The HLCS Light
End of Summer 2026

FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR
Dear Harbor Light Family,
What an incredible time we had celebrating 40 years of Harbor Light Christian School!
As I looked around the playground area and tent setup that evening, I was reminded that Harbor Light is so much bigger than a school building or a collection of programs. It is a story—a story of God’s faithfulness and of generations of people who have prayed, sacrificed, served, taught, encouraged, given, and believed that Christian education matters.
One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was seeing so many familiar faces. Former students, families, staff, board members, and friends who have been part of Harbor Light’s story over the years came together to celebrate. It was also fun to see newer faces who look forward to being part of the community's story in the future. It was a beautiful reminder that while people may move into different seasons of life, they remain part of the Harbor Light family.
One shining moment for me was having all of our original staff members—Dave and Bonnie DeRouchie, Heidi Hewitt, Debbie Ledingham, and Carla Harshman—the FAB FIVE together again. Watching them reminisce, laugh, and celebrate brought the history of Harbor Light to life in a way that no timeline or photograph ever could. These were people who believed in something before they could know what it would become. They gave of themselves to help build the foundation on which we stand today.
And that is what made the celebration so special. We weren't simply looking backward—we were celebrating the faithfulness of God through every chapter.
Forty years is something worth celebrating, but it also reminds us that the story isn't finished. The same God who was faithful in Harbor Light’s beginning is faithful today, and we trust Him with everything that is still to come.
As we step into a new and exciting school year, our theme, For God’s Glory, feels especially fitting. Everything we do—every lesson taught, every student encouraged, every family served, every life discipled—is ultimately about pointing the next generation toward Christ.
We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped make these 40 years possible. What a privilege it is to be part of something others faithfully built—and what a responsibility it is for all of us to faithfully carry it forward. Our current families are not simply beneficiaries of Harbor Light’s legacy; we are the ones entrusted with shaping what that legacy will look like for the next generation.
To God be the glory for 40 years—and for all that is still to come.
In Christ,
Kelly Dutcher, Administrator
Mark your calendar
Our HLCS Calendar is updated continually and can be viewed at http://www.harborlightchristian.org/calendar
September:
8 First Day of School K-12th grades (prayer at 8:05 in hallways)
8 Preschool Staff Training and Parent Orientation
9 First Day of Preschool
9 6-12th Grade Retreat 8:00 am-5:00 pm
11 No Preschool- Staff PD (K-12 in session)
HLCS Athletics
Volleyball
September
9/8 Tri-Meet -Boyne Falls/NMCA/HLCS (V) | Home | 5:00 pm
9/11 Boyne Falls | Away | 5:30
9/12 Inland Lakes JV Tournament | Away | TBA
9/15 Mackinaw City | Away | 5:30 pm
Before traveling to a game, please verify the schedule HERE.
Football
September
9/2 Harbor Springs JV vs. Glen Lake | Home | 6:00 pm
9/3 Harbor Springs vs. Glen Lake | Away | 7:00 pm
9/11 Harbor Springs vs. Frankfort | Home| 7:00 pm
9/17 Harbor Springs JV vs. Tawas Area | Away | 6:00 pm
Welcome Jibril!
Welcome our international student, Jibril, from our sister school Chosen Vessels. Jibril is the son of Charles Alulu and Josphiene Otieno. Charles and his brother founded Chosen Vessel School about five years ago to provide education and share the hope of Christ.
Jibril currently attends public school in Nairobi and is excited to join the Harbor Light community, grow in his faith, and continue his education.
To read more about Jibril, see the link below.
If you are led to support Jibril's education, make your donation to our scholarship program with the memo; Jibril.
HLCS Fall Family Fun Night!
Current HLCS Families! Join us for a fun night at HLCS (NOT Uncle Franks) where we do all the Fall things! This year dinner is included in the ticket price. We will be serving pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, and a drink.
We will still have all of your favorite fall things, plus some additions - food, face painting, bounce house, hay rides, and more!
Register today with the link below!
Shining Swordsmen Coffee Time
Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss this!
These special days are your chance to get a front-row seat to your child’s school experience. It’s a fun and meaningful way to stay connected, show your support, and give your student an extra boost of encouragement!
Confident Kids, Equipped Adults with Kathy Koch
Join us for an encouraging weekend designed to help the adults in a child’s life build confidence, strengthen relationships, and inspire the next generation.
40th Anniversary Celebration!
Thank you to everyone who joined us on August 22nd as we celebrated 40 years of Harbor Light Christian School and the Lords hand on this amazing school.
We had many fun memories shared and enjoyed a special guest appearance from Dave and Bonnie DeRouchie (first administrators of HLCS) and Carla Harshman (first teacher hired at HLCS).
Oleson Receipt Collection
Please bring us your Oleson's receipts, we can cash them in for money to help cover the 6th grade's Mother's Day brunch. Bring any of your receipts to the front office any time this school year! If you have many, please put them in an envelope.
2026 Jubilee - SAVE THE DATE
DO YOU HAVE A TESTIMONY?
Has HLCS had a positive or life-changing impact on your life or that of someone you love? Please share these stories with us so we can keep letting others know what a wonderful difference we can make! Send your experience to jcope@harborlight.org.