What began with just 3 students in 2021-2022 has grown into one of our largest Game Day clubs. Now finishing our 4th school year, we serve 58 students with a waitlist of 30+. The school even capped registration after reaching nearly 90 students last year! The Principal is amazed by the club’s popularity, and we are actively seeking another church partner to help launch a second club day this fall.
One of the most beautiful parts of the Norcrest story is the leadership of Pastor Danny Slavich, the Senior Pastor at Cross United Church. Every week, Pastor Danny personally leads the club, viewing it as a powerful extension of his church’s mission. He heads up a combined volunteer team from Cross United and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, and together they serve the students with excellence and joy as they share God’s love and hope with the students. Their collaboration even includes providing joint Easter invitations for families to choose a church to attend if they don’t currently have one—an intentional act of love and outreach.
As Pastor Danny shared:
“Game Day has been a critical part of our ministry in our community, and one of the best things we have done as a church. We have been able to connect with hundreds of families, and we have seen a tremendous ministry impact.”
This story is not just about growth—it’s about legacy. Laura, Pastor Danny’s wife, and her father both attended Norcrest as children! Laura planned to lead the club but stepped into a full-time teaching role. Her husband quickly stepped in to continue their church’s and family’s investment in building a legacy of faith at Norcrest and he has been faithfully doing so for four years.
Both churches have blessed the school in big ways—CRPC has twice provided Christmas gifts for every Game Day child, and in their first year, Cross United collected over 700 books for the entire student body. The school sees the club as a trusted partner. Principal Castillo has visited several times and even gave our volunteers Certificates of Appreciation this spring.
Norcrest is a shining example of what’s possible when churches invest in schools with consistency, compassion, and the Gospel. We’re thankful—and expectant—for all God has in store next.
