Celebrating Mrs. Pounders

Celebrating Mrs. Pounders

This June, Mrs. Beth Pounders
will retire from Woodcrest Christian after a 36 year career that saw her teach classes in History, Bible, Art, and even Typing and Biology. Graduating from the University of California Riverside, Mrs. Pounders immediately joined the Royals faculty and began having a big impact on students. She has been a tremendous prayer warrior and strong supporter of every part of the school.

During her time at the Woodcrest campus, Mrs. Pounders has been a constant presence to students in many ways. She served as advisor for the Yearbook, Student Council, Key Club, Mock Trial, and several other student clubs. That desire to connect to and support students has always been at the heart of her teaching ministry.

“I love my students and want only God’s best for each of them, but there are certain ones that you just click with.  On a deep level, there is a bond.  I’ve had these students curled up in balls behind my desk because things at home were so difficult and they just needed a safe place.  I’ve hugged them through tears.  I’ve walked with them through struggles.  I’ve counseled them and given them Biblical direction.  We laughed together, cried together, and did life.”

Through all of her years at Woodcrest Christian, Mrs. Pounders has shared that certain events and times really stand out that will make her time here so memorable.  One was when her Mock Trial team made it to the state championships after defeating Riverside Poly High School and becoming the Riverside County champions. Another was the day-to-day interactions with staff and students.

“WCS has been that big brother or sister who is always there for you,” she says. “My kids grew up here.  Staff members are precious parts of my daughters’ lives.  I’m going to miss my family here, a lot.”

Another thing that stands out to Mrs.  Pounders is community.  “Woodcrest Christian is a very tight-knit family.  I have watched how we’ve come together through some of the most difficult circumstances.  How we’ve held each other and prayed together in some pretty awful times.  That power of the bond of Christ drawing us together to support each other is phenomenal.  We rejoice with each other.  I’ve loved how we celebrate with each other,” she says.

Thank you, Mrs. Pounders, for an amazing career and ministry teaching our students and pouring into their lives the love of Christ. Your commitment to following hard after Jesus and walking alongside your students has been a blessing for many. We pray that God richly blesses you in this next phase of life.