Echo Spring 2023 - 7

By Katelyn Siple ('23)
students are still participating in their
church worship teams. " In addition to
teaching, Burkholder also served as the
church administrator for 35 years at
Ephrata's Grace Church.
Yerkes began her teaching journey after
her graduation from LBC's elementary
education program 43 years ago. As
part of her graduation requirement,
Yerkes completed her student teaching
at Wilmington Christian School in
Delaware, which turned into a full-time
position she held for nearly 40 years
until her retirement in 2020.
" I taught one year in fourth, 38 years
in third grade and one sabbatical year, "
Yerkes says. " During my sabbatical year,
I substituted [at various schools] and
helped in the aftercare program. " LBC
was instrumental in her education
journey, she adds. " I am thankful for
the training which enabled me to assist
children to develop a biblical world and
life view through their subjects. "
Since her retirement, Yerkes says God
has her on a new journey. " I still feel
led to work with students but in a new
position, " she explains. " I am currently
an Instructional Aide at The Avon
Grove Charter School, where I am
working with five first-grade teachers. I
use my 40-year experience serving
students and supporting the classroom
teachers through cooperative learning
groups, individual students in a one-toone
setting or any classroom task as
the teachers deem necessary. "
Yerkes feels that her training at LBC|
Capital set her up for success in the
classroom.
" It was exciting to use the knowledge
and training gained from professors in
the classroom, " Yerkes says. " I knew I
was ready to teach, especially with the
biblical knowledge gained from my four
years. My biblically based educational
professors equipped me to be prepared
and successful in the classroom. "
Yerkes loved seeing the light in
students' eyes as they completed
assignments and understood
something for the first time.
" My favorite part about being a teacher
was working with the students as
they strived to do their best for God's
honor and glory, " Yerkes says. " Lord
willing, they would grow in the future
to be the godly man or woman that
He has called them to be. My students
were eager to learn and even showed
enthusiasm about learning their
multiplication tables through memory
and songs.
" I am grateful to have been a part of the
students' lives, " she continues, " seeing
them grow academically, socially and
spiritually. The students especially
loved the Bible lessons, which were a
favorite of mine to teach as well. It is a
privilege to nurture and develop lifelong
learners. "
Besides at Wilmington Christian School,
Yerkes also nurtured students through
educational opportunities at church
over the years, such as helping in
Sunday school, serving as a Christian
Endeavor leader, and teaching and
directing Vacation Bible School.
Both Burkholder and Yerkes agree
that Lancaster Bible College played a
fundamental role in giving them the
biblical and practical knowledge to be
successful in the classroom.
" My experience at LBC gave me
the tools I needed to teach others, "
Burkholder remembers. " Dr. Tom Figart
and Dr. Stuart Lease were two of the
professors who taught us how to
take a passage of Scripture, explain it
and compare it to other Scripture to
understand its meaning. "
Yerkes also had a lot to say about the
value of her education at LBC.
" My desire going to Lancaster Bible
College was to gain more biblical
knowledge, and it was there that I took
educational courses that I dearly loved, "
she says. " As a teacher in a Christian
School, I was able to share my faith and
to incorporate my biblical knowledge
through all subject areas. I would
recommend any person eager to teach
go to Lancaster Bible College to receive
the training needed to be a successful
educator. "
Want to share memories like these
with other LBC alumni? Keep up with
alumni events, news and more at lbc.
edu/alumni. And remember to keep
the college up to date with your
life changes by contacting
alumni@lbc.edu.
Janice (Daugherty '64) Burkholder graduated from LBC
with a Christian Education degree nearly 60 years ago.
Photo by Nikki Fitzwater, Janice's granddaughter
ECHO 7
Echo Spring 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Echo Spring 2023
