Central College will welcome six Pella area students as the 2024 Kid Captains at Central’s football game Saturday, Oct. 19. The game against Luther College begins at 1 p.m. in Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium.
Central is committed to celebrating leadership and engaged citizenship within our campus and Pella community. This initiative will provide students with opportunities to develop essential skills, foster meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact on the broader community.
Kid Captains were nominated by their peers using a rubric of characteristics such as having a positive attitude, making positive contributions, considering the needs and wants of others, showing respect and accepting and tolerating the views and beliefs of others — all of which makes them a great teammate.
Central College Kid Captains for 2024 are:
- From Jefferson Intermediate School: Abram Van Wyk, son of Zach and Kay Van Wyk; and Cora Van Roekel, daughter of Mark and Angela Vander Leest Van Roekel, a 2005 Central graduate.
- From Pella Christian Grade School: Dryson Van Maanen, son of Rachel and Matt Van Maanen, a 2009 Central graduate; and Lydia N., daughter of Luke and Jeanette.
- From Pella Middle School: Sibley Carlstone, daughter of Spencer and Amanda Carlstone; and Finley Allen, son of Chris and Anna Allen.
“Our mission is to prepare everyone to learn, lead and achieve,” says Blaine Forsythe, Jefferson Intermediate dean of students and 2015 Central graduate. “Our staff at Jefferson are intentional about the ways they create leadership opportunities for all students. The two students representing Jefferson are true examples of leadership in action. We are extremely proud of all of our students, who demonstrate leadership in their own unique ways. Abram and Cora stand out for their positive attitude, respect for others, willingness to listen and understand and their ability to work effectively in a team.”
Sentiments from Pella Christian Elementary School and Pella Middle School echo a similar mission to develop outstanding young people.
“Lydia and Dryson are exemplary in how they live out the values we aspire to in Romans 12,” says Ben Dirkson, Pella Christian principal. “They are sincere. They honor people above themselves. They are generous and invitational. We are proud of them and happy to have them representing Pella Christian Schools!”
“Finley’s leadership on the student council sets an example for others to follow, inspiring his peers to get involved and make a difference,” says Scott Tjeerdsma, Pella Middle School principal. “He embodies what a kid captain is all about and is a key part of Pella Middle School. Sibley consistently treats her peers and teachers with care and consideration, making her a role model within the school. Her leadership skills are also a big part of our building as she plays a key role on the student council. Her ability to listen to different perspectives and foster collaboration makes her a strong and effective leader.”
In addition to Kid Captain Day, Central will launch Grandparent Day. All children 12 and under attending the game will receive free admission and the Grandparent Special, a bag of popcorn and M&M’s. The Grandparent Special honors the late Dan Marburger, former Perry High School principal and 1989 Central graduate, who enjoyed this game-day tradition with his grandkids.
