A Morning @ Holland Christian: More Than Just Education
by Dr. Tonya Westerbeke: Thank you to Dr. Tonya Westerbeke, Doctor of Chiropractic at Back to Health Chiropractic, for this speech she gave at the B&I Drive breakfast on November 6, 2024!
Good morning, everyone. Before you head out to gather donations for our school, I want to share some stories that capture the heart of why we choose Holland Christian for our children. And I have to smile, because when I first sat down to write this, I had one simple story to share. But then something amazing happened—every day, without fail, another beautiful example of what makes this place special would unfold right before my eyes. So I hope you’ll indulge me for the next few minutes as I share these stories—and honestly, it’s probably good I didn’t start writing this any earlier, or we might be here until dinner.
Let me start with a morning from just last week that perfectly captures the spirit of our school. Picture a typical rushed morning in our household. My oldest daughter, Ella, who’s responsible for getting all three kids to school, was dealing with one of those mornings where everything seemed to go wrong—wardrobe issues, hair troubles, and Asa taking too long in the shower. Despite all the chaos and already running late, she somehow still managed to justify a “quick” drive through detour for a morning beverage (priorities, right?). As she hurried into the school building, she found herself walking alongside Mr. Russ, Holland Christian’s dedicated chaplain.
Being late meant a trip to the office to check in. I can hear the knowing sighs from all the parents who’ve been there—that slightly anxious walk to the office, trying to explain why you’re ten minutes behind schedule while holding your morning beverage that your mom somehow unknowingly purchased…
But here’s where the morning took an unexpected turn. As my daughter entered the office, her prized drink slipped right through her fingers and created what felt like a small brown lake on the floor.
There she stood, already late and flustered, now in a puddle of her carefully crafted beverage. Without hesitation, the office staff and Mr. Russ jumped into action, armed with paper towels and encouraging smiles. My daughter fought back tears, while picking up ice cubes and wiping up whipped topping feeling both mortified and guilty about creating such a mess.
She eventually made it to class, convinced this day was a complete loss. But then something extraordinary happened.
Within the hour, one of HCHS’s front office staff appeared at her classroom door, holding a brand new drink—the exact same complicated order my daughter had dropped. Mr. Russ had retrieved the empty cup from the trash, decoded the order, and made a special trip to the nearest drive through just to replace it, paying for it out of his own pocket.
And this kind of care and dedication? It’s everywhere you look at Holland Christian. Take Mr. Lemmen, whose passion for student learning runs so deep that he won’t rest until every concept clicks. Or Mrs. Mulder, who exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond—she’ll open her door during lunch breaks or her free periods, never turning away a student who needs help with math, no matter how busy her day might be.
Then there’s Mr. Rozema, who approaches teaching with such thoroughness and patience. He’s not satisfied with students simply memorizing facts—he wants them to truly understand and engage with everything he teaches, taking the time to ensure every student grasps the material completely.
And then there’s moments that remind us just how deeply our staff cares for the heart of each student. Recently, our assistant principal, Mr. Keen demonstrated this in a way that touched me deeply. Knowing that one of our students was struggling through a challenging season, he didn’t just observe from a distance. He called her sister out of class—but what happened next wasn’t a typical administrative meeting. As they sat down, Mr. Keen looked at her and said something profound: “I brought you here not as your coach, not as your friend’s dad, not as your assistant principal, but as someone who cares about YOU and loves you. How are you doing? How can I help you? This is a safe place to talk.” 
In that moment, in the quiet of his office, something remarkable happened. This student, who had been carrying so much inside, finally found a space where she could let her guard down. Through tears and conversation, she began a journey of healing—not because it was part of anyone’s job description, but because at Holland Christian, we have people who truly see our children and care about their whole well-being.
And it’s not just our teachers or administrators—our coaches embody this same spirit of dedication and personal care. Take Coach Leeuw, who at the end of each volleyball season writes personal notes to every single player on her team. When I read the note she wrote to my daughter, I was moved to tears because it was clear—this woman truly KNOWS my child. Or Coach Phelps, who understands that Ella tends to overthink and be hard on herself. He’ll purposefully pull her aside after basketball practice or a game, taking the time to talk through her concerns and help her regain her confidence. These aren’t just coaches focused on winning games—they’re mentors investing in our children’s character and well-being.
And you know what? They’re absolutely right. Our teachers here don’t just teach, our coaches don’t just coach and our administrators aren’t just looking to discipline—they serve with their whole hearts. The girls shared that they genuinely believe the teachers walk these halls thinking, “How can I make these kids’ days better?” It’s not just about academics; it’s about nurturing spirits, showing compassion, and living out Christ’s example in even the smallest moments.
This is why we choose Holland Christian. It’s more than a school—it’s a community where our children are truly seen, valued, and loved as individuals. Where a spilled drink becomes a lesson in kindness and grace. Where educators go the extra mile—or in this case, the extra few blocks to the nearest drive through—not because they have to, but because that’s who they are at their core.
As you go out today to gather donations, carry these stories with you. Remember that you’re not just asking for financial support; you’re inviting people to invest in a place where Christ’s love shows up in unexpected ways every single day. A place where our children learn not just reading and writing, but empathy, compassion, and what it truly means to be a follower of Christ.
Thank you for your time, and thank you for believing in Holland Christian. Now, let’s go make a difference!
