A curious student body. A thriving school community. Passionate educators.

When institutions like Lancaster County Christian School (LCCS) have so much to be grateful for, they often desire to express appreciation.

LCCS' upcoming appreciation breakfast is designed to recognize businesses involved with Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which provides essential funding for the school.

"The thing I love about this school is that you can pick up that there's something more than just learning going on," said Sandy Outlar, LCCS' community relations director. "I think our learning enlivens the lives of our children. Not only do they enjoy their learning, they're stirred in their hearts."

LCCS' annual EITC appreciation breakfast will be served on Friday, Nov. 22, from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Student Life Center on LCCS' campus, 2390 New Holland Pike, Lancaster. The breakfast will include scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, orange juice and coffee.

The event will feature an appearance by United States Congressman Lloyd Smucker, who will deliver an address titled "Federal Policies That Impact Both Businesses and Pennsylvanians." The appreciation breakfast will also include a question-and-answer session with congressman Smucker.

A tour of LCCS' facilities will be made available to visitors that day.

The complimentary breakfast is free to attend, but interested individuals are asked to reserve their spots by calling 717-556-0711, ext. 213, or by emailing ddissmore@lccs.cc by Sunday, Nov. 10.

"The purpose of the breakfast is to express the depths of our appreciation," said Outlar. "My favorite part is the participation of our students and their interaction with the speaker. That just delights me. I love seeing our students asking questions of a person who represents our citizenry. I love young people. I love encouraging them and helping them find their gifts."

LCCS receives regular financial support from about 25 businesses through the EITC program, which allows for the businesses to direct their tax contributions to selected educational institutions and scholarship organizations. About half of LCCS' 525-member student body receive scholarships, and some students would not be able to afford the school's tuition without the financial assistance.

LCCS has been serving its appreciation breakfast for 10 years.

"We have amazing support," said Outlar. "We have formal businesses and people who step up when we roll out a project. But there's also a reciprocal benefit. We have an entrepreneurial program, which is meant to help students find their gifts. We think our graduates will make good employees."

LCCS was formed in 2010 when the former Lancaster Christian School and Living Word Academy merged. LCCS employs 120 individuals, about 70 of whom are faculty.

"There are so many private Christian schools (in Lancaster County), and if they joined together, it would provide a better setting. That's what happened here," said Outlar. "The coursework and curriculum have expanded, and we've improved salaries and benefits (for employees). We want to make sure our school is serving others. We're constantly asking, 'How can we help schools that may not be as large as we are?'"

"Over the last years, the school has seen an ongoing growth in the student body," he continued. "Now, we're at a point where we're finding we need to add on to the school. We have maxed out this facility, and ultimately, we're looking at a building project."

For additional information about Lancaster County Christian School, go to http://www.lccs.cc.