A Legacy of Joy
Grandparents are famous for doting on their grandchildren, but for Clara Gill, her joy is rooted more deeply. As a Calvin parent in the late 1990’s and now grandparent to three Calvin students, she expresses deep gratitude for an institution where “nothing is more important than having God in the center of everything.”
Clara’s journey to Calvin started because of her husband Vincent’s career in the Navy. With the family stationed in San Diego, Daryl and Brandon had been attending local public schools. Clara recalls “a lightbulb moment” when she realized that it was time to place her boys in a place where “there was a healthy respect for God as Creator and Jesus as Lord.” She began to search for a Christian school and was led to Calvin. At the time, no one in the family knew anyone at Calvin but they soon felt welcome. Clara credits then principal Frank Steidl for his student-focused attention and willingness to work with families to meet student needs. It was clear that Calvin was a place that focused on helping children thrive.
Clara has many highlights from her experience as a Calvin parent including multiple seasons of sports activities and many enjoyable hours listening to band, choir, and Faith Expression concerts. She appreciated that in a smaller school her sons had an opportunity to participate in a litany of activities. Yet, her experience as a grandparent has brought new treasures. “Since we came to Calvin in the middle and high school years, we missed many of the signature elementary events.” Clara mentions Mini-Olympics and music concerts as examples of the special relationship that exists between Calvin, grandparents, and younger students. “Just walking down the hallway filled with student art fills my heart.” She is astounded by the demonstrated learning of her grandchildren as they tell her about the attributes of God over breakfast and supply the true meaning of holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving.
Clara prays for Calvin regularly and appreciates the growth she has seen in her years with the school. She is thankful for campus improvements like the Heritage Center and Upper School outdoor space. Yet, she is more thankful for Calvin’s faithful teaching. As she looks forward to more years as a Calvin grandma and maybe even a time when she may be a great-grandmother, she is thankful for the governance and interview process which keeps Calvin faithful to its core mission. “In a society that seems to be progressively distant from the Lord, it is crucial that Calvin stay centered on Christ-like education.” She points out the importance of routines like opening and closing prayer to help students realize that any activity begins and ends with the Lord. And Gill knows that grandparents have a special way of supporting Calvin in this mission, “I pray all the time that we will be able to offer our children an education based on our relationship with the Lord.” Her words bring to mind Psalm 145, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.” As Gill knows, it is this faith relationship to her children and grandchildren that brings her lasting joy — the joy of the Lord. •
