Golf tournament supports worthy cause

Sometimes an occasion comes along that is particularly fortuitous. Here is such an opportunity: a chance to enjoy a fun activity while contributing to children’s education.
Morgan Hill’s Shadow Mountain Baptist School is holding its 10th annual SMBS Classic Sept. 30 at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Gilroy. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and tee off time will be at 9 a.m. The cost is $150 per player.
This price includes golf, practice-putting contest, driving range, cart, special gift bag, buffet lunch in the club’s banquet room, silent auction, an awards ceremony and a raffle. Prizes will be given for a hole-in-one, the longest drive and the ball closest to the pin. Participants can register an entire foursome or be placed in a group if registering individually. Register by calling Morris Henriquez at (408) 782-7806 or online at kwww.smbc.net.
Shadow Mountain Baptist School is an independent Christian school founded in 2001 by Shadow Mountain Baptist Church. It has been located at 17810 Monterey Road since 2008. It’s a modern building shared with the church, next door to the city’s historical museum, Villa Monte.
Current enrollment is 114 students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is a member of the Golden Gate Association of Christian Schools and the American Association of Christian Schools.
Among the school’s strengths are small classes (averaging 12 students each) and dedicated teachers. According to Principal Justin Farmer, there are close ties between the staff, students and parents. Farmer himself is a 2004 graduate of SMBS and returned to the school as a teacher. This is his fourth year as administrator.
The school offers a high-quality, traditional curriculum emphasizing academics. In addition, there are opportunities available to students including:
• Computer laboratory
• Library
• Physical education
• Music, with special performances presented in the spring and at Christmas.
Instruction is not always confined to the classroom and students are able to participate in a number of field trips to places such as:
• Morgan Hill police and fire stations
• San Francisco Exploratorium
• San Jose Tech Museum
• Useugi Farms
• State Capitol in Sacramento.
Despite the emphasis on academics, SMBS is dedicated to its Christian values, which include:
• Impacting all areas of students’ lives: physical, mental, social and spiritual
• Inspiring students to have a heart for God, family and country
• Instilling a desire in students to achieve their full potential
• Instructing students with excellent Bible-centered academics
• Influencing students to have moral and ethical strength, integrity and respect.
Funds raised from golf tournaments through the years have kept tuition low while enhancing student safety, recreation and education. Recent purchases have included a play structure, as well as laptop computers for teachers.
The proceeds from this year’s tournament will go toward removing gravel from a large field behind the school office and replacing it with turf, providing an additional area for recess or P.E. For more information, visit smbc.net/shadow-mountain-baptist-school.
Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Reach him at cf****@sv**********.com.