March 28, 2024

NCS students visit with centenarian for 100 Day

In celebration of the one hundredth day of school, fifth through eighth graders at Newton Christian School spent time Friday, Feb. 1, interviewing centenarian, Edna Van Zee. Edna, who lives at Newton Village, braved the subzero temperatures to meet her commitment to visit the school for weekly chapel. Born in 1912, Edna celebrated her 101st birthday in January. The students asked questions about the historical events she witnessed during her lifetime, about the changes she saw over the years and how God has helped her through each chapter of her life. The students listened intently as she reminisced about memories of World War I, the Great Depression, World War II and events such as the first landing on the moon. She talked about growing up in Iowa and life on the farm and encouraged students to appreciate their education and the heritage of living in a Christian family. “I just thank God every morning that I wake up and some morning when I don’t, that will be okay!” Edna chimed.