Driven by Teenagers

by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent

This past Saturday morning, I knew I needed to confirm a ride up to the big city of Boring, Oregon. I was going to pick up a new Activity Bus for our school (thanks to many CCS donors!). And just like any other rational adult in this situation, I asked myself, “Is there a teenage driver with limited experience and suspect judgment available to chauffeur me on high-speed freeways and curvy rural highways?” The Lord provided an answer, as a senior boy was going to be heading up to the Portland area that very same morning to cheer on his friends at the CASCO District Track & Field Championship.  

As I waited on campus to be picked up by this senior student, just like any other rational adult in this situation, I secretly wished, “I hope I get picked up in an obnoxious red sporty foreign compact with over 150,000 miles and a muffler that can be heard for 10 blocks.” And you know what, the Lord provided me with my wish! What a delight! And beyond my wishes, it was a manual transmission, so I was blessed with the constant “smooth” shifting between gears. As we sped down the freeway, just like any other rational adult in this situation, I said to myself, “Now this is fun, but let’s double it.” And as predicted, the Lord provided as we took a detour from my destination to pick up a CCS alum to join the fun. Every principal’s dream: driven around by a bunch of teenagers!

At Crosshill, there are many desired student outcomes that drive the school’s schedule and curriculum within the context of its mission. Some student outcomes focus on academic growth, others on social development, and still others on emotional and spiritual development. To a degree, the success of the programs of CCS and its mission are measured by how these student outcomes are eventually demonstrated in our graduates.

While 'checking your mirrors regularly while driving' are not one of the school’s student outcomes (perhaps it should be), I perceived success in many of the school’s student outcomes during our commute. Here was an alum who had earned a full tuition scholarship to a prestigious Christian university, continuing to grow in his walk with the Lord. He continues to be on a path that asks God, “What did you put me on this planet to accomplish?” And another student, with a clear plan for debt-free college and a plan to continue education at a Bible college. And throughout the drive, they were having articulate and respectful conversation with a school principal about their lives, my life, and everything in between.

What outcomes do you want the lives of your children to demonstrate? To see how they’re doing, how about a drive and some good conversation? But maybe you should do the driving. 
 
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– Adam Kronberger / Superintendent