Francis Schaeffer at 100

We've been celebrating the 100th anniversary of Francis Schaeffer's birthday this year.  We've had special chapel services, including speakers that lived in L'Abri in Switzerland and were personal friends with Dr. & Edith Schaeffer.  We've watched some of Schaeffer's How Should We Then Live? video series in chapel, and on his birthday itself, January 30th, several students and staff members dressed up like Francis Schaeffer -- knickers, goatee sans mustache, hiking boots -- or in clothing that reflected the styles of 1912, the year of his birth.


Heritage is important.  If we forget from whence we came, we do not know ourselves.  Schaeffer Academy was named after Dr. Francis Schaeffer because he was a pioneer of worldview thinking among evangelicals and stood for truth, goodness, and beauty in a fallen world.  He was not perfect, and as our Headmaster, Mr. Phillips, has repeatedly said, we do not in any way worship him or any other mortal man.  We do, however, appreciate him, along with many other heroes of the faith, and we hope that more like Dr. Schaeffer will emerge from within our halls.


President Ronald Reagan said of Dr. Schaeffer,  “It can rarely be said of an individual that his life touched many others and affected them for the better; it will be said of Dr. Francis Schaeffer that his life touched millions of souls and brought them to the truth of their Creator.”


If you are interested in reading more about Dr. Schaeffer and his ministry, click on the links below:

Justin Taylor on "Schaeffer at 100"

A Tale of Two Cities: The Interactive Illustrated Version

Apparently, Mr. Daugherty fell and hit his head, which not only rendered him left-handed, but also caused him to completely forget A Tale of Two Cities.  This was a most unfortunate thing, since the ninth grade class is well over half-way through the book.  To remedy the situation, Mr. Daugherty asked the ninth grade to teach him the story, and as they explained each intricate plot twist, a few gentlemen provided thoughtful illustrations on the white board.  Not only did Mr. Daugherty's memory return by the end of the class period, but the students answered one another's questions and very thoroughly reviewed the book.  Below are a few of the illustrations from that review.  See if you can name the characters and scenes below.  We give thanks to Ben Coleman, Josh Hanson, and Joe Vaughan for their artistic contributions (and we extend them grace for spelling errors recognizing that these illustrations were a kind of performance art, done in real time, as their classmates blurted out the story).

12 Angry Jurors

March Merriment--Thursday

Schaeffer's Annual Gold Ribbon Gala

Schaeffer Academy's Second Annual Gold Ribbon Gala raised a total of $67,000, $27,000 more than the previous year. There were over 230 donations from various individuals, organizations, and businesses in the community. Items included Vikings tickets, Twins tickets, various gift certificates, a one week golf trip to Florida, a weekend getaway to Lake Tahoe, and the ever coveted Schaeffer parking spot, previously held by Mr. Phillips.  Catering was provided by the Canadian Honker and Panera Bread.

This year's Chair,  Robin Kaufmann, and her committed team of Schaeffer family volunteers put on this year's auction without a hitch.  We are excited about our new Schaeffer tradition! Next year's Gold Ribbon Gala is set for March 24th, 2012. Be sure to mark your calendars!

History Day

Students in eighth and tenth grade participate in the National History Day contest each year. This year, students competing formed their project theses around the theme, "Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, and Consequences." Numerous group and individual projects went on to the regional competition in Winona where there was great success. Seven group projects and one individual project will be advancing to the state competition at the University of Minnesota in May.

Cross Country Team Finishes a Strong Year and Sends Doda to State

The 2010 Schaeffer Cross Country team had a very successful year, even though they were unable to score as a team. Kiersten Haffey (11), in her 3^rd year of Cross Country, made a great team captain. Returning team members for their 2^nd year included Ellen Blais (8), Rose Doda (8), Molly Doda (9), and Jordan Whitcomb (10). New team members included Katherine Michelson (7), Reed Petersen (7), and Josiah Bell (8). Katherine Michelson is homeschooled and not able to run on the Varsity team, but she ran for Junior High races. Abigail Schneekloth (7) also was on the team at the beginning of the season, but had to stop to fill a large part in the school musical, The Sound of Music. All the team members made large improvements over the season. At the Section 1A Meet, Rose Doda placed 5^th, and had her personal record of 15 min. and 43 sec. for 4000m (2.5 miles). This achievement allowed her to go on to the State level as an individual runner. Rose completed her Cross Country season at the Minnesota State Cross Country Meet at St. Olaf College. Out of 156 competitors, Rose placed 85^th. 

Members of the Schaeffer cross country team cheering for Rose at state

Rose Doda (#419) competing for Schaeffer at the Minnesota state meet in St. Olaf