An "Appreciation Reception" was held on May 23 for Lee Duncan, the much-beloved administrator of the Santa Clarita Christian School in Canyon Country.

After serving at SCCS for 16 years, Duncan will be joining Dr. Mark Tatlock at The Master's College, as director of educational partnerships.

Duncan earned a bachelor's degree in Bible and speech and a master's degree in educational administration from Bob Jones University. He is scheduled to complete his doctorate there this coming fall.

Several hundred friends, parents, teachers, students and staff crowded the school's fellowship hall to express their gratitude and to wish Duncan and his wife, Nancy,God's blessings on their future.

There were laughs and back slaps as well as hugs and tears, as attendees lined up to say their goodbyes.

Nearly everyone expressed mixed feelings about his leaving. "We're happy for him, but we're sad he's leaving. We'll miss him greatly!" was the general consensus.

Note cards and pens were available at tables, and families were encouraged to jot down memories for the Duncan's to read later.

By the end of the evening, the basket was overflowing with these written testimonials. A video camera was set up in a quiet corner where people could also record a personal message to the administrator.

Jeremiah Masopust was one of those who recorded a message. "I've known him for nine years ... since fourth grade," said the 2007 graduate. "He knew all the answers to my Bible questions. He was an example on how we should live."

Alumni students Emily Jessup, Sheri Fox and Kyle Mayhugh had similar memories. "He was a very good Bible teacher," recalled Sheri. "He was always ready to counsel you."

Emily remembered the twice-a-week chapels. "Everyone would always say, 'Good morning, Mr. Duncan!' when he came. Sometimes he'd bring his dog and relate it to his chapel talk."

"He was the best Bible teacher," exclaimed Kyle. "He had a lot of wisdom."

Teachers appreciated Duncan's leadership style. "He was supportive of everything we wanted to do," recalled English Department Chair Matt Brown.

PE teacher Darcy Brown nodded in agreement. "He'd make sure we knew everything about what we wanted to do, and then he'd say, 'Go for it!' When he came to SCCS, we had four sports. Now, we have 28!"

"If you ever brought an idea to him, you had to be prepared to work at it yourself," laughed science teacher Karin Paul, no doubt thinking of the school's new science lab.

Under Duncan's leadership, the school acquired a new computer lab, home economics lab, library-media center, scoreboard, gym floor/seating, playground equipment and covered lunch area.

It is now a fully accredited ACSI and WASC school, and enrollment has increased from 340 to 550.

"He's a 'can do' person," relates Librarian/Curriculum Director Patti Peters. "He spear-headed a lot of what happened here. And he really developed the school Spirit."

"He's a very godly leader," said Julie Masopust, school secretary.

"He served with a humble heart and glorified God," said School principal Derek Swales.

"The kids here have true character and it's recognized wherever they go. That comes down from the top," said Will Preheim, a parent with four kids in SCCS.

"The school has a spiritual maturity since he came," remarked another parent.

"He cares about people," relates Mrs. Michaelis. "Last fall, after the fire destroyed our home and everything we had, he and the staff organized an ingathering for us. They helped us financially, replaced the kids' toys, brought us dinners for a month and waived the tuition for the rest of the school year."

The people whose lives have been touched by Lee Duncan during the past 16 years got a chance to give something back.

From what was collected, Principal Swales was able to present Lee and Nancy Duncan with a $1500 American Express gift card, plus a digital replica of a painting that would be arriving soon - a deep blue beach scene titled "Midnight Interlude" by Hawaiian artist Roy Tabora.

To close the evening, Constanze Bonelli and Stephanie Klimek sang an Italian-English operatic duet, "Time to Say Goodbye," which was one of Duncan's favorites.

"I'm overwhelmed by everyone's love," he responded. "I am blessed by the Lord."