The W.I.S.E. Club (Women in Support of the Eagles) of Conway Christian School hosted its second luncheon at the University of Central Arkansas on Aug. 12, honoring 70 faculty and staff members of the 170 attendees.
W.I.S.E. hosts two luncheons a year to build unity and encourage the development of CCS. The theme for the group is based on Proverbs 14:1, "The WISE woman helps to build her (school) house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands."
The guest speaker was internationally known designer, Georg Andersen. His company has offices in Conway and New York City. Introduced by Shari Hameister (CCS Administrative Assistant), Mr. Andersen spoke on his book, "Silent Witness: The Language of Your Home." Each luncheon guest received a copy of his book. He challenged the group to examine what their homes say about their priorities, faith and purpose in life. He shared that the home should recognize that people come to our homes for a banquet of the heart. Georg Andersen is an active member of the Conway Christian School Foundation Board.
CCS Chief Administrator, Mrs. Gloria Massey, welcomed and recognized new families of CCS and introduced CCS' new high school principal, Mr. Fred Ramsey.
The luncheon theme was Mexican Fiesta with a menu that included taco salad, apple and lemon meringue pie. The CCS Spirit Team, under the direction of Mrs. Danna Crook, preformed a beautiful interpretation to the song "You Are God Alone" using sign language. The CCS Spirit Team members are Claire Summers, Emily Hill, Sarah Hill, Taylor Guinn, Mary Nabholz, Allison Gray, and Molly Bowman. Several personal, funny and loving comments from CCS students were read by Cindy Hendricks and Cindy Bell (W.I.S.E. Council leaders) answering the question: "What makes a Conway Christian teacher so special?" Several students' remarks were thanking teachers for the positive role models they have been in their lives.
Amy Shiew (W.I.S.E. Council Chairman) presented the 2008 WISE WOMAN Award. The W.I.S.E. Woman Award is given in recognition of a woman who has made a huge impact in the development of CCS. The 2008 recipient is Mrs. Linda Linn, Conway Christian School Foundation Board's Chair. Mrs. Linn's five grandchildren are CCS students.
Linda Linn thanked and recognized the departing Marketing and Development Director, Amy Shiew, for her service and leadership to Conway Christian School noting that Amy was responsible for creating the W.I.S.E. Club.
Sen. Gilbert Baker kicked off the CCS Foundation Board's new fund raising campaign, the "500 for $500" (The O'Kelley Campaign). Special guest, Mr. Felton O'Kelley shared his heart in creating this campaign idea. His late wife, Bobbye O'Kelley, was overcome with sadness when prayer was removed from our public schools. Mrs. O'Kelley purchased Ten Commandment plaques and distributed them to various schools in order to keep God in the student's day. CCS' two media centers have been named in honor of Mrs. O'Kelley. Mr. O'Kelley is the chairperson and the heart behind the "500 for $500" campaign. He continued with his desire to focus on 'people, not money' and God will take care of the rest. His assistant, Patsy, will help him with details for the campaign. On behalf of the W.I.S.E. Council and W.I.S.E. Club, Amy Shiew, presented two checks of $1,000.00 each to Mr. O'Kelley as the first donations to the campaign.
Tim Watts (CCS Foundation and School Board Member) and Scott Coffey (CCS Foundation Board Vice-Chair) were present to help with any questions that guests may have for the campaign after the event.
Kristy Burford (W.I.S.E. Council leader) presented Georg Andersen a basket from the WISE Council in appreciation for his time. Each guest received WISE sticky notes (from the WISE Council) and a WISE ribbon to wear (donated by WISE Council Member, Libby Stevenson).
The next W.I.S.E. luncheon is scheduled for February 2009.
WISE Council members include: JoAnn Hill, Melissa Wallace, Susie McCoy, Cindy Bell, Kristy Burford, Cindy Hendricks, Sherri Lindsey, Libby Stevenson, Linda Linn (Honorary Member), and Amy Shiew (WISE Council Chairman).
