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It’s Almost Time for the BCS Auction & Festival!

Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for a day full of fun, fellowship, and fantastic finds!

Date: November 8, 2025

Location: Bradenton Christian School

Schedule of Events is listed below!

Don’t miss out on Early Bird Deals — save now and skip the lines!

https://bcspanthers.maestroweb.com/

This is one of the most anticipated BCS traditions of the year — a time for our community to come together, celebrate, and make memories that last.

Tag your friends, share the excitement, and we’ll see you there!

This week, our Middle School Life Skills students took a major step toward becoming lifesavers.

They learned the fundamentals of CPR and first aid, building essential emergency response skills. Today, we were honored to welcome guest instructor Ernie Withers from the Defibrillate Manatee Foundation, who led students through hands-on, real-life scenarios. His engaging instruction helped students gain confidence and practical experience that could one day save a life.

Cubby Buddy Fun!

Yesterday we enjoyed our 2nd Cubby Buddy event of the year—and what a joyful time it was! This beloved BCS tradition continues to shine as our Seniors pour into their Kindergarten cubbies, sharing laughter, games, and God’s love in such a special way.

Even when the rain changed our plans, it couldn’t dampen our spirits! We simply moved the fun indoors and watched smiles, giggles, and sweet connections fill the room. Moments like these remind us that God’s presence and joy can be found wherever we gather in His name.

Celebrating 65 Years of Bradenton Christian School!

Founded Fall 1960 | Honoring God's Faithfulness Through the Decades

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The Early Years (1960–1970)

• 1960 – BCS opens with 24 students (Grades 1–5) in church

classrooms

• 1962 – Church adds educational wing

• 1964 – First 8th grade graduation

• 1966 – We became THE PANTHERS!

• 1970 – Enrollment jumps to 225; classes held at two

church campuses

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Laying the Foundation (1971–1980)

• 1971 – Tuition: $12.50/week (1 child)

• 1972 – Moved to 43rd Street campus, added 9th grade

• 1975 – Rozema Hall (high school wing) completed

• 1976 – First high school graduation

• 1977 – Gymnasium added

• 1979 – Junior high building opens

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Growth & Milestones (1980–1990)

• 1982 – 16-classroom high school & Wichers Auditorium

dedicated

• 1982 – 565 students from 75 churches and 30

denominations

• 1985 – Girls Varsity Softball wins State Class 1-A Title

• 1986 – Hot Lunch, Auction & Spring Banquet begin

• 1987 – First Homecoming Week & Spiritual Emphasis

Week

• 1988 – $250K+ in scholarships awarded to graduates

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Expanding Programs (1990–2000)

• 1993 – Preschool added for 3- and 4-year-olds

• 1995 – Largest class (54 grads), $500K+ in scholarships, 3

Golden Herald winners

• 1996 – Typewriters replaced with computers

• 1997 – Boys & Girls basketball teams reach state finals

• 1999 – High school string program launched

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Honoring Legacy (2001–2010)

• 2001 – Bouwer Cup Golf Tournament begins

• 2004 – McClure Center for Fine Arts, Media & Tech

completed

• 2006 – Wichers Auditorium renovated

• 2007 – Senior Buddy & Cubby Program begins

• 2008 – Parking and traffic upgrades, Hope Lane added

• 2010 – Field lights installed for night games

• 2010–11 – 50th Anniversary celebrated

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A Decade of Transformation (2011–2020)

• 2014 – Dan van der Kooy Field named in memory of

longtime principal

• 2015 – Dan Vande Pol returns as Head of School

• 2015 – Mary Jane Spencer Athletic Center completed

• 2015 – Bouwer Athletic Complex named

• 2016 – 9-room Middle School Building opens

• 2016 – First beach volleyball program in the county

• 2019 – New Athletic Complex approved

• 2020 – Enrollment hits 845 students, 60th Anniversary

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Today & Beyond: Thriving at 65 and Looking Forward

• 2019 – The McClure Family donates 60 acres in Parrish for

a future sister Christian school in East Manatee County,

expanding our Christ-centered mission and honoring

Daniel P. McClure’s legacy.

• 2020 – Enrollment reaches 845 students.

The Pentecost Athletic Center opens – Thank you Pentecost Family and all our supporters!! Within the new facility we honor BCS legacy families:

Bouwer Family – Baseball Field

Daniel P. McClure Family – Stadium

Dan van der Kooy Family – Football Field

Spencer Family – Weight Room

Cox Family Auto Group - Conference Room

Chick-fil-A – Hoeksema Family - Skybox

• 2024 – Enrollment reaches a record 989 students! Our

thriving community continues to grow in faith, excellence, and

impact.

• 2025 – Happy 65th Birthday, BCS!

1960–2025 — Celebrating God’s enduring faithfulness and the

incredible journey He has led.

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Looking Ahead

With deep gratitude for our past and excitement for the future, Bradenton Christian School looks forward to continuing its journey-building on 65 years of excellence and expanding God’s work in exciting new ways.

Here’s to the next 65 years and beyond—where faith, knowledge, and community will continue to flourish!

We invite you to Bradenton Christian School’s 65th Anniversary Auction & Festival

Harvest Blessings! 🍂 Saturday, November 8, 2025. Join us for a casual, family friendly evening of fellowship, fun, and faith as we celebrate God’s goodness and raise support for Christ-centered education at BCS! Check out our website for more information.