Deep in the file cabinets of Baymonte Christian School is a letter dated April 26, 1991. This letter was written by Willie Nolte, Vice President of the school board at the time, announcing the hiring of Mr. Steve Patterson as the new principal at Baymonte. In this letter to parents, Nolte writes that it is a “celebration letter” and that he is “overwhelmingly confident that Mr. Steve Patterson is God’s choice to be principal at Baymonte Christian School.” After 42 years of service to our school, first as a teacher and then as principal, Steve Patterson has proven that God did indeed have a plan to work through him for the betterment of Baymonte. Steve sees the good in every person he meets. He treats everyone with respect. He brags about past students’ accomplishments as though they were his own. He is humble. When a child arrives in his office needing direction, he sits with them, he listens, he morally guides them, but he never shames them. He has been a shining example of God’s love, and everyone from teachers to staff to students and parents have benefitted from his wisdom and example. As Steve moves into retirement, he shares these words with us:
“For the past 42 years I have been fortunate to work alongside a dedicated, passionate, and skilled group of Christian educators. I came to Baymonte unfamiliar with the philosophy behind Christian schools and I learned much from David Wallace and Glennon Culwell, pioneers in the Christian education movement.
One of the things that makes Baymonte so special is the community of like-minded teachers and parents working for the common purpose of raising our kids in a wholesome, God-honoring environment, and providing them a rigorous academic preparation.
I have been blessed to watch my children and grandchildren grow and thrive at our school. I’ve made many lasting friendships with faculty, parents, and students. One of my greatest pleasures is taking our students and parents for a week of service at Rancho de Sus Niño’s orphanage in Tecate, Mexico. I love watching our kids grow in grace as they act as the hands and feet of Jesus when serving the children and community at Rancho.
I feel confident in Baymonte’s future as I hand over leadership to Rachel Hofmann. Rachel is far more qualified than I was when I became principal in 1990. I am especially proud of the fact that a Baymonte graduate will now be leading the school. God has had his hand on our school for the past 55 years and I’m excited for the next chapter in Baymonte’s story.”
Mr. Patterson, we wish you a peaceful retirement full of Italian travel, adventure, and time with your children and grandchildren making cherished memories. We thank you for a job well done. Grazie, arrivederci and God bless!