FALL 2023
Glorify God. Disciple Students. Pursue Excellence
FALL 2023
a Championship Year 03 Pursuing Dr. Brian Dougherty Back to School 06 Celebrating August 1, 2023
08 Pursue 2023-2024 Spiritual Theme 10 Athletics Eagles Fly Higher Teacher Fellowship 16 Parent Together We Can Do So Much More
HERITAGE MESSENGER FALL 2023 MESSENGER STAFF Gary Roebbelen, Executive Editor Becca Lindley, Managing Editor & Head Writer Studio Thirteen, Photography Jeremy Nutter, Photographer Josh Dage, Photographer Priority Press, Design messenger@heritagechristian.net heritagechristian.net/messenger
of 2023 20 Class Graduates, Honors & More
26 Admissions Things That Matter Fund 28 Heritage Invest in the Next Generation Arts 30 Fine Read All About It!
Thank you to Ronald Blue Trust for their ongoing support of HCS! Visit www.ronblue.com
and Organizations 32 Clubs Outside the Classroom
34 Alumni Alumni Return to HCS and Staff 38 Faculty Making a Difference
the HeritageFUND Fund
GIVING IDEEducation Learn more and support GUInspiring
The Heritage Fund is the school's vital annual campaign that meets our most important needs.
through the Heritage Fund at
www.heritagechristian.net/heritagefund
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Heritage Messenger | Fall 2023
M y favorite season of the year is
fall. It brings some of the nicest weather of the year, fun outdoor events, and incredible food. The crisp air, bonfires, and pumpkin spice lattes are just the best. One of my favorite activities this time of year is the kickoff of football season. I am an avid college football fan and enjoy all of the traditions, pageantry, and excitement surrounding the college game. My passion for football led me to utilize our Pursue theme to create a series of presentations titled Pursuing a Championship Year for our staff during pre-planning days to help set the tone and direction for the upcoming school year.
Pursuing
A CHAMPIONSHIP
YEAR
DR. BRIAN DOUGHERTY, Ed.D, HEAD OF SCHOOL
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Pursuing
A CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR
I am excited as the Head of School to be leading a committed and talented staff, 260 strong—a staff that is a championship-caliber team at every position! We spent time in early August addressing the critical question: How do we define success at Heritage Christian School? Real success is found in accomplishing our mission. Our mission is simply to glorify God, disciple students, and pursue excellence in education. Our corporate success as an organization is to have a clear understanding and an unwavering commitment to our mission. From an individual perspective, we defined success as every team member
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bringing their ‘A’ game every day, to every class period, to every student of Heritage Christian School. I am pleased to see the effort and commitment to success from our faculty and staff through the first month of school. Like a football game, the school year has four quarters. We are fully committed to a championship effort for all four quarters which we believe will lead us to a championship school year in 2023-24. The Apostle Paul was blessed to also lead a championship team. The believers at the church of Philippi were some
of the most loyal and committed members of Paul’s ministry team. He was able to paint a picture of success to his team through the words he penned in the beginning of chapter two of his letters to them which read, “Then make my joy complete, by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Philippians 2:2). Powerful words that resonate with my heart and speak into my leadership approach with my team.
BEING LIKE-MINDED
BEING ONE IN SPIRIT At salvation, a new believer receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:17). He is our guide, our counselor, our friend. I am still amazed over three decades later that God chose to dwell in me when I became a believer in college. What an indescribable and priceless gift! As believers, we each have the Holy Spirit to help us collectively to be led by Him! I am grateful for the work of the Holy Spirit that strengthens and unites the entire faculty and staff at Heritage Christian School.
As colleagues, we have a common mission that we can rally around. But as believers in Jesus Christ, we have been blessed to have a common mindset. Paul reinforced this in 1 Corinthians 2:16 where he stated boldly, “But we have the mind of Christ!” As a school committed to Biblical truth, it is essential that we have - PHILIPPIANS 2:2 the mind of Christ to correctly understand and apply truth in our ministry. A championship team has the mind of Christ with revealed Biblical truth that unites us and enables us to impact our students for Christ.
BEING ONE IN PURPOSE
BEING LIKE-MINDED HAVING THE SAME LOVE BEING ONE IN SPIRIT BEING ONE IN PURPOSE
The Holy Spirit not only unites us but gives us a singular purpose. An effective organization is one that understands clearly who it is and has a laser focus on that purpose. I am grateful for the clarity of our mission and the pursuit of it by each and every staff member. This type of focus will enable us to accomplish our mission in the lives of our students and achieve real success which will lead to a Championship Year at Heritage Christian School!
HAVING THE SAME LOVE The greatest expression of the Christian faith is love (1 Corinthians 13:8). The Biblical word agape— unconditional love—is the kind of love we seek to demonstrate daily at Heritage Christian School. Francis Schaeffer exhorts us that the true mark of the Christian ought to be love. He expounded on Jesus’ words in John 13:34-35 that loving one another as believers in a visible, tangible way is the best approach to invite nonbelievers into the Christian faith. As a school family, we are called to genuinely love one another unconditionally and extend that love to every student that calls Heritage home. Love is the ingredient that makes Heritage a special place.
“Powerful words that resonate with my heart and speak into my leadership approach with my team.”
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CELEBRATING BACK TO SCHOOL
CELEBRATING BACK TO SCHOOL On August 1, we had a wonderful night of celebration as a Heritage family during our Back-to-School event with special guest musical group, My Yellow Rickshaw.
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DISCIPLESHIP
PURSUE: 2023-2024 Spiritual Theme spiritual theme for the 2023-2024 school T he year is PURSUE based on 1 Timothy 6:11-12:
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” Each year, the discipleship staff and leadership team work together to select the spiritual theme and this year we wanted to remind ourselves of Paul’s four strategies for engaging in the spiritual struggle we face each day Flee. Pursue. Fight. Take Hold. Nothing delights Satan more than when we stray from pursuing a relationship with Christ. Paul’s letter gives
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us these four strategies to use in order to persevere. “1 Timothy 6:11-12 gives us focus and strategies for our life-long pursuit of loving God and loving others. Life-long pursuit is key. Until we meet Jesus, we pursue Him and He pursues us,” said Melissa Luepke, Director of Discipleship. “There are several reasons that we believe it is important to focus on a spiritual theme,” said Melissa. “It provides the school community the opportunity to learn and investigate God’s word together and we are able to spend a year focused on a key concept in scripture that we can explore in music, visual arts and in our classrooms.” We are excited to explore this theme together as a school community this school year. Please continue to be in prayer with us that our Heritage community pursue Christ and reflect Him to the world.
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12
“
I HOPE OUR STUDENTS GRAB HOLD OF THIS YEAR’S SPIRITUAL THEME AND THAT ULTIMATELY IT LEADS THEM TO A DEEPER RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS.” — MELISSA LUEPKE, DIRECTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
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ATHLETICS
EAGLES FLY HIGHER
Athletics
RECAP OF THE 2022-2023 ATHLETICS SEASON
Heritage Christian School has a reputation for producing well-rounded student athletes. Our athletics program helps shape students into young adults with good sportsmanship and Christ-like attitudes, character and leadership.
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LUKE HIMES WAS NAMED THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION’S BOYS’ TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.
TRACK AND FIELD - IHSAA Shot Put State Champion, Luke Himes - IHSAA Long Jump State Champion, Kya Crooke - Six IHSAA State Championship Appearances (two champions, one runner-up, 3rd place, 5th place, 8th place) - Six Regional Event Championships (100m, High Jump, Long Jump, 300m Hurdles, Discus, Shot Put) - Six Sectional Event Championships (100m, High Jump, Long Jump, 300m Hurdles, Discus, Shot Put) - Two athletes won Circle City All-Conference Championships - Two athletes won All-City Championships, including Athlete of the Meet
BOYS FOOTBALL - Earned Academic Excellence Award - Three athletes named All-State - Five athletes named All-City - Seven athletes named Academic All-State
Kya Crooke was recently named the National Christian School Athletic Association’s Girls’ Track & Field Athlete of the Year.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL - Three athletes named All-City - Six athletes named Academic All-State
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ATHLETICS
GIRLS SOFTBALL - One athlete named All-State - Two athletes named Circle City All-Conference - Four athletes named All-City
ALAYNA TESNAR WAS NAMED THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION’S GIRLS’ FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL LARGE SCHOOL NATIONAL PITCHER OF THE YEAR.
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ANDREW WIGGINS WAS NAMED THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION’S BOYS’ BASEBALL LARGE SCHOOL NATIONAL HITTER OF THE YEAR.
BOYS BASEBALL - IHSAA Sectional/Regional Champions - Two athletes named Circle City All-Conference - Five athletes named All-City - One athlete named All-State - One athlete named Academic All-State
BOYS SOCCER - Three athletes named Circle City All-Conference - Two athletes named All-City - One athlete named All-District - One athlete named All-State - Six athletes named Academic All-State
GIRLS SOCCER - Two athletes named All-District - Two athletes named Circle City All-Conference - Three athletes named All-City - One athlete named Academic All-State
Glorify God. Play Hard. Have Fun.
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ATHLETICS
GIRLS TENNIS TWO ATHLETES WON THE CITY ALLIANCE TOURNAMENT AT DOUBLES
BOYS TENNIS - IHSAA Sectional Team Champions - Two athletes named Circle City All-Conference - Three athletes named All-City - One athlete won the City Alliance Tournament at singles - Five athletes named Academic All-State
BOYS BASKETBALL - One athlete named Circle City All-Conference Myles Colvin was named to the Indiana All-Stars team and a finalist for Indianapolis City Male Athlete of the Year.
GIRLS BASKETBALL - City Alliance Champions - Two athletes named All-State - Three athletes named All-City - Three athletes named Circle City All Conference - One athlete named Academic All-State
BOYS GOLF - City Alliance Champions
GIRLS GOLF - City Alliance Champions - One athlete named Circle City All-Conference
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GIRLS LACROSSE
BOYS LACROSSE
- Three athletes named All-State - Three athletes named Circle City All-Conference - One athlete named Academic All-State
- IHSLA State Runners-up - IHSLA Semi-State Champions - IHSLA Regional Champions - IHSLA Sectional Champions - Two athletes named Circle City All-Conference
GIRLS SWIMMING
BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY
- Three City Meet Event Championships (500 Free, 100 Breaststroke)
- Four athletes earned All-City Team honors - One athlete named Circle City All Conference - Three athletes named Academic All-State
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PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP
Together We Can Do So Much More Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) Heritage’s Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) is an organization of volunteers dedicated to encouraging our faculty, staff and families primarily through orchestrating events that bring everyone together throughout the school year. PTF is a great way for any parent to become more connected with the Heritage community. You can reach out for more information by sending an email to ptf@heritagechristian.net.
FUN RUN RECAP On May 11, 2023, the PTF sponsored the annual Fun Run. Students in preschool – 8th grade participated in a fun, outdoor event with music and games on our stadium field.
2023-2024 EVENTS
SAVE THE
DATE!
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OCTOBER
PTF Fellowship | Oct. 30
NOVEMBER
Pottery Painting | Nov. 11
DECEMBER
Worthy Servants Brunch | Dec. 21
FEBRUARY
Father/Daughter Ball | TBD
MARCH
K – 6 Roller Skate Party | March 11
APRIL
PTF Fellowship | April 29
MAY
Fun Run | TBD
PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP
MEET PTF PRESIDENT,
JAMIE QUESENBERRY Hello Heritage families! I’m your PTF president, Jamie Quesenberry, and my husband Ryan and I have two boys who attend Heritage. We have been a Heritage family since our oldest was in first grade. We believe that Jesus led us to Heritage and there is no other school we’d rather have our children attend. As a stay-at-home mom, my main priorities are our children’s relationship with Jesus and their education. As PTF president, my focus will be to translate this dedication into serving the needs of all families at HCS. I want parents to know – with 100% certainty – that Heritage Christian School is the best place for their children to grow spiritually and excel academically. I feel blessed to hold this position and play a role in building the Heritage community and blessing the amazing faculty and staff. I look forward to serving alongside many of our wonderful parents!
Parents in Prayer
Stand in the gap for HCS students, faculty and staff by joining with other parents in weekly prayer and fellowship. During Parents in Prayer, we encourage, support and gain strength from each other as we spend time talking with God about the needs of our HCS community. You can also gain peace of mind knowing your student is blessed with prayer. Join us on Mondays at 8:10 a.m. (after drop-off) as we pray in the elementary cafeteria.
2023-2024 PARENTS IN PRAYER DATES NOVEMBER:
Nov. 6, 13, 27
DECEMBER:
Dec. 4, 11
JANUARY:
Jan. 8, 22, 29
FEBRUARY:
Feb. 5, 12, 26
MARCH:
Mar. 4, 18, 25
APRIL:
Apr. 8, 15, 22
MAY:
May 6, 13, 15
For more information, send an email to ptf@heritagechristian.net or visit heritagechristian.net/PIP to join the email list.
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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023. WE WERE BLESSED TO HAVE HELD GRADUATION ON OUR STADIUM FIELD ON FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023.
GRADUATES Kate Greiling Alt Samuel Allen Garvey Dayton James Molendorp Ethan Edward Andrews Madison Elizabeth Geary Devyn Vaughn Moore Kayla Rose Angus Evelyn Grace Gordon Jonathan Blake Morgan Kyle David Antoine Samuel Pearson Graves Dorey Page Morris Margaret Rose Avery Madison Marie Green Emily Lynne Nutter Natalie Grace Barker Maigan Dee’ Anne Green Nkennanyerem Janella Nzerem Evan Leroy Barrett Emma Grace Gregory Robin Casey Opper Jr. Yousef William Batarseh Erin Marie Harris David James Reed Laurel Grace Baxter AbyGail Elizabeth Hartman Lynn McKay Reese Easton Alec Beebe Emily Nicole Hartman Luke Robert Reinke Calie Madison Beikes Zachary Thomas Hastings Brianna Lynn Reinoso Madison Jae Bell Emily Grace Herridge Ethan David Rexroth Lily Ruth Ling Blackburn Kaylee Nicole Hess David Jack Reynolds Abigail Grace Boles Kendall Marie Hickey Sophia Marie Roberts Donovan Henry Bryant Hayden Alexander Minetree Hicks Nathan Roger Salsbury Ella Kristen Bucher Caleb Layne Hoekema Aidan Christopher Savage Caleb James Buening Daniel Gaylen Hout Katherine Josephine Schloemer Haydn Jackson Burzynski Brennan Lucas Howell Reid Michael Kinslow Schrock Samuel Darin Butts Maris Christine Hunt Jabez Soongeui Shin Katherine Louise Cardozo Alexander Gregory Hyska Julianne Casey Simmons Gabriel Ethan Carrao Jacob Jay Ingle Olivia Margaret Smith Nicholas Joseph Cavey Nathan A Jackson Austin Cole Snively Olivia Hope Center Timothy Ryan Jackson Jessica Shaleigh Stewart Nathan Cole Chitwood Zion Christopher Jaros Elyse Carolyn Straka Myles Jay Colvin Chayse Elizabeth Jensen Carter Micah Taylor Christian William Conner Alexandra Angelina Johnson Isaac Robert Terrell Caitlyn Grace Cooke Katherine Elise Johnson Brooke Adelaide Theobald Blake Ryan Cranfill Ayantu Ava Jones Collin Matthew Thompson Nicholas Michael Davis Tobin Arther Just Luke Davidson Tiernon Elijah Michael DeKruyter Zachary Aaron Katterhenry Luke Michael Valerio Christian M. Young Dora Elijah Christian King Maggie Elizabeth Vander Wiele Dylan Devon Conn Doss Carter Lane Klopfenstein Wade August Wahlin Noel Jacob Duncan Rainer Charles Kurtz Macy Alexandra Ward Alexis Lynn Dunn Cailtin Suzanne Lee Jana Celeste Webb Sylvie Lynn Earlewine Angelina Valeryevna Legostaeva Zoë Elizabeth Welnack Molly Elaine Eckel Paige Elizabeth Mangum Ivan Joseph West Olivia Paige Endris Austin Michael McCool Micah Andrew Wheeler Maxwell Glenn Ewing Tucker Jackson McVey Andrew LaMarr Wiggins Mychael Simone Cavanaugh Favors Gavin David Luis Meabon Caleb Jackson Williams Nathan Robert Fix Dayne Andrew Meyers Isaac Robert Wilson Benjamin Lee Foulk Brooke Jewel Miller Ryle Theodore Allan Worland Kessler Cole Garner Logan Andrew Miller Grace Lea Wyer Bella Mae Wynjaen
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HONORS Valedictorian Abigail Boles, Caleb Buening
Salutatorian Sylvie Earlewine
Top Senior in Theatre Arts Dayne Meyers
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award Andrew Wiggins
National School Orchestra Award Eli King
Zachary Warrick Spiritual Life Leadership Award Reid Schrock, Katie Schloemer
National School Choral Award Elyse Straka
John Philip Sousa Band Award Donnie Bryant
Athletes of the Year Evie Gordon, Myles Colvin, Andrew Wiggins
RILEY
MARK
CORNWELL
DAI
LUKE HIMES
Alan Leinbach Servant Leadership Award Madi Bell, Luke Tiernon
Doc Richards Scholastic Athlete Award Evie Gordon, Reid Schrock
JANAE WINN
Rising Stars of Indiana* Riley Cornwell, Mark Dai, Luke Himes, Janae Winn
*Rising Stars of Indiana is a recognition program, designed to honor high school juniors for their academic achievement. This recognition is intended to increase the students’ visibility and scholarship opportunities.
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GRADUATE STATS A SNAPSHOT OF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE CLASS OF 2023
38% Received a Core 40 or College Prep Diploma
61%
57%
Received an Academic Honors Diploma
Took at least one AP course
45
54
GPA of 4.0 or higher (35%)
Different colleges and universities to be attended
127 Class Size
92% 68%
Took at least one dual-credit college course
3.71
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Average GPA
To attend college or university
8
Students will be serving in the military
SENIOR CLASS TALENT 1 top baseball athlete, who has already played in four major league stadiums, was invited to the MLB Combine, and is also an accomplished musician who played the National Anthem at Victory Field.
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ic Academte All-Sta s Athlete
SEVERAL STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS HAVE STARTED BUSINESSES IN: - Lacrosse stick restringing - Cookie decorating - Barn wedding rentals - Top shoe reselling
1t semi-prrained, chef. Shofessional e shot, ki hunted, skinned lled, , served cooked, and ate an alligato
r.
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ST U D HAVE ENTS HCS F BEEN AT O M O R E R 12 O R YEARS
1 student plays 10 instruments
43 A
LL-CITY ATHLET ES
All-Conference Athletes
NCSAA
Athlete of the s Year
5 CONFERENCE
21 COLLEGE SIGNEES
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4
CHAMPIONSHIPS
9 City A llia Champi nce onships
IHSAA/IHSLA Awards 9 SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 8 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 1 SEMI-STATE CHAMPIONSHIP (BOYS LACROSSE - IHSLA)
13 ALL-STATE ATHLETES
OF PLES ING EXAM E IN SERV C N the E L in L glish lic EXCE n E g ub hin • Teac inican Rep rapy e h t Dom g e ridin ees • Hors try to refug es is • Min g build homr fo in • Help rnationally d inte ies in nee famil
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ADMISSIONS
THINGS THAT MATTER Responding to questions our staff receive most often.
Classrooms, Teachers and Academics
Brenda Klingerman, Elementary Principal, and Katie Boling, IS/MS Principal
Q: Tell us about the classroom environment at Heritage and how it naturally lends itself to more effective learning for our students. A: The classroom environment is structured with active learning. Children are taught to love their neighbor and respect one another. This creates a secure and safe learning environment. The HCS classroom environment is engaging, rigorous and Jesus-centered. Differentiated instruction, handson activities, and technology help create a more effective learning environment.
Q: What do we do particularly well in our classrooms? A: Our teachers are committed to student success academically and spiritually. Teachers set goals each year committing to assist students in their academic and spiritual growth. Our HCS teachers do a wonderful job building relationships with their students. They are creative problem-solvers, excellent communicators, and understand the importance of meeting students where they are at in their learning. Each classroom feels like a small community. Q: How do we know that we are being successful in our classrooms and learning? A: In our HCS classrooms, our teachers care about the whole child – their spirituality, academics, and extracurricular activities. Measuring the success
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of these areas is different for each child. We are confident that data will show continuous growth as well as student interactions with one another and their teachers. Q: Tell us about smaller class sizes and why they are better for students. A: Smaller class sizes provide ample opportunity to differentiate student learning, engage in more personal conversations with students, and allow more time to work through academic, organizational, and social skills individually. When class sizes are smaller, our faculty are able to better meet the needs of each student and get to know them on a deeper level – academically, spiritually and emotionally.
Q: At HCS, we have many long-service faculty. Tell us why having longer-service teachers in our classrooms and within our schools better serves the students and overall community. A: Consistency is very beneficial as teachers learn and have strong knowledge of the curriculum, which helps them to recognize where and how improvements are necessary. Longevity also builds community among faculty and staff, which benefits students in experiencing a caring culture. With years of experience, teachers have a toolbox of ideas and personal experiences to pull from when teaching and building relationships.
Our Biblical Worldview Focus
J.K. Stevens, Ph.D., Director of Biblical Worldview Integration Q: Tell us why it's important that we stay true to our school's heritage and unchanging biblical alignment in a culture of shifting values and competing priorities. A: Heritage Christian School was founded on strong biblical principles with a vision for partnering with Christian families in the education and discipleship of the next generation. The Scriptures tell us that the application of those principles lead to Christ followers who are mature and strong in the face of a shifting culture (Ephesians 4:11-14). In staying true to the biblical alignment built into the history of Heritage, we have a measure in our approach to life that does not waver with the change of opinions. This alignment assures us that there is a truth system which guides us in making right choices, thinking with clear minds, and holding high good values. It confirms that our redemption and restoration in Christ sets in motion the family of God as it does good work and makes a meaningful difference in this world.
Resource Period
Jesse Burgess, High School Principal Q: What is Resource Period and what is this time used for? A: Resource period is time set aside during the school day for students to use for a variety of activities, all without interrupting the normal flow of a school day. Students can receive additional instruction from a teacher and/or make up a missing assignment or test. This is also a time for students to participate in clubs, bible studies, meet with college/university representatives that are visiting, or for various departments to hold school-wide meetings.
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HERITAGE ATHLETICS FUND
“
Caring teachers who are invested in the lives of their students, rigorous academics, and an environment in which God is at the center - these are all the reasons we continue to invest in HCS.” — CURRENT HCS PARENT
Heritage Fund
Invest in the Next Generation of Christian Leaders Through the Heritage Fund
Since its creation in 2018, the Heritage Fund has been used to provide campus improvements, Worthy Servants Christmas bonuses to faculty and staff, and tuition assistance for students. Your support is an invaluable way to give students a discipleship-driven education. This year, our $1.4 million goal will cover a variety of projects that simply are not feasible without your partnership. Here is a small sample of some of our campus improvement projects that have been accomplished because of generous donations to the Heritage Fund:
2018-2019 • Renovated high school classrooms, trophy case
and Mac Lab
• Replaced library, gym lobby, and fine arts carpet • Resurfaced cafetorium floor • Upgraded security components • Provided elementary school iPads and computers 28
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2019-2020 • Built new weight room facilities • Updated middle school classrooms • Replaced high school commons furniture • Updated campus landscaping
? 2020-2021
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Heritage Christian School Advancement Department at heritagefund@heritagechristian.net.
• Added air purification technology and water bottle fillers on campus • Upgraded elementary parking lot island and entrance landscaping • Upgraded technology for remote learning • Campus security enhancements
2021-2022
2022-2023
• Renovated the fine arts restrooms • Cafetorium bleachers replaced with theater seats • Phase 1 renovation of the elementary playground • Updated campus landscaping and signage
• New digital scoreboard at Al Leinbach Field • Established Zachary Warrick Discipleship Endowment • Invested in new equipment for fine arts program • Phase 2 of the elementary playground completed • Renovated high school restrooms Fall 2023 | Heritage Messenger
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FINE ARTS
FINEARTS Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Come see Heritage Christian School’s Fine Arts students bring the Broadway sensation NEWSIES to life November 9 – 11 at 7 p.m. Based on the real-life New York City newsboy strike of 1899, this modern musical brings history to life reminding us that children truly can change the world. When young newsies are exploited beyond reason by their money-hungry bosses they set out to enact change and are met by the ruthlessness of big business. Use this QR code for tickets/reservations. Tickets are available three weeks in advance; four weeks for patrons.
SCAN HERE Showtix4u.com
SAVE THE DATE 2023-2024 FALL/WINTER PERFORMANCE CALENDAR NOVEMBER
FEBRUARY
4 - Flavor of Jazz Fundraiser Concert 9-11 - Musical: Newsies 14 - Second Grade Patriotic Program*
3 - ISSMA District Vocal/Piano Solo and Ensemble 17 - ISSMA State Vocal Piano Solo and Ensemble 24 - ISSMA State Winds/Strings/PC Solo and Ensemble 24 - Circle the State with Song Choral Festival (IS/MS) 29 - Play: Macbeth
DECEMBER 5 - Third Grade Christmas Program* 6 - MS/HS Choral Christmas Concert 13 - MS/HS Instrumental Christmas Concert 14 - Sixth Grade Christmas Concert 20 - All School Christmas Concert JANUARY 11-13 - IMEA All State Ensembles / Concerts (in Fort Wayne) 27 - ISSMA Winds/Strings/PC District Solo & Ensemble
MARCH 1-2 - Play: Macbeth 8-9 - Fine Arts Festival 8 - K:12 Art Show Opening (6pm) 8 - Pops Concert 9 - Fine Arts Festival (10am-5pm) 9 - Broadway Night Fundraiser Concert 22 - Honors Band Day Concert 27-29 - HS Fine Arts Spring Tour, Nashville
All events begin at 7pm, unless otherwise noted. * = 1pm 30
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BECOME A FINE ARTS PATRON
F
ine arts patrons are active members of the Heritage Christian School community who desire to promote the arts through participation in the program as well as provide financial support. Your financial support will help enhance the current Fine Arts program by providing extra experiences like field trips, attending honors events or acquiring equipment that will enrich the activities in the music, theatre and art classrooms. We offer different levels of membership and invite interested families to contribute towards fine arts at Heritage in any way possible. All patrons will be recognized in every fine arts event program, unless indicated otherwise. For your privacy, we will not disclose the levels in the programs.
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT
BENEFITS
$100
Recognition in program
$250
Recognition in program and 2 seats in VIP seating at each program
$500
Recognition in program and 4 seats in VIP seating at each program
$1,000
Recognition in program and 8 seats in VIP seating at each program
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CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS At Heritage, we encourage our students to get involved in club and organizations to discover and pursue their passions outside the classroom. We know that these activities help students develop leadership skills and identify their spiritual gifts. There is something for everyone in our expansive offerings for students in intermediate through high school. Here is a list of our clubs and organizations:
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Mock Trial Robotics
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
“C” Rounded for Christ Mock Trial Robotics Student Council/Leadership Training
Bible and Book Studies Mock Trial National Honor Society (by invitation only) Robotics Student Government (by election)
Twelve Heritage students from our four high school mock trial teams helped create a training video for various schools around the state. Six students combined to form the Plaintiff team and another six comprised the Defense side. They were professionally filmed performing a complete trial in the Federal District courtroom of the Honorable James R. Sweeney.
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HCS Team Discord Won
the 2022 Indiana High School Mock Trial Championship
Our middle school Robotics team, 6210M, Aiden Leist, Caleb Jensen and Levi Gulledge, were named Teamwork Challenge Champions during the Indiana VEX State Championships held on March 25, 2023 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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ALUMNI
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Alumni Return to HCS to Serve
After spending four years in high school, most students graduate, go on to college or a career and don’t look back. After graduation, this group of Heritage alumni came back to HCS to serve our students.
Rachel (Roman) Thomas (’07), ESS
Reyna (Williams) Eckel (’17), 6th Grade Teacher Grant Gerig (’17), 4th Grade Teacher Jennifer (Griffin) Nutter (’88), 3rd Grade Teacher Matt Wiseman (’01), 5th Grade Teacher Juli (Huggler) Bauman (’79), Administrative Assistant Dawn (Baker) Bruh (’88), Strength and Conditioning Coach Beth (Armstrong) Cardozo (’92), Substitute Teacher Abigail Abbey (Leisure) Catton (’11), Early Childhood – Prep-K Teacher Rachel (Birky) Dinwiddie (’12), Substitute Teacher Ellen (Williamson) Frankham (’14), Elementary School STEM Teacher Lacy (Ells) Katterhenry (’93), Front Desk Receptionist Erin (Breiner) Nix (’07), Preschool Teacher Mary (Armstong) Patchett (’09), Library Assistant Debra (Bartemus) Scheffler (’04), Prep-K Teacher Kelly (Handt) Skinner (’97), Middle School/High School Teacher Kevin Terrell (’86), Facility Maintenance Support Shelly (Morris) Watt (’91), Yearbook
Faculty Married to a HCS Graduate Will Chivington and Becca (Goosman) Chivington ('05)
Tami Crabtree and Dale Crabtree (‘76)
Katherine Hamilton and Whitney Hamilton (‘07)
Nancy Jacobson and Tom Jacobson (‘80)
Pat LaPointe and Maria (Rinker) LaPointe (‘80)
Sara Molendorp and Jon Molendorp (‘93)
Dave Watt and Shelly (Morris) Watt (‘91)
Rhonda Williams and Bobby Williams (‘88)
Cassie Freije and Dean Freije (‘01)
Katie Jensen and Tim Jensen (‘95)
Sarah Klingerman and Jason Klingerman (‘93)
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Kim Everhart and Jason Everhart (‘99)
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Matt Vander Wiele and Abby (Stump) Vander Wiele (‘95)
Kyle Ray and Claire (Freeman) Ray (‘09)
HCS Alumni Faculty Married to Alumni Faculty
Lacy (Ells) Katterhenry ('93) and Kevin Katterhenry ('93) Juli (Huggler) Bauman ('79) and Jim Bauman ('79) Reyna (Williams) Eckel ('17) and Ross Eckel ('17) Erin (Breiner) Nix ('07) and Jon Nix ('09)
Meet Our Alumni ERIN (BRAHAM) HALL ’97 After graduating from Heritage in 1997, Erin (Braham) Hall wasn't planning to become an attorney but said that she “did leave with a sense of calling and purpose and the desire to always do my work, whatever it may be, to the Glory of God.” That calling has led to her current position as the Executive Director of Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, a faith-based organization that provides free legal services to those who cannot afford them in Indianapolis and throughout the state. She said that she enjoys working alongside staff and attorneys in providing legal services to those who have nowhere else to turn and seeing the joy on clients’ faces when successful outcomes are achieved.
JESSICA (LOGAN) HANDS ’07 Jessica Hands always planned on being a family physician, but during her senior year at Heritage, she says that God intervened and those plans changed. “I went in the operating room with my dad for a minor outpatient procedure and nearly passed out while watching.” She says that is when it became clear to her that the medical field would not be a good fit. After leaning into a friendship she had formed with her Spanish teacher, Beth Bergstrom, going on a mission trip to Honduras and excelling in her high school Spanish classes (earning Spanish awards for three of her four years), she pursued a double major in Spanish and English Education at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Before joining Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, Erin served the State of Indiana as a Staff Attorney and Program Director for 17 years. Her desire to help meet the unmet legal needs of lowincome families across the state is what excited her about the opportunity to join the clinic. Erin credits Heritage for equipping her with a strong foundation of faith and ability.
“Praying through a new direction helped make my life trajectory clear.” God had been providing Jessica with the answer and His plan for her life before she even knew that she needed it.
“At Heritage, I learned how to be strategic, collaborate well, and press on to the outcomes toward which the Spirit is leading us.”
Today, Jessica lives in Warrenville, Illinois and is a Spanish teacher and World Language head at Wheaton Academy in West Chicago and loves helping the next generation of Christ followers find Him in studying other people. “God is the God of all people, at all times, in all places!” Jessica looks forward to seeing all the work that He has started come to fruition at Wheaton Academy. Jessica looks back on her time at Heritage with
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deep appreciation, particularly for her science teacher, Mr. Terry, who helped spark an interest in human physiology forJessica and provided her with a God-loving, Christian education before she knew how much she would need and value it in the future.
“Before I started learning Spanish at Heritage, I viewed Spanish as purely an academic subject. But, as I learned the words and grammar and then traveled, God’s deeper purposes started to become even more clear.” JACOB MCBURNIE ‘99 As a student at Heritage Christian School, Jacob McBurnie was inspired to become a leader. After graduation, he attended Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. He landed his first job out of college in sales at Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc, the nation’s largest new and used bus dealer, and shortly after he pursued and earned his master’s in business administration (MBA) from Indiana Wesleyan University. Having started at Heritage as a Sophomore in High School, Jacob recalls that the academic adjustment was most challenging. “I learned quickly that there was an expectation of excellence at Heritage that was beyond what I had been accustomed to,” he said. “ Jacob has enjoyed a successful nearly 20-year career at Midwest Transit having worked in both sales and operations. He has even served as an operations manager at one of the company’s ten branch locations. In 2020, Jacob accepted his current position with the company as commercial sales director. “I enjoy providing leadership and direction to my immediate team, and also across departments and branches of our company.” He plans to continue growing as a leader and using his experience to mentor and develop those that work at his company.
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“That first year at Heritage was hard, but it helped me to reframe my expectations of myself, which has benefited me every step of life since then and continues to benefit me today.” ELLIE (PERKINS) PHILLIPS ’15 Like many high school seniors, after graduating from Heritage, Ellie (Perkins) Phillips was not exactly sure what she wanted to do for a career after college. She went on to major in business management at Taylor University and found that she enjoyed accounting. She said that accounting is like trying to solve one giant puzzle. After graduating from Taylor, Ellie earned her designation as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and is currently a Senior Associate at nationally recognized Top 100 CPA firm, Katz, Sapper & Miller (KSM) in Indianapolis. She enjoys the growing responsibility that she has in her role with KSM where she regularly interacts with clients and coworkers, while still preparing and reviewing tax returns, and expanding her technical expertise. While Ellie did not take any accounting classes at Heritage, she does credit Heritage for preparing her for a successful career. She also recalls the fun she had as part of the Girls’ Basketball team that won two state championships! As far as her future goals, Ellie hopes to continue to grow in her technical accounting knowledge while also growing relationally through leadership opportunities, “all while showing others the love of Jesus.”
“Heritage taught me critical thinking and communications skills that were helpful through college and continue to help in my career today.”
MATTHEW SIMPSON ’03 While attending Heritage, Matthew Simpson discovered his desire to serve others and make an impact in their lives. Heritage is also where he met his wife of 15 years, Jamie (Woodburn) ('03), and says meeting her was the best thing that happened to him at Heritage. After graduation, Matthew continued his education at Indiana University (IU) where he earned his bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and international business. After a few years in the workforce, he entered the MBA program at Duke University, where he earned a master’s in health sector management and corporate finance. Matthew spent seven years as a consultant advising large academic health systems around the country and has held several roles throughout
the past six years in Laboratory Administration and Support Services before taking on his current role as Vice President, Talent Acquisition at IU Health. In addition to his role at IU Health, Matthew also serves on the board of directors for Coram Deo Academy in Carmel, where three of his five children attend. When asked what he loves most about his role in Human Resources at IU Health, Matthew said, “I love improving processes and making sure people have the resources and support they need to be successful.” He finds joy in working for an organization whose mission is to improve the health of our communities. In the near term, Matthew plans to stay at IU Health where he is focused on attracting great team members to a variety of open positions.
From his time at Heritage, Matthew recalls “the wonderful teachers who invested so much in our lives” and attributes his Heritage education for positioning him well for college.
In Loving Memory
Robert “Bob” Porter | January 2, 1927 – September 15, 2023
Pictured here, at the 1966 groundbreaking for Heritage Christian School, are (left to right): Robert Porter, Donald Best, Dale Malcomson, Walter Best and Leonard Hunt
We are saddened to announce that on September 15, 2023, Heritage Christian School founding member, Robert “Bob” Porter passed from this life into the presence of his Lord and Savior. Bob served on the HCS Board of Directors from 1965 – 1981 with one of his lifelong friends, Walter E. Best. Bob married his sweetheart,
Opal Patricia (“Patty”) Boring, in 1953 and they had four children, Mark ('72), Mary (Deitrick) ('73), Beth and Barth. Services were held on September 22, 2023. Our deepest condolences are with Bob’s family and we are forever grateful for his service to Heritage Christian School.
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HERITAGE FACULTY & STAFF 137 TEACHERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
HAVE K 41 AT HCS IDS
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Our teachers, faculty and staff are committed to upholding the mission, vision and values of HCS. They are dedicated to biblical integration within degrees each subject, as well as have advanced investing in the discipleship and mentorship of students. At HCS:
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137 TEACHERS
137 TEACHERS HAVE KI
D 1 14 AT HCS S V E KID A 1H S 4 AT HCS 1
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have advanced degrees
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FACULTYNancy Awabdy & STAFF Meet our new sixth grade
instructional aide, Nancy Awabdy. Although Nancy always wanted to become a teacher, jobs in the field were more difficult to get when she was in college, so she decided to pursue a different career path. She earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Murray State University and then a teaching certificate from the University of Texas at Brownsville. God quickly led Nancy back to pursuing her passion for teaching and she has been in the classroom with students for the past 25 years. In her role at Heritage, Nancy wants to speak into the lives of students, staff and families so that they know that they are loved. “I want to encourage them where they are in life− whether a student, teacher, parent, or anything else.”
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Jim is also a certified K9 handler. After completing a six-week training program with Vohn Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana,degrees Jim earned his K9 handler certification have advanced and was able to bring his K9 partner, Krisz, home with him. advanced degrees In hishave role at Heritage, Jim strives every day to keep the campus safe and secure. “Every day, I work to ensure that the students, faculty and staff have a safe environment in which to learn and grow.”
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have advanced degrees This school year, many new faces are filling our halls and speaking into the lives of our students each day. You can learn more about our teachers and staff at FACULTY &heritagechristian.net/teachers. STAFF
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Jim Hunt Welcome Safety and Security Manager, Jim Hunt. Jim is particularly happy to have joined the Heritage community as it feeds his passion for serving and teaching. As Jim says, “I had intended to become a teacher out of college, but God had another plan and that 137 TEACHERS led me into law enforcement.” He attended Purdue University and both the Ohio and Indiana 137 TEACHERS Law Enforcement Academies. Since becoming part of law enforcement, Jim has earned his certifications to teach law enforcement agencies across the state.
FACULTY & STAFF
Karen Jolliff Meet High School Biology Teacher, Karen Jolliff. In her classroom, Karen wants to help students connect biology with the Creator of the universe. “I want them to see that God designed it all so perfectly that you can see His hand print in everything.”
Karen earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and her master’s degree in biology education from Western Governors University. Outside of work, Karen enjoys photography and baking. She credits one of her Baptist Bible College professors as her greatest inspiration. She showed love to her students and invested in more than just the educational aspect of their lives. “She showed us how to live our lives for the Lord in the ups and downs.”
Kirsten Lopez Welcome Preschool teacher, Kirsten Lopez. Mrs. Lopez is excited to help children in her classroom experience the love of Jesus Christ and start a relationship with Him. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Taylor University and credits her church, Hamilton Hills, with connecting her to Heritage. Outside of work, Mrs. Lopez enjoys hanging out with her husband and their friends. They enjoy playing pickleball, volleyball, going on walks, being at the pool and many other outdoor activities. Rachel Miller Welcome to Heritage, Kindergarten Teacher, Rachel Miller. Mrs. Miller recently moved to Indianapolis from Atlanta, Georgia and is excited for herself and her two boys, Eli (1st grade) and Theo (Prep-K) to join the Heritage community. She earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. In her role at Heritage, Mrs. Miller is striving to expand God’s kingdom through the gifts He has given her as an educator. In her spare time, she enjoys activities with her kids such as gardening, baking and sewing. J.K. Stevens, Ph.D. Meet Dr. J.K. Stevens, Director of Biblical Worldview Integration at Heritage. Dr. Stevens has dedicated his entire life and career to serving God, serving others, and passing along his passion for Christ to students and families. God called Dr. Stevens into the ministry as a teenager, and he attended Bible college after high school. After Bible college, he went into Christian education at the church level until 1990 when he was asked to lead the start of a Christian school. He has been involved with Christian schools and the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI) in a variety of ways ever since. Dr. Stevens earned his Master of Arts
and Master of Religious Education degrees from Lincoln Christian University and Ph.D. from Columbia International University. While serving in the Christian school environment, Dr. Stevens became involved in a worldview project that turned into his teaching worldview in a variety of settings, completing the Colson Centurion program in 2010, and then starting the Indianapolis Colson Fellows Cohort in 2022. Dr. Stevens joined Heritage’s Board of Directors in 2009, served as Chairman of the Board for two and a half years, moved to Chicago for a few years, and then came back to Heritage as Interim Head of School in 2022. In his new role at Heritage, Dr. Stevens will be working to ensure that we are building a firm biblical foundation in instruction and discipleship. Jimmy Schantz Welcome to Heritage, high school English teacher, Jimmy Schantz. Mr. Schantz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Creative Writing from Taylor University and then took a few years sabbatical to research and write a story that he is working to get published. Mr. Schantz wants his students to be both knowledgeable and thoughtful writers – a concept he refers to as “deep thinking.” He hopes that students learn and practice the concept of deep thinking so that they can gain an appreciation for the writing process as they continue their writing and academic journeys. In his free time, Mr. Schantz loves following sports (he’s a proud Iowa Hawkeyes fan), spending time outdoors and road-tripping around the U.S.
“EVERY DAY, I WORK TO ENSURE THAT THE STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF HAVE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO LEARN AND GROW.” − JIM HUNT Safety and Security Manager
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6401 E. 75th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250
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