The ICS community is excited to welcome its new Head of School Gabe Pethtel! Gabe began his career as a middle school English teacher and wrestling coach, and since then, his resumé in the world of education as well as his passion for Christian education has only grown. Read a Q&A below to get to know Gabe and see why we are greatly looking forward to him joining our ICS community this May!
Q: Why are you passionate about Christian Education?
A: I am passionate about Christian Education because I firmly believe in the words of Psalm 24 that, “The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world, and all who dwell therein”. Trusting God through the grace of Jesus Christ as the foundation of all truth has opened my eyes to the amazing ways that our Christian faith integrates into all areas of learning and life. My wife, Dana, and I have been blessed to have two children attend Christian schools from pre-kindergarten through high school graduation with one graduating from the US Air Force Academy and one attending Baylor University on a full scholarship. We now have two younger children attending Christian school at the elementary and high school levels. Christian Education, the living witness of the teachers, the family atmosphere, the academic rigor combined with individual attention, the outstanding extracurricular opportunities, and the legacy of true faith in Jesus Christ and God’s Word have all been the greatest investment we could make as parents. My goal as Head of School is to partner with parents, students, teachers, and staff who feel called to lCS, so that they may receive the robust blessing of investing in the mission and vision of Christian Education.
Q: What're you looking forward to most in your new role as ICS Head of School?
A: I am most looking forward to getting to know the staff, teachers, parents, and students of ICS. My greatest desire is to listen to what they love about our school, and also what they would like to see grow and develop.
Q: What motivates you?
A: I am motivated by a great mission and a compelling vision that displays the love, power, and mercy of Jesus Christ to people who are seeking Him. I also love seeing people achieve their dreams through prayer, hard work, and perseverance.
Q: Tell us about your family!
A: My wife, Dana and I met our sophomore year in college. We both were college level athletes who decided to begin learning more about Jesus and met with Campus Crusade for Christ. We both dedicated our lives to Jesus and education at the age of 20 and realized that God was guiding us to such a similar mission and vision that we were better together. We have now been married and pursuing our passion as Christian educators for 27 years. God has blessed us with four wonderful children, Logan (pilot in the US Air Force), Caleb, (Junior at Baylor University), Emma (rising ICS Junior), and Hudson (rising ICS second grader). Our family loves music, dance, skiing (water and snow), and outdoor activities, including cooking outdoors. We look forward to living among the beautiful landscape of Utah, and meeting new friends.
Q: What is something most people don't know about you?
A: Most people don’t know that my brother and I started a band in college with two other friends that got to be a pretty big regional act around our college town and the greater Indianapolis area. We began by playing coffee house gigs for free on weekday nights, then practiced a ton, recorded a bit, and started playing larger and larger venues until a branch of MCA records asked us to tour with some up and coming groups. We eventually all decided to take jobs in the “real world” though, and now I just play guitar and sing for family and friends.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: I want people to know that I believe in three simple rules. Be Godly, be gracious, and be gritty!