even though Desert’s first Fall Town Hall took place on the same night as the Presidential Debate, "Campaign Rally 2008" was well-received by all who attended. 

New parents were welcomed at an all-American dinner reception, complete with chili dogs.  Families were invited to tour the high school campus led by Student Council members and proceeded to the gym afterward. The main program opened with music director Cindyrae Stang leading the DCS band which aptly “set the tune” for the evening.  Principal Dennis O’Reilly lead the assembled parent body in prayer, reminding everyone that this is God’s school and all our plans are His to direct. 

Keynote speaker at the Town Hall was John O’Hair whose State of the School address recounted the many blessings and accomplishments of our school over the past year.  Mr. Sonny Cray reported on behalf of the DCS Building Committee that, if the new campus plans continue to proceed through the city, grading on the Wrightstown property could begin as early as January.  Mr. O’Hair followed with an appeal for parents to earnestly pray for the "Making a Way in the Desert" capital campaign and to ask God what he may enable each to contribute.  He elaborated on the idea that "God allows us the ability to give, not under compulsion, but joyfully." 

One of the best aspects of the evening was the involvement of Desert Christian students.  From high and middle school student council members who offered tours and childcare to elementary school students singing the mission statement, parents were witnesses of the fruits of discipleship at every level of DCS.  Attendees were also treated to a wonderful sneak peak of the upcoming high school musical, “Fiddler on the Roof” when cast members wowed them with their rendition of “Matchmaker." 

Throughout the Town Hall several DCS Board members spoke, telling what they loved about the school and why they came to Desert Christian.  One common theme expressed was that each member knew DCS is where God had drawn them to educate their children. In his remarks, Board President Dennis Barents touched on how a DCS education has personally been made evident in each of his four children's lives.

The main program ended with Mr. John Self's inspirational prayer and videos of the current school year's activities. Following the close, the evening was capped off by a homemade dessert fellowship provided by several families from the DCS community.  As little ones clamoured about the bleachers, mom's and dad's visited with board and staff members asking questions and getting to know one another better.  All-in-all, it was a joy-filled event featuring some of the best from DCS and probably more enlightning than any political debate!