Heritage Messenger - Spring 2025

SPRING 2025

FUELING THE FUTURE HCS Unveils New Media & Innovation Center

SPRING 2025

HERITAGE MESSENGER SPRING 2025

from Head of School 03 Message Dr. Brian Dougherty

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Discipleship HCS Wins 2024 Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Challenge

the Future 12 Fueling HCS Unveils New Media & Innovation Center

MESSENGER STAFF Gary Roebbelen, Executive Editor Becca Lindley, Managing Editor & Head Writer Jeremy Nutter, Photographer Viktoria Rock, Photographer Priority Press, Design messenger@heritagechristian.net

& Organizations 18 Clubs Robotics and Mock Trial

heritagechristian.net/messenger

& Staff 26 Faculty Making a Difference

29 Athletics Glorify God. Play Hard. Have Fun. Arts 36 Fine Celebrating Fine Arts Students’ Success Arts Student Spotlight 42 Fine Boundless Creativity: Lucy Gard’s Art Journey Fellowship (PTF) 45 Parent-Teacher Fun Run is Coming Soon

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48 Alumni Alumni Spotlights

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the past year, the F orLeadership Team has

embarked on a journey to seek God’s direction for Heritage Christian School for the next 5-7 years through a strategic planning process. Included in the plan will be specific initiatives where we are asking God to direct our efforts in the areas of advancement, finance, site planning and facilities, academics, student life, people, and discipleship. These represent our core areas of ministry. I am looking forward to sharing this visionary plan with the school family by the beginning of school in August.

Message DR. BRIAN from

DOUGHERTY HEAD OF SCHOOL

Spring 2025 | Heritage Messenger

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HEAD OF SCHOOL

FUELING TRANSFORMATIONAL EDUCATION The area of this plan that is closest to my heart is discipleship.

At Heritage, we define discipleship as leading students to be like Jesus. Our mission states clearly that we exist to glorify God through the discipleship of students. It has been a part of our DNA since our inception.

Thirty-five years ago, I answered God’s call on my life to become a Christian school educator for this very reason—I wanted to influence my students to follow in the footsteps of Christ. This path is not an easy one, but it’s the only one that truly matters. Jesus painted this picture in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Words like deny, cross, and follow are not readily embraced by our human nature nor our culture. Regardless, it is the call of every Christian, and it is the path to life (John 14:6)!

Dr. JK Stevens, the Director of Biblical Worldview Formation at Heritage, has been meeting with members of our Leadership Team, and specifically, Discipleship Director, Pastor Ken Shutt, and processing his work of overseeing worldview formation in the classroom and how it interfaces with our discipleship efforts. Our discussions have expanded to include the intersection of Bible teaching, the formation of a Biblical worldview, and the thriving of discipleship. Too often, these areas have operated as silos in the Christian faith including the Christian school. We wanted to take a closer look at how to better unite these areas to inform the spiritual training of our students. The outgrowth of these discussions has been the assembling of a committee of faculty members to begin the work of creating a comprehensive spiritual formation plan for our students K-12. We are calling the process Reimagining Discipleship. The work of this committee is important to the future of our school.

The fundamental question driving this work is, “What does it take to flourish as a follower of Jesus Christ in the world in which we live?” There is a lot to this question! I am grateful that addressing it is not the sole responsibility of Heritage Christian School. It is the primary responsibility of Christian parents and the local Bible-believing church which families choose to assist them in the training of their children.

Heritage stands as another partner in this divine calling. In fact, the school is strategically placed in the lives of students because they spend the most time with us each week. We want to make sure that we are maximizing this opportunity to the fullest in a culture that is waging war over the hearts and minds of young people. This is the impetus for this effort to reimagine discipleship. Ultimately, we want to raise a generation of Daniels and Esthers to not only withstand the tide of secular ideology and culture, but to engage it and help transform it!

The plan will not serve as a checklist but as an intentional, multi-faceted approach to reach and move our students along the path to spiritual maturity.

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It will seek to equip our students to grow deeper in their understanding of the Bible that ultimately leads them to knowing God more fully and receiving by faith His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

The work includes a review of the impact and application of our Bible curriculum and potential revisions that may need to be made in an effort to prepare students for dealing with and engaging the culture in the 21st century. The plan will also be designed to increase our effectiveness in making connections between Biblical truth and all of the disciplines we teach through curriculum development and lesson planning. In the end, we want our students to see and gauge the world through the lens of Scripture. Finally, the plan will seek to enhance discipleship efforts whereby teachers, staff members, and coaches are empowered to make meaningful connections with students in a life-on-life approach to spiritual impact.

These three elements of the plan line up well with our desire to teach, mentor, and train our students to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

I am excited about the work of our spiritual formation plan committee and its transformational effect on our students in the years to come. Please pray with me to that end that not only will our strategic plan be God’s next steps for our school, but that our new spiritual formation plan will prepare our students to take ground for the Kingdom of God in the culture in which they are growing up!

Brian Dougherty

Dr. Brian Dougherty

Thirty-five years ago, I answered God’s call on my life to become a Christian school educator...I wanted to influence my students to follow in the footsteps of Christ.

Dr. Brian Dougherty

Head of School

Fall 2024 | Heritage Messenger

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DISCIPLESHIP

DISCIPLESHIP HCS WINS 2024 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX CHALLENGE

1,911

We are excited to share that Heritage won the 2024 Christian School Shoebox Challenge for Operation BOXES Christmas Child (OCC) sponsored by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and PACKED Samaritan’s Purse. This competition was open to all Christian schools in the U.S. Heritage entered the competition, enlisting the help of our whole school community from Preschool through 12th grade, by kicking off the collection challenge during National Collection Week November 18 – 25, 2024.

The rules of this challenge were for each school to collect more shoeboxes than the previous year, show the most OCC spirit, and create an artistic project that would show the school’s commitment to OCC and the gospel message.

We hosted many competitions and offered incentives such as cookies and cocoa and the opportunity to duct tape a principal to the wall! The students and their families jumped at the opportunity to rally together to pack shoeboxes. Along the way we hosted Justin Thomas, a former recipient of an OCC shoebox as a child, who inspired the students with his personal story of what a shoebox meant to him and how it strengthened his relationship with Jesus.

At the end of collection week, students prayed together and joyfully carried boxes across campus, displaying compassion and generosity in action. When final results were tallied, Heritage had packed 1,911 boxes, which shattered our goal and was 500 more than last year! In addition, we submitted pictures and videos that showcased the students’ creativity and

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generosity. Within two days, Heritage was informed that we had been chosen as one of the three winners of the shoebox challenge. The prize for the winning schools was for our project leader, Ken Shutt, and a student with his or her parent to attend a vision trip where they would be able to hand out shoeboxes and witness the ministry of OCC firsthand.

DELIVERING HOPE AND SHARING THE GOSPEL IN PERU Noelle Jones Wins Life-Changing Experience

As one of the awards for winning the Christian School Challenge, the project manager, one student, and his or her parent could attend a vision trip in February to help deliver OCC shoeboxes. Shoeboxes have been delivered to Peru for decades, enabling more than five million children to hear the Gospel. But this year marked a groundbreaking milestone: for the first time, the Gospel reached an isolated group known as the Shipibo-Konibo people. It was also the first time that an HCS student was selected to help distribute shoeboxes to the recipients.

To select just one HCS student from all who participated in packing shoeboxes was not easy. “We started by initiating a brief application process, followed by a random drawing held during lunch,” said Ken Shutt, project manager and HCS Discipleship Director. Eleventh grade student, Noelle Jones, was selected for this life-changing experience.

On February 10, 2025, Noelle, her mother, Cassie, and HCS Discipleship Director, Ken Shutt, traveled from Indianapolis to Miami where they met up with the rest of the Peruserving team, which included three schools that had won the Shoebox Challenge, two team leaders, and a few youth pastors. When the team arrived in Peru, they were joined by a few translators, as well as several other teams from around the world to begin partnering with local churches and sharing the gospel. While in Peru, Noelle and the team traveled throughout the city ministering to kids from Lima.

Noelle, Cassie, and Ken also had the opportunity to join with other teams in outreach events where they went to local churches and used materials from Samaritan’s Purse to share a gospel presentation with children. “The churches went all-in on these outreach events to make it fun and inviting for the kids,” said Ken. The kids enjoyed skits, music, mascots, and dancing and the gospel was shared through a storybook.

“Although everything was in Spanish, it was incredible to follow along and see God’s truth come alive within the kids,” said Noelle.

After the gospel story was shared, the OCC shoeboxes were handed out to the children. “As the kids opened their boxes, there was such a joy that could be seen and felt,” said Noelle.

Ken and Noelle even got to throw a football back and forth to show one young boy all about American football.

Another inspiring opportunity for the team was participating in a discipleship class, where lesson two of The Greatest Journey*, which is about the effect of sin on the world and in our lives, was shared with children. Jesus was shown to be the answer for sin in that He died to forgive us and allow us to live new lives of obedience.

At each location they attended, Noelle, Cassie, and Ken, along with their teams, were privileged to pray with and for each church that they served in. “We were able to pray for the pastors, youth workers, and the families of each church,” said Ken. “That was such a blessing to do, but to our surprise, each church made sure that before we left that they prayed for us as well,” he added. While they weren’t travelling around the city and helping churches, the teams spent time fellowshipping with one another. “We were truly blessed to rub shoulders with brothers and sisters in Christ from California to South Carolina,” said Ken. “We came in as strangers but left as family!”

* The Greatest Journey is a 12-lesson discipleship course designed for OCC shoebox recipients.

Spring 2025 | Heritage Messenger

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DISCIPLESHIP

One of the highlights for me was at our first stop when I was able to help a 10-year-old boy play a harmonica. He had no idea what it was or how to use it, but once I showed him how it was meant to be used, he put it to his mouth and began to make music. As soon as the music began to come out of the harmonica, his eyes lit up and the joy that flowed from him was unforgettable. Such a simple thing made such a huge impact!

-Ken Shutt OCC Project Manager and HCS Discipleship Director

During my visit to Peru, I enjoyed participating in the outreach events organized by Operation Christmas Child. These events provided an opportunity for me to witness the churches’ children’s ministry volunteers sharing the Gospel and engaging the children with songs and skits. Afterward, I was so blessed to be able to distribute the OCC shoeboxes to the children, and I also had the chance to interact with them.

-Noelle Jones HCS 11th Grade Student

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

Mark 16:15

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At each location they attended, Noelle, Cassie, and Ken, along with their teams, were privileged to pray with and for each church that they served in.

OCC shoeboxes were handed out after the gospel story was shared.

Noelle, Cassie, and Ken traveled to Peru to personally distribute shoeboxes collected and packed by the HCS community.

Noelle, Cassie, and Ken joined other teams in fun outreach events at local churches.

Through OCC, Samaritan’s Purse provides local worldwide partners with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

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DEEPENING OUR FAITH DURING SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK At Heritage, we keep God at the center all year round, but during the week of January 20, 2025, our middle and high school students took a deeper dive into His word, reflected on His presence, and lifted His name in praise. Daily chapels and other activities inspired students to strengthen their relationship with God and grow closer to Him in their spiritual walk. “This is an opportunity set aside twice a year for our faculty and staff to intentionally emphasize spiritual development and community connection, while pouring the Word of God into our students,” said Ken Shutt, Discipleship Director.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS START THE DAY WITH MORNING WORSHIP Several times this school year, our high school students have gathered in the Commons for a powerful time of student-led worship before the school day begins. It has been a blessing to hear and see voices lifted in praise, hearts encouraged, and Christ glorified.

MEDIA & INNOVATION CENTER (THE MIC)

THE

FUELING FUTURE HCS Unveils New Media & Innovation Center (The MIC)

I

nnovation has a new home at Heritage! The Media & Innovation Center (The MIC) is where creativity, technology, and hands-on learning come together. Our new MIC will serve multiple purposes for our intermediate, middle, and high school students.

With cutting-edge space for engineering, robotics, and computer science, plus tools and resources for art, media, math, and physics students, the MIC is designed to inspire the next generation of innovators. “The global demand for STEM-related careers is growing and Heritage wants to provide our students with opportunities to grow within this field of study. Our hope is to use this facility to develop students capable of entering STEM-related careers,” said Jesse Burgess, High School Principal.

According to the National Science Foundation, 80% of future jobs will require STEM-related skills and we also know that students who are engaged in STEM programs at school are more likely to pursue STEM careers.

That’s what makes this new center such an exciting addition to our campus. Our HCS faculty and staff are committed to preparing students to be successful in our technology-driven world and the MIC is designed to provide opportunities for our students to explore and learn – about STEM and STEMrelated careers – through hands-on experiences.

The MIC will serve as the new hub for engineering and computer science classes and is the new home base for our school’s growing robotics program. “There is more storage space for the growing number of parts, tools and robots that are part of our school’s robotics program,” said Heritage VEX Robotics Director, Kathy Meyers. The Center also houses a new XTool laser cutter, which allows teams to use customcut plastic parts for their robots, as well as a new Bambu lab 3D printer. The classroom has a set of laptop computers and iPads that our teams can use for programming, timing, and to take a video or photographs for documentation.

The MIC also houses a new XTool laser cutter, which allows teams to use custom-cut plastic parts for their robots, as well as a new Bambu lab 3D printer.

MEDIA & INNOVATION CENTER (THE MIC)

THE JOURNEY OF INNOVATION

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Spring 2025 | Heritage Messenger

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MEDIA & INNOVATION CENTER (THE MIC)

The beautifully updated library portion of The MIC will continue cultivating a love of reading.

Mrs. Houghton, our Media Center Specialist, does a fantastic job guiding students towards books that will interest and challenge them.

The MIC will provide the space for our teams to highlight and showcase their work during open houses and tournaments but is also more visible to the community as the teams practice after school.

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Heritage Hosts Elementary and Middle School VEX IQ Robotics Competitions in the New MIC During the weekend of January 18, 2025, more than 35 teams competed in the Elementary School VEX IQ Robotics Competition with Heritage representing nine of the teams including:

6210E-Elementals 6210G-Great Goats 6210K-Klownz

6210S-Spicy Chili Dogs 6210T-T-VEX 6210V-Vipers

6210W-Warriors 6210X-Xtreme Team 6210Y-Yetis

Six of the Heritage elementary teams (6210S, 6210K, 6210V, 6210X, 6210T, 6210E) finished in the top 10 after the qualification matches and moved on to the final matches. The alliance of 6210V and 6210X won the tournament and were crowned Teamwork Champions.

6210X also won the Excellence Award, 6210Y was awarded the Judges Award, and 6210K was awarded the Innovate Award.

Two of the Heritage middle school teams (6210H and 6210A) finished qualifications ranked 1st and 6th and moved to the final matches. 6210A finished the finals matched in 2nd and the 6210H finished 4th.

6210H-Halapeños won the Excellence Award and was also crowned the Skill Champion with a score of 308 points.

6210A-Absolute Sigmas finished a strong 2nd in skills and was also recognized with the Think Award.

TEAM 6210D

TEAM 6210X

On February 22, 2025, HCS hosted our first VEX IQ Elementary School/Middle School blended robotics tournament in the new MIC with 24 teams, and our 10 Heritage teams had a fantastic showing! 6210R finished 2nd in Teamwork, 6210S finished 3rd in Teamwork and 2nd in Robot Skills, 6210V finished in 4th place, and 6210G and 6210M finished in 5th place.

TEAM 6210A

TEAM 6210R | TEAM 6210S | TEAM 6210V TEAM 6210G | TEAM 6210M

TEAM 6210H

Spring 2025 | Heritage Messenger

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CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

HERITAGE A Fun, Interactive Opportunity for Student Growth and Hands-On Learning Heritage, Robotics is more than just building robots. It’s a unique competitive learning program that combines A tscience, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Heritage Robotics spans 5th – 12th grade and includes more than 100 students. Students develop the following skills:

Hands-On Learning By building and programming robots, students apply real-world engineering and coding skills versus textbookonly learning, Competitions and Teamwork Our students participate in year-round VEX Robotics competitions where teams design robots to complete specific challenges. These events promote teamwork, strategy, and innovation. Our teams compete for state, national, and world championship qualifications. You can view our school’s achievements on our website at heritagechristian.net/robotics.

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Students tackle real-world challenges, learn how to troubleshoot, test ideas, and think critically to improve their designs.

Advanced Technology Gaining experience with tools like 3D printing, AI, sensors, and automation, our program is preparing students for future STEM careers.

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FUELING INNOVATION Q&A with Kathy Meyers

Kathy Meyers

MS & HS PLTW Engineering & Computer Science Teacher HCS VEX Robotics Director High School VEX Robotics Coordinator

Q: WHAT MAKES OUR ROBOTICS PROGRAM SPECIAL? A: Our program isn’t just about building robots—it’s about teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.

Q: WHICH ROBOTICS COMPETITIONS DOES HCS PARTICIPATE IN? A: Our teams compete in VEX Robotics, which is the world’s largest and fastest growing school robotics program globally. Our elementary and middle school robotics teams participate in the VEX IQ Robotics platform, and our high school teams participate in the VEX VRC Robotics platform.

Q: WHAT EXCITES YOU THE MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH STUDENTS IN ROBOTICS? A: I absolutely love working with the robotics students. These are students who love to learn. They are inquisitive, creative, and driven problem-solvers.

They are always ready to figure out how something works, and then how to make it work better.

Q: CAN YOU SHARE A STANDOUT MOMENT FROM THIS YEAR’S ROBOTICS EVENTS?

Q: WHY DO YOU BELIEVE ROBOTICS IS IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS TODAY?

A: Competition Robotics takes a lot of perseverance, patience, and grit.

Things rarely work the first time or even the 37th time. We had a middle school team that went to a tournament recently and they had a rough start, barely making it to the finals, but they ended up winning the tournament and a bid to the State Championship! It would have been very easy for the team to get discouraged early on and give up, but they stuck with it, worked together and with other teams, and their hard work paid off. This is how the team’s coach, Jonathan Manbeck, described the day:

A: Competition Robotics is so important for our students because it truly is a place where academic learning meets practical, hands-on skill building. It is then combined with the important development of teamwork and communication skills.

“Today was full of ups and downs.

At one point, they didn’t even think they’d make it to the finals (top 18 teams). They finished the qualifying rounds in 14th place. In the finals, they were paired with the perfect companion bot that helped them score the second highest score of the day! Such a sweet victory. They were so grateful for the support from all of the other Heritage teams. We LOVE this school!”

Q: HOW WILL THE NEW MEDIA & INNOVATION CENTER HELP SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL’S ROBOTICS EFFORTS? A: Our new MIC gives our growing robotics program a more permanent home base that allows collaboration among our different age groups as well as more visibility within the Heritage community. We now have a state-of-the-art facility where we can host other schools for more frequent smaller tournaments.

Spring 2025 | Heritage Messenger

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CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

REFLECTING ON ROBOTICS A Student’s Story

Seth Buening 12th grade Team: 6210T

I

joined robotics in 4th grade because I was interested in the challenge of programming and developing a robot to complete a task each year. I started programming at a very young age, but when I joined, I was more interested in overcoming the challenge. It is helpful to join a team with at least one person who has been in robotics for a while. The older members can help the new people get adjusted to the setting. My genetic algorithm is my most favorite thing I’ve created. The goal is for it to train a neural network to optimize a single skills route. Currently, the algorithm is developing to become better and better at training the AI. The current method employs reinforcement learning.

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Mock Trial Fostering Critical Thinkers and Future Leaders Trial at HCS is a unique opportunity for students to work side-by-side with local, real-life attorneys and other M ock professionals as their coaches to prepare a fictional civil or criminal case or trial at regional and state competitions. It

offers students hands-on experience in the legal field while fostering critical skills that go beyond traditional classroom learning.

Here are a few of the many skills students gain by participating in our Mock Trial program: Critical Thinking and Public Speaking As they research cases, build arguments, and respond to questions in a courtroom setting, students sharpen their critical thinking abilities and they enhance their public speaking skills by presenting their arguments to judges and juries.

Teamwork and Collaboration Mock Trial teams foster collaboration as students work together in teams of six to eight to prepare and strategize for the legal case. This also helps foster teamwork and communication skills.

Confidence and Leadership Taking on roles that require public speaking and decision-making helps build self-confidence, leadership abilities, and the courage to take on challenging tasks.

College and Career Preparation Participating in Mock Trial can be beneficial for students interested in pursuing careers in law, public service, or politics.

And it provides an impressive extracurricular activity for college applications.

Mock Trial challenges students to analyze cases, argue in court, and think on their feet, all while developing public speaking, teamwork, and critical reasoning skills. HCS has a strong legacy of success, including a 2022 state championship and regular top10 state finishes.

WHO CAN JOIN? High School Mock Trial is open to students in grades 9-12.

The season runs from mid-October through early March.

Practices are held after school on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:45 to 6 p.m. Starting in January, additional Saturday morning practices are scheduled from 9 a.m. until noon or a little later to ensure that all teams are well-prepared for the competitions. Competitions occur on weekends in February and March.

Students often say one of the best aspects of Mock Trial is how all the fun, laughter, and bonding with teammates developed through intense practices and trials, results in memories and friendships that will last a lifetime!

Middle School Mock Trial is open to students in grades 6-8 and is an 8-week after school club to serve as an introduction to the program.

For more information on Heritage’s Mock Trial program, contact Janice Houghton, Mock Trial Coach, at janice.houghton@heritagechristian.net.

Spring 2025 | Heritage Messenger

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CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

MOCK TRIAL IN ACTION Throughout the year, our Mock Trial students work hard to prepare their cases and sharpen their skills. From crafting case strategies to mastering the art of persuasion, students gain invaluable experience in logical reasoning, public speaking, and teamwork.

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, all five HCS Mock Trial teams competed in the Indianapolis Regional. Over the last several years the Indy Regional has become the largest and most competitive Regional in all of Indiana with a total of 24 teams, half of which are top contenders each year. Three HCS teams qualified for and one team earned a wildcard spot at the State Finals on March 8 - 9, 2025.

Peas in a Podcast

Throwing Shade

Quinncidental

The all-Junior team, Peas in a Podcast, qualified for the Indiana Mock Trial State Finals. Individual Award Winners: Carmon Bates - Best Attorney and Willem Hobson - Best Witness

The Junior/Senior combo team, Throwing Shade, qualified for the Indiana Mock Trial State Finals. Individual Award Winners: Madeline Fulton - Best Attorney Brayden Warrick - Best Attorney & Best Witness

Our 9th/10th grade combo team, Quinncidental, qualified for the Indiana Mock Trial State Finals. Individual Award Winners: Juliana Winn - Best Attorney Brody Cloud - Best Witness

Beautiful People After defeating two of the top five teams in the Indy Regional and putting up a tough fight against the 2nd place team, the all-senior team, Beautiful People, earned a wildcard spot in the Indiana Mock Trial State Finals. Individual Award Winners: Abby Dixon - Best Attorney, Caroline Meyers - Best Witness

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Fishin’4Justice The Freshman Mock Trial Team, Fishin’4Justice, delivered an impressive performance, earning 727 points—an outstanding achievement that showcased their skill and dedication.

Individual Award Winners: Katelyn Smiley - Best Attorney, Simon Smith - Best Witness

The Results Are In HCS Teams Raised the Bar in Mock Trial State Competition

Congratulations to our HCS Mock Trial teams who competed in the State Finals March 8 - 9, 2025. This year marked the fifth consecutive year that Heritage has had a team finish in the Top 4. Mock Trial is made possible with support from the Indiana Bar Foundation who sponsors the annual Regional and State Mock Trial Competitions.

Quinncidental

Beautiful People

Throwing Shade

Peas in a Podcast

Faced off against the defending State Champions

Won 7th place overall

Split ballots in each round

Won 3rd place overall

Best Attorney: Julliana Winn (3x) (also one of the Top 10 attorneys) Best Witness: Makayla Sanders

Best Attorney: Abby Dixon (also one of the Top 10 attorneys)

Best Attorney: Madeline Fulton, Kaleb Mahoney & Sage Tousey

Best Attorney: Carmon Bates (3x) (also one of the Top 10 attorneys)

Best Witness: Preston Angus (2x) (also one of the Top 10 witnesses)

Best Witness: Madeline Fulton, Kaleb Mahoney & Brayden Warrick (2x) (also Top 10 witnesses)

Best Witness: Ethan Kritsch & Willem Hobson

Janice Houghton, Mock Trial Coordinator, had impressive thoughts on each team and their achievements. Houghton mentioned “The young team of freshman and sophomores on Quinncidental gained valuable experience facing tough competition showing bright promise for the future.” “Although Beautiful People lost to the 2nd place team in their first trial, they bounced back to win their next two trials and ‘tie’ in the final trial.” “Throwing Shade faced the 2nd place team and won one ballot. They also nearly swept the Attorney & Witness award in the individual trials winning 7 out of 8.” “One of the first round trial judges said she thought Peas in a Podcast should be in the Championship - calling their first trial ‘one of the best she had ever observed.”

No matter where a team ranks at the end of a competition, every single team member has gained valuable life skills in analytical reading and thinking, poise and confidence, public speaking, the ability to “think on your feet” and how to stand firm in the face of opposition.

What wonderful skills to equip our students to be powerful witnesses of God’s grace in our contentious world!

-Janice Houghton HCS Mock Trial Coordinator

Spring 2025 | Heritage Messenger

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NOW OPEN!

EAGLES SPIRIT STORE OPEN 8AM - 4PM | MONDAY - FRIDAY*

We’re proud to introduce our new spirit store — a perfect opportunity to show off your Eagles pride with stylish and high-quality gear. Whether you’re looking for something to wear, carry, or gift, there’s something for everyone.

The Eagle Spirit Store is now open in the lobby of our new Administration Building, located at Kitley and 75th St. This exciting addition offers a great selection of apparel, drinkware, accessories, and much more.

Please note that we are currently accepting card payments only.

Don’t miss out — gear up, Eagles! *On days when school is in session.

BRAND NEW STORE | MORE OPTIONS | SHOP IN-PERSON

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Shop online at heritagechristian.net/store

FACULTY & STAFF

HERITAGE FACULTY & STAFF MAKING A DIFFERENCE Our teachers and staff are what make Heritage so special. They are committed, sacrificial servants and mentors who care for our students. With an emphasis on discipleship, our faculty and staff strive to build a strong Biblical foundation in all students where children know the truth of the Bible in every aspect of their lives and every subject they are taught. Meet some of our team below and learn more at heritagechristian.net/academics/teachers.

Will Chivington 5th - 7th Grade STEM Teacher Meet Will Chivington, one of our talented STEM teachers for grades 5–7 at Heritage. After spending most of his career in the banking industry and 14 years as a youth leader at his church, Will felt a strong calling to work with students full-time.

In his classroom, he emphasizes perseverance and problemsolving. Faith is central to Will’s approach at HCS. “I pray each and every day that God gives me His eyes and helps me love the students the way He does.” Will loves building relationships with students and helping them grow in their faith. “Getting to know students on a deeper level and fostering their relationship with Jesus through discipleship is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.” He has a special connection to Heritage: his wife is 2005 graduate Becca Goosen Chivington and their children attend HCS. Abi Kasey 2nd Grade Teacher Abi Kasey always knew she wanted to be an educator. “I LOVE Christian education,” she shares, reflecting on her own experience growing up in a Christian school. After teaching for five years in southeastern Kentucky’s public school system, a divine meeting between her husband and a stranger led to Abi’s joining HCS. Abi brings both passion and excellence to her classroom. “In my classroom at HCS, I strive to teach and prepare students to glorify God with their whole lives by building a Biblical worldview and providing a high-quality, competitive education.” Abi’s most rewarding experiences come from watching her students grow—not only in academics but also in their understanding and application of Biblical principles.

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Rick Madsen High School Math Teacher High school math teacher, Rick Madsen, brings a wealth of life experience and a deep passion for teaching and faith to the classroom.

He focuses primarily on Geometry and AP Statistics for sophomore to senior students. Rick’s unique journey to Heritage began after college where he taught middle school math in Botswana through the Peace Corps.

Eventually, his career led him to statistical work with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission where he analyzed fisheries data. A move to Indiana led him to Heritage where he has found a truly fulfilling role. His goal is to create an engaging environment where students grow not only academically but also spiritually, in their relationships with each other and with God. His favorite part of working at Heritage is his students.

Caroline Wozniak 6th Grade Langauge Arts Teacher Growing up in the public school system, Caroline Wozniak felt a calling to teach during her junior year of high school and initially envisioned a career in public education. However, early on, she realized two things: she was passionate about teaching 6th grade language arts, and she felt led to transition to a private Christian school.

After a few years of waiting and praying, God led Caroline to Heritage!

In her classroom, Caroline strives to create an environment where students feel comfortable to learn, make mistakes, and grow in Christ with one another. This focus on spiritual and academic growth is central to her teaching philosophy.

Caroline finds immense joy in integrating her faith into her daily teaching. “Opening class in prayer and speaking openly about my relationship with Jesus has become second nature,” Caroline said.

FACULTY & STAFF

FACULTY & STAFF CELEBRATE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

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We are so thankful for all of our HCS faculty and staff.

Congratulations to those who are celebrating milestone anniversaries during the 2024-2025 school year.

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Bryan Baker Middle School Teacher

Leah Pratt High School Teacher

Nathan Beadle Chief Operating Officer

Cindy Shebek Admissions Coordinator

Kaleigh Bennett Elementary Teacher

Laurie Szabo High School Teacher

Katie Jensen Elementary Aide

Becky Rogers Elementary Teacher Lacy Katterhenry Front Desk Receptionist

25 Tami Crabtree Guidance Counselor

Lindsi Anderson Early Childhood Aide Maggie Clark School Nurse Jessica Foster Elementary Teacher Amy Kniffen Eagle Care Assistant

Sharie Peterson ESS Teacher Jessica Robinson Middle School Teacher Karen Snyder High School Discipleship Coordinator

20 Patrick LaPointe Night Maintenance Support Angie Wilkins Early Childhood Aide

30 Jim Benedict Middle School Teacher

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Catherine Curry Early Childhood Teacher Len Somers Middle School Teacher Rhonda Williams Middle School Teacher

Teresa Stroop Elementary Instructional Aide

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ATHLETICS

Athletics CHAMPIONS ARE MADE HERE LADY EAGLES BASKETBALL HAS SEASON TO REMEMBER

Our Lady Eagles basketball team battled their way through an unforgettable season, showcasing unstoppable tenacity and teamwork. From grit to glory, these athletes left it all on the court, proving that hard work and heart lead to success!

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, our Lady Eagles beat the Lady Tigers of Triton Central High School and were crowned Sectional Champions!

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, our Lady Eagles battled through a tough semi-state matchup and represented our school with excellence. But what stood out most wasn’t just their effort on the court—it was their response after the final buzzer. As they always do, our girls invited the opposing team to join them at half court in prayer, embodying our mission in athletics to glorify God, play hard, and have fun! We are proud of this team and their commitment to loving others as Christ loves us, even in the face of disappointment.

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, our Girls Basketball team beat Northeastern and was crowned Regional Champs!

Despite a hard-fought battle at semi-state, our girls’ basketball team has so much to be proud of!

GLORIFY GOD. PLAY HARD. HAVE FUN. Spring 2025 | Heritage Messenger

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ATHLETICS

Casey Frost, Joslyn Marshall, and Trinity Taylor earned All-City recognition for their outstanding performances this season.

BATTLING TO THE FINISH EAGLES BOYS’ BASKETBALL HAS SEASON OF UPS AND DOWNS This season, our varsity boys’ basketball team worked hard and continued to grow together as a team on and off the court. The Eagles had a good win over Park Tudor in their last regular season game of the year, but came up just short against Triton Central in the sectional tournament with a 55-58 final.

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ATHLETICS

RECORD-BREAKERS & GAME-CHANGERS

Eighth grader Bennett Rogers set a new middle school record in the 100M Individual Medley with an impressive time of 1:02:49.

Eighth grader Eli Creakbaum smashed the HCS middle school swim record in the 100 breaststroke at the very first meet of the season! Eli clocked an incredible 1:09.84, beating the previous record of 1:11.96.

Eleventh grader Isaiah Shultz won 4th place at Sectionals, earning him a spot at Regionals where he placed 11th out of 21 divers. “Next year, Isaiah will have his sights set on making the State Meet, where he was just three places away from making the cut this year,” said Diving Coach Lawrence Smiley.

Senior Joslyn Marshall scored her 1,000th point during the 2024-2025 season. Joslyn joins an elite group of former Lady Eagles and holds the 7th most points in HCS Lady Eagle Basketball history with more than 1,230 total career points.

Senior Gabrielle Buckles won 4th place in sectionals, leading to her qualification for the regional meet.

Sophomore Caroline Stein broke a 2006 school record at Sectionals. She set a new school record in the 100m Fly with an incredible time of 1:01.00.

Congratulations to the athletes who were named to the 2024-2025 NCSAA All-Americans (AA) and Super Regional Teams (SRT) for Football, Girls Volleyball, Girls and Boys Soccer.

FOOTBALL

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Eli Nix 1st Team AA & SRT Brock Bucklin SRT Justus Klingerman SRT Andrew Sloan SRT Sam Utzig SRT

BOYS SOCCER Jameson Neill 2nd Team AA & SRT

Ella Mensch SRT

GIRLS SOCCER Kya Crooke Lauryn Dolvin Alanna Jordan Emma Gast

1st Team AA & SRT SRT SRT SRT

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FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES (FCA) HAS ARRIVED AT HERITAGE ENCOURAGES ATHLETES, COACHES, AND STUDENTS TO BUILD COMMUNITY AND GROW IN FATIH We are thrilled to introduce Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Heritage—a student-led group that encourages athletes, coaches, and students to grow in their faith while building a supportive community.

“FCA Huddle” meets Thursdays during Connect and serves as a leadership team that organizes activities for all student-athletes at Heritage. Each meeting is kicked off with prayer, highlights an athlete of the week, and coordinates volunteer opportunities. Students have already volunteered at a Christian concert and hosted a dodgeball tournament to engage the whole student body!

FCA is led by student officers MaKenna Spangler, Naomi Thear, Lily Marsh, Grace Dunville, Brody Sutton, and Gavin Shonk, with support from Adam Snyder and Kristopher Loving.

Stay up to date on events, athlete highlights, and ways to get involved by following FCA on Instagram @‌heritagechristianfca.

WINNING JOURNEY CONTINUES The winning continues for Myles Colvin (’23) as he brings energy and athleticism off the bench as part of a dominant Purdue Boilermaker’s Men’s Basketball team. He has been contributing valuable minutes and has seen increased playing time this season.

Congratulations to Myles on his continued success!

Alex Martin

Purdue Athletics

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FINE ARTS

From November 14–16, 2024, our talented students brought the Tony Awardwinning, one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale adventure Shrek the Musical to life.

With a near sell-out crowd at each performance, audiences were captivated by the stunning costumes, detailed sets, and the incredible talent of our student cast, crew, and pit orchestra. It was truly a performance to remember!

SHREK-TACULAR SUCCESS!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR FALL MUSICAL

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RADIUM GIRLS GLOWING REVIEWS FOR OUR SPRING PLAY February 27 through March 1, 2025, more than 40 HCS Fine Arts students came together to create and perform the spring production, Radium Girls, by D. W. Gregory.

Inspired by a true story and set in 1926, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a courageous watch dial painter, who leads a group of female laborers fighting for their day in court after they were poisoned by their factory’s radiumbased paint. The cast and crew of Radium Girls did an outstanding job portraying this gripping story of resilience, truth, and the strength of the human spirit!

RHYTHM & HUES EVENT SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON FINE ARTS The second annual Rhythm & Hues Fine Arts Festival was a tremendous success! This year’s event was held March 21-22 and featured a variety of exciting, engaging, and inspiring activities. With more than 1,200 people attending and 1,100 pieces of art on display, this was an event to remember!

AP Art Show

Make and Take Art Activity

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FINE ARTS

Instrument Petting Zoo

K-12 Art Show

Broadway Night Performance

K-12 Art Show

K-12 Art Show

SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCES WELCOME IN HOLIDAY SEASON

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CELEBRATING TALENT HCS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN PRESTIGIOUS ENSEMBLES All-State and Honor Ensembles Twelve Heritage students, which included four intermediate, two middle school and six high school, were selected to participate in the All-State & Honor Ensembles concerts held January 17 – 18, 2025, at the historic Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne in conjunction with the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) Music Teachers Conference. After countless hours of practice with guest conductors, these students showcased their incredible dedication and skill in the Jr. High Band, High School Honor Band, All-State HIgh School Choir, AllState Elementary Choir, All-State Middle School Choir, and All-State Jr. High Jazz Band.

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FINE ARTS

Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) Festival ISSMA is a state organization that supports music education in Indiana schools. This critique affirms students’ efforts and provides comments on how to continue to grow and improve in their musicianship.

On February 1, 2025, the ISSMA hosted its annual Vocal and Piano Solo and Ensemble event. Solo and Ensemble is an incredible opportunity for students in grades 5 – 12 to

perform in front of a qualified judge who awards them with a rating (Gold, Silver, or Bronze), as well as feedback to help them improve. Our students earned 26 gold medals and two silver medals.

Congratulations to all the students who earned a gold rating on a Level 1 piece, which is the most difficult level, and were invited to perform at the state level.

ISSMA Festival Results HIGH SCHOOL

INTERMEDIATE/MIDDLE SCHOOL

INSTRUMENTAL

INSTRUMENTAL

Gold Medal Instrumental Solo

Ellery Hobsen Willem Hobsen* Elsa King* Ezra King*

Silver Medal Instrumental Solo

Addison Davis

Gold Medal Ensemble Performances

Chamber Orchestra*

Paige Loholdt Joshua Neal* Katelyn Smiley Juliana Winn*

Lillian Browning, Addison Davis, Abby Dixon, Jordan Hufford, Elsa King, Ezra King, John King, Addison Krtisch, Isabella Lindsey, Anneliese Paul, Jenna Rihani, Hope Stines, Ella Terrell, Joy Whitney Clarinet Ensemble* Sam Bradley, Noemi Cantrell, Selah Lindsey, Josh Sanders, Isabella Rutherford, Annisa Turpen, Lauren Waye

Silver Medal Ensemble Performances

Gold Medal Instrumental Solo

Crosby Aadson Calvin Atkins* Amelia Bello Samantha Bradford Stephen Brantley Melanie Clinebelle Quintynn Dunn Grace Enlow Moriah Evans Luke Ewbank Aaron Graham Ellery Hobson

Gold Medal Ensemble Performances

String Trio

Grayson Horne Caleb Kinney Emily Liu* Caleb Luepke Jessica Neal Eva Rice Grace Rihani Eliana Rodas Emma Rose Olivia Rose Tinsley Watt Ana Woestman

Evie Holdaway, Avery Holmes, Taylor Wright String Trio Caleb Kinney, Sam Lukaart, Muyang Cheng

Clarinet Trio

String Trio

Josh Sanders, Lauren Waye, Selah Lindsey

Ana Woestman, Mariah Miller, Cora Keller

String Trio

String Trio

Joy Whitney, Sasha Whitney, Haddy Quinones

Crosbie Aadson, Ella Daulton, Lexy Wolfrum

VOCAL/PIANO

String Trio

Gold Medal Solo Voice Performances

Jenna Rihani* Joy Roorbach*

Silver Medal Vocal Solo Performances

Samantha Duff

Gold Medal Vocal Ensemble Performances

Barbershop Quartet Preston Angus, Ezra King, Simeon Jaros, Harrison Thrift Vocal Ensemble Present Angus, Evvy Kniffen, Jason Kniffen, Jenna Rihani, Joy Roorbach Vocal Trio Samantha Duff, Zoe Kincheloe, Anna Kornelsen

Gold Medal Piano Performance

Samantha Duff

Silver Medal Piano Performance

Abigail Duff

Crosbie Aadson, Lia Morgan, Olivia Rose,

Hope Stines* Ruby Brantly*

* Advanced to State competition

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String Quintet Crosbie Aadson, Melanie Clinebelle, Cora Keller, Lia Morgan, Olivia Rose VOCAL/PIANO Gold Medal Solo Voice Performances

Tori Brown Madi Hornaday

Silver Medal Solo Voice Performance

Elyssa King

Gold Medal Piano Performance

Liam Claybrook Hadley Lewis* Malliah Thompson

Khloe Puckett Gabriel Mudavadi

“It truly is amazing to have so many students participate in ISSMA! Preparing a solo or being in a small ensemble not only develops their own skills but also elevates the entire ensemble, building a culture of excellence and dedication.”

– Krista Roorbach Director of Fine Arts

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

WINS GOLD

Congratulations to the high school Chamber Orchestra who received Gold at the State ISSMA competition.

SAVE THE DATE Fine Arts Spring Events APRIL 23

HS Spring Instrumental Concert, 7PM

MAY 7

MS/HS Spring Choral Concert, 7PM

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4th Grade Showcase, 1PM

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MS Spring Instrumental Concert, 7PM

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MS Fine Arts trip and Music competition at Kings Island

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5th & 6th Grade Performing Arts Spring Concert (band, choir, and orchestra): 5th Grade at 6PM 6th Grade at 7:15PM Visit cur8.com to reserve your seat.

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FINE ARTS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY A SPOTLIGHT ON LUCY GARD’S ART JOURNEY

Lucy Gard first discovered her talent in art while S enior in middle school when she started taking art classes.

“I really enjoyed them, but didn’t think I was good enough to continue in high school art classes, so I initially didn’t sign up for any,” said Lucy. It wasn’t until about halfway through her freshman year that she decided to switch her study hall to an Intro to 2D Art class for the second semester.

“That’s when I really started to connect with art, especially painting,” she explained. The class gave Lucy the space and freedom to explore, and she began to realize just how much she enjoyed the creative process. “It was in that environment that I started to feel more confident in my abilities and truly understood my love for art,” she said.

“The Space Between Us”, 18x24, Oil Pastel on Paper

Lucy has been inspired by her close friends and a fellow artist, Abram Sarver. “He is super talented and I always enjoy watching him create new art. I feel he always pushes me to be better and I love creating art with him.” Lucy specializes in 2D art, which is any artwork that has only height and width, but no depth - meaning it is flat and included things like drawings, painting, photos, and digital illustrations.

“Verstappen”, 24x36, Acrylic on canvas

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For anyone who has submitted their work to be critiqued by others knows, it takes both courage and confidence – something that Lucy has fully embraced as she has entered her artwork in a few different competitions. She typically enters her art into the Indiana State Fair, as well as the Riley Festival and most recently, the Franklin College Art Show. In the short time that Lucy has been producing 2D art, she has won many awards (see sidebar), but she is most proud of winning “Best in Show (Watercolor, Pastel, Mixed Media)” in the Youth Division at the Indiana State Fair. “It was only my second year entering and there are always some very good pieces in the competition, so I was really honored and blessed to win,” she said.

Although she certainly has the talent to pursue a future in art in college and beyond, Lucy said she prefers to keep art as a hobby. “Turning art into a career could create stress and potentially limit my ability to express myself authentically and for me, the freedom to create without any external pressures is what keeps it meaningful and enjoyable,” While she may still share her work or may even choose to sell it, she wants to maintain a personal, unencumbered connection to her art.

Lucy shared some very insightful advice for fellow young aspiring artists…

“Don’t compare yourself to others. Comparison is the killer of creativity, and if you are consistently comparing your art to others, you’ll never be satisfied with what you’ve created. Instead, embrace the process of learning, making mistakes, and experimenting, because that’s how you get better. Don’t be afraid to make bad art. It sounds counterintuitive but sometimes creating pieces that you think aren’t great teaches you more than trying to make perfect ones all the time.”

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

INDIANA STATE FAIR Best in Show (Watercolor, Pastel, Mixed Media) Youth Division First Place (Watercolor, Pastel, Mixed Media) Y8: 10th-12th Grade Third Place (Oil & Acrylic) Y8: 10th-12th Grade and Honorable Mention (Oil & Acrylic) Y8: 10th-12th Grade

RILEY FESTIVAL First Place (Pastel) Junior Division Third Place (Oil & Acrylic) Junior Division Best of Show Junior Division First Place (Oil & Acrylic) Junior Division Third Place (Oil & Acrylic) Junior Division Psi Iota Xi - Upsilon Chapter’s Distinguished Art Award

FRANKLIN COLLEGE ART SHOW Honorable Mention in Drawing “Friends from Space”, 2024 Indiana State Fair: Best in Show (Watercolor, Pastel, Mixed Media) - Youth Division First Place (Watercolor, Pastel, Mixed Media) - Y8: 10th-12th Grade

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FINE ARTS

“Fragmentation”, 16x18, Acrylic on canvas

“Sodapop Advertisement”, 10x12, Oil pastel on paper

“The Master of Lies”, 24x24, Acrylic on canvas

“A Heavy Head”, Digital

“The Snake & The Crane”, 16x18

“The Outsiders”, Acrylic on denim jacket

“Birds of a Feather”, Digital

“Breathe”, 16x18

“The End of Beginning”, Digital

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PARENT-TEACHER FELLOWSHIP

GET READY TO HAVE FUN WHILE YOU RUN Annual PTF-Sponsored Fun Run is Coming Soon

Mark your calendars for Friday May 9, 2025, for the PTF-sponsored annual Fun Run for all students in grades Preschool- 8th.

This is the largest and only fundraising event for the PTF, and families are being asked to prayerfully consider how they might help contribute to the success of this year’s event.

“The generous donations that families make to the Fun Run help make all of our PTF events possible,” said PTF President, Chelsie Burrow. The PTF strives to have an event once per month that is either free to Heritage families or offered at a significant discount offset by the PTF. And they are already planning exciting events for next year! Here’s a look at some of the PTF-sponsored events held this year.

PTF EVENTS BRING HCS FAMILIES TOGETHER TO MAKE LASTING MEMORIES! 2024 - 2025 Events At-A-Glance

Homecoming Fun Zone

Candy Bar Bingo

U-Paint Pottery Night

Family Movie Night

Pacers Night (7th & 8th Grade)

Mother - Son Night of Fun

Roller Skating Party

Father Daughter Ball

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PARENT-TEACHER FELLOWSHIP

Supplying snacks to teacher lounges, nurses’ offices, campus security, and The Learning Center

01 02 Being able to bless and recognize HCS faculty and staff is another important part of PTF efforts. A portion of the Fun Run donations are used for things such as:

04 05

Catered breakfasts and lunches

03

01

Student scholarships

Monthly breakfast cart

Fine Arts renovations including upgrades to the band room

Worthy Servants faculty and staff bonus at Christmas

Staff birthday and bereavement cards

02 The PTF also contributes a large portion of Fun Run donations to the Heritage Fund. These include:

03

Athletics program upgrades

04

Phase 4 of the elementary playground renovation

Valentine’s Day donut and coffee cart

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BOOSTERTHON MAKES IT EASY TO DONATE The PTF has an established partnership with Boosterthon for the Fun Run, which makes it easy for families, friends, neighbors and businesses to donate. More information about Boosterthon, including how to set up and track donations, will be distributed to HCS families a few weeks before the event.

Would you like to get involved with the PTF? It’s not too late!

Learn about the different committees you can join and sign up to help with the end-of-the-year activities, including Teacher Appreciation Week, Fun Run, Field Day, and more by sending an email to ptf@heritagechristian.net.

“We look forward to another successful fundraising year through our annual Fun Run and are excited about all the events and activities in store for our Heritage community,” said Chelsie. “Thank you for your support!”

SAVE THE DATE UPCOMING EVENTS APRIL 26

Father - Daughter Ball

MAY

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1

Concert of Prayer

2

IS/MS Field Day

6

Early Childhood Field Day

6

Superhero Breakfast

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Fun Run

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Elementary Field Day

New Family Parent Ambassador Team

Parents in Prayer (PIP)

Are you looking for an easy way to get plugged in at HCS? Do you want to help welcome new families to HCS? The PTF would love to have you join the New Family Parent Ambassador team! Ambassadors are friendly resources who welcome and guide new families as they prepare for their first school year at Heritage. They check in with a few new families over the summer, pray for them, and touch base once school begins. For more information, please send an email to ptf@heritagechristian.net.

PIP acknowledges the profound power prayer has in supporting families, nurturing children, and fostering positive change within our HCS community. The PIP group gathers regularly to pray for our children’s well-being, academic success, and spiritual growth, creating a supportive environment for their development. The group also extends prayer for staff, teachers, and the entire school community, seeking guidance and strength for everyone involved in shaping our children’s future. PIP meets on Monday mornings at 8:10 a.m. in the elementary school cafeteria.

For more information about PTF events or to get involved, send an email to ptf@heritagechristian.net or visit heritagechristian.net/ptf.

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ALUMNI

Alumni Spotlights Heritage Christian School has graduated many talented, dedicated and successful professionals who have made significant contributions in their fields of study and within their communities. What started as three alumni in 1967 has grown today to more than 4,000 total alumni around the world.

SAMANTHA BRADFORD (2015)

ERIC BURKE (2009)

Driven by a passion for supporting deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students, Sami Bradford (‘15) has devoted her career to making an impact in the lives of her DHH students and their families. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, Sami began working as a teacher for DHH students with Brownsburg Community Schools.

Each day, Sami gets to work with almost every grade level and spends most of her time with students in one-on-one or small group settings. One of her favorite aspects of the job is developing relationships with the same group of students year after year.

Dr. Eric Burke (’09) discovered his passion for a more wellnessbased, proactive approach to treating pain and injuries while he was attending Heritage. He began receiving chiropractic care in high school to address football injuries and naturally thought chiropractic was only about pain relief. Inspired by his own experience with a chiropractor job shadow opportunity, combined with an interest in helping people, Eric received his bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College (Hillsdale, MI), and his doctorate, magna cum laude, from Logan College in St. Louis.

Sami was first introduced to the DHH community because the parents of one of her best HCS friends were deaf. Through her relationship with that family, Sami fell in love with the deaf community. On top of that interest, Sami attributes the many phenomenal HCS teachers for inspiring her to pursue teaching. “I know how impactful a teacher can be in someone’s life and I want to be that person for someone else,” she said.

Outside of work, Sami sings in a community choir called “Castlewood Singers” and loves going to the theater, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

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Studying with Dr. James Chestnut, Eric furthered his education in wellness and became a Certified Chiropractic Wellness Lifestyle Practitioner (CCWP).

He is also certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association in Webster Technique, a specialized option during pregnancy.

After working in other practices, Eric opened his own practice in 2023, Integrity Family Chiropractic in McCordsville, IN. Having grown up about five minutes from his McCordsville office, it was always his intention to return home and serve the community that he loves.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, whether exploring the outdoors, staying active, or engaging in their local church community. As a family, they love playing games, working out together, and spending time with their dog.

DAVE NEFF (2003) Since graduating from Heritage in 2003, Dave Neff has built an impressive career marked by leadership and service, making a lasting impact in both business and the community.

After Heritage, Dave attended Ball State University, earning a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude. His track record of strategic leadership and brand development and broad experience in sports management led to his current role where he serves as the President and CEO of the Boilermaker Alliance, a nonprofit organization that helps Purdue studentathletes use their name, image, and likeness (NIL) to boost charitable organizations. Prior to his current role, Dave served as the Chief Growth Officer at Prolific - a strategic growth and consulting firm and as the CEO of Edge Mentoring in Indianapolis.

In 2024, Dave was selected as the Stakeholder Relations Co-Chair on the Local Organizing Committee for the 2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four, which is scheduled for April 4 & 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium. In this role, Dave will help plan and execute one of the biggest events in college basketball. His appointment reflects his leadership and commitment to advancing the Indianapolis community through sports.

ROBERT VICKERY (1999) With a heart for young people, Robert has spent nearly two decades advocating for positive change in the juvenile justice system. After graduating from Heritage in 1999, Robert attended Wheaton College, earning a bachelor’s degree. From there, he got his first job with the 18th Judicial Court’s Department of Probation and Court Services in DuPage County, Illinois.

Since then, he has dedicated his career to transforming the lives of justice-impacted youth and working tirelessly to support both children and their families Robert’s leadership and commitment to youth advocacy was recognized early in 2024 when the Governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, appointed him as the new director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ). In this new role, Robert oversees five secure youth centers and eight aftercare offices, which provide life-changing resources and care for justiceinvolved youth across the state.

Throughout his career, Robert has led substantial agency-wide advancements to reduce the harm of incarceration of minors by upgrading the youth intake process, increasing collaboration with community partners, and helping strengthen engagement with families. Robert said, “When given access to essential support and therapeutic services, our kids are capable of lasting change that positively impacts them, their families, and ultimately increases the safety of the communities across Illinois.”

HERITAGE TUITION SCHOLARSHIP FOR ALUMNI FAMILIES We value our alumni. They are an important part of our rich history and community. Families where at least one parent is a Heritage alumni will receive a one-time $2,000 per new student tuition scholarship. This scholarship is available to all new students of alumni enrolling at Heritage for the first time and would be in addition to any other financial aid provided. Existing alumni families who enroll additional children are eligible for this one-time scholarship for their new children being enrolled.

For more information, contact Admissions at (317) 849-3441 or admissions@heritagechristian.net.

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HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

HOMECOMING OCTOBER 3-4, 2025

Friday | October 3 5:30 p.m. – Fun Zone (dinner options, inflatables, face paint, balloon art, and more) 7 p.m. – Football Game (HCS vs. Lapel) 9:45 p.m. – Alumni Soccer Game

Saturday | October 4 Alumni Reunion Activities

Alumni Years Being Celebrated

‘75, ‘80, ‘85, ‘90, ‘95, ‘00, ‘05, ‘10, ‘15, ‘20 CLASS OF '75 will have their 50th REUNION on July 26, 2025, at HCS

We will honor our school’s 60-year anniversary during Homecoming weekend.

e t a D e h Save t THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 The Fort Golf Resort

6002 N. Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216

12:00 p.m. Shotgun Start

CURRENTLY SEEKING BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS CONTACT: golf@heritagechristian.net VISIT: heritagechristian.net/golf

FINE ARTS

6401 E. 75th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250

SUMMER PROGRAMS AT HERITAGE

At Heritage Christian School, summer equals fun — for girls and boys, for scientists and athletes, for actors and artists, for engineers and myth busters, for astronauts and programmers! Our summer camps offer a unique environment where students can pursue their interests.

REGISTER AT heritagechristian.net/summer

317.849.3441 Visit our website for more information about campus tours and admissions events.

Learn more at heritagechristian.net/admissions.