2025 Annual Report

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

60 YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION Heritage Christian School received its articles of incorporation 60 years ago on June 14, 1965.

The mission of Heritage Christian School is to glorify God through the discipleship of students and the pursuit of excellence in education with the Bible as the foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.

HEAD OF SCHOOL Dr. Brian Dougherty DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Gary Roebbelen EDITORS Gary Roebbelen; Becca Lindley DESIGN Sarah Mosso PHOTOGRAPHY Viktoria Rock, Jeremy Nutter, Craig Malmloff DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Al Leinbach Send address corrections and mailing updates to: Alumni Relations, 6401 E 75th St, Indianapolis, IN 46250; alumni@heritagechristian.net; or (317) 849-3441.

Mission To glorify God through the discipleship of students and the pursuit of excellence in education with the Bible as the foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.

Vision To provide an outstanding spiritual and educational environment where, working with Christian families and churches, students will be thoroughly prepared to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.

Heritage Christian School is an independent Christian school and is fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Cognia.

CONTENTS 6 Head of School Year-in-Review 8 Giving Impact 12

Campus Improvements

14

Academics

22

Faculty & Staff

24

PTF by the Numbers

26

Discipleship

32

Student Life

50

Class of 2025

Dr. Brian Dougherty

A YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL As we brought the 24-25 school year to a close, our hearts were full of gratitude and awe for what God has done in and through our school community. This last year has not merely been one of progress, it has been one of transformation.

The theme God placed on our hearts for the 2024–25 school year was Transform! taken from Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” More than just a verse, this has become a calling. At Heritage, we are not merely teaching minds, we are shaping hearts, forming character, and discipling the next generation to think, speak, and live as children of the King.

Transformation is at the heart of Christian education. We are not aiming for temporal success, but eternal significance. We long to see

students transformed by the Gospel, becoming young men and women who love God and others, who live with courage and conviction, and who bring light to a world in desperate need of hope. When a child is transformed by truth, a family is strengthened. When families are transformed, communities flourish. And when our communities are grounded in Christ, society begins to reflect His glory.

Last year, we witnessed transformation in countless ways: in classrooms and chapels, in athletic competitions and fine arts performances, in labs, robotics rings, and student conversations.

We saw young hearts stirred toward deeper faith, minds sharpened in wisdom, and lives redirected toward God’s calling. These weren’t simply academic achievements or extracurricular victories, they were eternal milestones in the journey of discipleship.

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

HERITAGE NAMED 2024 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

Our school community also marked a powerful milestone: 60 years of ministry rooted in God’s faithfulness to Heritage Christian School. From our founding in 1965 to this present day, God has been building a legacy of truth, excellence, and Christcentered education. As we look back, we give Him thanks and praise. As we look ahead, we pray for and anticipate even greater transformation in the generations to come, all for His glory.

From the launch of our Media & Innovation Center (MIC), which fuels creativity and collaboration, to the opening of our new Administration Building that unites our mission-minded team, each step forward has been part of a bigger picture: God transforming our school for His purposes.

One of the greatest honors came last fall when Heritage was named a National Blue Ribbon School, a testament not just to academic excellence, but to the power of a Christ-centered education that cultivates both knowledge and wisdom. We rejoice in this recognition, not for accolades, but because it reflects the faithful partnership between families, faculty, and the Holy Spirit at work in our school.

In the pages that follow, you will find evidence of transformation—stories of students who grew in faith and leadership, families who found community and purpose, and a school that continues to stand boldly for Christ in all things.

May we remember: education is a means to an end.

That end is Transformation. And in every student we serve, every life we touch, every prayer we pray, our desire is that Christ would be formed more fully in each one of them (Galatians 4:19). That is our hope, our calling, and our joy.

To God be the glory for the great things He has done— and will continue to do—as He transforms hearts, renews minds, and builds His Kingdom through Heritage Christian School.

Brian Dougherty DR. BRIAN DOUGHERTY HEAD OF SCHOOL

Head of School Year-in-Review | 7

GIVING IMPACT 8 | Heritage Fund

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

TOTAL 2024-2025 HERITAGE FUND

$1,227,000

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORT HERITAGE! WORTHY SERVANTS

FINE ARTS

SCHOLARSHIPS

ATHLETICS

SECURITY UPGRADE

It is an annual tradition to bless our mission-minded faculty and staff with a Christmas bonus. Through the Heritage Fund, we were able to provide a generous Christmas bonus in December.

Band Room acoustic upgrades and new instruments will benefit our music programs.

Along with ESS Hope Scholarships, over $400,000 in student scholarships were awarded through the Heritage Fund.

Athletics program upgrades include new scoreboards for our softball and baseball fields, and high school gym locker room renovations.

Security door lock upgrades were completed, with the remaining installations in the Elementary and High schools, finishing the updates previously made in the Middle and Intermediate schools, and Administrative offices.

Heritage Fund Update | 9

GIVE AND SAVE: 50% TAX CREDIT WITH THE SGO PROGRAM The Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) program helps provide scholarships for students at Heritage by funding Christian education. Through this tax credit initiative, individuals and businesses can receive a 50% state tax credit on donations and possibly a federal deduction if they itemize.

Donations can be in cash or non-cash assets, with no donation limit. Capital gains tax is waived for appreciated stock donations, and credits can be carried forward for up to nine years.

This support not only aids students but also helps Heritage’s budget by reducing the need for financial aid, allowing funds to support other critical initiatives in the Heritage Fund.

OUR

STEWARDSHIP RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL HCS REVENUE 2023-24

$21,922,429

2024-25

$23,200,000

$5,000,000

$10,000,000

BUDGETED EXPENSES SALARIES & BENEFITS

$15,000,000

$20,000,000

BUDGETED REVENUES

OPERATIONS

TUITION

ACTIVITIES & FEES

2023-24

77%

23%

2023-24

93%

7%

2024-25

77%

23%

2024-25

93%

7%

Please consider joining the many donors who are taking advantage of this effective vehicle to bless both Heritage students and you financially. To learn more, contact the Heritage Christian School Advancement Department at heritagefund@ heritagechristian.net.

10 | Financial Profile

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

CONTINUES TO CLIMB, HIGHEST SINCE 2008-2009

1,250

1,457

1,570

1,605

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

671 APPLICATIONS 67 WAITLISTED 267 ENROLLED

94% RETENTION

RATE

2024-25 STARTED WITH

MOST

GRADE

LEVELS

FULL

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION! Financial Profile | 11

CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS 12 | Campus Improvements

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

The purchase of the new Administration Building spurred on a set of moves and reorganization of spaces campus-wide.

Eagles

SPIRIT STORE

The Learning Center, which was the old Administration Building, became the new home of our Education Support Services and Academic Team headquarters.

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (ON DAYS WHEN SCHOOL IS IN SESSION)

GEAR UP ON NEW ARRIVALS! SHOP ONLINE 24/7

The new Eagles Spirit Store launched in December 2024 in time for Christmas and stocking stuffers!

What was once the Library and Media Center is now the Media & Innovation Center (MIC), a multi-functional gathering space for students and robotics teams to meet.

Campus Improvements | 13

ACADEMICS

14 | Academics

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

TEACHER:STUDENT

12:1 PRESCHOOL 14:1 PRE-KINDERGARTEN 16:1 KINDERGARTEN 20:1 FIRST-FOURTH 24:1 FIFTH-EIGHTH

96.9% IREAD THIRD GRADE READING PROFICIENCY

100%

A V G.

GRADUATION RATE

97%

2024

ENROLLMENT IN 4-YEAR UNIVERSITIES

NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

89% OF AP STUDENTS SCORED

3 OR HIGHER ON AP EXAMS

1113

AVG. SAT SCORE

26.5

AVG. ACT SCORE

19

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

23

DUAL CREDIT COURSES

11TH GRADE RISING STARS OF INDIANA

Abigail Duff

Annisa Turpen

Natalie Curnutt

John King Academic Overview | 15

Tuttle Orchards

Book Buddies

100th Day of School

ELEMENTARY: PRE-K THROUGH 4TH SALT COMMUNITY SERVICE FIELD TRIPS KG Tuttle Orchards,

Cool Creek Park & Nature Center

1ST Holiday Park Nature Center Indiana State Fairgrounds,

2ND Children’s Museum

3RD The STEM Connection, Indianapolis Zoo

4TH Fine Arts at the Palladium,

Indianapolis Indians Game: Baseball in Education

16 | Academics

2024-2025 YEAR-IN-REVIEW Elementary Principal, Katie Boling

As we close another remarkable school year, we give thanks to God for His faithfulness to our elementary students, staff, and families. It has been a year filled with joyful moments, spiritual growth, and answered prayers. One of the greatest blessings we experienced was witnessing 54 of our elementary students make the life-changing decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

We are honored to partner with families in laying a strong biblical and academic foundation during this critical stage of childhood HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Recess

Indiana History

development. Research confirms that a child’s worldview is largely formed by the age of 13, making the elementary years a pivotal time to instill truth, character, and purpose rooted in Scripture. At Heritage, we believe this early formation is not only vital, it is transformational.

With discipleship at the center of our mission, our teachers walk closely with students through both celebrations and challenges, seeking to know each child deeply and nurture them according to the unique way God has created them. This intentional relationship-building, where academic excellence meets spiritual growth, is at the heart of what we do.

We provide more than academic readiness; we aim to lay the spiritual groundwork for a life of faith, service, and leadership. Thank you for entrusting us with this sacred responsibility. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside your children and look forward with great anticipation to what God has in store for the year ahead.

Explorers

STEM IN K-4 We are dedicated to fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for our students within a Christ-centered environment.

Our comprehensive curriculum integrates hands-on learning, cutting-edge technology, and innovative projects to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. We offer a STEM specials class beginning in Kindergarten.

Elementary School | 17

Typical School Day

5th Grade Virginia Trip

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL (IS): 5TH & 6TH FIELD TRIPS & PROJECTS 5TH

JA Biztown, Virginia Historical Trip

6TH

Camp Allendale, WW2 Reenactment, Wax Museum Project

7TH

Westside Story Project, Silk Road Bartering Project, Project Lead The Way "Foot Orthosis Design Challenge"

8TH

Washington D.C. Trip, Science Bottle Rocket Launch

18 | Academics

2024-2025 Year-In-Review IS/MS Principal, Jayson Davidson

This year has been marked by tremendous transformation not only in academics, athletics, and the arts, but more importantly, in spiritual growth, relational depth, and personal development through discipleship. Through chapel services, Bible studies, mentoring, and daily interactions, students have been challenged to grow in their walk with Jesus, peer relationships, and ability to defend their faith.

We have seen students develop strong character, compassion for others, and a willingness to serve. The fruit of discipleship HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip

Stem class

MIDDLE SCHOOL (MS): 7TH & 8TH has been evident in the way students support one another, lead with humility, and seek lasting relationships rooted in Christ-like love. This culture of growth, transformation, and grace has laid a strong foundation for all we pursue.

Academically, this year has been exceptional. Over 75% of students earned a place on the academic honor roll, recognized for their dedication and perseverance. Remarkably, more than 40 of our 8th grade students concluded Middle School with a 4.0 GPA or higher, a reflection of their hard work and passion for learning.

As we look back, we are filled with gratitude not just for accomplishments, but for the Christ-like heart and character formed along the way. This year testifies to what is possible when faith is integrated with learning, and students grow in knowledge, love, integrity, and God-honoring purpose. We are proud of every HCS student and thankful to partner with our families in Kingdom education.

STEM IN IS/MS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 5-6 STEM Specials Class Grades 5-6 VEX IQ Robotics Team MIDDLE SCHOOL 7th Grade Introduction to Engineering Technologies 8th Grade Computer Science Essentials Grades 7-8 VEX IQ Robotics Team

Intermediate & Middle School | 19

Career Exploration

College Exploration

HIGH 9THSERVICE THROUGH 12TH SALT SCHOOL: COMMUNITY INTERTERM WEEK Now part of the College and Career (C&C) Prep class, high school students take one week to explore colleges, envision career paths, and create life planning goals.

Freshmen and sophomores go on local college tours, visit historical Indy, and attend career and discipleship seminars.

Juniors participate in an internship or jobshadowing experience. Seniors take an exciting week-long trip to New York.

20 | Academics

2024-2025 Year-In-Review High School Principal, Jesse Burgess

Glorify God. Disciple Students. Pursue Excellence.

At the high school, everything is done with the goal of glorifying God. Relationships within this community are rooted in God’s love and reflect a desire to love both Him and others. Faculty, staff, and students consistently demonstrate kindness, empathy, and a commitment to treating others with respect and compassion. The high school is intentional about cultivating a biblical community marked by love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness.

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Historical Indianapolis

Student discipleship is woven into daily life through meaningful interactions and purposefully planned events that encourage a deeper love for God. This year’s spiritual emphasis theme, Transform, challenged students to be transformed into greater image-bearers of Christ. Weekly chapels focused on humility and a renewed commitment to following Jesus wholeheartedly.

Excellence was pursued not only in spiritual life but also in academics, athletics, and all areas of student involvement. Among the Class of 2025, 73% earned the state’s highest diploma, 37% achieved at least a 4.0 GPA, and the class average GPA reached an impressive 3.82. Additionally, 23% of students completed at least 30 college credits, several were recognized as AP Scholars, and one student made school history by earning a GPA above 5.0.

We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments and character of the Class of 2025. We are excited to see how God will use their gifts, passions, and faith to impact the world. We look forward to watching them grow in His plans and pray that each step they take continues to glorify Him.

Stem class

STEM IN HIGH SCHOOL High School offers classes and clubs to advance learning in STEM: Intro to Engineering Design* Principles of Engineering* CS Essentials* AP Computer Science (A) AP Computer Science Principles* Grades 9-12 VEX IQ Robotics Team * Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

High School | 21

Faculty + Staff Lip Sync

First Day of School Welcoming Committee

FACULTY & STAFF: OUR SUPERHEROES SALT COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOOL SPIRIT Our faculty and staff keep school spirit alive in their classrooms, at athletic events, and even in class competitions during Homecoming Week. Lip Sync is a favorite Heritage tradition that high school students can participate. Our faculty and staff bring their own spirited and laughout-loud performance, hoping that one day they can be part of the competition, too!

22 | Faculty & Staff

QUINNQUENIAL SERVICE AWARDS Our faculty and staff are the heart of our school community. Their dedication, Christ-centered mentorship, and commitment to shaping students’ character both in and out of the classroom make our school truly distinctive. As part of our appreciation, we are celebrating these faculty and staff milestones, recognizing those who have served faithfully reaching five-year service award increments.

5 YEARS Lindsi Andersen Maggie Clark Jessica Foster Amy Kniffen Sharie Peterson Jessica Robinson Karen Snyder

10 YEARS Bryan Baker Nathan Beadle Kaleigh Bennett Katie Jensen Lacy Katterhenry Leah Pratt Becky Rogers Cindy Shebek Laurie Szabo

20 YEARS Patrick LaPointe Angie Wilkins 25 YEARS Tami Crabtree

30 YEARS Jim Benedict Catherine Curry Len Somers Rhonda Williams 35 YEARS Teresa Stroop

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Fine Arts Team K-12

Senior Parade

CELEBRATING RETIREMENTS

DEDICATED

We want to extend our deepest thanks to the faculty and staff members who retired this year. Their work goes far beyond instruction. They inspired growth, modeled integrity, and built a foundation for lifelong learning rooted in faith. Thank you to all who make Heritage a place where students are known, challenged, and encouraged to thrive.

10 YEARS Becky Rogers

19 YEARS Nancy Jacobson

27 YEARS Eileen Howell

31 YEARS Wende Camp

Our faculty are dedicated to creating an engaging school experience for students.

From organizing classroom parties to staying late to plan creative rewards and celebrations, our teachers invest in every aspect of student life. Their enthusiasm for students shine in big and small moments— like Dr. Hinkle stepping into character as “Noah” for the Senior Parade (above). These efforts make learning meaningful and fun.

Faculty & Staff | 23

PARENT-TEACHER FELLOWSHIP 24 | PTF

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

PTF BY THE NUMBERS

Father-Daughter Ball

“Color” Fun Run

Pacer’s Night

Valentine Cart

160 2,000 225 200 366 284 209 537 135+ 1,095 160 553 120 200 200 160 300 160 160 160 160

Beginning-of-the-Year Teacher Lunches PTF FunZone Homecoming attendees Upaint participants Middle School Pacers Night attendees Mothers & Sons at Bowling Night Fall Candy Bar Bingo participants Elementary Family Movie Night attendees Father-Daughter Ball attendees Concert of Prayer participants (in-person & online) Students in K-8 Fun Run Number of Parents at Coffee Fellowship Teachers served with Valentine Cart Students & Parents at K-6 Skate Night Departments received Blessing Baskets Faculty & staff served at Worthy Servants Lunch Spring Candy Bar Bingo participants Teachers served at Superhero Breakfast Crumbl Cookies delivered to faculty/staff Jimmy John’s Lunches provided Teachers served Taco Bar End-of-the-Year Teacher Lunches PTF By the Numbers | 25

DISCIPLESHIP 26 | Discipleship

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

72 K-12 CHAPELS 10

K-4TH GRADES

28

5TH-8TH GRADES

32

9TH-12TH GRADES

54 SALVATIONS IN ELEMENTARY 2 CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP RETREATS

SPIRITUAL THEME

DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND, THAT

BY TESTING YOU MAY DISCERN WHAT IS THE WILL OF GOD, WHAT IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT.

2 SEWS

SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEKS

(4 CHAPELS IN EACH WEEK)

40

Students attended the 2025 Cross Conference (Louisville, KY) designed to deepen their faith, challenge their view of the Gospel, and inspire them to make their lives count for Christ.

Thirty students attended the Reality Conference in Dayton, OH, gaining a deeper understanding of Christianity as the only worldview aligned with truth.

HIGH SCHOOL CONNECT GROUPS

8

STUDENT-LED HIGH SCHOOL WORSHIP EVENTS

Discipleship Overview | 27

SALT COMMUNITY SERVICE

18,192

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS

SERVED IN GRADES

7TH-12TH 28 | Discipleship

2024-2025 Year-In-Review Director of Discipleship, Ken Shutt

This school year our students focused on the theme of “Transform” based from Romans 12:2. From weekly chapels and classroom discussions to service projects and student-led worship, we witnessed powerful spiritual transformation take root across our campus. It has been humbling and inspiring to watch God move through our student body as they embraced opportunities to grow and lead in Christ.

As inspired by Matthew 5:13, which reminds us to be the “salt of the earth,” our S.A.L.T. (Serving and Loving Together) program engages our students to serve others. During Interterm Week, freshmen and HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

K-12 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD (OCC) sophomores spread out across the city to volunteer with organizations such as AFC Community Center, Midwest Food Bank, Wheeler Mission, Shepherd Community Center, Northside Mission, Camp Allendale, Salvation Army, and One More Indy - Church at the Crossing. This focus on community made a meaningful impact on our students and the greater Indianapolis community.

Another highlight was our participation in the Christian School Shoebox Challenge from Samaritan Purse’s Operation Christmas Child, where our entire school packed 1,911 shoeboxes. This incredible effort earned Heritage a spot on a vision trip to Peru, where junior Noelle Jones, her mother, and I helped distribute the shoeboxes and share the Gospel through outreach events with local churches. We returned deeply impacted by the opportunity to serve and witness God’s love in action across cultures.

Whether serving locally or globally, leading chapel or volunteering behind the scenes, our students are learning what it means to be transformed by the Gospel and to help transform the world around them.

We’re excited to see how God will continue to shape their lives, whether they return next year or step forward into college and beyond.

“Each gift is more than just a box, it is an opportunity to share the Gospel with children all over the world.”

- Junior, Noelle Jones

Heritage In the Community | 29

AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, WE VALUE THE POWER OF PRAYER.

Section Title Here | 1

WHAT A BLESSING TO BE A PART OF A SCHOOL COMMUNITY WHERE EMPLOYEES AND FAMILIES COME TOGETHER TO LIFT EACH OTHER UP IN PRAYER! "PRAYER DOES NOT EQUIP US FOR GREATER WORKS. PRAYER IS THE GREATER WORK." OSWALD CHAMBERS

Section Title Here | 1

STUDENT LIFE 32 | Student Life

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

ATHLETICS

FINE ARTS

1,100+ STUDENT-ATHLETES

9,895 TICKETS SOLD

22 SPORTS OFFERED

CONCERTS & PERFORMANCES

14

1 CITY ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

35

ALL-STATE ACADEMIC HONORS

23

ALLCONFERENCE HONORS

40

ALL-CITY HONORS

8

ALL-STATE HONORS

PROGRAMS 2ND GRADE-HS

20+

“BEST” AWARD WINNERS

5

TOP 10 AWARD WINNERS

4/5

HS TEAMS ADVANCED TO STATE

HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS

4

SOLD OUT AUDIENCES

45 HS GOLD MEDALS

NCSSA HONORS

MOCK TRIAL 13

5

ROBOTICS 4

1

TEAMS QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

TOP 4 TEAM (5 YEARS IN A ROW)

3

19

TOP TEN PLACEMENTS IN STATE

TEAMS ELEMENTARYHIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

10+

STUDENT EVENTS AND PROJECTS (HIGH SCHOOL)

58

STUDENT COUNCIL PARTICIPANTS IN GRADES 7TH-12TH

3

PEP RALLIES FOR GRADES 7TH-12TH Student Life Overview | 33

HERITAGE TRADITIONS

1

4

1. BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT This annual community celebration kicks off the school year with food trucks, spirit wear, and a live concert by My Yellow Rickshaw, with lead singer and Heritage alumnus Rick Stump (‘00). High school students participate in the Annual Kickball Tournament, earning Homecoming points while reconnecting with friends.

2. HOMECOMING proves to be the most energetic and exciting week at HCS! High school students participate in themed dress up days, games, hallway decorations, and chalk murals. Over 20 competitions take place with a final full-day battle on Friday for the ultimate win and trophy. These events hype up HCS students and families for the Friday football game, family tailgate, Homecoming Court, and an alumni soccer game.

3. LIP SYNC High school students compete in an epic lip sync competition with song selections and choreographed dances chosen by the class.

2

4. CHRISTMAS CHAPEL One of Heritage’s most cherished traditions, grades 1–12 unite in joyful Christmas worship. It ends with each class singing the “12 Days of Christmas,” while the senior class adds laughter with skits highlighting their favorite school memories, making it a memorable and heartwarming celebration.

5. INTERTERM WEEK Freshmen and Sophomores start planning their futures with career-focused activities and college planning, while Juniors fulfill a week-long internship and Seniors attend their Senior Trip.

3

6. 5TH GRADE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT This enthusiastic event is a Heritage favorite in Intermediate School. Each class comes up with a team name and both boys and girls teams play in a 3-day tournament to kickoff their Eagle Spirit during March Madness.

7. JR/SR BANQUET “A Night in Atlantis” took place in the Dolphin Gallery at the Indianapolis Zoo. 8. FUN RUN The annual Fun Run is PTF’s only fundraiser and is held each year in the spring. Students in grades Pre-K through 8th participate in a fun, outdoor race with music and games on our stadium field. Grades 5th - 8th include a color powder run!

34 | Student Life

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

7

8

5

6

Heritage Traditions | 35

ATHLETICS EAGLE RECORD BREAKERS Team

Athlete

Event & Record

Girls Cross Country

Olivia Peterson

19:44

HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS

Girls Swim

Caroline Stein

100M Fly 1:01.00

STATE CHAMPIONS Kya Crooke: High Jump, Long Jump

SEMI-STATE RUNNER UP Girls Basketball Girls Soccer

Track & Field

Kya Crooke

High Jump 6’2”

Track & Field

Kya Crooke

Long Jump 20’04.75”

Kenzie Crooke

100M Hurdles 15.70

REGIONAL CHAMPIONS Kya Crooke: High Jump, Long Jump, 100M Dash Nick Dearman: Long Jump Girls Basketball Girls Soccer

Track & Field

CITY CHAMPIONS Girls Golf Kya Crooke: High Jump, Long Jump, 100M Dash Honor Griffin: Discus Mark Gates: Discus, Shot Put

Track & Field

Keigan Seymour

200M 22.42

Track & Field

Olivia Peterson

1600M 5:23.86

Track & Field

Kya Crooke, Kenzie Crooke, Alanna Jordan, Lauryn Dolvin

4x100M Relay 49:20

Track & Field

Olivia Peterson, Claire Labar, Ellery Hobson, Lanie Riggle

4x800M Relay 9:54.62

SECTIONAL CHAMPIONS Kya Crooke: High Jump, Long Jump, 100M Dash Girls Basketball Girls Soccer 1,000 POINT CLUB Girls Basketball: Joslyn Marshall

Lady Eagles Basketball wins at Regionals

36 | Student Life: Athletics

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Q&A WITH KYA CROOKE: CITY ATHLETE, NCSSA NATIONAL, AND INDIANA GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kya Crooke has earned state championships, All-American honors, and a silver medal with Team USA in high jump, while setting records in both track & field and soccer. As she prepares to attend the University of Arizona to study journalism and sports broadcasting, Kya reflects on her journey as a Heritage Christian athlete and her dream of becoming a professional high jumper.

At what age do you begin your athletic journey? I started track and field when I was 10 years old, but my parents put me in sports as soon as I was walking.

Who/what motivated you the most in your training and discipline? What motivated me the most was knowing that I have kids who look up to me which is such a special feeling.

It makes me work harder and perform better knowing that

there are kids that want to be doing what I’m doing and that I can be a role model for them.

What have you learned about yourself through your experiences as an athlete?

I learned that I can be a light in other people’s lives through athletics in so many different ways.

If you could go back to freshman year and redo high school, would you change

Kya Crooke shatters more records at the State Meet in Girls’ Long Jump at 20’04.75” and Girls’ High Jump at 6’00.25”.

anything? If so, what?

Honestly, I don’t think I would change a thing. Everything is a learning experience, and I wouldn’t be the person and athlete I am today if I changed anything I did.

What example do you hope to leave behind for rising Heritage athletes? I hope that when Heritage students look back at me as an athlete, they see how much hard work and dedication was put in, but also how much fun I had with the sport. It’s important to take it seriously, but it’s more important to love doing what you’re doing and having fun with it. I believe the reason why I was so successful is because I absolutely loved doing what I was doing. I want students to see that athletics can be your ministry, and Track & Field really is mine.

ATHLETICS 2025 NCSSA PRIVATE SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR Congratulations to Reyna Eckel, Varsity Girls’ Soccer coach, for being selected as NCSSA’s Private School Coach of the Year. Reyna received this award during her third season coaching Varsity Girls’ Soccer.

MORE THAN COACHING At Heritage, coaches do more than train athletes, they invest in their hearts and minds. Through Bible studies, devotionals, and intentional conversations, our coaches disciple and mentor students beyond the game.

FALL SPORTS VARSITY FOOTBALL Record: 7-3 AOY: Sam Utzig EA: Chase Wahlin CL: Brock Bucklin

VARSITY BOYS SOCCER Record: 8-9 AOY: Jameson Neill EA: Will Henderson CL: Nathan Gates

VARSITY FALL CHEER AOY: Ashley Kim EA: Ava Dearing CL: Anna Beesley

VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER Sectional / Regional Champions, Semi-State Runner Up Record: 15-7 AOY: Lauryn Dolvin EA: Emma Gast CL: Natalie Curnutt

VARSITY BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Regional Qualifiers AOY: Willem Hobson EA: Connor Katterhenry CL: Austin Green VARSITY GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Regional Qualifiers AOY: Olivia Peterson EA: Danielle Luepke CL: Sara Mathew

Boys Lacrosse Coach, Brian Schrock, and families pray over the team and their season.

38 | Student Life: Athletics

WINTER SPORTS

VARSITY BOYS TENNIS Sectional Runner Up Record: 8-11 AOY: James Vandeventer EA: Carson Wilhite CL: Andrew Johnson

VARSITY GIRLS GOLF City Champions, Sectional Runner Up Record: 73-24 AOY: Bevin Turner EA: Olivia Cook CL: Isabella Rutherford VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Sectional Runner Up Record: 12-15 AOY: Kaitlyn Vidoni EA: Bethany Ring CL: MaKenna Spangler

VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL Record: 8-14 AOY: Isaac Arterburn EA: Hudson Hickey CL: Nick Dearman VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL Sectional / Regional Champions, Semi-State Runner Up Record: 15-13 AOY: Joslyn Marshall EA: Trinity Taylor CL: Paige Katterhenry VARSITY BOYS SWIM City Meet: 4th Place AOY: Nathan Gates EA: Cormick Lemons CL: Connor Katterhenry VARSITY GIRLS SWIM City Meet: 3rd Place City Meet Championship (200M: Caroline Stein) AOY: Caroline Stein EA: Claire LaBar CL: Joy Roorbach

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

YOUTH & MIDDLE SCHOOL

V BOYS DIVE AOY: Isaiah Shultz V GIRLS DIVE AOY: Gabrielle Buckles V WINTER CHEER AOY: Gracie Huston EA: Lily Hill CL: Audrey Fields

SPRING SPORTS VARSITY BASEBALL Sectional Runner Up Record: 18-7 AOY: Carson Wilhite EA: Will Ambrose CL: Ethan Utzig VARSITY BOYS GOLF Sectional Runner Up AOY: Tate LaBrune EA: Hudson Hickey CL: Nathan Gates

VARSITY BOYS LACROSSE Record: 6-7 AOY: Nathan White EA: Sam White CL: Sam White VARSITY GIRLS LACROSSE Record: 9-9 AOY: Natalie Curnutt EA: Emma Lankford CL: Katie Dixon VARSITY SOFTBALL Record: 7-14 AOY: Anna Hilbrich EA: Samantha Hartsock CL: Harper Drook VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS Sectional Runner Up Record: 9-6 AOY: Addison Davis EA: Lauryn Wiest CL: Hazel Ritz

VARSITY BOYS TRACK & FIELD AOY: Ben Pallekonda EA: Will Hooper CL: Austin Green VARSITY GIRLS TRACK & FIELD 4 Athletes qualified for State, 1 athlete won 2 State events and medaled in 9th place for the 100M Dash AOY: Kya Crooke EA: Kenzie Crooke CL: Ellery Hobson VARSITY BOYS VOLLEYBALL Record: 10-15 AOY: Ben Bauer EA: Caleb Martin CL: Ethan Gorny

AOY: ATHLETE OF THE YEAR | EA: EAGLE AWARD | CL: CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

This year brought exciting milestones—2nd place out of 56 teams in MS Boys Cross Country, Marion County Champs in 7th Grade Girls Volleyball, and Football Champions for 5th & 6th Grade! We’re proud of these young Eagles as they use their talents for God’s glory.

7th Grade Girls Volleyball Champions

5th & 6th Grade Football Champions

EAGLE RECORD BREAKERS Team

Athlete

Event & Record

MS Boys Swim

Eli Creakbaum

100M Breaststroke 1:08.90

MS Boys Swim

Bennett Rogers

100M IM 1:02.49

MS Boys Track & Field

Greyson Bahler, Broderick Hall, Samuel Lukaart, Victor Peterson

4x800 Relay 9:37.53

Varsity Records | 39

OUR ATHLETES GLORIFY GOD,

Section Title Here | 1

PLAY HARD & HAVE FUN!

Section Title Here | 1

FINE ARTS BAND | CHOIR | ORCHESTRA | THEATRE HERITAGE AWARDED BCME The Best Communities for Music Education Award (BCME) honors individual schools that demonstrate strong dedication and support for music education.

This exclusive recognition is part of the Best Communities for Music Education Initiative and is awarded solely to schools. This year Heritage was one of 15 Indiana schools selected for the BCME Award.

CIRCLE THE STATE WITH SONG Circle the State with Song is an annual choral festival by the Indiana Music Education Association that brings together over 4,000 elementary and middle school singers from across Indiana. The event celebrates musical growth, collaboration, and the power of music education through shared rehearsals and inspiring performances, offering students the unique experience of making music with peers from across the region.

Select elementary students participated in the festival for celebrating music in education.

42 | Student Life: Fine Arts

2025 ISSMA HIGH SCHOOL STATE RESULTS INSTRUMENTAL GOLD MEDAL FRENCH HORN Juliana Winn PERCUSSION Willem Hobson TRUMPET Joshua Neal VIOLIN Ezra King

CLARINET ENSEMBLE Sam Bradley Noemi Cantrell Selah Lindsey Isabella Rutherford Joshua Sanders Annisa Turpen Lauren Waye

STRING ENSEMBLE Lillian Browing Addison Davis Abby Dixon Jordan Hufford Elsa King Ezra King John King Addison Kritsch Isabella Lindsey Anneliese Paul Jenna Rihani Hope Stines Ella Terrell Joy Whitney

INSTRUMENTAL SILVER MEDAL VIOLIN Elsa King VOCAL/PIANO GOLD MEDAL SOLO VOICE Jenna Rihani Joy Roorbach Hope Stines Ruby Brantly

Another gold earned by our student-led Chamber Orchestra.

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Fall Production, Shrek the Musical

FLAZZ (Flavor of Jazz)

Broadway Night

POPS Concert

Rhythm & Hues Fine Arts Festival

Spring Production, Radium Girls State Results and Productions | 43

MOCK TRIAL

MOCK TRIAL HIGH SCHOOL INDIANA STATE COMPETITION RESULTS PEAS IN A PODCAST JUNIOR TEAM Carmon Bates Willem Hobson John King Ethan Kritsch Annisa Turpen PLACED 3RD

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE SENIOR TEAM Preston Angus Abby Dixon Mikia Lunn Caroline Meyers Isabella Rutherford Abram Sarver Hope Stines

THROWING SHADE 10/11/12 COMBO TEAM Madeline Fulton Evvy Kniffen Jason Kniffen Kaleb Mahoney Sage Tousey Brayden Warrick

PLACED 7TH

SPLIT BALLOTS

QUINNCIDENTAL? 9/10 COMBO TEAM Brody Cloud Mycala Jamison Juliana Winn Josiah Duhamell Jackson Fulton Makayla Sanders LOST TO DEFENDING STATE CHAMPS IN THE FIRST ROUND.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS BEST ATTORNEY Carmon Bates (3x) Abby Dixon Madeline Fulton Kaleb Mahoney Sage Tousey Julliana Winn (3x)

44 | Student Life: Mock Trial

TOP 10 ATTORNEY Carmon Bates Abby Dixon Juliana Winn

BEST WITNESS Preston Angus (2x) Madeline Fulton Willem Hobson Ethan Kritsch Kaleb Mahoney Makayla Sanders Brayden Warrick (2x)

TOP 10 WITNESS Preston Angus Brayden Warrick

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

YOUTH MOCK TRIAL

6th grade students prepare for their big presentation.

Team Peas in a Podcast This Junior team won in all four trials with 1,133 total points, and were a mere 18 points (out of 1,320 total possible) from going to the Championship round.

Team Beautiful People

Mock Trial Club introduces students in Intermediate and Middle School to the dynamic world of academic competition through an engaging blend of drama and debate. Participants take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses—attorneys craft arguments, raise objections, and deliver opening and closing statements, while witnesses help bring the case to life through compelling storytelling.

High school students support the program by serving as peer coaches, offering guidance, sharing their experience, and developing their own leadership skills in the process. Club meetings take place after school, where students sharpen their critical thinking and public speaking abilities by tackling case prompts and preparing arguments under pressure. The season culminates in a live mock trial performance in front of parents and guests, with a high school student acting as judge to deliver the final verdict—an exciting and enriching experience for all involved.

Our Seniors’ team lost to the 2nd place team in their first trial, but bounced back to win their next two trials and ‘tie” in the final trial.

Mock Trial Standings | 45

ROBOTICS

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS, V5RC DIVISION 6210M: META MAFIA Dexter Buckley Aidan Leist COMPETITION: 6TH TOURNAMENT FINALIST, AND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIED SKILLS: 3RD

6210T: TRAUMATIZED Adam Buening Paige Buening Seth Buening Anthony Dunn Fiona Goossen

6210A: APOCALYPSE Sam Adams Chase Galloway Ezra King Caleb Jensen

6210B: BUILT DIFFERENT Libby Dixon Luke Dixon Paige Galloway Tovi Newbold

COMPETITION: 14TH

COMPETITION: 7TH

COMPETITION: 23RD

SKILLS: 15TH AND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIED

SKILLS: 34TH

SKILLS: 36TH

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

6210M: Meta Mafia earns the Amaze Award at the World Championship.

46 | Student Life: Robotics

6210T finished 56th in their division, showing strong effort and great sportsmanship throughout the event. 6210M had a standout performance, placing 14th with a 7-3 record and advancing to the divisional semifinals before falling to the eventual division champions. Team members Aidan Leist and Dexter Buckley also earned the Amaze Award for building a consistently high-performing and competitive robot.

Congratulations to both teams on a successful season and for competing on the world stage!

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

YOUTH ROBOTICS TEAMS SPENT UP TO 600 HOURS PRACTICING FOR COMPETITIONS

6210T: Traumatized teammates worked hard at the Indiana State Championship to earn their qualification to the World Championship.

MIDDLE SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS 6210H: HALAPEÑOS (MIDDLE SCHOOL) Austin Leist Caden Peterson Noah Terrell Charlie Rausch COMPETITION: 2ND, TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS BY GOING 2:1 IN THE FINALS WITH ALLIANCE PARTNER, AND QUALIFIED FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SKILLS EVENT: 1ST, MS SKILLS CHAMPION

Elementary and middle school teams compete in the first tournament held in the new MIC this year.

6210X: XTREME TEAM (INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL - ES DIVISION) Addison DeMilt Eli Krueger Hayden Halpern Zoey Trusty COMPETITION: 59TH SKILLS EVENT: 16TH WON DESIGN AWARD TO QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

At the World Championship in Dallas, TX, in May, 6210H (left) finished 13th out of 80 teams and 6210X (right) finished 27th out of 84 teams and won the Innovate Award in their division.

State & World Championship Results | 47

STUDENT GOVERNMENT STUDENT COUNCIL LED EVENTS 2025 STUDENT COUNCIL HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM

“See You at the Pole” brings HS students together for prayer.

Student Council puts on class competitions during spirit weeks.

STUDENT BODY OFFICERS PRESIDENT Austin Green

SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS PRESIDENT Ashley Kim

JUNIOR CLASS OFFICERS PRESIDENT Lily Marsh

VICE PRESIDENT Simeon Jaros

VICE PRESIDENT Mackenzie Jones

VICE PRESIDENT Natalie Curnutt

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Nadia Meabon

COMMUNICATIONS Isabelle Simmons

COMMUNICATIONS Naomi Thear

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES Madeline Fulton Austin Green William Henderson Simeon Jaros Sara Mathew Nadia Meabon Graham Morgan

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES Carmon Bates Hazel Ritz

STUDENT LIFE DIRECTOR Will Henderson PHILANTHROPY DIRECTOR Sara Mathew

Snow and Skate was this year’s Student Council-sponsored winter event for HS students.

48 | Student Life: Student Government

SOPHOMORE CLASS OFFICERS PRESIDENT Lucy Sprunger

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES Lawren Purvis Jenna Rihani Hannah Swor FRESHMAN CLASS OFFICERS PRESIDENT Madison Hornaday VICE PRESIDENT Ellery Hobson CLASS REPRESENTATIVES Paige Buening Claire LaBar

VICE PRESIDENT Blake Albold

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBERS Middle School Student Council empowers students to grow as servant leaders while collaborating with teachers, parents, and administration. They develop key skills by participating in service projects, school initiatives like Spirit Week, and regular meetings.

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS PRESIDENT VICE Caleb Burgess PRESIDENT Tori Brown SECRETARY Beckett Howell

Executive Officers: Will Henderson, Austin Green, Simeon Jaros, Nadia Meabon, Sara Mathew

Junior Class Council: Natalie Curnutt, Hazel Ritz, Naomi Thear, Lily Marsh, Carmon Bates

Senior Class Council: Isabelle Simmons, Madeline Fulton, Graham Morgan, Ashley Kim, Mackenzie Jones

Sophomore Class Council: Blake Albold, Lucy Sprunger, Lawren Purvis, Jenna Rihani, Hannah Swor

SERVICE Olivia Rose OUTREACH Stephen Brantly

OFFICERS Adelina Dotson, Caleb Luepke, Noah Terrell, Andrew Barker, Olivia Butts, Connor Ford, Grayson Snyder, Avery Holmes, Daphne Killingbeck, Ella Sherer, Katie Vandeventer, Carter Moffit, Annie Sahn, Taylor Wright, Elliana Papinau, Makaila Callaway, Vivienne Flannagan, Jolean Watts, Isabella Beaver, Silas Martin, Christian Lang, CJ Johnson, Brendan Barker, Tinsley Watts

Freshman Class Council: Claire Labar, Paige Buening, Maddie Hornaday, Ellery Hobson Each year, MS Student Council shows their appreciation by writing thank you cards to Heritage faculty and staff.

Student Government Overview | 49

CLASS OF 2025 50 | Class of 2025

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

123 SENIORS

14

ACADEMY

GRADUATES

IN BIOMEDICINE, FINANCE, MUSIC PERFORMANCE, VISUAL ARTS, ENGINEERING, OR MINISTRY & LEADERSHIP

STUDENTS

26

WITH HIGH DISTINCTION

10

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOLARS

35

90

51 ECAP STUDENTS 28

“LIFERS” WHO HAVE ATTENDED HERITAGE FOR AT LEAST 12 YEARS

11 SECOND-GENERATION GRADUATES

6 SETS OF TWINS & 1 SET OF TRIPLETS

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERS

(EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY PROGRAM) COMPLETED 30+ COLLEGE CREDITS

STUDENTS EARNED THE ACADEMIC HONORS DIPLOMA (INDIANA’S HIGHEST DIPLOMA)

Heritage Seniors by the Numbers | 51

e f i L r o i n e

S 1

4

2

3

5

6

7

52 | Class of 2025

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

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10

SENIOR TRADITIONS 1-2. SENIOR RETREAT Seniors head to Spring Hill Campground to set the intention for their final high school year. Class-building activities include: swimming, rock-climbing, zip line, paintball, and worship and prayer together.

3. HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN The Senior Class elected Brock Bucklin and Bella Escoto as Homecoming King and Queen.

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4. SENIOR SKITS During Christmas Chapel, the Senior Class has fun acting out some of their favorite Heritage memories.

5-7. SENIOR TRIP Seniors headed to NY to enjoy a day at Niagara Falls, 6 Flags Lodge at Lake George, skiing at Gore Mountain, touring Lower Manhattan, NYC, experiences at the Hershey Chocolate Factory, and catching the Sights and Sound production, Noah.

8. DECISION DAY Seniors deck-out in college gear showing off where they are headed to college.

9. SENIOR WALK Donning their caps and gowns, seniors embark on a memorable campus walk starting in the elementary, intermediate, middle, and the high school, greeted by cheers and applause from students, faculty, staff, and their parents.

12

10. SENIOR CHAPEL Seniors lead their parents and the high school in worship and sharing testimonies during their last chapel.

11-12. SENIOR PARADE The seniors host an all-school parade dressing up in themed costumes and decorate floats as the school cheers them on. This year’s parade featured: Thneedville, Wrestle Mania, Gone Fishin’, Hunting Season, Farm Animals, Noah’s Ark, Senior Splashin’, Classic Cars, American Bros, Star Wars, and the Wild West.

Senior Traditions | 53

SENIOR DECISIONS WHERE IS THE CLASS OF 2025 GOING?

14

STATES ACROSS THE U.S.

HERITAGE SENIORS HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO THESE TOP COLLEGES: Abilene Christian University Anderson University Auburn University Ball State University Baylor University Belmont University Bethel University Boyce College Butler University Calvin University Carnegie Mellon Cedarville University

54 | Class of 2025

Clemson University DePauw University Grace College Grand Canyon University High Point University Hillsdale College Hope College Huntington University Indiana University Indiana Wesleyan University Liberty University

Lipscomb University Marian University Miami University of Ohio Olivet Nazarene University Pepperdine University Purdue University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Samford University Taylor University Texas Christian University Trine University

University of Alabama University of Cincinnati University of Illinois University of Indianapolis University of Kentucky University of Michigan University of Notre Dame University of Tennessee Wabash College West Point (USMA) Wheaton College Word of Life Bible Institute

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

SENIOR ATHLETE COLLEGE SIGNINGS

Will Ambrose, Grace College, Baseball

Kya Crooke, University of Arizona, Track & Field

Nick Dearman, Indiana Wesleyan University, Football

Katie Dixon, Calvin University, Lacrosse

J.T. Duke, University of Rio Grande, Baseball

Hudson Hickey, Indiana University East, Golf

Max Lock, Indiana Wesleyan University, Soccer

Joslyn Marshall, Bethel University, Basketball

Jameson Neill, Indiana Wesleyan University, Soccer

Sam Utzig, Franklin College, Football

Carson Wilhite, Franklin College, Baseball

Zaria Winston, Winthrop University, Soccer Senior Surveys & College Signings | 55

SENIOR ACHIEVEMENTS

1. AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION

1

Seniors who scored 3 or higher on five or more AP Exams with an overall grade point average of 3.5: Adam Buening Seth Buening Ashley Kim 2. AP SCHOLARS AWARD

Preston Angus Abby Dixon Anthony Dunn Lucy Gard Austin Green Simeon Jaros Addison Julian INDIANA ACADEMIC ALL-STAR

5

Ashley Kim

4

Sponsored by the Indiana Association of School Principals, the Indiana Academic All-Star program honors selected nominees based on criteria such as

selected by administrators based on leadership and service in at least four of six areas: student government, academics, athletics, fine arts, other Heritage activities/ ministries, and outside ministry involvement.

Evelyn Kniffen Preston Angus 5. ZACHARY WARRICK SPIRITUAL LIFE LEADERSHIP AWARD

Seniors who scored 3 or higher on their AP exams by the end of their junior year.

2

3

number of advanced classes taken, test scores, involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service. The student selected at Heritage was one of 50 Regional Academic AllStars from 289 statewide nominations.

3-4. AL LEINBACH SERVANT LEADERSHIP AWARD Named in honor of Al Leinbach—who has served Heritage for 59 years, including 37 as High School Principal— this award recognizes one male and one female student who reflects his character qualities.

The recipients of this award are selected by their fellow graduates based on their entire high school career. This award is given to one female and one male graduate who are known for their commitment to the characteristics described in Hebrews 10:24 which includes a genuine faith in Christ evidenced in their daily life, as well as a lifestyle centered around Christian discipleship.

Sara Mathew Harrison Thrift

Recipients are nominated by faculty and coaches and

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

6-7. SENIOR ATHLETE AWARD

This award represents the student-athletes who have made the most significant contributions to Heritage athletics during their high school career.

Our male recipient may be relatively new to Heritage, but his impact has been significant.

He has earned six varsity letters across three sports—football, basketball, and track & field— demonstrating exceptional athleticism and versatility. He has received All-City honors in football and currently holds two school records in track & field. He will continue his athletic career at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he will compete in football.

Nick Dearman

Our female recipient has made a remarkable impact at Heritage, earning nine varsity letters across basketball, soccer, and track & field. A record-setter in nine track events, she also holds multiple conference and city records. As a sophomore, she made state history by medaling in four events

at a single IHSAA State Meet— the first female athlete to do so.

She’s a five-time state champion in soccer, long jump, and high jump, and a four-time All-City and All-Conference honoree in both track & field and soccer.

She will continue her career at the University of Arizona—and possibly the 2028 Olympics.

Kya Crooke 8-9. DOC RICHARDS SCHOLASTIC MALE AND FEMALE ATHLETE

Mark “Doc” Richards left a lasting legacy at Heritage through his dedication to both athletic and academic excellence. A former parent and coach of girls’ basketball and boys’ tennis, Doc instilled values of discipline, organization, and focus in every team he led, preparing his athletes for life’s challenges. We continue to honor his memory by naming outstanding athletes who have committed themselves to academic and athletic excellence. This award is presented to a male and female

athlete who have participated in athletics throughout their high school career and rank highest in their GPA. Austin Green Kaitlyn Vidoni Lucy Gard (not pictured) ACSI DISTINGUISHED CHRISTIAN STUDENT AWARDS The ACSI Distinguished Christian High School Student Award honors exceptional students from ACSI member schools who excel in areas such as academics, leadership, the arts, athletics, and service rooted in Christian values.

Eva Abbott Will Ambrose Preston Angus Brock Bucklin Adam Buening Seth Buening Kya Crooke Abby Dixon Katie Dixon Anthony Dunn Madeline Fulton Lucy Gard Fiona Goossen

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7

8

9

Austin Green Simeon Jaros Mackenzie Jones Ashley Kim Evelyn Kniffen Adia Newbold Joshua Sanders Abram Sarver Evie Schnake Hope Stines Harrison Thrift Audrey Turpen Zaria Winston

SENIOR ACHIEVEMENTS

TOP SENIORS IN THEATRE AWARD Fiona Goossen Preston Angus LOUIS ARMSTRONG JAZZ BAND AWARD

Ian Manbeck

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MATH

Joshua Sanders

Adam Buening

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA BAND AWARD

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SCIENCE

Katherine Dixon NATIONAL SCHOOL ORCHESTRA AWARD Evangelyn Schnake NATIONAL SCHOOL CHORAL AWARD Evelyn Kniffen OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ART Lucy Gard

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN BIBLE Katelyn Snively

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS Evelyn Kniffen

58 | Class of 2025

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN HEALTH & PE

Adam Buening Seth Buening

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SOCIAL STUDIES Ashley Kim OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN FINANCE Lewis McClelland OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE Anthony Dunn

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN VEX ROBOTICS Seth Buening

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN WORLD LANGUAGES Evelyn Kniffen OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MOCK TRIAL Evelyn Kniffen OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY Will Ambrose Adam Buening Seth Buening Katie Dixon Anthony Dunn Ashley Kim Evelyn Kniffen Jason Kniffen Sara Mathew Nadia Meabon Harrison Thrift

TOP TEN IN CLASS GPA 1. Ashley Kim 2. Preston Angus 3. Adam Buening 4. Seth Buening 5. Eva Abbott 6. Addison Julian 7. Austin Green 8. Broc Rantanen 9. Harrison Thrift 10. Lucy Gard

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Senior Achievements | 59

COMMENCEMENT

RECOGNITIONS * NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP GRADUATING CLASS OF 2025 Eva Abbott *Δ‡ Jocelynn Akinwekomi Δ Hudson Alt Will Ambrose Δ Preston Angus *Δ‡ Sawyer Ashley Oliver Banks *Δ Benjamin Bauer Δ Anna Beesley *Δ Jaylen Odell Beikes Hannah Boles *Δ Joshua Borrink JoAnn Bucher Δ⁶ Gabrielle Buckles *Δ Brock Bucklin *Δ Adam Buening *Δ‡ Seth Buening *Δ‡ Elena Carriere *Δ Allison Cavey Daniel Chegar *Δ‡² Oliver Cook Δ Kya Crooke Chloe Davis Δ Joshua Davis Δ⁴ Ava Dearing *Δ Nicholas Dearman Δ Abigail Dixon *Δ Katherine Dixon *Δ‡¹ Arabella Doeden Δ‡ Jack Duke Anthony Dunn *Δ‡⁵

Lillian Emery Isabella Escoto *Δ Faith Ewing Δ Casey Frost *Δ‡ Madeline Fulton †Δ Lucille Gard *Δ⁴ Aiden Gauvin Zachary Gelbach Δ Fiona Goossen Δ Austin Green *†Δ‡ Abigail Habayeb *Δ‡ Ian Harney *Δ Lindsay Harris * Samantha Hartsock *Δ‡ William Henderson *†Δ‡ Hudson Hickey Δ Landon Hight Seth Hout Ella Huck Jonah Hufford Simeon Jaros *†Δ‡ Andrew Johnson Δ Katherine Johnson *Δ Mackenzie Jones *†Δ Addison Julian *Δ‡ Bryce Katterhenry Δ Connor Katterhenry Δ Paige Katterhenry Δ Ashley Kim *†Δ‡ Evelyn Kniffen *Δ Jason Kniffen

Colin Kopka Ryan Kowal Δ Tate LaBrune Δ Emma Lankford *Δ‡⁴ Chloe’ Daly Link Andrew Lock *Δ Mikia Lunn Hannah Majors Ian Manbeck Δ Eliott Marlow Joslyn Marshall Δ Caleb Martin Δ Sara Mathew *†Δ Lewis McClelland Δ Nadia Meabon *†Δ¹ Caroline Meyers *Δ Jackson Moore *Δ Colton Morgan Δ Maddox Morgan Peter Morgan *Δ†‡ Jameson Neill Δ Adia Newbold Δ Shawn Pearson Sophia Pizarro *Δ‡ Ethan Porter Δ Hadasa Quiñones Δ Broderick Ralston Broc Rantanen *Δ‡ Keyearah Rose Isabella Rutherford *Δ‡ Joshua Sanders Δ³

Christopher Sarver Δ‡⁴ Evangelyn Schnake *Δ Keigan Seymour Isabelle Simmons † Diamond Smith *Δ Katelyn Snively *Δ‡¹ MaKenna Spangler Δ‡ Hope Stines *Δ‡ Jay Straka Δ Elijah Strege Luke Strege Jude Thomas *Δ‡ Ariweyn Thompson Δ⁴ Harrison Thrift *Δ Audrey Turpen Δ Adler Tuttle *Δ‡⁴ Ethan Utzig Δ Samuel Utzig Yaretzi Valerio-Rodriguez Jonathan Vander Meer *Δ‡ James Vandeventer *Δ Tripp Vaughan Δ Kaitlyn Vidoni *Δ‡ Nathan White Samuel White Carson Wilhite Zaria Winston *Δ⁴ Cameron Yahne Δ Vincent Young Δ Kinkade Zientara Δ

Members of the National Honor Society must demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. This includes maintaining a 3.5+ GPA, participating in leadership roles, completing community service, and upholding strong moral values.

† STUDENT COUNCIL/CLASS OFFICER Participated in Senior Year Student Government.

Δ HONORS DIPLOMA The Academic Honors Diploma requires 48 credits with increased expectations in Math, World Language, Fine Arts, and electives, along with completion of AP or Dual Credit coursework.

‡ EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY PROGRAM The ECAP Diploma includes the same requirements in the Academic Honors Diploma and at least 10 college-level courses totaling 30+ credits. Our academies are:

¹ ACADEMY OF BIOMEDICINE ² ACADEMY OF FINANCE ³ ACADEMY OF MUSIC PERFORMANCE ⁴ ACADEMY OF VISUAL ARTS ⁵ ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING ⁶ ACADEMY OF MINISTRY & LEADERSHIP MILITARY SERVICE

Senior Achievements | 61

SALUTATORIAN PRESTON ANGUS What life lesson did you learn at HCS? I learned that we will always be in a stage of waiting. We are always waiting for something— the next project, the next opportunity, the next decision, whatever it may be. So, I have to learn to be content with where I am at every given moment, and put my whole trust in God. I don’t need to know all of my next steps, I just need to trust the One guiding them.

What faculty member do you think influenced you the most? Mr. Schnake, and it’s not even close. He revealed to me one of the most important pieces of wisdom that I now hold in my mind: a walk with Jesus is not pretty. It is confusing, difficult, and exhausting. But at the same time, it is the most incredible, rich, and fulfilling life a person could ever live. Mr. Schnake showed me what an authentic Christian walk looks like, and I will never forget that.

Any final words of wisdom for the upcoming Class of 2026? If you look like the stupidest person in class to other people, you are on the right track. You have to be comfortable with looking foolish in order to achieve your goals, not only in school, but in life. No matter what you learn, there will always be a point in time where you know nothing about the topic. So look like a fool! Let others laugh at you. Ask questions. State your confusion. Speak out your curiosity, your lack of knowledge.

Oh, and follow Jesus Christ and read His Word. There is quite literally nothing richer in life than walking with Him and praising His Name.

Preston Angus excelled at Heritage with diverse achievements in theater, athletics, and Mock Trial.

He earned a state “Best Witness” award and starred in multiple lead roles. Outside school, he leads in his youth group, volunteers with Indy Outreach, writes music, and acts in community theater. Preston will attend Miami University (Oxford, OH), majoring in psychology with a co-major in entrepreneurship.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

AP Scholars Award ECAP Recipient • National Honor Society • ACSI Distinguished High School Student Award • Al Leinbach Servant Leadership Award • Top Senior in Theatre Award • •

ATTENDING MIAMI UNIVERSITY (OXFORD, OH)

“LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH INTENTION. INTENTION TO MAKE THAT FIRST STEP. TO GO TO CHURCH ON THE FIRST SUNDAY AT COLLEGE, EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO ONE TO GO WITH.” - PRESTON ANGUS, SALUTATORY ADDRESS

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

VALEDICTORIAN ASHLEY KIM Who/what motivated you the most in school? My parents have always been super supportive, but they never put pressure on me to get good grades. I think that a lot of my motivation came from wanting to perform to the best of my abilities and utilizing the gifts that God has given me.

Dedicated to leadership and service, Ashley Kim served as class president for three years, National Honor Society secretary, and tutored regularly.

She also cheered all four years of high school and volunteered in her church nursery. As a summer camp counselor at Camp Allendale, she helped guide young girls in their faith. This fall, she’ll attend UNC Chapel Hill to study Biology with plans to pursue a career in medicine.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

AP Scholars Award Indiana Academic All-Star • ECAP Recipient • National Honor Society • Spanish Honor Society • ACSI Distinguished High School Student Award • •

ATTENDING UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA (CHAPEL HILL)

“I CAN’T DO EVERYTHING MYSELF. AS MUCH AS I TRY, I AM NOT PERFECT AND I NEVER WILL BE, BUT IT IS COMFORTING TO KNOW THAT GOD DOES NOT EXPECT PERFECTION FROM US: IF WE WERE PERFECT, THEN THERE - ASHLEY KIM, VALEDICTORY ADDRESS WOULD BE NO NEED FOR GOD.”

What life lesson did you learn at HCS? Because I have been at Heritage for 12 years, it’s pretty easy to say that I have learned many life lessons from this school. One lesson that sticks out, though, is to always be a friend and a smiling face to others because you never know what they are going through. There are so many different people here from so many different backgrounds and it never hurts to be kind.

What faculty member do you think influenced you the most? All of the teachers that I have had at Heritage are beyond amazing, but one that sticks out the most is Mrs. Jesch. I was blessed enough to have her for Spanish my freshman year and since then I have been her TA for four semesters. Mrs. Jesch always has a positive attitude and cares about her students on a deeper level--she doesn’t only care about your education but also about what’s going on in your life.

Any final words of wisdom for the upcoming Class of 2026? Appreciate every moment because it really does go by fast & don’t lose sight of the Lord and His plan for you.

Senior Valedictorian & Salutatorian | 63

Heritage Christian School 6401 E. 75th Street Indianapolis, IN 46250 317.849.3441 www.heritagechristian.net

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2025 ANNUAL REPORT