The Lehigh Valley Christian High School's annual student retreat this year is going to be held at the Catasauqua Park on Friday, Oct. 11. We are calling it a field day, and it will be an all-day event. Highlights of the day include class competitions, the talent show and two more sessions with the Axis group.

The LVCHS praise team is led by Miss Poppa. Many students signed up to participate in leading worship in chapel on Wednesday mornings, using their musical talents to sing and play instruments.

Two weeks ago we had students reporting on summer mission trips in Chapel. Special Chapels this week are featuring guest speakers from Axis in Colorado, coming to speak about Christian world views. These sessions are open to non-LVCHS students as long as they RSVP in advance. There is also a parent night with the Axis group, open to the public, on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

The Lehigh County Choir concert was on Sept. 28. Representing our school were Matthew Weaver and Hannah Wintermute.

Pastor Appreciation Day was observed Oct. 2. About 35 youth pastors and head pastors attended Chapel that day and were recognized for their hard work. Following Chapel there was a lunch set up for them. We are very blessed to have such good pastors and thank them for all they do.

The freshman held class officer elections recently. The voting resulted in Emily Mallaber as treasurer, Seth Mickley as secretary, Keegan O'Brien as vice president and Katelin Gillespie as president. Congratulations.

On Oct. 17 and 18, our teachers will be attending the annual ACSI Nexus Live teachers' conference at BCS Calvary campus in Easton, so there will not be classes those days. LVCHS is seeking to increase our emphasis on the integration of technology and biblical principles into the classroom. We have been approved as a Google Aps for Education school and students are allowed to use electronic devices in the classroom as a part of the instructional process.

Our sports teams continue to improve. The boys' soccer team is 8-5 (8-2) and is second in the North division of the ACCAC. The volleyball team is 6-7 (4-4) and also second in the North. Conference playoffs are the week of Oct. 14, and PIAA districts begin the following week. Girls' soccer earned their first win of the season at Catasauqua High School last week. The cross country team participated in the invitational meet at Bicentennial Park Oct. 5.