Happy Christmas & New Year’s Greetings from the Cocanower’s of Bluffton! 

Geoff writing here and that becomes apparent as you read it. But, as Don Rickles said to Dean Martin during his 1974 roast, “I don’t want this to get lost in tape.” So, here it is at the very top - we are so grateful for every single one of you. Whether you are family, old friends, new friends, co-workers, community partners, or just friends on facebook - however we are connected or have crossed paths, our lives are better because you are in them. 

2023 was a full year for us! Many moments to celebrate, memories that were made, and of course, many meaningful happenings that shaped our year into what it became. 

Tara continued to serve at Bluffton High School as the Social Studies Department Chair, World History teacher, Girls Golf Coach and Academic Super Bowl coach. Oh and in January, dove headlong into her service as the 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year, ramping up her efforts as the calendar year commenced. She spent her time traveling across the state to advocate and encourage educators of all kinds of stripes and experience levels. She found herself collaborating with other Teachers of the Year around the nation with various stops at key locations around the country. Ultimately, being afforded so many chances to lift up the world changers learning in her classroom and in Hoosier school buildings of every sort.

There were a few bigger moments of Tara’s INTOY journey. Her first cohort gathering at Google Headquarters in February marked the formation of the crew of educators that would adventure the remainder of the year. A trip to Washington D.C. in April provided a chance to meet Dr. Jill Biden (who STILL teaches at a local community college [I think that’s incredibly impressive]) and to see their colleague Rebecka Peterson named National Teacher of the Year in the Rose Garden of the White House. A visit to Space Camp in July to lift up the efforts of STEM education and their benefit to our society and culture. Descending on Princeton University to share and develop best practices and continue their work together. Tara’s official duties as the current Teacher of the Year will conclude by representing the state of Indiana at the College Football National Championship in January (I decided she needed a chaperone for that one and obliged to be arm candy in Houston.).

But it wasn’t just the national opportunities that were significant for Tara. There were all kinds of engagements locally and statewide that provided special circumstances for her to invest. From encouraging pre-service teachers in universities throughout the state, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, or at Purdue University to inspiring healthy practices in principals, superintendents, and even the state board of education. Tara represented teachers at the Indy 500 Festival Parade, an Indy Eleven (soccer) game, the Indiana State House, at our local high schools, and even as the Grand Marshall of the Bluffton Street Fair Parade!

If you have talked to her, seen her posts, or just know Tara - you know that this experience has been, first of all, humbling for her in so many ways, fulfilling as she has been able to engage in new arenas, and an incredible opportunity to speak life to fellow teachers - inviting them to continue to encourage and educate world changers. In many ways, these opportunities filled much of the calendar this year as she worked to capitalize on the opportunities that were afforded to her. But, if I let her proof this, she’s probably already getting annoyed that I’ve taken as much time to talk about this one part of the year as I have.

Better transition then. 2023 marked ten years for me (still Geoff) at Hope Missionary Church as Associate Pastor of Student Ministries serving high school students, college students, and their families. Walking through life with students, developing leaders both young and old, and strategically empowering and encouraging people to take their next steps with Jesus are all blessings of the role I get to play on our team. This year, I was invited to step onto the NextGen Task Force of our denomination, the Missionary Church, to work with a team to begin honing efforts to invest in the next generation, next generation leaders, and to initiate churches to make better efforts to fill the gap between generations in the church. Lots we could say here, but the reality is that so much of this is God’s movement and our simply sitting back and watching Him do it. It’s a privilege to just get to be a part of all that God is doing.

In the midst of our work to point students to Jesus, I continue to get the opportunity to support students in education-based athletics as well. This year was the third year I was honored to be the Public Address Announcer for the IHSAA Softball State Finals at Bittinger Stadium. I step into the same role at a variety of activities in our area in the Winter and Spring seasons. Fall continues to be filled with football officiating. This year, we got the opportunity to work the chains at the IHSAA State Finals at Lucas Oil for the 5A Championship on the Friday Night after Thanksgiving. We look forward to, hopefully, working a state finals contest in the stripes in the future. 

Our life long marital wager continues between Purdue and Indiana. IU got the best of the Boilers over the year, taking both mens’ basketball games while Purdue retained the Old Oaken Bucket. Tara either wore her Purdue shirt out (wouldn’t shock anybody when you have to wear it every couple months) or conveniently lost it after thanksgiving, so we ordered her a new one to be used for the foreseeable future. ;) 

This year wasn’t without challenges. In January, we lost my maternal Grandpa Stan Rupnow. Just one month short of his 81st birthday. The pain of that loss still stings when we think of the memories we have of him and the stories he would tell. I was honored to share at his funeral and hopefully, inspire health to that grieving process for those in attendance. I think of him often and have been so grateful for those who supported, encouraged, and prayed for us in that season. 

We had many other memories this year with family and friends. Baseball games, concerts, and all manner of gatherings throughout the year that filled our lives. We are truly blessed by the people and the opportunities that have filled our year. And well - frankly, this is getting longer than I thought we might like it to be. Please know that, as we head into 2024, you are loved. If we haven’t talked in a while, we would love to hear from you, if nothing else to hear how things are going for you and what you have been up to in the last season. 

To that end, we pray that God’s blessing is bountiful in your life in 2024. Find new ways to serve and experience the fulfillment that comes from partnering with others to lift people to a better life. Be blessed and be a blessing. 

Love,

Geoff and Tara