February 23, 2024
As the end of the year approaches, it gives our school the chance to reminisce on all the memories we experienced throughout the year. Every year, we strive to reach new goals and enhance previous ones. When it comes to appreciating all that our school has accomplished, the annual Renton Prep Christmas program gives our school the perfect opportunity! The theme of this year’s Christmas program is Vision 2020. We want to take all of what we learned in 2019 and shape it into what we want to bring in 2020. Throughout Vision 2020, our students and teachers brought the audience an evening of dance, music, and holiday cheer! We are so proud of our students and staff for the hours of practice, dedication, and collaboration that they invested to make the performance as special as possible. Overall, Vision 2020 was a success!
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Every year, we aim to bring a new theme to the Renton Prep Christmas program. How do we determine themes so that they connect with our school’s mission and vision? It was inspired by the upcoming year 2020, which made us think of 20-20 vision. In addition, it allowed us to comprehend the different meanings of vision to us.
First, vision means how we “see” each other and how God sees us. As a school community, we work to instill that we are all valuable and loved. Also, we are dedicated to help encourage the passions, interests, and gifts of each other and our students. We achieve this by listening to and appreciating each other’s perspective. In addition, vision to us means looking ahead into the future while still being firm in our foundation. Our history as a school is an important element because it is a part of our legacy. When we look ahead in the years to come, we want our team and students to see how they are building upon that foundation and continuing to tell the story of Renton Prep.
One of the most exciting parts of the program was watching students become leaders. This year, many students shared their talent with other classmates and helped bring uniqueness and authenticity to the program. Vision 2020 included dance to help share the message. One of our students took a leadership role. Shoutout to Madison Bryant for choreographing the salsa dance piece! Not to mention, salsa is a pretty advanced dance style. Madison has been dancing since she was 13 years old and her love and talent for the art has only grown. In her choreograph, she mixed salsa, ballet and jazz to bring a unique and creative twist to the program.
When the opportunity came to dance, I was filled with joy. I hope to have other opportunities to choreograph in the future!
Madison Bryant
Another student, Melay Kiflom, was also a leader during Vision 2020. Significantly, Melay enjoyed the experience and believes it was good for other students as well! Being a leader gave her the opportunity to assist in the hand bells choir, which is a nice Christmas program tradition.
I feel like having a student leading other students shows them that they have a voice as well.
-Melay Kiflom
It took a lot of practice and dedication to make Vision 2020 happen. Behind the scenes, many groups of students collaborated on dance choreographies, music pieces, instruments, and sharing their voice! Uniquely, they each walked away with something they are thankful for.
I feel like contributing to a small dance in the Christmas performance taught me leadership skills, creativity, grit and follow through.
Sophia Sta. Rosa
Music is one of the most important components of our Christmas programs. In addition, music helps the audience connect with the message of the program. When viewers engage with a performance, it allows them to leave the show with a changed mindset. Renton Prep is a community guided by Christian values, which we incorporated into Vision 2020.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Isaiah 9:6-7
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Some songs were connected to the vision and message that the angel Gabriel brought to Mary and the shepherds. For example, in connection to Revelation 21:1-7, where Jesus has provided us a vision of our heavenly home and the promise that Jesus will return one day, one of the songs was titled “Soon and Very Soon”.
Other songs were connected to the message that the prophets brought to the people of Israel. Vision 2020 specifically connects it to Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
The last song we sang was the hymn “Be Thou My Vision” which talks about God being present in our lives, that He is our one and true treasure, and speaks of the victory over sin and death through Jesus. I think this is the most important vision we share with our students, that they are a valued and loved child of God and that Jesus came to die for our sins.
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Renton Prep Christian School is passionate about providing an inclusive and safe environment where we guide students as they grow to find their own identity. Thankfully, Vision 2020 gave students that chance. In fact, the Christmas program is important to us because it is an opportunity for students to share about who Jesus is through the gift of music, creativity, and their very own voices. Every year, we are able to share the Christmas message in a special way. Looking ahead, we believe that our vision for students in 2020 is consistent with our overall vision and mission as a school. Moving forward, students can reflect and glorify God through the use of technology and being able to formulate solutions to issues in a way that leaves a positive impact on the communities they are a part of. Contact us today to learn more!
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