At Grand Rapids Christian Schools, we believe education is more than instruction; it is formation. We prepare students to belong to Christ, to grow in community, and to serve God’s world with courage and commitment. Each lesson, each relationship, and each step is part of a larger story: one of God’s redemptive work in and through his people.
Nick DeKoster ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF ADVANCEMENT & INSTRUCTION
RCS | Students carry cardboard to garden boxes to install natural weed barriers.
LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
DEAR EAGLE COMMUNITY,
It is with heartfelt gratitude and great joy that I share this year’s Impact Report with you. As you read the stories and updates in the pages that follow, I hope you are encouraged by the many ways God is at work in and through Grand Rapids Christian Schools (GRCS).
Our mission, to prepare students to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society, is more than just a statement. It is a calling that shapes every classroom, every conversation, and every relationship across our five campuses. Whether students are preparing to walk for the first time or are preparing to walk across the graduation stage, we are dedicated to nurturing their hearts and minds in a way that is rooted in Christ, grounded in community, and marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence and faithfulness.
In my first year at GRCS I witnessed firsthand how the values of Christ, Community, and Commitment guide all that we do. I saw Christ at the center of our learning and leadership. I saw a community that spans generations, from alumni and donors to teachers and parents, united in their support of this mission. And I saw a deepened commitment from our faculty, staff, and students to grow, learn, and serve with purpose.
Today more than 2,400 students, from 18 months to 18 years, are being equipped to lead with wisdom, empathy, and faith. There is contagious excitement and growing momentum throughout our schools. God is doing something special here.
Thank you for the role you play in this story. Your prayers, your generosity, and your partnership continue to make a lasting impact.
Grace and peace, Aaron Winkle Superintendent
SUPERINTENDENT
AARON WINKLE
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE BELIEVE
Portrait of a Graduate
CULTURALLY COMPETENT
Prepared to engage with a diverse range of people and ideologies.
COMMUNICATORS & COLLABORATORS
Prepared to work in a team environment, articulate ideas, and consider multiple viewpoints.
THOUGHTFUL NEIGHBORS
Prepared to practice hospitality,compassion, service, and empathy for those aroundthem.
JUSTICE SEEKERS
Prepared to actively pursue greater wholeness in the world by working for justice and practicing stewardship.
LIFELONG EXPLORERS
Prepared to live a life of discovery and wonder in God’s world.
CREATIVE SOLUTION FINDERS
Prepared to identify issues, engage in critical thinking, and persistently work towardsolutions.
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
Prepared to follow Christ with faithfulness, resilience, and humility in a broken but hopeful world.
MISSION
OUR PURPOSE
Preparing students to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society
VISION
OUR
HOPE
We are a community of Christ-followers who love God and our neighbors, cultivating Christian learning environments where students discover their potential, develop their talents, and passionately share their gifts with the world (portrait of a GRCS graduate), leading lives of purpose as living testimonies for Jesus Christ in a broken but hopeful world, generation after generation.
CORE VALUES
CHRIST
We are rooted in Christ.
We believe our world belongs to God, and we actively seek to grow deeper in our knowledge of him, our love for his word, and our understanding that everything we do is for his honor and glory. We are disciples of Christ, prepared to follow him with faithfulness, resilience, and humility in a broken but hopeful world.
COMMUNITY
We are better together.
We are a community of belonging, connected through relationships, and reflected in the love and respect we show one another. We believe that all people are made uniquely in the image of God. We are committed to creating a redemptive environment that reflects the rich differences of God’s creation.
COMMITMENT
We lead lives of purpose.
We believe that character matters, and we are serious about our own and others’ growth. We are committed to excellence as God defines it, giving our best for his glory. We believe that strength is for service, not status, and we carry that mindset in the classroom, in competition, and in our community.
Teachers turn walls into worship, illustrating the 2024-2025 Faith Theme, through colorful hallway murals.
BE STILL AND KNOW
Psalm 46 is a loud, even chaotic, psalm: the earth gives way, the mountains fall into the sea, waters roar and foam, nations are in uproar, and the earth melts. On a global and national scale, this does not sound all that dissimilar from the world we know. More personally, we might feel a similar chaos in our own lives: strained relationships, an unnerving diagnosis, academic stress, social anxieties, and internal battles with depression. Yet, this tumultuous psalm is steadied three times, at the beginning, middle, and end, by this sure-footed reminder:
“God is our refuge and strength, an everpresent help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV). “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:7, 11). Verse 11 repeats verse 7 exactly, emphasizing the stability and reassurance these words bring amid the world’s turbulence.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
PSALM 46:1
These refrains serve as guardrails to the world’s chaos and as the foundation for the striking command uttered amidst the turmoil of our world and individual lives: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Such countercultural stillness does not come from ignoring society’s problems or mustering enough stubborn willpower to “be calm and carry on.” We are able to “be still” because, as our youngest ones often sing, God has “got the whole world in his hands!”
Be still, and know that I am God."
PSALM 46:10
This past year, students across the district were able to live and learn in the context of this confident stillness. Busy daily schedules were punctuated with moments of quiet reflection, and weekly course schedules included rhythms of rest and worship. We were able to practice “being still” because God has been our refuge and strength. Our community can be still because God remains our ever-present help in trouble. We will continue to live in this stillness because the Lord Almighty is, and will always be, with us.
GRCHS BIBLE TEACHER & CHAPLAIN MARK VANDERWERF
WHAT DO STUDENTS LOOK FORWARD TO AT GRCHS?
Esther’s people faced extermination in Persia, and she had to decide whether to rise to the occasion or perish. Mordecai, her guardian, comforted her with these memorable words: You were made for such a time as this (Esther 4:14, NIV). This powerful reminder illustrates that God places each of us in a particular time and place to fulfill his purpose. Esther’s role was not accidental. She was hesitant, yet God was certain.
At Grand Rapids Christian High School (GRCHS), I meet students with varying degrees of confidence. Some are quick to grab the mic for karaoke in Town Square or to launch a new club, while others approach high school with hesitation, unsure of themselves, and wary of the unknown. While our students are not faced with Esther’s lifeor-death decision, navigating a student body of more than 700 can still feel overwhelming. Fear and uncertainty may prevent them from fully connecting with the community. With this in mind, we create opportunities that encourage students to rise to the occasion and pursue their full potential as disciples of Christ.
The Student Life Office exists to help students grow in their Christian faith by engaging meaningfully in school life and building authentic relationships. We recognize that each student brings unique gifts, passions, and perspectives, and our community is not complete without them. With nearly 30 clubs and student organizations, there is space for every interest. Students can explore options such as Adventure Programs, Bollywood Dance, Drumline, The Stage Company, Art Club, and Biology Club. If they do not find what they are looking for, they are encouraged to create something new.
We create opportunities that encourage students to rise to the occasion and pursue their full potential as disciples of Christ."
Students do not arrive at our school by accident. God has placed them here for a purpose. At GRCHS we are committed to cultivating a Christ-centered environment of belonging, where every student is equipped to grow in faith and become an effective servant of Christ in contemporary society.
DAS
GRCHS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT PROGRAMS
Adventure Programs offer students outdoor experiences such as hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, and mountain biking. Activities at locations like Nordhouse Dunes and the Manistee River provide a meaningful break from the school schedule and invite students to engage with God’s creation.
The Cultural Mentorship Group connects students to their cultural identities and the broader community. We aim to equip students to become culturally competent individuals who advance God’s kingdom. Pictured here is the group at the West Michigan Asian American Association’s International Business Summit with keynote speaker and GRCHS alumna Kristin Meekhof (class of 1992).
Powderpuff is one of many Student Life activities that allow students to participate as coaches, players, or enthusiastic supporters from the sidelines.
After Freshmen Launch, our ninth-grade orientation, freshmen and their families begin with participating in a pep rally and then a welcome dinner with administrators and staff. This gathering provides a meaningful opportunity to build relationships before the start of the school year.
Students slow down to pause and reflect during a campus prayer walk.
Students lifting their hearts in prayer growing together, rooted in Christ.
RCS WEEK OF PRAYER
Christ is woven into every campus of Grand Rapids Christian Schools, as well as the broader school community. His presence is experienced through Bible classes, weekly chapel services, experiencing the beauty of creation through the natural world, devotional times, and meaningful conversations in small groups or on the playground. Students and staff alike engage in daily reflections on how God reveals himself in both extraordinary and everyday moments.
One meaningful way students at Rockford Christian School help lead spiritually is through the annual all-school Week of Prayer, organized each May by sixth-grade students. These students plan a week dedicated to encouraging the school community to pray for one another, for families, for the school, for the wider community, and for the world. This year, as a part of the Week of Prayer, the sixth-grade students created a guided prayer walk along a campus trail. The walk featured seven stations, each designed with a theme, scripture, and prayer prompt. Topics included confession, thanksgiving, giving God our worries, praise, and seeking God’s guidance.
Each class signed up for a time to participate in the prayer walk. Some chose to begin their day with it as part of their homeroom devotions, while others paired with buddy classes and walked the trail in multi-age groups, reading and praying together.
Prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God. It is a sacred gift, an invitation to talk with him anywhere, at any time, and about anything. Yet students can sometimes feel intimidated, unsure of what to say or how to say it. By offering space and structure to practice prayer, students develop not only a deeper understanding of its power but also a stronger relationship with God. Over time they come to see more clearly how God’s presence shapes not only how we learn, but how we live.
RCS 6TH GRADE TEACHER
JULIE HELDMAN
GRCMS SOARS
It starts in small moments. A seventh grader lingers after class to help a classmate carry a heavy school project to the next room. A fifth grader invites someone new into a game of catch at recess. An eighth grader owns up to a mistake and works to make it right. Around here, we call that SOARing, and it’s one of the ways we see students living out what it means to follow Jesus every day.
At Grand Rapids Christian Middle School (GRCMS), we believe every student is capable of doing great things and reflecting the example of Jesus Christ when surrounded by clear expectations, consistent support, and a caring community. This belief led to the creation of our schoolwide behavioral expectations, captured in the acronym SOAR.
More than a list of rules, SOAR creates a shared, developmentally-appropriate language for what it means to live and learn together in a Christ-centered way. As students practice these habits each day, they begin to see themselves more clearly, recognize the unique place they hold in our community, and discover how their actions can have a lasting impact.
Middle school is a time when young people are working hard to figure out who they are and how they fit into the world. Amidst the challenges of collaborating on group projects, navigating different perspectives, and communicating new ideas, SOAR gives students guideposts for the journey. Staying safe nurtures a sense of worth and care; owning actions builds honesty and resilience; acting responsibly invites them to rise to challenges; and respecting everyone affirms that each person is made in the image of God. When students fall short, we walk alongside them through a restorative process that focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships—modeling the grace and mercy that Christ extends to us all.
Respecting everyone affirms that each person is made in the image of God."
The SOAR framework is deeply connected to the districtwide core values of Grand Rapids Christian Schools: Christ, Community, and Commitment. Living these values daily means our students aren’t just learning how to behave
well; they are growing into people who know they are loved by God, who belong in his family, and who are called to serve others.
What makes GRCMS special is our collective commitment to these Christ-centered values. Each day we witness students and staff living out the principles of SOAR through acts of kindness, service, learning, and mutual respect. This daily embodiment of Christ’s teachings not only shapes character but affirms that our work is a reflection of our faith and a testimony to the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We witness students and staff living out the principles of SOAR through acts of kindness, service, learning, and mutual respect."
GRCMS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RUEBEN RILEY
AT THE HEART OF WINTERIM: COMMUNITY
For two weeks last January, students from Grand Rapids Christian High School (GRCHS) spent a lot of time away from 2300 Plymouth Ave. Students painted fences in the Dominican Republic, raced a triathlon in Florida, and snapped photos of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Other students practiced their Spanish at local supermercados, gave manicures at local retirement facilities, or tried on SWAT gear at the downtown police station. Student interns witnessed courtroom legal proceedings, assisted in our elementary classrooms, and sat in on business meetings. Opportunities like these come annually as the high school engages in Winterim. All three of GRCS’ core values are on full display during this two-week amplified learning experience, with community taking center stage.
Connecting with the local community is a significant part of Winterim. One of the major ways this happens is through engagement with community partners who lead or assist in the courses we offer each year. This past year,
there was an array of guest instructors and organizations sharing their gifts and talents with students at GRCHS. One example is local artist Jeff Condon. Several times over the years, Jeff has shared his gifts with students by teaching a class, called “Drawing the Human Form,” helping students of all skill levels grow in their artistic ability. And Jeff is not alone. GRCS alum and local golf instructor Clark Klaasen offers his expertise in the course “Tee to Green: Golf Lessons for All Levels.” Climbing instructors from Higher Ground Rock Climbing open their doors for students learning to scale the walls. Local film editor Chad Kremer guides a group of students through the rigors of filmmaking, from script writing to production, in “Lights, Camera, Action!” Stacy McGinnis shares her experiences working within Corrections in the course “Exploring the Criminal Justice System.” These are just a handful of ways community partners help students discover and foster their gifts each year.
Internships provide another opportunity for high school students to connect with the local community. Nearly 100 students interned for their Winterim semester in 2025. Students came back to school excited to share stories about helping close real estate deals, working in our elementary schools, brainstorming at engineering firms, or contributing to local news broadcasts. Senior Lindsey Wierenga shared her incredible experience of partnering with a local neurosurgeon at Winterim chapel: “If you told me one year ago that I would be two feet away from an open brain I would have laughed at you. But there I was, scrubbed in, watching a brain surgery.” Thanks to that community partner, Lindsey came away from her semester called to continue in the pursuit of a medical career.
Drawing the Human Form
Rock Climbing: Higher Ground
Our core value of community is a two-way street. Our students learn and benefit from partners in the local community, but Winterim is also an opportunity to give back. One new course this year was “Upcycle: Tinkering with a Purpose.” In the words of junior Samuel DeYoung, “Upcycle Bikes works for justice and practices stewardship in the community by providing reliable transportation for people who need a dependable way to get around.” Samuel and his classmates learned a lot about bicycle maintenance, and they also applied that newfound knowledge as they prepped bikes for distribution throughout the Grand Rapids area. A few of the students didn’t stop when Winterim ended either. They continued to volunteer at Upcycle during second semester.
Joy on Tour, another new course this year, also embraced the call to serve our community. Teacher Melissa Allen and staff member Abby Vredeveld led twenty-four students as they looked for ways to bring joy to others. They brainstormed and came up with a list of members in the community—some undergoing medical struggles, some mourning loss, some working through life changes—who might benefit from a meal. Then they prepared and delivered freezer meals. They sent encouraging notes, visited local nonprofits that serve underprivileged folks in the Grand Rapids area, and found other ways to bring joy.
GRCHS students were not limited to the local community. Every year, some sophomores, juniors, and seniors travel around the world to experience God’s amazing creation and connect with the global community. In thirteen years of Winterim, students have set foot on six of seven continents. They have snorkled near the Great Barrier Reef, hiked the Great Wall of China, met with community leaders in Oman, safaried African savannah, and so much more. Students are tasked with the responsibility of representing GRCS wherever they go, and they do so wonderfully.
Those experiences grow and develop a high school community in a unique and powerful way. In semester-end surveys, students rarely write about the landmarks they saw or the food they ate or the information they learned; they write about making new friends, meeting students from other grades, and spending time with teachers.
Whether it’s connecting with people globally, with those in the Grand Rapids area, or with the 700+ students who come back together at 2300 Plymouth Ave. for second semester, Winterim helps foster community.
BRIAN KARSTEN
GRCHS ENGLISH TEACHER/ WINTERIM & SUMMER SESSION COORDINATOR
Upcycle: Tinkering with a Purpose Joy On Tour
Ecuador
Butter, Sugar, Flour
GRPD: Youth Academy
Wood TV8 Internship
3D Video Game Development Japan
Watercolor Workshop
Boys Hockey in Colorado Los Angeles Dogs!
Building Radium Girls
Strategy Games
FROM NEW TO KNOWN
WHY FIRST-GEN FAMILIES ARE CHOOSING GRCS
As the father of fifth-generation GRCS students, I’ve walked these hallways before. So have my parents, and their families before them. Our roots here run deep. Yet what I love most about Grand Rapids Christian Schools is that it doesn’t take five generations to belong.
This past summer, I sat down with Juliana Marin Arellano and Amanda Osorio, parents of two new families in the GRCS community. We talked about what drew them here, what has made them stay, and how GRCS lives out its values across campuses every single day.
DISCOVERING GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN
Juliana Marin Arellano: We moved to Grand Rapids about six years ago and didn’t know much about the school system, only public schools, really. When it came time to find a preschool for Lucas, I started looking at options close to our neighborhood in Eastgate. I eventually ventured north and toured Rockford Christian, and I was immediately drawn to the nature-based program. It’s beautiful.
Amanda Osorio: For us, it started with the search for a Spanish immersion program. My husband is from Honduras, and we speak a lot of Spanish at home. I speak it fluently, and we mix in English with the kids, so it’s full-on Spanglish sometimes! We wanted something that would both reflect our culture and offer an excellent education.
It struck me how both families found their way to GRCS through personal conviction and a deep hope for something more: for community, for inclusion, for formation. These things have been drawing families to GRCS for generations.
Pictured families:
Top: Juliana Marin Arellano, Andres, Lucas, Mateo
Middle: Amanda Osorio, Celvin, James, Nico, Mateo
Bottom: Graham Schultze, Tara, Lee, Henry, Clark
Juliana’s Family
Amanda’s Family
Graham’s Family
EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE CAMPUSES
JMA: Lucas began his school journey at Rockford Christian and had a wonderful experience there. When we decided to act on the opportunity to join GRCES Iroquois, Jessie Renz made the transition seamless. From the very first day, Lucas walked in with confidence, ready to learn and connect even as a new kid…and that first day happened to be Mateo’s first day at the Early Learning Center (ELC)!
AO: The ELC was an answer to prayer for us. We had some tough daycare experiences early on with James. He wasn’t happy. It was hard to send him every day knowing that. When we heard the ELC was opening, it felt like perfect timing. James started that fall, and Nico joined in January. His first teacher was Miss Hannah, and she was incredible. Now our Mateo is in her class too!
JMA: We had been connected to another daycare too, and the ELC felt different right away. There’s so much intention behind everything. The daily reports and photos are full of meaning. Mateo is learning, not just passing time. The teachers at the ELC are amazing. Miss Laura has been so sweet and intentional with her Buds class.
AO: The way they help with transitions is so thoughtful. When Nico was getting ready to move up to preschool at Iroquois, the ELC staff actually sat down with us and said, “Here’s what he’s ready for, here’s what to work on.” And the leadership at Iroquois, people like John Barkel and Jenny Marsh, makes us feel heard, supported, and safe.
JMA: I think part of it was the Spanish immersion environment. Spanish is Lucas’s first language, and he felt so comfortable and included.
AO: Same for us. There’s a sense of cultural awareness and inclusion at Iroquois that’s really meaningful for our family.
GRCS doesn’t just move students from one building to another. We carry them with care, consistency, and Christ-centered love.
LIVING OUT OUR CORE VALUES
AO: We see the three C’s everywhere. The warmth, the love, the way teachers and staff care for our children, it all reflects the love of Christ. It’s not just something they say; it’s something they live. We’ve had to navigate some neurodiversity in our family, and we’ve always felt supported, never judged. I’ll never forget John Barkel saying, “We love your child for who God made him to be.” And we see the staff living that out.
JMA: That’s exactly it. We’ve felt so embraced by the community, even as a new family. Lucas has felt known and loved by his teachers. So have we.
AO: Looking ahead to the future, so much excites us about continuing to be a part of this community. I know it will go fast, but we’re so excited about the opportunities: friendships, sports, music, STEAM, and more. James tried running club last year and loved it, and Nico already participated in flag football! We love how globally minded the school is. Our kids are playing and learning with children from all over the world, and that matters to us.
JMA: I’m excited for our sons to be at a school that will allow them to grow and to learn, and to be with friends and kids from different places, different backgrounds united by core values. By the time our kids graduate, we’ll have experienced every GRCS campus. I’m a huge advocate of Grand Rapids Christian: this is a place where students thrive.
The experiences of the Restrepos and Osorios are just two glimpses into the kind of community GRCS strives to be: a place where Christ-centered education, intentional care, and joyful belonging come together, no matter where your GRCS story begins.
GRAHAM SCHULTZE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
What does everyday life look like across our five GRCS campuses? While events such as concerts, games, and performances give our community meaningful ways to connect, the beauty of our mission is found in the rhythms of a typical day: learning, praying, playing, and growing together.
NOAH, 2ND GRADE
Noah begins his day at Rockford Christian School with a Responsive Classroom morning meeting, sharing joys and previewing what lies ahead. Thanks in part to the school’s 36-acre campus and nature-rich programming, students experience learning both indoors and out. After math, recess on the natural playscape, and a literacy lesson building essential reading skills, Noah expresses his creativity in art class. In the afternoon, he heads outside again, this time hiking the trails to identify invasive species and build environmental awareness. The day ends, as many do here, with communal prayer.
MONDAY
CHARMAINE, 10TH GRADE
Charmaine begins her day in worship, serving on the chapel and hospitality team, roles that invite leadership and reflection from the start. She moves between classes in psychology, biology, and literary analysis, engaging deeply with material that stretches her thinking. During morning break, she volunteers at the student coffee shop to raise funds for a club initiative. As the day winds down, Focus Time gives her space to rehearse with Gospel Choir, connect with Global Ambassadors, or seek academic support. After school, she heads to sideline cheer, followed by a choir preformance: a full day shaped by community, curiosity, and purpose.
WEDNESDAY
Alex starts his day with a multi-age classroom check-in before beginning Spanish class, where new vocabulary connects to the Team’s current inquiry focus: “movement impacts opportunity.”
Literacy time centers on Esperanza Rising , a novel that helps students examine migration through both narrative and nonfiction lenses. These themes thread through social studies, math, Bible, and art as part of Evergreen’s transdisciplinary International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. After lunch and outdoor recess, Alex engages in writing and ends the day with a reflective closing circle. Here questions connect across subjects and students connect across grade levels.
ALLIE, 7TH GRADE
Allie begins her day with homeroom devotions, announcements, and a quick check of the hot lunch count. Her first major academic block, science, includes 80 focused minutes of experiments, discussion, and research. After a brief outdoor recess, she heads to Spanish, then enjoys lunch with friends. The afternoon continues with Bible and math. A 25-minute Focus Time near the end of the day offers space for enrichment or academic support. Her daily rhythm reflects the thoughtful structure and supportive community that define the GRCMS experience.
The day opens in chapel, where students worship together in both English and Spanish, an intentional rhythm that reflects the unity and diversity of the Iroquois community. Genesis then participates in morning co-curriculars before heading outside for recess and joyful connection with classmates. After lunch, reading, and a hands-on math lesson, the day wraps up with Choice Time, where imagination and play meet in a space designed to honor the developmental needs of young learners.
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
GENESIS, KINDERGARTEN
Empowering Sustainability Superstars
Transportation Transformers
Students present their learning at the maglev track in multi-age K–5 groups after a week long partnership with the Van Andel Education Institute. Together they explore transdisciplinary questions such as “How do we share the planet?” and “How does the world work?”
Learning Outside the Classroom
Camp Roger Small Group Launch
At Camp Roger, Evergreen students collaborate across grade levels to explore the central question “How do we express ourselves?” This outdoor inquiry experience reflects Evergreen’s commitment to integrating learning, curiosity, and creation care.
A LIVING MODEL OF INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING
At the Evergreen campus of Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School, learning begins early, and it begins with curiosity. Home to the Olivia Haverkamp Early Learning Center, preschool classrooms, and a distinctive multi age K–5 program, Evergreen has long embraced an inquiry-based approach to education. Now, as the campus moves toward full authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, that commitment is gaining fresh energy and deeper impact.
For two decades Evergreen’s K–5 program has equipped students to explore, ask, and wonder. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) aligns this legacy with global best practices. With its shared emphasis on lifelong learning, global citizenship, and justice-seeking faithfulness, the PYP both complements the GRCS Portrait of a Graduate and deepens students’ understanding of their role in God’s world.
That impact is already evident beyond the classroom. After observing a shrimp dart around a fish tank, one Evergreen kindergartner suggested to his dad, “I think our next unit of inquiry in Team 1 could be ‘communication through movement,’ because that shrimp was definitely trying to tell me something with its antennae.”
The momentum behind Evergreen’s IB journey reflects the dedication and collaboration of campus leadership. Through years of preparation, educators like Corey Visker, a decade-long GRCS veteran, describe the way students “light up with energy” as they create and present transdisciplinary projects.
Students light up with energy' as they create and present transdisciplinary projects."
Following a successful consultant visit, Evergreen is now in the final stages of IB authorization. Staff have developed dozens of transdisciplinary units and continue to model what it means to be lifelong learners. The result is a campus where inquiry, wonder, and service converge in powerful, joyful learning.
GRCES - EVERGREEN IB PYP COORDINATOR EMILY KOURI
GRCES - Evergreen | Field Day
EAGLES ALWAYS: ROOTED IN FAITH
GRAYSON
MONTPETIT'S STORY
“I grabbed my soccer bag and reluctantly made my way to tryouts,” recalls Grayson Montpetit (class of 2024). “I was just entering ninth grade and struggling to make lasting friendships. Making the decision to leave the only school I had ever known to start fresh was weighing heavily on me.”
Those first steps into Grand Rapids Christian High School were daunting. Tryouts came three days before classes began, and the room full of unfamiliar faces made him feel like an outsider. “Before high school, my family had only visited church a handful of times,” he says. On the first day of Bible class, the teacher asked students to list their church and favorite Bible verse. “I did not have an answer. I borrowed the name of a local church from a friend and left the verse blank. I had a lot to learn.”
What Grayson discovered at GRCHS was more than academics. Through chapel, prayer, and peers who encouraged him, he began to see faith lived out in everyday life. “My new school was uplifting, welcoming, and inclusive,” he says. “I started to see changes in my personality, and I was able to make lasting connections with others.”
One of those connections came through Young Life, encouraged by soccer teammates. It quickly became a place of friendship and support, and it was where Grayson met Ethan, GRCHS Varsity Boys Assistant Soccer Coach, who became a mentor. “Ethan understood that I was new to Christian school and to faith. He started taking me to church and walking alongside me. I had always wanted an older
brother, and that is what he became to me.”
As Grayson’s faith grew, so did his desire to serve. When asked to lead WyldLife, the middle school branch of Young Life, he did not hesitate. “At first, I was a little annoyed by the constant middle school humor,” he admits with a laugh. “But I remembered that used to be me. I wanted to be someone they could look up to, just like I looked up to Ethan.”
Then came the news that tested every part of his foundation, his mom’s cancer diagnosis. “At first, I was full of anger,” Grayson says. “I went to the gym to cope, but when I got home, I opened my Bible. I read and read until I found John 13:7, ‘What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.’ That verse anchored me. I had to trust the Lord’s plan.”
Looking back, Grayson is clear about what made the difference. “Honestly, I am the person I am today because I transferred to Grand Rapids Christian, joined Young Life, and connected with Ethan. The last three years have sculpted me into a young man of strong character, deeply connected to my community and rooted in my faith.”
His story is one of many at Grand Rapids Christian Schools, stories of students prepared not only for what comes next, but for a life of purpose as effective servants of Christ.
What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand."
JOHN 13:7
ELC | Snack time
RCS | Outdoor learning
Eagle Dash
KinderGarden
RCS | Grandfriends Day
GRCHS | Orchestra concert
GRCES - Evergreen | Field Day
GRCHS | Girls varsity soccer
2025 SENIOR AWARDS
TOP 10 SENIORS:
Listed alphabetically:
Jerry Benedict
Emma Blankespoor
Calvin Brinks
Molly Christians
Hannah Chun
Olivia Cook
Ava Jansen
Alayna McGowan
Henry Snow
Kaylee Yang
NATIONAL MERIT:
Finalists
(Students who scored in the top 1% on PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year):
Jerry Benedict
Henry Snow
Luke Witte
Commended
(Students who scored in the top 3% on PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year):
Kiera Bishop
Molly Christians
Rebekah Compagner
Zach Hartemink
Annika Holman
Corryn Smits
Kaylee Yang
ART DEPARTMENT:
Outstanding Student in Art
Ava Boes
ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT:
Scholar Athlete Award
Calvin Brinks
Alayna McGowan
Baarman Award
Max Damstra
BIBLE & THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT:
Brother Lawrence Award
Ben Bierma
Hannah Chun
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP:
Outstanding Student in Business and Entrepreneurship
Ella Jansen
Fletcher Moore
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT:
Outstanding Student in English
Malia Homans
Brooke Leegwater
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT:
Outstanding Student in Family & Consumer Sciences
Chloe Schulz
INCLUSION SERVICES DEPARTMENT:
Heart for Inclusion Award
Keira Porte
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM:
Cultural Enrichment Award
Silvia Chen
Hospitality Impact Award
Addison Wotring
MATH DEPARTMENT:
Outstanding Student in Mathematics
Corryn Smits
MUSIC DEPARTMENT:
John Philip Sousa Band Award
Jacob Dekker
National School Choral Award
Caelen Wigboldy
National School Orchestra Award
Hannah Chun
Annika Holman
Arion Music Award
Char VanArragon
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
Outstanding Student in Physical Education
Ben Toly
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT:
Outstanding Student in the Sciences
Silvia Chen
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP:
Olivia Haverkamp
Eagle Blueprint Award
Ife Ayoola
Jerry Benedict
Hannah Chun
Tyler Davis
Boris Lalic
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT:
Outstanding Student in Social Studies and the Recipient of the Dr. Howard J. Wiarda
Scholarship
Samuel Hillary
THEATRE DEPARTMENT:
Senior Theatre Drama & Spotlight Award
Char VanArragon
Outstanding Senior Thespian Award
Ben Bierma
Charlie Rozeboom
Senior Theatre Tech Award
Molly Christians
WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT:
Outstanding Student in French
Addison Wotring
Outstanding Student in Spanish
Alayna McGowan
Outstanding Student in Spanish Immersion
Abigail Ruser
Emily Ruser
Outstanding Student in ASL
Zoe McNally
PROFILE: CLASS OF 2025
TOP SCHOOL CHOICES
Each year, members of the graduating class design and create a mural at Grand Rapids Christian High School illustrating one of the aspects of our Portrait of a Graduate.
This year’s mural represents the graduating class of 2025 as creative solution finders. The glowing lightbulb symbolizes the unique gifts and ideas of students. The flowing design reflects how creativity can emerge from stillness, an inspiration drawn from this year’s faith theme, “Be Still and Know.” Together it celebrates how God works through each of us to bring light, beauty, and purpose into the world.
2023–2025 FINANCIALS
YOUR GENEROSITY CHANGES LIVES
Thank you for your support of Grand Rapids Christian Schools! Every student at GRCS is shaped by the Christ-centered education, supportive community, and enriching opportunities that your giving makes possible. Whether it's through Student Support Services, Variable Tuition, innovative learning, or equipping our educators, your gift to the Eagles Fund ensures that each child is known, loved, and prepared to serve Christ in contemporary society.
“We choose to give because we feel deeply that Grand Rapids Christian is a very different type of Christian education. It’s uniquely passionate about people, diversity, character development, and community that seems unparalleled to us in the greater Grand Rapids community. We give out of the gratitude to take part and be a part of what God is doing here for and through our family.”
Danielle & Ryan Engle
First‑time donors to the Eagles Fund
“Our continued support for GRCS is rooted in our deep belief in its mission and our commitment to equipping the next generation to be thoughtful leaders who can engage with diverse communities and share their faith. We believe this kind of education is foundational, and it is such a joy to partner with GRCS in this work.”
Ismael & Vanessa Abreu
10‑year donors to the Eagles Fund
Interested in learning more?
There's even more to share about the impact of your gift! Our development team would love to connect.
Graham Schultze EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
GSCHULTZE@GRCS.ORG (616) 574 - 6007
Abby Vredeveld PHILANTHROPY SPECIALIST
AVREDEVELD@GRCS.ORG (616) 574 - 6012
GRCMS | Cow eye dissections
GRCHS | Class party circa 1950
GRCHS | Orchestra circa 1925
GRCES - Evergreen
ELC | Story time
GRCHS | Library circa 1975
GRCHS | Pep rally circa 2000
KinderGarden
2025–2026 LEADERSHIP
VOLUNTEER
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Caleb Doezema ’94
PRESIDENT
Dr. Sarah Visser
VICE PRESIDENT
Jamie Kuiper
SECRETARY
Mark Wright TREASURER
Kara Amash ’98
Khary Bridgewater
Afton DeVos ’01
Jonathan Kok ’93
Eunice Lopez-Martin
Dr. Khan Nedd
Rev. Lindsay Small
LeRoy Stegink
Nancy Triezenberg
GRCS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cindy Brink ’97
CHAIR
Jordan Bush ’98
Philip Haan ’96
Jamie Kuiper
Mike Meeuwsen ’94
Dave VanWingerden
Aaron Winkle
GRCS EAGLE PARTNERS INC
Formed in order to own and operate New 2 You as a supporting organization for Grand Rapids Christian Schools.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Ed Stuursma
PRESIDENT
Ruth Damon VICE PRESIDENT
Jim Rauwerda ’86
SECRETARY
Dan Jonker TREASURER
Sara Buchholz ’75
Butch DeVries
Allen Nederveld ’88
Rob Stafford
Frank VanVeen
BOARD COMMITTEES
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Khary Bridgewater CHAIR
Afton DeVos ’01
Hunter Greenfield ’07
Jamie Kuiper
Dr. Sarah Visser
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Caleb Doezema ’94
Jamie Kuiper
Dr. Sarah Visser
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:
Caleb Doezema ’94 CHAIR
Tim Alles
Khary Bridgewater
Michelle Hiller
Jonathan Kok ’93
Brian Krosschell ’97
Kate Neckers
Dr. Khan Nedd
Lisa Rusticus
Mark Wright JOINT COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
FINANCE AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE:
Caleb Doezema ’94 CHAIR
Eric Boender ’88
Cindy Brunink
Jeff Kladder
Tom Prince ’83
Mark Wright
Jason Zylstra ’91
Joint Committees are composed of members of the Board of Trustees, administrative team, and staff from each of our Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ five campuses.
Compensation Commitee
Cultural Competence Committee
Education Committee
Professional Status Committee
ADMINISTRATIVE
Aaron Winkle SUPERINTENDENT
Nick DeKoster
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF ADVANCEMENT & INSTRUCTION
