The song will be a part of

formal occasions within the school, such as the Senior Convocation, Homecoming,

and graduation ceremonies. Headmaster Terry Harrison asked Riskedahl to

take on the alma mater project at the beginning of last school year. It

was completed and presented to the faculty in the fall.

"It was Mr. Harrison's

idea," Riskedahl said, "but he gave me a very free hand."

She said he wanted the song to provide "a sense of continuity, school

pride, and also to put into words what we as Landmark have as values."

As she sat down to create the

words, Riskedahl asked herself, "Who are we at Landmark, and what

are the things that we value?" First she knew that she definitely

wanted to reference the trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God

the Holy Spirit. She also felt it was important to include the three areas

where Landmark's mission is put into action - at home, at school and in

the world. And finally, Riskedahl felt it important to incorporate the

1 Corinthians 13:13 values of faith, hope and love.

At the time she began the project,

Riskedahl happened to be teaching her 10th grade English students Dante's

Inferno, "Which is very precise in its construction," she said.

"I think part of that construction rubbed off in this." The

words are very carefully and precisely constructed for rhyme, brevity

and rhythm. Riskedahl didn't want any of the verses and their rhythm to

sound forced.

"I quite like the last

line of each verse," she said, "that Landmark is only about

God's business - physically, socially and spiritually."

Riskedahl felt that many alma

maters tend to be "maudlin" and "sappy," with phrases

like "ivy-covered walls" and "our dear old school."

"I didn't want ours to be silly or overly sentimental," she

said, "but more service-oriented and purposeful. I hoped the verses

would help us to be better, not make us be content; and would remind us

of what work there is to do for the kingdom of God.

"I hope when people sing

this song, that's what they'll leave with: their opportunity to do service

for Jesus Christ."

LANDMARK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ALMA

MATER

Landmark! The Blue and Gold

Let us be learners bold;

Courage and truth enfold

Each day in school.

We sing our Creator's praises;

In work and play we raise,

Faithfully, all our days,

For God and Landmark.

Landmark! The eagle flies,

As heartfelt prayers arise,

Bringing clean hearts, clear

eyes

In every home.

What Christ did upon the tree,

Make us one family;

Love is the victory,

For God and Landmark.

Landmark! By day, by night,

Teach us to walk aright,

And hold your honor bright

In all the world.

We seek Spirit pow'r anew,

Hopeful in all we do,

We serve as unto you,

For God and Landmark.