We are pleased to introduce our new 5th Grade Apprentice teacher, Mr. Zachary Bates! He is currently attending the CiRCE Institute’s Apprenticeship Program. He and his family attend Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel.
We caught up with Mr. Bates in order to help the community learn more about him. We hope you enjoy getting to know him a bit better though his answers.
1) Are you married? Kids?
I have been married for 12 years to my lovely wife Andrea and have two wonderful daughters, Rosalie and Louisa, who are in 2nd grade and Jr Kindergarten at CDA.
2) What is your favorite snack or treat?
I really enjoy trying specialty coffee from different roasteries around the world. Some of my favorites are Indie Coffee Roasters, Prodigal Coffee, and Sey Coffee. I also really enjoy gummy bears.
3) What gets you up in the morning?
The grace of God, my family, learning, and loving those around me.
4) What are your favorite hobbies?
I love to read and learn about a wide variety of topics. Even more than books, I love spending time with my family. Some of our favorite things to do together include going to parks, walking and bike riding through our neighborhood, as well as gardening, and the occasional pizza and movie night!
5) What is your favorite book and why?
Outside of Scripture, The Lord of the Rings holds the highest place for my favorite book. This tale of heroes who come from unexpected and humble beginnings creates a truly memorable and inspiring literary experience. Mysterious strangers who are revealed as rightful kings; courage, wisdom, mercy, and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds against a cruel evil; the virtuous and heroic development of the characters throughout the landscape of Middle-Earth. Tolkien’s masterful work represent Christian values of Goodness, Beauty, and Truth throughout that we can and should all learn from and carry with us.
6) How long have you lived in Indiana and why do you enjoy living here?
I have lived in Indiana for most of my life. More specifically, 26 years. The reasons for enjoying Indiana are many. The natural beauty of Indiana and the kindness of the people abounds. From southern Indiana near the Ohio River to the Michiana borders, beauty is present everywhere you look (even the farm land has a charming kind of beauty to it!). The friendliness of the people of Indiana well complements their wonderful hospitality. The citizens of this state have a way of making you feel like they have been your friends for years, even if you may have just met them!
7) Describe a meaningful event in your life and God’s role in that event.
One of the most meaningful events in my life happened when I met my Wife. God’s role in this event cannot be understated. God works through my wife in bringing me closer to Him literally (this word is not used lightly!) every day. Those who know me now would hardly recognize the person I was when I met Andrea; He has worked through her to form me into the better man I am today. Whether this has been challenging certain (foolish) ideas that I once had, or bringing new ideas to light in me, God has worked nothing short of a miracle in me through my wife, and it all started the very day we met. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for His precious gift of our meeting.
8) What historical figure would you like to spend a day with?
The obvious answer to this question is Jesus Christ. A historical figure next to our Lord that I would like to spend a day with would likely be C.S. Lewis. Reading his different writings give the impression that he would be a fascinating person to learn from, and much to be learned even in a single day! He comes off of the pages he writes as a humble, yet incredibly bright individual who expresses his thoughtfulness vividly on a myriad of subjects. I adore his writings and opinions on the objectivity of morality, as well as his recognition for the importance of good stories, especially in the case of children’s literature!
9) What would we be surprised to learn about you?
I have served as a Deputy National Park Ranger at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
