Downers Grove Christian School celebrates 50 years and welcomes new students
In support of Christ-centered education: DGCS Annual Dinner and Auction Gala took place on April 8 at Drury Lane Theatre in Oak Brook.
Photo: DGCS Annual Dinner and Auction Gala 2022. Courtesy of: Michael Saukstelis
“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him,” reads Psalm 127:3. Nothing can be more important than children, and we should treat them with love and respect as a gift from God. At Downers Grove Christian School (DGCS), a ministry of First Baptist Church of Downers Grove, children receive not only a quality, Christ-centered education but are also surrounded by a loving environment and highly trained teachers.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, DGCS held its annual Gala, Dinner and Auction on April 8 at Drury Lane Theatre in Oak Brook. A celebratory and worshipful concert presented by Big Daddy Weave, an American contemporary Christian band from Mobile, Alabama became a beautiful and touching gift for everyone who attended this event.
The pandemic made it impossible to hold the DGCS Gala in 2021, but finally in 2022 the teachers, the staff, the students, and the parents were happy to gather in person for a great cause – to raise money for this wonderful educational institution and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of DGCS. What can be more important than directing children in the right way starting at their early age? Strong people with high moral values come from strong families with traditional views and with endless love for God. For parents, choosing the right school for their children is one of the most significant choices in their lives. Why? Because it determines how the child will view this world and what values he or she will have during their entire lifetime.
The DGCS Gala Committee Co-Chairs Kristi Chadwick, Paul Grane and Nicole Mattson, along with the Gala Committee Members Christine Abramowicz, Lisa and Steve Auernhamer, Natalia Dagenhart, Dennis Gonier, Samantha Jaros, Traci Kleinaitis, Justin Lawrence, Kristin McDonough, Laura Murphy, Sharon Nese, Michelle Thill, and Stacey Witek made sure that the Gala became a touching and unforgettable event for everyone.
"This year’s 50th Anniversary Gala was an incredible night for our school's community of parents, alumni, friends, and staff to come together and celebrate our shared loved for DGCS and witness a tremendous outpouring of support for the school to further its mission," said the DGCS Gala Co-Chair Kristi Chadwick. "We were reminded how DGCS started as a small preschool and has grown into teaching Preschool through 8th grade and touching thousands of lives, and it was so encouraging to hear how our current staff continues to impact students and their families academically, spiritually, and emotionally, especially in these recent turbulent years. And Big Daddy Weave performing live for our 350 guests was a once-in-a-lifetime way to close out our celebration!"
After hours and hours of the committee's hard work it was rewarding for everyone to see the beautiful results of the committee's labor. The event was elegant and memorable, especially because of its important and significant cause. Paul and Kary Grane, parents of a DGCS grad and longtime supporters, deserve credit for taking this event to the next level back in 2014-15, in terms of increasing its size and scope. Kristi became involved in the planning committee that year, and her role evolved to chairing or co-chairing the last five Galas.
"I was a DGCS student myself from preschool through 6th grade in the 1980s, and I am now the parent of two current DGCS students, so I’ve seen all the positive impacts of a DGCS education in my own life and my kids’ lives," said Kristi.
Mr. Paul Grane, Master of Ceremonies, opened the event. Pastor Don Zimmerman, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, gave a powerful speech. Mrs. Shari Peterson, Principal of DGCS, expressed her excitement about the school's 50th Anniversary, underlined the importance of Christian education, and announced sponsors. Mr. Dennis Gonier, School Committee Chairman, acknowledged the teachers and the committee and said that making tomorrow better for our children is our commitment. Auctioneer Daniel Lyles did a great job making this meaningful event fun and knew exactly how to attract everyone’s attention and make the bids go higher and higher.
Mrs. Peterson, who has been involved with the school for 35 years, reminded that the DGCS's statement of the year is "Walking in the truth." However, to walk in the truth children have to receive the truth. And that's exactly what they receive at DGCS on a daily basis.
The ties are so close at DGCS that many people there have known each other for many years and have become one big and friendly family. Mr. Quinn has been teaching for 47 years total at various schools. The students at DGCS love him because he puts all his soul into his students and emphasizes his attention on faith, education, and manners.
Now, these connections between the teachers and the students grow and give a hope that the current DGCS students will follow the tradition and will support each other for many years to come, keeping strong ties based on faith, friendship and devotion.
"Our teachers love our students beyond academics – they also provide instruction in helping our students develop character and understand Biblical truth," Mrs. Peterson later shared. "Academically, our students are ahead of their peers; and more important to us is their understanding and growth in developing a relationship with God, building family relationships, and learning and practicing how God wants us to treat each other. Some consider such a teaching mission too hard – but part of this celebration rises from knowing it is not. In fact, our children love their school. The staff, students and parents rejoice in God's goodness over the years and will continue to train and educate children for many years to come."
Parents play an important role at school as well. They constantly stay in touch with the teachers, get involved in school activities, and provide the school with all the needed support.
“Consider this: almost all the money raised this evening came from parents who already pay plenty in taxes for public schools, plus they also pay private school tuition for their children," mentioned Mr. Gonier. "That level of commitment – plus prayer – keeps us strong. Downers Grove Christian School has earned this celebration – and it’s no surprise that it results in a renewed commitment for another 50 years.”
That was the night of glory, the night of love, the night of kindness, and the night of faith. The DGCS Gala didn't just raise money for the school; it demonstrated the victory of Christian values that help us go through difficulties, challenges and problems. With God's help, everything is possible.
To learn more about Downers Grove Christian School, please go to https://dgchristian.org/ or call (630) 852-0832.
Natalia Dagenhart
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