Published: August 15, 2008 10:47 pm      

Bethany students kick off school year

Students at Bethany Christian Schools ended their first day of classes Thursday with an all-school social that included group games and ice cream.

“I’m excited to come back to see my friends again and play soccer,” said eighth-grader Q-Min Kim, a returning student from Korea. She is one of 12 students from Korea attending Bethany this year.

“We are not only attracting more international students, but local studentsare also helping grow the ethnic diversity at Bethany, which enriches us all,” Principal Allan Dueck said.

Most of the international students board with area families, while five students board in the Violett House on campus.

The grade six through 12 enrollment on the first day was 281.

“What is especially exciting about our enrollment numbers this year is that our grade six class increased 65 percent, necessitating the addition of a second section,” Dueck said.