Leaving it all on the field

With a final score of 28-10, your Dade Christian Crusaders left it all on the field Friday afternoon as they competed for the 2A State Championship Title.  Finishing State runner-up, after having led for three of four quarters, the toughness, tenacity and grit that had allowed them to perform on this statewide platform could not hold on as they battled injuries, cramping, exhaustion and a team with considerably more depth.  Many of the Crusaders played on offense and defense making it extremely difficult to physically recover from play to play.  At the conclusion of the game, and after having received their Class 2A State Runner-up trophy, the Crusaders received a standing ovation from their beloved fans who were able to share in an amazing season. 

The Crusader Nation was well represented by three charter buses filled with drum lines, pep bands, cheerleaders and a host of red clad Crusaders filling the stands in support.  In the end, the Dade Christian School Seniors finished with a record of 31-5 over the past three seasons and became the first team in the schools 52 year history to  reach the state title game.  Head coach, Mike Sonneborn, did not mince words at the conclusion of the game Friday afternoon as he confidently replied with quiet strength, "we'll be back, I'll make sure of it."

On behalf of Dade Christian School and NTBC we salute our football team, not only for their tremendous effort, but also for their authentic Christian leadership on and off the field.

To read more about the state championship game click on the link below:  http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/08/3132604/runner-up-finish-puts-dade-christian.html

Go Crusaders!

Sincerely,
Craig Konchak
Director of Development

The Road to State...

CRUSADER NATION,
The "Road to State" began last week as we defeated the Glades Day Gators.  Join us tomorrow night as we take on the Lions of First Baptist Academy of Naples.  A win places our varsity boys football team in the State Championship Game next Friday, December 7th.  WE NEED YOU!!! Game time is 7:30 PM at the Wooten Field Stadium.
Admission is $9.00 and we will have a fully stocked concession stand so come ready to eat! Please click on the link below to get a sampling of our victory last Friday.
GO CRUSADERS!!!
http://sfhighschoolsports.com/videos/all/playoffs-round-2-dade-christian-v-glades-day

DCS Marine Biology Class Dives into "The Caves"

The Marine Biology class at Dade Christian School is not afraid of water! It is one of the most exciting classes Dade Christian School has to offer.  In this class, students are given the opportunity to become scuba certified, allowing them to safely go on dives throughout the year. Considering the challenges associated becoming scuba certified, the class is only offered to seniors.
“Growing up at DCS, I have looked forward to taking this class forever and it has been no disappointment sharing these amazing experiences with my classmates. Marine Biology has made me love the ocean and enjoy God’s creation on a more in depth level,” said by senior, Olivia Webb. “Students not only get to experience the dives, but they also learn in the classroom about ocean life and how magnificent our underwater world is,” said Marine Biology teacher,  Cathy Cryer.  No stranger to Dade Christian School after 28 years, Cathy Cryer, is the DCS version of “Ms. Frizzle” who really builds a sense of wonder in each of her students.
In December, the Marine Biology class will be taking their next dive! It will be at the world famous Disney Park, Epcot. The students will have the opportunity to dive at the “Living Seas” attraction.  Students will be able to experience an underwater adventure with everything from squid to sharks in a tank that holds 8,500 marine inhabitants.   Visitors of the park will be able to see everything the students are doing in this crystal clear aquarium that holds 5.7 million gallons of water. It is an experience of a lifetime! In order to prepare for this dive, the students recently went on a 30 foot dive off of the coast of Ft. Lauderdale into “The Caves.” “I will admit I was nervous before the dive, but as soon as I got into the water, I felt so grateful for being given the opportunity to be part of this class,” said senior, Justin Martinez.
Amidst all of the activities, classes, and clubs, Marine Biology is definitely not something one should miss out on while attending DCS!

DADE PREPS ELEMENTARY PLAYERS FOR HS FOOTBALL

One of Dade Christian's elementary football teams, the Warriors, huddle around Coach Tommy Valentine during practice. 

They run, they tackle, and they strive for success! This might sound like the Dade Christian varsity football team, but think again. This is the DCS, tiny but mighty, intramural elementary football program. This program takes “Grow to be a Pro” to a whole other level.
“Even though I’m little, my dad says I play like a big boy. I always try to make touchdowns and do my best.” said elementary football player, Tyler Sonneborn. “The best part is that I get to play with all of my friends and we all have the same goal, to win. What pushes me the most is when I go to be the water boy at the varsity football games. I like seeing them win and I hope to be like them one day.” The elementary program is composed of three teams and is a feeder for our varsity program. The goal is to prepare them at a young age for a rigorous varsity program that they will one day be a part of.
This year, the Dade Christian varsity football program is undefeated and is ranked as one of the top teams in Division 2A in Florida.  Battered but not beaten, the Crusaders have survived many injuries but somehow manage to post a banner season, making it to the State Semi-Finals  one game away from States. “As a former elementary football player, I like to be an example for the elementary football program.” said Junior Alex Perera. “It was a long time ago that I was playing elementary football, but I remember every game.  I am glad to have been a part of the elementary program and continue hope to continue being a role model for the younger kids well beyond my years as a student.  Once a Crusader, always a Crusader!”

DADE UNVEILS NEW FITNESS CENTER

The new fitness center glistened as the sun shone down upon it Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Dade Christian School (6601 NW 167 Street Miami, FL 33015). Many people from the surrounding areas, including NTBC families, DCS families, and community leaders crowded around the fitness center and auction pavilion. With cameras and checkbooks in hand, guests anxiously awaited the ribbon cutting and live auction.  An air of excitement was abundant as guests were entertained by the Dade Christian School Fine Arts Department including elementary and secondary performers.  Attendees were able to partake in a food tasting and silent auction where they could bid on services provided by teachers, gift baskets, and other items such as iPads, sports memorabilia, and outdoor adventures.
The development team of Dade Christian School created an event worth remembering by building a pavilion in which the guests of the auction were able to taste delicious cuisine from various restaurants in the Miami Lakes area such as Flannigan’s, Ale House, El Pimiento, Cancun Grill, and many more. The purpose of the auction was to raise money for new equipment that would benefit the fine arts department and technology improvements. In the live auction, there were multiple vacations, graduation seats, fishing/hunting excursions and large flat screen televisions.

“It was wonderful to see the Crusader Nation come together to support the school as we continue to enhance our property, and it was great to see the outpour of love that everyone showed for the Rodriguez family as they unveiled the new fitness center in honor of David Rodriguez,” said senior Olivia Angelica Webb. Even though the auction was very successful, the most important event of the day was the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the David Stephen Rodriguez Fitness Center.
“This project has been six years in the making and I’m very happy to see that it is finally finished. I know that David would’ve been very proud to see the impact he has left, not only on the school, but the entire community. He really was an inspiration to all he met and I am so honored to have been a part of this project,” said Jennifer Martinez, a member of the Dade Christian development team. “It was a really emotional time for me and my family,” said Pastor Ralph Rodriguez, “I know that David would be really proud to see all the support we have received and he would be happy to know the difference this center is going to make in the health and wellness of our students and families.”
The brand new David Stephen Rodriguez Fitness Center was literally built on the foundation of God’s Word; a Bible was placed in the foundation of the building before construction by David’s parents, Ralph and Rita Rodriguez.  On this special day after construction was complete, elementary students wrote prayers in chalk on the new sidewalk in front of the fitness center building. “This day was a powerful reflection of our efforts to build young people with purpose and not just construct buildings”, said Director of Development, Craig Konchak, David was the epitome of what Dade Christian School has been designed to represent”.
 The ceremony concluded with a dedicatory prayer by DCS Headmaster, Stanford Stone.  All attendees then witnessed the Rodriguez family cut the ribbon together to commemorate a son, brother and friend to all.

DCS Hosts Safe Alternative to "Trick or Treating"

Hundreds of princesses, pirates, sports cars, and minivans all made their way to the Dade Christian School campus, on Monday, October 31 for a fantastic night of games and “trunk or treating”. Before heading outside to the parking lot, guests entered into the newly renovated Crusader Cafeteria and had the opportunity to purchase a delicious spaghetti dinner sponsored by the Senior Class of 2013.
This was the second time the school hosted this event and the attendance easily doubled in number compared to last year. “We all had such a terrific time last year, so we were definitely not going to miss it. We even brought a lot of our family members and friends this year,” said Dade Christian School parent, Stephanie Andrade.

Laughter filled the night as families wandered from trunk to trunk in the school parking lot, collecting candy while socializing with other school families, church families and a host of visitors from the local community. Trunks were decorated according to every theme in the spectrum, from Mother Goose to 101 Dalmatians, and even a pirate ship made an appearance. At the end of the night, the prize for best trunk, which was a brand new iPad, was awarded to the Lupica-Tondo family for the Madagascar Circus they recreated in their trunk. “The Madagascar trunk was awesome because they had balloon animals, a popcorn machine, and it was so colorful!” said Dade Christian School student, Cristyn Myland.
More pictures on DCS Facebook
“I greatly enjoy how the community feels safe and comfortable at this event on a night that many people correlate with danger,” said event coordinator, Ali Rodriguez. “Everyone was dressed up in kid-friendly costumes and they had a terrific time.” This was a wonderful opportunity for the entire community to come together and enjoy a secure and stress free atmosphere.

Best School Cafe in South Florida

Grettel Pantaleon, Kaleb Fowler, Karyna Gastesi, Amanda Diaz, and Alyssa Hessing (L-R) enjoy the high top tables and the flat screen televisions in the new Crusader Cafeteria.

Dade Christian revealed its newly renovated cafeteria to the student body and staff on Monday, October 29. Working on making improvements to the school, they started with the student and faculty’s main gathering place, the cafeteria. “It’s like no school cafeteria I have ever seen,” said Dade Christian School parent, Chely Rodriguez. From the smooth polished concrete floors to the new flat screen televisions, Dade Christian School has made many upgrades that have made quite an impression on everyone who enters the “Crusader Café.”
“The Crusader Café is demonstrating to everyone that Dade Christian School is always looking for ways to improve its facility in order for the students and faculty to benefit from the renovations,” said Junior, Nikol Rodriguez. “The style of the cafeteria is so modern and unique; it reminds me of Chipotle, my favorite restaurant.” The new contemporary design was made to resemble a modern restaurant.
In the morning, the new flat screens televise educational cartoons for the younger elementary students while informing parents and students of upcoming events. During secondary lunch, picture slideshows of the students are displayed, as well as videos of the latest sporting events featuring Crusader athletes, such as the most recent football game.
Its purpose was to embody an environment of comfort and promote studies after school. The café is a place where students could go to in order to do their homework without any interruptions while being very comfortable after school. “It is great to see the students on their iPads completing assignments while sitting comfortably in the new seating area,” said geography teacher, Richard Yi.
Its new sleek design complements our school in more ways than one. Our students look forward to coming to lunch each and every day, the seniors especially are ecstatic about their new seating area during high school lunch that includes high top tables and booths. “We were so happy when we saw our new seating area,” said Senior, Justin Martinez. “It’s awesome that the underclassmen get to enjoy it as well before and after school.” Overall, the café is a homerun.