Shekinah Christian School

08/27/2026

From Secondary Retreat last night:

“When he tells us to praise him…he’s really inviting us to enjoy him.”

-Retreat speaker, Luke Brittan, Pastor in Troy, Ohio

08/26/2026

An update from our Senior class on Retreat.
Corey DiCarro, Executive Pastor at Northwest Bible Church, challenged our seniors to lead well by following Jesus and digging into His word.

“Biblical leadership has to start, can only start, with your fellowship of Jesus.”

“What does your time with your Savior look like?”

08/20/2026

Students started the first day of school with a welcome from our Head of School, Mike Riley.

08/13/2026

08/08/2026

The Shekinah School Board is pleased to welcome our Interim Head of School, Michael Riley. He comes to us with a wealth of experience having served Ohio students, staff and families for 32 years. Michael’s wife Shawn grew up in Plain City. The education and licensures he holds are:

● High School/ Middle School Principal Certificate
● Science Teaching Certification (7-12): Biology, Chemistry and Physics
● Masters Degree: Curriculum and Instruction, Ashland University, Ashland Ohio
● B.A.: Biology, Malone College, Canton Ohio

06/20/2026

After 38 years of serving Shekinah students and families, Linda Shetler is retiring. She began her ministry at Shekinah in 1981! Other than a 7-year break while raising her children, Mrs. Shetler has lovingly and selflessly served our school for nearly four decades. Along with teaching for many years, she has given countless hours behind the scenes that no one has seen as janitor, guidance counselor, yearbook advisor and editor of The Flame, and many have been blessed by her work without even knowing it. Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Shetler's years of dedication to our students and school! You can comment below, send a card with your words of appreciation to 10040 Lafayette Plain City Rd. Plain City, OH 43064 or contribute towards an Airbnb for her and Arnold. Lynette Schrader, Shekinah English teacher, is collecting funds at https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3583772586935600391&created=1781993783.

06/11/2026

https://www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com/obituaries/Paul-Leland-Kauffman?obId=48608793
Pablo made a huge impact on everyone who knew him. If you had the privilege of having him as a teacher, a coach or pastor, feel free to share your memories in the comments.
The following excerpts are from the October issue of The Flame in 2023, written by student, Roxie Gossard '24 after she interviewed Mr. Kauffman.
"From the first year Shekinah opened in 1978 until 1985, Mr. Kauffman taught K-12 music, Phys. Ed., and coached volleyball and basketball. From 1986 to 1987 he cut back to just high school music and coaching volleyball. Mr. Kauffman’s high school choirs won state and international awards, and the Shekinah family sorely missed his gifts and talents when he and his wife, Judi, moved to Ecuador with their three children. When they returned to Ohio in the late ‘90s he was asked to serve as the lead pastor at Shiloh. During this time, he taught Old Testament in 2003-2004 and directed the choir in 2005-2007. He and Judi then moved to Spain to serve as missionaries."
The Kauffmans returned to the US in 2021.
"Paul Kauffman (Pablo) came back to Shekinah in 2023 to fill in as an interim teaching Spanish I, II, and III. Mr. Kauffman continues to use his musical gifts. He says that his favorite part of teaching Spanish is singing, and that it’s one of the best ways to learn a new language because it helps with pronunciation. Mr. Kauffman’s favorite memories were going on choir tours and competitions. He said that his favorite story from teaching was on a choir tour in 1985 when the students couldn’t stop laughing during a performance in a church, and he was trying to calm things down. You might want to ask him for the full details. If he doesn’t want to tell you, Mr. or Mrs. Shetler might tell the story since they were along as staff on that choir tour. Mr. Kauffman says that the most rewarding thing about teaching is challenging his students and watching them succeed."

05/20/2026

Ava Hathaway attended Shekinah Christian School for a total of five years: Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade and then returned for her junior and senior years. Ava also took the Welding and Fabrication courses at Tolles her junior and senior years. She is looking forward to graduating on May 22nd. Ava responded to interview questions with some of her thoughts.

🎓What activities have you been involved in during your high school career?
Frozen the Musical-ensemble (Role: Handmaiden) and Art both junior and senior year.

🎓What is your favorite memory of experience from Shekinah?
The senior trip to Costa Rica!

🎓What do you love most about Shekinah?
My friends and teachers, but most importantly, God being the main focus.

🎓Name a teacher(s) who has inspired you and why.
Mrs. Hathaway (biased) for being my role model and leading me to faith. Mr. Kallis for teaching about God and how to read my bible while also encouraging me to dig deeper into my faith, Mrs. Groh for inspiring me in art and Mr. Hanna for making history my favorite class!

🎓Favorite verse
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).

🎓Favorite quote
"I’m where I belong, Sir"-Lt. Pete Mitchell aka "Maverick" from Top Gun Maverick

🎓What are your plans for after high school?
Although I don't have a plan set in stone, I trust that God will lead me to what he has planned. I do however, hope to have a career in aviation in the future!

🎓In what ways has Shekinah prepared you for life?
Building up my foundation in Christ and leaning into a Godly lifestyle.

🎓Any additional thoughts and/or advice for underclassmen?
Jesus first, yourself last, and others in between!

05/19/2026

Rillian Payne came to Shekinah for his final three years of high school. He is looking forward to graduating on Friday, May 22. His answers for Senior Spotlight are the following:

🎓What activities have you been involved in during your high school career?
basketball

🎓What is your favorite memory of experience from Shekinah?
any of the 1v1 basketball matches at lunch

🎓What do you love most about Shekinah?
the student community

🎓Name a teacher(s) who has inspired you and why.
Mr. Hershberger has helped me with my faith which is probably the most important.

🎓Favorite verse
Acts 7:59-60 (The Stoning of Stephen)

🎓Favorite quote
"Life is nothing without loyalty"-Rillian Payne

🎓What are your plans for after high school?
Culinary

🎓In what ways has Shekinah prepared you for life?
They had me graduate.

🎓Any additional thoughts and/or advice for underclassmen?
Life gets tough outside and inside of the classroom if you don't let it go you will never move forward.

05/18/2026

Spark Sports Edition 5/18/26 - https://mailchi.mp/shekinahchristian/sports-spark-5812475