Hall of Faith

Karen Sanders taught preschool and kindergarten at Saline Christian School in 1977 and became preschool/daycare director as well as
school administrator in 1978. Karen worked loyally alongside Pastor David Thompson to fulfill the vision of an education with a Biblical
worldview. Under her leadership of excellence, the school expanded from 2nd grade, adding additional grades each year. The school
developed a solid educational foundation with the development of important operational policies and procedures, enrollment guidelines,
staff development, and the creation of a school board.  Fairness and grace marked her interactions with students and staff, the loudest of
classrooms went instantly quiet at her barely-five-foot-tall-entrance. Karen considered the life situations of each person with compassion
and found that the same students that visited her office for discipline could be found sitting next to her at events. She desired each student to know and love Jesus because of her example and that of the staff.
 

She left Saline Christian School in 1989, the same time as the very first graduating class. Karen retired from her career in education in 2003, but the same excellence, fairness, and grace has been felt wherever she has served.

Carol Hufnagel has been involved with Washtenaw Christian Academy since 1987, when her four children first attended Saline Christian School. She helped with the auction for several years in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when it was held at the Sheraton and then at the
school.  From 2003 to 2012, she served on the board of SCS/WCA, first as secretary, and then as treasurer. As treasurer, she helped restructure the financing of the current building, which allowed WCA to pay off construction obligations, meet balloon payments coming due, and reduce ongoing debt financing. As civil engineers, both Carol and her husband Bob supported the site design for the current building. Carol and Bob were part of the volunteer drywall crew  who dedicated 10 hours or more each week to hanging drywall and helping to build the school.
 

Since leaving the board, Carol and Bob have remained engaged with WCA as grandparents and supporters.  Carol is humbled to be recognized in the Hall of Faith and thanks God for the opportunity to serve the school and future generations.

The Cousinos began their journey with Saline Christian School upon enrolling their two younger sons, Josh and Zach, in first grade and
kindergarten in 1993. They were seeking a Christian school that would encourage their sons to trust in the Lord with all of their hearts and prepare them to pass that knowledge on to the next generation. Amanda began working in preschool, taught kindergarten, became elementary school principal, and finally, head administrator, among other responsibilities. She worked closely with faculty and staff in the detailed planning for Washtenaw Christian Academy’s location on Moon Rd. Matthew joined three other parents on a trip to Utah to evaluate the building plans/processes before breaking ground on Moon Rd. He helped coordinate the many volunteers. Volunteer crews cleared the site of years’ worth of debris, hung drywall, installed windows, laid the gym floor, plus many other tasks. The couple fondly reminisce about those who responded to God’s prompting and who witnessed what God can do when his people give their time and talents. Matthew and Amanda are thrilled to know that future generations will continue to learn to trust the Lord and know him intimately at Washtenaw Christian Academy.

Donna Belle (she loved her middle name) graduated from North Central Bible College in 1969. She began her teaching career in 1979 at Saline Christian School. Between those years she worked in Clinton, first in manufacturing, then as a doctor’s receptionist, but she felt unfulfilled and teaching stirred within her.
 

A very good friend, Karen Sanders at church, advised her to complete a teacher’s degree at Sienna Heights College. The dream of teaching elementary grew, and she did just that. Karen hired her at Saline and her career was secured. She was well received and loved her “Little
Darlings,” (4th graders) as she called them.
 

The move to Washtenaw Christian Academy was smooth. She had much help at home as “Mom Cubberly,” as artistic as Donna, helped much in preparing visual aids for class. An avid “birder”, her “Wington” chapel lessons were loved by the students.
 

A highlight was in 2004 when the school honored her 25 years of teaching with a trip to Hawaii. As good driver she, often with her mother, had visited all 49 states. Donna really wanted to clinch 50 with Hawaii! Thanks to WCA, she did!

Lou and Beth enrolled their three children in Washtenaw Christian Academy/Saline Christian School beginning with kindergarten through high school graduation. From the very first auction at Saline Christian, Lou was able to donate items with the help of WCM Radio which he co-owned. His wife Beth volunteered and chaired the auction for many years. In 2000, Lou was hired by the school to promote construction and fundraising for the new WCA building. He worked the first year at no salary and the second year at half salary. Lou also served as President of the school board and worked hard to complete a delicate separation of the school and the founding church. The new WCA building was opened in 2004 and Lou (and Beth) were instrumental in the final funding needed to open the building through a donation and a loan. Lou’s favorite day is the graduation of seniors at WCA, knowing he gave his heart to make it happen. It took hundreds of people to make the school a reality and he’s privileged to have been a part.

Jerry Helmer grew up in Plymouth, MI, and along with his business partner, Lloyd Braun, started the highly successful Braun and Helmer Auction Service in 1971. He moved to Saline in 1974 on the farm adjacent to Washtenaw Christian Academy. Jerry’s son, daughter, and grandchildren attended Saline Christian School/Washtenaw Christian Academy. He and his wife Ruthann, have always been supporters of the school financially and has physically assisted the school in many ways throughout the years. He is a lifelong auctioneer and was inducted into the Michigan Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 2007. Jerry is an Air Force veteran, is 83 years old, passionately serves his community, and feels blessed to have his family living close to him.

Roy Shields involvement with Saline Christian School/Washtenaw Christian Academy began by serving as the Head coach of the Boys' Varsity Basketball team, from 1986 to 1991. He also served as Development Director from 1988 to 1991. The school's attendance exploded in the late 80’s, thus more space was needed. The library, as well as several classrooms, were built. Most of the funds were raised by the Development team. Roy also helped with the building project. He coached the girls’ varsity basketball team from 1994 to 1996 and served as Athletic Director from 2002 to 2008. His wife, Becky, was very involved as well, helping with the Booster Club and scheduling referees, overseeing games, and interacting with coaches, school staff, as well as parents. In 2002, Roy served as Interim Head Coach of the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team, and from 2001 to 2004, he was Assistant Coach of the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team. In 2003, he also coached the Junior High Girls’ Basketball team. Roy assisted in building the new facility and served on the WCA school board.

In 1976, Rev. David Thompson, along with Saline Assembly of God, founded Saline Christian School, now known as Washtenaw Christian Academy. Under his 17-year leadership, the school grew, developed, and received its ACSI Accreditation.  Their humble beginning started in a 20 x 40 portable classroom with six students, K-2nd grade. As enrollment grew, new grades were added, the original classroom was divided, and a second portable was brought in. After purchasing 15 acres in Saline, a multi-purpose building was built, which was equally shared by both the church and the school. A preschool program was added, and grades went through 12th grade. The new building included large classrooms, a gym, and a well-stocked library. Extracurricular activities such as music and competitive athletic programs were added, with winning teams, kids’ musicals, and parent participation all adding to the appeal of Saline Christian School. The first graduating class was in 1986, with one graduate. The next year, two students graduated, but from then on, graduation classes increased. From the very beginning, all Saline Christian School teachers and staff members were of the highest qualifications and godly character, with the united goal of providing a faith-based education.

Christine and Bob Crowner have been connected to Saline Christian School/Washtenaw Christian Academy for nearly 46 years, but not in an average way. Christine was mainly involved in donating a ton of hand-painted china for the yearly auction. Bowls and tea sets were turned out and she taught this ancient skill in the art department occasionally.  Bob was on the school board helping to keep up the excellent standards, as he knew from experience how tough further education could be. Having had an excellent education, Christine attended an English Boarding School and Bob was selected by his large company to go to Harvard Business School. They were glad to add their talents to help others. They were both very practical and worked on our State Representative’s elections- Bob on government overspending and Christine painting huge signs.  She taught bible studies to help young mothers to enjoy raising their kids and helping in school. Christine is particularly pleased to receive this honor (and it means more than one from Oxford or Cambridge) because it is a personal reminder of all the gracious and kind friends who also helped in many other ways.