Eden Christian Academy
2025 Annual Report
academicfoundationsheneedstofulfill God'splanforherlife.Wehave confidencewhenwedropheroffthatshe isgoingtolearnandapplyGod'swordto herdailylife.Welovetheclasssizeand thewhole-childapproachofacademicas wellassocialandemotionallearning. Thephenomenalteachershavehelpedher growsomuch Ican'texpressenoughhow thankfulandblessedwefeelsendingour daughtertoEden!”
Aimee & Anthony Smith
Message From Interim Head of School
Shining Bright in Faith and Learning
Christian Wecker Chief Operations Officer & Interim Head of School
Dear Eden Friends and Family,
Thank you for a wonderful year! As we reflect, we celebrate the countless incredible experiences such as academic, athletic, and personal accomplishments, impactful classroom lessons, meaningful chapels, retreats, and field trips, our largest enrollment ever at nearly 800 students, and so much more
“Be the Light” was the 2024-2025 school theme based on Matthew 5:16. I cannot think of a better summation of our students, families, faculty, staff, supporters, and friends.
Students showed their light in a myriad of ways From amazing growth in academics to displays of skill and sportsmanship in athletics, expanding their horizons and abilities in the arts, and drawing closer to the Lord in chapels, devotions, Worship Arts, and Bible Studies. This truly was a special year of growth within our student body. Our senior class laid out their own theme for the year of “Alive” and challenged their classmates to “Be the Light” by being fully alive in Christ. Upper school students served in a variety of ways, raised money for the Costa Rica mission trip, as well as several ministries including drives to support victims of the North Carolina hurricane disaster
Our faculty took on the task of being the light to the students in their classrooms as we elevated curriculum in several different areas, expanded our College in High School Program, explored new technologies, and made use of improved classroom facilities, in particular at our elementary campuses which received extensive refreshes The growth academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually in our students is a testament each of them letting their light shine so that their students might glorify the Lord
Our staff was a light to our students, families, one another, and to our community as they navigated a season of changes within our leadership team while maintaining a focus on the student learning experience and consistency within the Christcentered Eden environment They pursued excellence and improvement in many areas of school operations and policy with tremendous growth and vision towards Eden’s future
The future of Eden Christian Academy is bright! ECA will continue to “Be the Light” to those in our community and the world. This is the collective mission of all of us as brothers and sisters in Christ. While this report gives a summary of the wonderful things that happened over the past year, it is only a fraction of what the Lord has done in and through Eden You won’t see in this report all the prayers students and staff shared for each other; nor will you see the eternal impact made in hearts and minds in whom a love and relationship with their Savior was cultivated. You won’t see the students who developed academic confidence and discipline; nor will you see the friendships formed that will last a lifetime. What you will see is a school that is following the mission it has had for the last 42 years to “provide an exceptional educational experience by engaging the mind and heart of each student to think and to act with Christ-like character ”
We hope this Annual Report is both encouraging and exciting for you. We are grateful for your willingness to be a part of our mission at ECA and to “Be the Light” to the world around us.
Christian Wecker
Leadership Team
ChristianWecker Chief Operating Officer and 2024-2025 Interim Head of School
KateBrown Director of Human Resources
JenniferMiess Financial Administrator
KristieBricker Principal, Berkeley Hills
ChristinaFry Principal, Mt Nebo
LindsayNewman Principal, Wexford
NanetteCurtis Director of Admissions
GregHelsel Athletic Director High School
Director of Development
Boardof Directors
AubreyHiskey Board Chair
GregKreutzer Vice Chair
AmyMadia Secretary
Board Members
SteveBushee
ChuckSmullin
KristySosso
MattHarnett
JulieLefever Director of Marketing and Communications
JamieLeeKorns
CAMPUSES
Development Highlights
$584,481 received in tuition aid gifts
The Office of Advancement and Development is committed to building a connected and mission-driven community that helps sustain and advance our calling to provide an exceptional Christ-centered education. This year, we focused on internal reflection and rebuilding strengthening our team and resources to better support the meaningful partnerships that shape transformational experiences for current and future generations of students.
We’re prioritizing meaningful engagement by:
$859,186 donations received for the capital campaign
$71,104 raised for department needs
171 students awarded financial aid
including 81 students who received scholarship funds through tax credit programs
$162,700 awarded in grant funding
including$505,416receivedfromtheEITCand OSTCtaxcreditprogramsthroughour partnershipswithSpecialPurposeEntities(SPEs) for safety, security, and operating expenses
Deepening community partnerships and sponsorships
Actively pursuing additional grant opportunities
Revitalizing our Eden Business Network
Growing and strengthening our alumni outreach
Enhancing communication with donors and supporters to keep you more connected to the impact of your generosity
We are deeply grateful for your prayers and partnership in our fundraising efforts Every gift to Eden helps ensure that more students experience the joy, purpose, and transformation of a Christ-centered education.
Thank you for your continued support and trust in our mission.
United In Faith,
Jamie Lee Korns
Director of Development & Alumni Relations
jkorns@edenca.org | (412) 364-8055, x 126
“Whenwemovedtothearea, wewerelookingforaprivate Christianschoolforourchildren afterafewyearsofhomeschool We visitedEdenforatourandimmediately knewthiswastheplaceGodwascalling ourkids Fromtheprincipalprayingover ourkids,totheteachersinvestingin eternityforourkids,toourkidsgettinga qualityeducation,itwasaclear-cut decisiontoenrollandkeepthemenrolled inthefuture.”
Christina & Benjamin Bosserd
We cannot achieve our mission without your support. We are grateful for the many ways you have engaged your time, your resources, and your skills to make an impact at our school
Volunteering your time and talents Sponsorships
One-time and recurring gifts
EITC/OSTC tax credits
Matching gifts through your employer
Gifts-In-Kind
Building a legacy of Christ-centered education.
Academics &StudentLife
Eden’s STEAM Fair brought science, technology, engineering, art, and math to life as NHS students led handson experiments that sparked creativity and curiosity across all elementary campuses
Eden s 19 CHS Chemistry students earned an impressive 82% class average on the final far above the 60% university average with one earning the top score and our school accounting for 35% of all A’s among 405 students nationwide
Mrs Singleton’s class stepped back in time at Old Economy Village, exploring 1800s life as they toured the grounds and played traditional games for a fun and educational day
Over 70 Mt. Nebo students launched the Peer Tutoring & Mentoring program, with 37 juniors and seniors partnering with younger students for weekly guidance led by the 12thgrade Service Team
This year, 60 ECA students were inducted into the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society
Big snaps to our Wexford first graders who celebrated poetry by boldly sharing their original works at ECA’s Poetry Jam event
Letusnotbecome wearyindoing good,foratthe propertimewewill reapaharvestif wedonotgiveup.
Galatians6:9
College In High School
The College in High School (CHS) program is a valuable opportunity for Eden Christian Academy students in 11th and 12th grade who desire to deepen their academic experience while simultaneously earning college credit Through partnerships with local colleges and universities, Eden offers CHS or dual enrollment courses that allow students to earn three college credits and one high school credit per class These courses are offered at a significantly reduced cost, providing the additional financial benefit for students and their families One of the program’s greatest strengths is that students are introduced to college-level content and curriculum while continuing to receive the guidance and support of Eden’s faculty
Since its beginning in 2015, the CHS program has become an integral part of Eden’s high school curriculum. Courses offered include Chemistry (University of Pittsburgh), Spanish (Duquesne University), Psychology (Geneva College), Government and Economics (Cedarville University), with Studio Art (Seton Hill University) scheduled to be added in the 2025–2026 school year. In the past academic year, 111 students enrolled in CHS classes, earning a combined total of 330 college credits the highest participation to date. The CHS program continues to play a key role in preparing students for the academic challenges of college and equipping them for the future to which God has called them.
Reading Buddy Program
Reading comes to life when you read with a buddy! At our elementary campuses, students share their love of reading and build meaningful relationships on Reading Buddy days Elementary classes pair with early childhood classes and students meet for reading, sight work, creative writing and more. Elementary students are able to mentor younger students and encourage them in their learning. Often there are special activities, a craft, or making cards for one another. The students end their time together praying for one another. We love that students can pray for each other at ECA.
One teacher shared, “The Reading Buddy program is impactful and puts learning in action for both the younger and older student My elementary students are learning to be good role models and reading aloud helps them with fluency and expression in reading When reading one-on-one with their younger buddy, they can focus on bringing the characters to life for the child they are reading to. The students are excited for it as they get to know their buddy each week.”
Spiritual Formation
Mr Guidroz’s 8th grade classes explored the 3 Circles Project, gaining confidence and clarity in sharing the gospel while reflecting on how Jesus brings healing and hope in a broken world
Students gathered in the Mt Nebo café for a powerful afternoon of worship and prayer led by the Worship Arts class with opportunities for peer-to-peer prayer
Thanks to donations from all three ECA campuses, NJHS students packed 50 Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to bless children around the world with gifts and God's love
Mrs Janicki’s PS3 class made resurrection biscuits to celebrate Easter, using each ingredient to symbolize Jesus’ burial and resurrection, and discovering the “empty tomb” when the marshmallow disappeared!
Our Berkeley Hills campus was honored to hear from Mr and Mrs Yoder, who shared their experiences in military life, gifted students American flags, and reminded us of the sacrifices made by those who serve
K3 students collected and labeled items for the Northway Food Pantry, prayed over the donations, stocked the shelves, and learned how the pantry helps our community
Spiritual Enrichment Week (S.E.W.)
Each year, Eden Christian Academy sets aside a week to intentionally focus on deepening the faith of our students.
Berkeley Hills Campus
Mrs Piemme’s 2nd grade class at Berkeley Hills put their faith into action by serving the Ross Township Police Department. They collected food donations, wrote heartfelt notes of appreciation, and committed to praying daily for officers. Officer Matthew Immekus visited the classroom, where students prayed over him and the care package they had prepared.
This year’s Worship Arts class had a record-high enrollment of 63 middle and high school students.
Spiritual Enrichment Week 2025 was a meaningful time of worship, service, and reflection. Our campuses were full of energy and excitement as students participated in special chapels, worship, prayer time, speakers, activities, and service opportunities, all intentionally planned to draw hearts and minds to Christ and the Word of God.
Wexford Campus
Service was a focus as students in grades 1-4 at Wexford embraced the spirit of giving by collecting and packing items for Beverly’s PGH, an organization that supports children and families in need. Each grade assembled and prayed over different kits, including coloring packs, snack packs, favor bags, and hygiene kits.
Aligning with the student mission trip to Costa Rica, Mt Nebo focused on international missions Mrs Wilkin led a chapel emphasizing the Great Commission and Psalm 67, reminding students of their responsibility to proclaim the gospel. Students enthusiastically engaged in mission-focused activities throughout the week.
Worship Arts Class
Launched in the fall of 2022, Eden’s Worship Arts class was created to equip and inspire students who feel called to lead praise and worship. As Spirit-led worship becomes increasingly important in churches, this course nurtures students’ hearts, talents, and desire to serve, preparing the next generation of worship leaders for this vital ministry
The Worship Arts Course offers hands-on opportunities for students to develop leadership and practical skills by planning and leading weekly student-led worship services and other events Through this experience, they receive instruction in areas such as worship leading, sermon preparation, video production, sound, visual media, and event organization. These skills are valuable for ministry, higher education, and beyond.
Mt. Nebo Campus
FineArts
The elementary campus ’ Fine Arts Night featured vibrant artwork and joyful band performances. The upper school night celebrated Eden’s most impressive young artists and included a moving wind ensemble
Students proudly represented ECA at PMEA Band Festivals, performing with top young musicians across five counties From left to right: Josie McMichael, Emily Johnson Nathan Reynolds, Bethany Ng, Ryleigh Wecker and Elijah Piette
Over 40 students from Eden’s 5th–6th grade band joined the Upper School Pep Band for an unforgettable night of music, led by Mrs. Guidroz, Mrs Yoder, and alumnus Trey Tillotson
ECA’s Worship Arts class capped off a year of chapel leadership with a powerful night of worship at The River, where students led in music and testimony, celebrating their growth and the senior class’s vision in a Spirit-filled evening
The Berkeley Hills Talent Show was full of energy and creativity as students showcased their talents
Cinderella: The Musical
Cinderella was a huge success! The cast, crew, directors, and everyone involved presented four fabulous performances bringing joy and creativity to the stage and delighting everyone who attended
We recognize all the hard work and dedication that made the production such a wonderful success.The talent, teamwork, and commitment truly shone through in every scene, creating a magical experience for the audience. We are proud of all that they accomplished! Special thanks to Miss McGraw, Miss Lapp, and their talented team on a fantastic job of producing the musical
“One of my favorite memories from the musical was the students meeting before each performance to sing worship songs and pray for God to be glorified through them I Corinthians 10:31 tells us, ‘So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God ’ What a joy to witness students seeking to glorify the Lord through the talents He has given them!”
Mrs. Fry, Upper School Principal
All-Star Band
In March, ECA hosted the inaugural All-Star Band Day at the Mt. Nebo campus. Sixty students from grades five through twelve gathered for a day of music, relationship building, and fun Woodwind specialist and Eden alumnus Trey Tillotson, along with percussion specialist and ECA faculty member Cole Guidroz, provided group and private lesson instruction to help students refine their skills. The event encouraged friendships across campuses and celebrated a shared love of music. The day concluded with a fantastic concert for family and friends, showcasing all that the students had learned.
A huge thank you to Mrs Guidroz and Mrs Yoder for organizing this incredible event and investing in our ECA musicians
Athletics
Cross Country
The Varsity Girls Cross Country team made history as the first to qualify for the PIAA State Championship, finishing 11th out of 20 teams, alongside individual qualifiers from the Varsity Boys Team
Swimming & Diving
At the PIAA Championships, Freshman Mimi Chamberlain made the consolation final in the 100-yard breaststroke, placing 12th overall, and secured 28th place in the 200-yard individual medley
Pearl Lundgren finished in the top 20 at the PIAA State Individual Championships for Girls Golf and 2nd place at WPIAL Class 2A Girls’ Individual Championship Final Round
Volleyball
Undefeated 8-0 in their section, the Girls team earned the title of Section 5 Class 1A Champions With an overall record of 27-4, the team secured a spot in the PIAA state playoffs and finished In the top 16 Class 1A teams in Pennsylvania
Sophomore Noah Pickett dominated the pool with two podium finishes, breaking his own team records Noah placed 5th overall in the 200 IM (1:56 17) and 7th overall in the 500 freestyle (4:43 19)
Soccer WPIAL Section Champions
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Girls
Golf
Track & Field Team
In May, the Eden Warriors Track and Field team proudly sent 11 athletes to the WPIAL Championships at Slippery Rock University, where they delivered several podium finishes and outstanding performances.
On the track, the Girls 4x800 meter relay team Hannah Wallace, Leah Wallace, Lila Sands, and Keira Anderson placed 15th. The Boys 4x800 meter relay team Cole King, Jack Hurley, Nick Davliakos, and Jacob Marshall finished 12th.
In field events, Christian Hicks earned 9th place in the high jump, narrowly missing the podium. EJ DiVito reached the podium in both the high jump (7th) and triple jump (3rd). Lara DeFazio had an exceptional meet, placing 4th in both the triple jump and high jump, and winning the WPIAL gold medal in the long jump with a new school record of 18' 6.5".
Lara and EJ advanced to compete at the PIAA State Championships EJ represented Eden in the triple jump and finished 18th in Pennsylvania Lara competed in both the long and triple jump, finishing all-state in the high jump with an impressive 5th place and bringing home a PIAA medal
Baseball
Throughout the year, the team maintained their focus on building physical, strategic, and mental readiness, and the importance of honoring and glorifying God in every aspect of life Despite graduating six seniors, including four starters, Coach Mark Feldman and assistant coaches Tim Lipp and John Fowler successfully evaluated their talent and gave many underclassmen the opportunity to shine The Warriors rose to the challenge securing a section title shared with Bishop Canevin and Serra Catholic Following a tough loss in the WPIAL semi-final, the team rebounded and made a second consecutive trip to the PIAA State Finals, solidifying their reputation as one of the WPIAL’s top programs
Individual performances were impressive across the board:
• Brady Hull (Junior) posted a .565 batting average 25th in the state and 3rd in Class 1A.
• Noah Emswiler (Junior) finished with an 11-2 record on the mound, tying for first in the state of Pennsylvania
• Brett Feldman (Junior) scored 44 runs, ranking 2nd in the state and 1st in the WPIAL.
• Jacob Janicki (Senior) made a standout impact, going 4-for-4 in the State Championship game.
Brady Hull, Noah Emswiler, and Brett Feldman earned both First Team AllSection and All-State Honors
Coach Mark Feldman was also named Single A Coach of the Year.
Community Engagement
It was a beautiful day for the annual All-School Picnic to celebrate the new school year The Eden community family and staff connected to make unforgettable memories together
Families kicked off picnic day with a colorful fun run or walk!
The Volleyball Bingo Night was an incredible success, raising over $7 000 to support Eden’s volleyball program through an evening of fun prizes and community spirit
Our incredible alumni players and Eden community showed up in full force for Alumni Basketball Night
Eden families had an unforgettable evening of hockey, fellowship, and fun at the Pittsburgh Penguins game filled with cheering, mascot sightings, and vibrant community spirit
Students were thrilled to welcome grandparents and special grand-friends to visit their classrooms, meet their teachers and to honor them with special presentations
It was a great day to play with purpose Thank you to golfers, volunteers, and sponsors for driving our scholarship fund forward!
In January, nearly 90 attendees gathered in the Warrior Field House for a fun-filled Bingo Night that raised over $2,300 in support of ECA’s baseball program through games, raffles and community spirit
Mother/Son Party
The Mother/Son Bingo & Pizza Party was a big hit with nearly 150 attendees! Moms and sons had a blast bonding over rounds of Bingo, eating pizza, and enjoying epic prizes. The event was a great opportunity for our two elementary campuses to connect and build friendships!
The boys were over the moon with treasures like LEGOs, Owala bottles, headphones, and fidget toys, while gift cards to Ulta, TJMaxx, Paris Baguette, and Amazon were special joys for the moms. The grand finale of blackout bingo had everyone playing for Top Golf and Fun-Fore-All gift cards.
Our fabulous emcee, Mr. Christian Wecker, had the crowd smiling and kept the energy high. Themed music like “Hey Mr. Postman” for Postage Stamp and “Yo, Ho A Pirate’s Life for Me” for X-Marks the Spot added to the fun!
Father/Daughter Dance
We had a fantastic turnout of over 230 at the 2nd Annual Father/Daughter Dance, hosted by the Elementary Parent Associations
It was a joy seeing dads and daughters dressed to the nines, lighting up the night with glow-inthe-dark glasses and outfits for our “Let’s Glow” theme. The dance floor rocked with tunes by emcee Mrs. Brittany Demidov. Guests were treated to delectable desserts, tackled the limbo contest with passion, and captured memories at the photo booth It was an unforgettable evening for our Eden Community!
Alumni in Ministry & Missions
Enjoy a snapshot of ECA Alumni who are sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world through ministry and missions.
Class of 2009 Wexford, PA North America
Taylor Brown
Corrine Hicks
Class of 2024 Pittsburgh, PA
Noël Kowalkowski
Class of 2022 Pittsburgh, PA
Rodger Obley
Class of 2010 Pittsburgh, PA
Kaiden Reilly
Class of 2024 Pittsburgh, PA
Trinity Festa
Class of 2022 Pittsburgh, PA
Calli Jennings
Class of 2022
Waco, TX & Internation
London, England
Kenya
D.R. of the Congo
SCAN HERE to meet Eden’s missionaries!
Ecuador South America
Anthony D’Ippolito Class of 2023
Jessica Reynolds Class of 2021
Costa Rica
Kenya Africa
Carley (Hall) Morales Class of 2018
Grayson Reichart Class of 2025
Kenya
Jaron Snavely Class of 2014
Zambia
Morgan Roahrig Class of 2013
Kenya
The Philippines Asia
Lauren Barry Class of 2017
Costa Rica Mission Trip
Compassion in Action
Mrs Christie Wilkin Upper School Spanish Teacher Costa Rica Mission Trip Coordinator
We are grateful for the many answered prayers during our 8-day trip to San Jose, Costa Rica
Our group of 49 traveled safely, completed three house builds, and spent two days enjoying the beautiful scenery. It was an honor to spend our first full day attending church in Pavas, where the house builds took place. Worshiping with our brothers and sisters in Christ in this small church was a joy We presented gifts and money from the Eden community to the pastor and his wife, who were deeply moved and grateful During the service, some team members taught a Bible story and did crafts with the children.
The next three days were dedicated to building houses at three separate locations. Eden students worked cheerfully and willingly, learning many skills along the way. Friendly competition among the teams on which house would be completed first added determination to work quickly! On the final day of building, we took the families grocery shopping and held a ceremony presenting each family with keys to their new homes This was a very moving moment for all involved.
We are thankful for the support and prayers for our team. Please continue to pray for these families to experience God’s love and put their faith in Jesus.
“I will never forget what experienced here and c won’t forget the indescr these people have. The trip will ALWAYS be a core memory with a special place in my heart.”
–Hannah Utz
“Every second of the trip was filled with love, joy, and a peace that cannot be explained Throughout this past week, houses were built, lives were changed, friendships were made, and above all, the love of Jesus Christ was shared I would do it all again in a heartbeat”
–Hannah Wallace
One God. One Mission. One Eden.
“Allfourofourchildrenattended andgraduatedfromEden ChristianAcademy Onething thatstandsoutaboutEdenishow theysupportthebiblicallybased valuesthatareinstilledinour home EdenprovidesChristcentered,highacademicstandards thathavepreparedourchildren verywell Formanyyears,I (Carla)enjoyedbeingapartof Eden’sMomsinPrayergroup wherewegatheredweeklytopray forourchildren,theteachers, administratorsandstaff.”
Senior Clap Outs
This year, seniors walked the familiar halls at Berkeley Hills and Wexford, their hearts brimming with memories of their elementary days. Teachers and students greeted them with wide smiles and cheers. It was a beautiful picture of the deep community connection at ECA as they talked, played, and prayed with Eden's younger scholars.
2024-2025 Commencement Senior Speeches
graduated
Health
Fowler
Nick
Magna Cum Laude, and his future plans include studying
Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.
Carla & Jay Batch
Alexis graduated Summa Cum Laude, and her future plans include entering the Physician Assistant Program at Gannon University.
Ellie graduated Summa Cum Laude, and her future plans include entering the Physician Assistant Program at Duquesne University.
Eli graduated Magna Cum Laude and his future plans include studying Design and Innovation at Grove City College.
Nick Davliakos
Eli Wick
Ellie Wells
Since 1983, Eden has served families seeking a strong academic foundation for their children that is rooted and grounded in Christ
Three campuses unified in mission and purpose, Eden Christian Academy is the largest nondenominational Christian preschool through high school in the greater Pittsburgh area
OURMISSION
EdenChristianAcademy iscommittedtoproviding anexceptionaleducational experiencebyengaging themindandheartofeach studenttothinkandtoact withChrist-likecharacter
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE & BERKELEY HILLS CAMPUS PRESCHOOL 3 - GRADE 6 206 SIEBERT ROAD PITTSBURGH, PA 15237 4123648055
WEXFORD CAMPUS PRESCHOOL 3 - GRADE 6 12121 PERRY HIGHWAY WEXFORD, PA 15090
724.935.9301
MT. NEBO CAMPUS GRADES 7 - 12 318 NICHOLSON ROAD SEWICKLEY, PA 15143 4123241100