I’m excited to share reflections from A Ben Lippen Christmas, our very first community-wide celebration of the true meaning of the season. This special event brought our school family together for a joyful evening filled with music, art, and fellowship. The adorable performances from the lower school, along with festive selections by our upper school choirs, orchestras, and bands, showcased the heart of our Fine Arts philosophy: creating for God, for others, and for fun. The evening also featured a stunning display of visual art, adding to the creative atmosphere.

 

Families enjoyed the lively campus ambiance, complete with food trucks, craft and game stations, and steaming cups of hot cocoa amid beautiful decorations. At the heart of the celebration, we gathered for worship as our cherished Mr. Angstadt read the story of Christ’s birth—a poignant reminder of the season’s true purpose.

 

This event was memorable not only for the fun and fellowship but also as a touching reminder that, while our school flourishes across five campuses, we remain united in vision and mission.

 

Since 1940, God has blessed Ben Lippen, strengthening us to hold steadfast to our purpose: to help students know and love Jesus and boldly impact others for Christ.

 

Recently, Dr. Tony Fajardo stepped down from his role as Ben Lippen Head of School to pursue his next steps. Under his stewardship, Ben Lippen saw unprecedented growth in enrollment, campus development, and improvements across academic, art, athletic, and spiritual life programs. We are incredibly thankful for Dr. Fajardo’s vision, leadership, and service to our community. 

 

Ben Lippen flourishes by God’s provision through our many dedicated leaders, faculty, and families, and we look with hope to our future. A search committee is already diligently and prayerfully working through the process of hiring our next Head of School. Dr. Michael Johnson is serving as Interim Head of School. Dr. Johnson, Dean of the College of Education, is a Ben Lippen parent with extensive educational experience in the classroom and as an administrator. He is dedicated to maintaining Ben Lippen’s mission and forward movement during this time and appreciates your prayers for wisdom and direction.
 

I would love to share the amazing ways God is at work in the hearts and minds of our students by highlighting some of the work that has been done since August:

 

• -The Blackwell Center for Life Impact opened with the new school year, providing additional classroom space, offices, and a large event and meeting space. We dedicated the building in a ceremony with upper school students, and donors enjoyed an appreciation luncheon in our new meeting space. We are humbled to be able to honor Mike Blackwell’s legacy as a servant of God and lover of Ben Lippen School. 

 

• -The High School Bible Department has expanded to include new curriculum created by our Bible faculty including three foundational classes for all students: Doctrines, Progress of Redemption, and The Life of Christ. Then students select each semester from seminar courses offered in a four-year rotation such as History of Thought, Ethics, and Spiritual Disciplines. Students are creating a deep, foundational resource as Christ-followers to use for the rest of their lives.

 

• -Our Counseling Department has expanded to provide resources and help to students at every level and all campuses. Middle School students receive intentional training in life skills that immediately apply to the classroom and beyond. The Ridge School launched in our Lower School to meet the needs of students with dyslexia. A Community Life Coordinator was added to our staff to grow discipleship and mentorship opportunities with our students and the broader school community. 

 

• -Keeping kids safe while on the road is a top priority, so we are excited to share a new bus will join our fleet in January. This improves our ability to move all students to Fine Arts practices and athletic games as well as academic field trips. 

 

• -As mentioned earlier, A Ben Lippen Christmas was a special evening and a great first-time event. It was also our largest undertaking in history, with performances from PK-3 through Grade 12 and 2,500 in attendance. This school-wide effort nurtured a high value for us: Christian community. We enjoyed great fellowship, learned a lot, and came in under budget. 

 

• -The Athletic Department has seen many upgrades including an updated sound system at both the gym and Hathaway-Weeber Stadium, a new batting cage, bleachers, and windscreens at the softball field, renovation of the ladies' locker room, healthy vending options, and two utility vehicles. Additionally, about 200 student-athletes attended Athlete's Night Out where they were challenged to use their talents for Christ. 

 

These things are possible in large part because of your faithful prayers and support. But there is more to do. As we approach the end of 2024, would you prayerfully consider furthering our impact with a gift to the teachers and students at Ben Lippen School? Now more than ever, every gift supports our forward motion and sends a powerful message confirming faith in God over man. 

Please click here to make a secure online gift
 

We are so grateful for your partnership and prayers.

May His peace fill your hearts this Christmas season as you consider the eternal gift He has given us through a baby born in Bethlehem.

-Kelly Davis, Development Director 

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