“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He Who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Dear Finney Family:
As I reflect on this year’s school verse, I’m reminded of the many times we had at Finney—whether in chapel, Bible class, conversations with teachers, or even earth science with Sue Berardi—to learn about God’s plans and purposes for our lives.  We were challenged as we went out into the world, to heed God’s special calling for each of us, to take the path of integrity and excellence in all we do, and to be agents of positive change wherever we go.  And, as we’ve moved to new places, started new careers, built new families, and seen times of joy and sadness, we know God has been faithful, and His promises have been kept.
Finney’s message to us all, as the leaders of tomorrow, is as true today as it was when we learned it—but now it’s time to teach a new group of students.  With each school year, Finney sees a fresh class of students who, just like each of us, have both the need and the chance to hear about God’s plans for them.  With each new chapel, class and conversation, this message continues to impact young women and men, as they prepare for their adult lives, families, jobs, and whatever unique experiences God has for them.
We know that God’s promise for Finney—to train tomorrow’s leaders in the way they should go—is so much larger than we can imagine.  This promise extends beyond each of us to the entire Finney Family, and it will continue to grow with each new graduating class. Finney is on track to continue this work for years to come.  Despite hard economic times, under the leadership of Mike Van Leeuwen, Finney has not only survived, but has grown!  For the first time in a decade, our enrollment has increased, and Finney has seen countless improvements in recent years, including new computers and classroom technology, a completely renovated library, a new gymnasium, and a football field complete with our very own Friday night lights.  And, Finney continues to see its graduates go on to do great things, whether at college, in the business world, or on the mission field.
As this school year begins, we have the opportunity to partner with Finney to carry on this work, and to ensure that future generations will learn the same message that has meant so much to each of us.  I encourage you to pray about how you can help financially to support the school through this annual appeal.  I ask each one of you to consider how, this year, you can share the faithfulness that we’ve seen in our own lives with the next generation by printing and returning the Appeal Response Card or contribute on line via PayPal. 
Your financial support is vital to this important work.
I pray God’s best for you and your families, and that we all have the grace to hold fast to the hope God has for Finney and for the entire Finney Family, past, present and future, because He who promised is faithful.

 Blessings,
Jimmy Paulino
Class of 1999