Heritage Messenger - Spring 2023

SPRING 2023

Fine

Welcome

TO HERITAGE

WELCOME BACK TO HERITAGE, DR. BRIAN DOUGHERTY, ED.D, as our new Head of School

Dr. Dougherty is a career Christian school educator with 32 years of experience including 10 years serving as a teacher and Middle School Principal at Heritage. He will spend the month of April on campus in transition and officially assume the role of head of school on May 1. This timeline will enable him to play an active role in planning for the 20232024 school year. Dr. Dougherty will be replacing interim head of school, Dr. J.K. Stevens, who will complete his responsibilities at Heritage at the end of May.

DR. BRIAN DOUGHERTY, ED.D, HEAD OF SCHOOL

fter much prayer and an extensive national search, the Board of Directors announced their selection and Dr. Dougherty’s acceptance of the position on January 6, 2023. The Board explained in their announcement that as the world continues to drift from Biblical principles, it was important to find a new head of school who would passionately champion our mission, core values and statement of faith. Dr. Dougherty has devoted his professional career to teaching, modeling and implementing a Biblical philosophy of education.

He is passionate about reaching the hearts and minds of the next generation through Christian education and is fully aligned and committed to the Heritage Charter of Core Values and Statement of Faith. His extensive training and experience, leadership skills, and personal commitment to Jesus Christ make him uniquely qualified to lead our school.

A native Hoosier, Dr. Dougherty attended Purdue University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science degree in Education Administration. He also attended Ball State University where he earned his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership. He holds lifetime

certification as a superintendent with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). He has assisted ACSI in several capacities and currently serves on its Eastern Division Council.

“I am humbled and count it a high privilege to be named the next head of school at Heritage.”

— Dr. Dougherty

DIVINELY LED TO A CAREER IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Raised in a non-Christian home with little direction to discern life purpose and the calling in his life, Dr. Dougherty had a life-changing experience while attending and pursuing his undergraduate degree at Purdue. He made friends with people who loved Jesus.

Dr. Dougherty explained, “There was something special about my new friends that I wanted in my life. Finally, when I had had enough of trying to do life on my own terms, I reached out to my friend and college student minister, Steve, who clearly presented the Gospel to me. I was confronted by my own sinfulness and my need for a Savior, and I promptly accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.” And his life has never been the same.

Before graduating from Purdue, Dr. Dougherty met a professor who helped him discern his next steps with a simple question: Have you ever considered serving in a Christian school? God called Dr. Dougherty to

begin his career at Lafayette Christian School in Lafayette, Indiana and then to Heritage where he was hired by Mary Jane English as a 4th grade teacher. He transitioned to 5th grade while completing his master’s degree in administration. After Mary Jane English’s strong recommendation to thensuperintendent, Dr. Brian Simmons, Dr. Dougherty was named middle school principal where he served for seven years. “During this time, I was trained by and worked alongside some of the giants at Heritage – Mary Jane English, Al Leinbach, Julie Hight and Brian Simmons," Dougherty said.

Twenty years ago, Dr. Dougherty left HCS to serve as head of school at three different Christian schools. He has served at Sherwood Christian Academy in Albany, Georgia for the past 12 years. Dr. Dougherty stated, “Each school has shaped and molded me into the school leader I am today.” Thinking he might retire someday from Sherwood, he received a call last spring about the head of school position at Heritage. Heritage has always held a special place in his heart and so naturally, he was very excited about the possibility and wanted to see if God was up to something.

Among his extensive list of accomplishments, Dr. Dougherty is most proud of the nearly 300 students that were led to faith in Jesus Christ at Sherwood during his 12-year tenure. “The Gospel is the most important lesson

I UNDERSTAND AND AM COMMITTED TO THE MISSION OF HERITAGE AND HAVE ITS DNA IN ME. I WILL BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT FULFILLING THE SCHOOL’S MISSION AND PURPOSE IN EVERY ASPECT OF THE SCHOOL.”

— DR. DOUGHERTY

that we teach in Christian school. Once students come to Christ, we must be intentional in helping them grow their newfound faith,” he said.

UNIQUELY PREPARED

Dr. Dougherty is ordained as a Southern Baptist pastor. He has enjoyed leading as both an administrator and pastor. “We are in the business of discipleship. As teachers and administrators, we are called to shepherd our students to live the Christ life. I want to make Jesus the most important thing at Heritage,” he exclaimed.

“I understand and am committed to the mission of Heritage and have its DNA in me. I will be intentional about fulfilling the school’s mission and purpose in every aspect of the school," said Dougherty.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Dr. Dougherty is currently working on his First 100 Days Plan. Top initiatives include:

• Investing in the leadership team; strong leadership and chemistry amongst the team will enable us to accomplish our mission and strategic initiatives.

• Strategic planning, which will include a new five-year plan for Heritage Christian School.

• Enhancing the school culture; a healthy school culture results in teachers and staff members who enjoy their ministry work and students thrive.

• Asking questions and learning about the hopes and the challenges of

individual staff members, students and parents.

With a considerable list of priorities, Dr. Dougherty knows that success will be measured in several ways. Two important ways include:

1. Leading Students to Christ: When teachers and coaches are implementing a Biblical philosophy of education that leads students to Christ, then we know that we are being successful. Hiring, training and retaining teachers and coaches whose lifestyle and approach mirrors a Biblical philosophy and who are intentional with presenting the Gospel is essential.

2. Students Reaching Their Full Potential: It's important to help students

understand that God requires them to work at their highest level in all things (Ecclesiastes 9:10). When students are giving maximum effort, we are achieving success. When seniors are getting accepted into the colleges of their choice (as well as their stretch choices), we are achieving success. Most importantly, when our graduates grow deep roots in their relationship with God, they are leading others to Christ, they operate from a Biblical worldview, and they become Godly spouses who are raising Godly children, then we know we are being successful at HCS.

Now, as he anticipates his return to Heritage, Dr. Dougherty is excited

Get to know

DR. DOUGHERTY

• Ordained as a Southern Baptist pastor.

• Developed a first-class technology department at Sherwood Christian Academy.

• Loves connecting with people.

• Always welcomes feedback.

• Wants to make Jesus famous.

• “I look forward to hearing how God is working in individual lives, the lessons they are learning, and ways that I can assist them in reaching their goals.”

about investing back into the school and partnering with every member of the Heritage family to see our mission impact the lives of every student. “I will use every opportunity to point people to Christ. I want to make Jesus famous and for the school family to know that Jesus is at the heart of Christian education," Dougherty explained.

“Heritage made an investment in my development and helped launch me to become a head of school. I am excited to return and invest back into Heritage as its next head of school.”

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Dougherty back to Heritage. We look forward to the Kingdom work that God will accomplish during his tenure.

Thank you to Dr. J.K. Stevens for his service as interim head of school during this time of transition. He provided the leadership needed as we sought out who God would bring next to Heritage for this essential role. Dr. J.K. Stevens will complete his responsibilities at Heritage at the end of May and we pray for continued blessings on his journey.

Dr. Dougherty and his wife Rachel are the proud parents of two Christian school graduates, Colin (senior at Mercer University) and Caroline (freshman at Anderson (SC) University). He is an avid Purdue Boilermakers fan, so in his free time, he can often be found watching Purdue football and basketball games with his family. He also enjoys reading, Scripture memory, landscaping, and playing golf on the weekends.

MAY THE GOD OF ENDURANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT GRANT YOU TO LIVE IN SUCH HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER, IN ACCORD WITH CHRIST JESUS, THAT TOGETHER YOU MAY WITH ONE VOICE GLORIFY THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

– ROMANS 15:5-6

THE POWER OF TOGETHERNESS

In today’s busy world, the competition for our attention is fierce and we are easily distracted more than ever. Being together is challenging. The reality is that even when we are gathering together, we are often in our own worlds emotionally and mentally. The Scriptures illustrate how passionate God is about togetherness. He wants us to be together in relationship with each other and, most importantly, in relationship with Him. That’s what makes this year’s spiritual theme so impactful.

BEING TOGETHER IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR FAITH TO GROW AND RELATIONSHIPS TO THRIVE.

Our 2022-2023 spiritual theme, “TOGETHER,” is knowingly designed to unite everyone around a common purpose and spiritual truth. The theme “Together” comes from Romans 15:5-6, where the apostle Paul writes about living a life that is reflective of Christ’s example. He (Christ) did not come to please himself; he did quite the opposite. He gave His life as an atoning sacrifice for us.

We are called to be united in Christ Jesus, live in harmony with one another and glorify Him with one voice – together.

“This year’s spiritual theme helps us focus together on the truth of God’s word,” said Melissa Luepke, Director of Discipleship. “And we pray that it unifies our school.”

Our school community demonstrates the spiritual theme throughout our elementary, intermediate, middle and high school hallways, in our athletic facilities, woven into our chapel messages and used in the classroom to drive the importance of the students’ commitment to follow Jesus. The theme is displayed on banners, posters and t-shirts around campus, and each school comes up with ways to share the theme in class, chapels and service days. “The best way to make a Kingdom impact is through unity in Christ,” said Melissa. “This year’s theme is reminding all of us to live in accordance with Him so that we may, together, with one voice, bring Him glory.”

“WHILE THE DEVIL IS WORKING HARD TO DRIVE WEDGES IN BETWEEN PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY PEOPLE OF FAITH, WE ARE REMINDED THAT GOD CALLS US TO BE UNITED IN CHRIST JESUS, GLORIFYING HIM TOGETHER, WITH ONE VOICE.”

— MELISSA LUEPKE, DIRECTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP

IMPACTING LIVES

THROUGH THE HERITAGE FUND

HERITAGE IS A BUSY PLACE. Every corner is filled with activity; from teaching, discipleship, and mentoring, to sports, clubs, playtime and performances, to friends gathering, prayer and other fellowship. It is a vibrant and thriving world. Fueling this energetic world is a constant requirement and challenge.

We need the resources to provide a premier campus that facilitates excellence. We need resources to support our Heritage team, and we need resources to allow Christian families to experience Heritage.

WHAT HAS THE HERITAGE FUND ACCOMPLISHED?

That’s where the school’s annual Heritage Fund steps in, providing financial resources for the things that tuition and fees don’t cover within our operating budget.

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. In addition, annual events and activities like our golf outing, a portion of our Fun Run, our #GivingTuesday

campaign, as well as mailings and appeals to our community support the Heritage Fund.

CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS: Within our athletic facilities, the Heritage Fund provided a transformative remodel of our weight room, the installation of new bleachers, and renovation of the gymnasium lobby. Planned for 2023 is a new digital scoreboard that will greatly enhance our outdoor stadium experience during sports competitions and other events.

As our Fine Arts department continues to grow, investments in new instruments and equipment continue to be made through the Heritage Fund. New theater-style seating has replaced aging bleachers previously used for productions and chapel presentations. In addition, the Cafetorium rubberized floor was resurfaced, the Fine Arts hallways received new carpet, and restrooms serving Fine Arts events were completely renovated.

In the middle and high school, classrooms were refreshed with new flooring, ceiling tiles, paint and desks thanks to the Heritage Fund. Classroom security and technology upgrades were also completed. A complete renovation of the high school restrooms is planned for 2023.

Across campus, the Heritage Fund is providing a multi-year playground upgrade focused on new, ageappropriate play equipment and turfed areas. The next phase of our playground upgrade is expected to be completed this summer. Campus landscape was also updated in front of the elementary building and at the front gate entrance.

BLESSING OUR WORTHY SERVANTS: The Heritage Fund continues to bless teachers and staff through the annual Worthy Servants Christmas bonus. Last year, our servant-hearted team was blessed with approximately $800 each, just before Christmas. This bonus makes a difference.

One teacher says, "Joining the HCS family has been amazing in many ways, but a huge financial sacrifice. Worthy Servants actually helped get Christmas under the tree for us the last couple of years and helped cover some end-of-year bills that were unexpected."

TUITION ASSISTANCE: For some families, a private, Christ-centered education for their child may have

been financially out of reach. The Heritage Fund makes it possible for hundreds of students from these families to experience a Heritage Christian education.

A current Heritage parent says, “Private school would not be an option for us, without the Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) program. It has allowed us to send our girls to a Christian school where they are taught the fundamentals of faith and surrounded by teachers and staff who pray for them daily.”

With almost 50% of our community receiving some form of financial assistance, our tuition assistance budget is an important part of our school's finances. Through the Heritage Fund, we are able to leverage the popular SGO program (also called Scholarships for Education Choice) to provide tuition assistance to qualified families who need it without drawing from our own budgeted tuition assistance fund - freeing up dollars to use on other Heritage Fund projects. This program has not only been a huge benefit to our students and school, but also to donors. When giving through the SGO program, donors can eliminate their Indiana state tax bill with a 50% tax credit on their gift. Truly a win-win!

DISCIPLESHIP ENDOWMENT: In the future, a portion of the Heritage Fund will provide continual investment into the Zachary Warrick Discipleship Endowment, a new initiative that will directly support the school's discipleship activities and enhance our spiritual distinctiveness. Read more about the endowment on page 10.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR HERITAGE FUND SUPPORTERS!

The future of Heritage Christian School is bright. Each year, a fully successful Heritage Fund provides the resources necessary to ensure that another generation of students has access to a big-school experience in a small-school setting with a tight knit, prayer-driven community, rigorous academic standards, and ample opportunities for extracurricular activities in a safe space.

PRIVATE SCHOOL WOULD NOT BE AN OPTION FOR US, WITHOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP GRANTING ORGANIZATION (SGO) PROGRAM. IT HAS ALLOWED US TO SEND OUR GIRLS TO A CHRISTIAN SCHOOL WHERE THEY ARE TAUGHT THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH AND SURROUNDED BY TEACHERS AND STAFF WHO PRAY FOR THEM DAILY."

— CURRENT HERITAGE PARENT

ZACHARY WARRICK

Photography by Mia Freeman

ith a goal of enhancing Heritage Christian School’s discipleship impact and spiritual distinctiveness, a new endowment fund has been established. The fund is named after a beloved Heritage student who had a profound impact on the school. The Zachary Warrick Discipleship Endowment, in memory of Zach Warrick, a Heritage student who died tragically a few days after his May 2022 graduation, will directly support our Biblical worldview focus and discipleship activities.  The endowment will provide funding for Israel trips for students and faculty, the funding of additional discipleship staffing, and the awarding of a Zachary Warrick Spiritual Life Leadership Award for a graduating senior recognized by fellow students.

students and teachers. At our 2022 graduation, Zach received both the Al Leinbach Servant Leadership Award (selected by faculty) and the High School Spiritual Life Leadership Award (selected by

them deeper into the Scriptures and their faith journey, and aligns with our discipleship and Biblical worldview distinctives. Bible teachers and discipleship staff will also participate.

Also, Zach was greatly impacted and guided by the Heritage High School discipleship team. The Warrick’s especially expressed their appreciation for the value of one-on-one discipleship. The endowment will fund expansion of our discipleship staffing.

students). The endowment will provide an enduring remembrance and honoring of his life.

Zach was greatly impacted by an Israel trip that he had taken with his father, and his parents wanted to make this type of

As Zach embodied much of what we desire from a student’s Christ-centered spiritual journey, the endowment will also fund a renamed Zachary Warrick Spiritual Life Leadership Award, the award to be given to a graduating senior recognized by fellow students for their spiritual impact on the world around them. We believe that honoring Zach Warrick in multiple ways within the school’s discipleship agenda best ensures a legacy of significant impact and enduring remembrance.

Through the leading of Bible studies, the discipling of other students, various missional projects, his fine arts engagement, and other community involvement, Zach made an impact on Heritage that still echoes in our hallways and in the lives of friends, fellow

student experience a core element of the endowment. The annual Holy Land trip will bring the Bible to life in the same way that our Washington, D.C. trip helps bring the pages of American history to life. This experience for Heritage high school students will take

The significant scope of activities and support being provided was made possible by a major gift recently given to establish a permanent endowment. Combined with other memorial funds given and future inclusion in our annual Heritage Fund, the Zachary Warrick Discipleship Endowment will be a missional focal point for preserving and enhancing the Biblical worldview and discipleship activities of Heritage Christian School. We anticipate a profound impact on countless young lives for years and generations to come through this resource.

Creating

Discipleship is a journey of intentional decisions that lead to spiritual growth so that you become more like Jesus in your attitude, focus and behavior. Discipleship is not something that happens in one class or overnight. It is a lifelong commitment to follow God with your whole heart and to eventually teach others how to follow Him. At Heritage, discipleship is an investment that we make in the lives of our students and families. “We have such an incredible opportunity to journey with our school community, helping them to grow and mature in their relationship with Jesus,” said Discipleship Director, Melissa Luepke. “And our goal is that during their time at Heritage, our students and families will become more like Jesus in their thoughts, words and actions,” she said.

“Discipleship is a life-long journey of learning about our Lord and Savior and growing in relationship with Him. We want to partner with families in this journey,” said Melissa.

In her role, Melissa creates an intentional plan to guide worship during chapel, grow Bible studies, including small groups and studentled Bible studies, impact the

community and world through service projects, and invest in our student leaders through student council and other activities that provide opportunities for spiritual growth. Melissa also meets oneon-one with students to support, encourage and walk with them through their journey with Jesus. There are many stories that the world presents and they often compete with the truth of God’s Word. “The biggest and most important challenge is helping students and families navigate through those competing stories while staying rooted in God’s Word,” Melissa said.

One of the things that Melissa plans to achieve is expanding small group Bible studies “so that students can experience a Biblical community and know the good things that come from that.” She is also working to invest in and grow our student leaders to make an impact in Jesus’ name today and beyond. “At HCS, we have the opportunity to partner with parents in their work to be teachers of faith to their children and it excites me to walk alongside of students and families to meet and experience Jesus.”

To continue growing our discipleship efforts at Heritage, this school year we welcomed Braxton Bragg, as the boy’s high school and middle school discipleship coordinator. Braxton arranges and facilitates Bible studies, small groups, mentorship opportunities and service days. He is also involved in school chapels and, at times, delivers chapel messages. With shifts in culture, healthy churches are becoming more difficult to find. “This gives us the opportunity to intentionally disciple students that may not be getting it elsewhere,” explained Braxton.

Mentoring is one of the things about his role that excites Braxton the most. “I have a passion for seeing students grow strong in their faith and walk in faithfulness with the Lord in all areas of their lives,” Braxton said. And he enjoys every opportunity to continue discipling students, postgraduation as they go off to college or their careers.

Braxton emphasized that “the end goal of discipleship is that you are a follower of Jesus and that we meet again in heaven. That is our hope and prayer.”

OUR DISCIPLESHIP TEAM IS COMMITTED TO CREATING THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR CHILD TO GROW SPIRITUALLY WHILE THEY ARE AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL"

— BRAXTON BRAGG, BOY'S MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL DISCIPLESHIP COORDINATOR

CONGRATULATIONS!

CLASS OF 2022

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR STUDENTS WHO RECEIVED THEIR DIPLOMAS ON OUR STADIUM FIELD ON FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022.

GRADUATES

Estella Nicole Aadson

Madeline Kim Abbott

Oluwajumoke Alexis Akinwekomi

Ethan Robert Baker

Zane David Barnett

Alyssa Paige Barrett

Reagan Marie Bell

Audrey Kay Booher

Hannah Grace Brantingham

Alexis Lynn Brinson

Keegan Francescon Broderick

Carsyn McKay Burdine

Jack Robert Butler

Jacob Andrew Callaway

Jacob Ryan Carrell

Isaiah David Carson

Ellis Reagan Chegar

Megan Elise Coffey

Caitlin Breanna Connolly

Ryan Phillip Cornwell

Caroline Jeannine Curnutt

Isabella Lynn Deaton

Gabrielle Hope DeVeydt

Carter Philip DeVoe

Jonathan Scott Dorsch

Duane Michel Dunn II

Maya MacKenzie Cavanaugh Favors

Tyler Evan Fields

Kate Louise Floberg

Jadan Maleak Lee Fort

Hugh Charles Alexander Fox

Jessica Jane Furrow

William Patrick Good

Taylor Olivia Gordon

Julian Porter Cook Graf

Lily Rae Harms

Joshua Malaqui Harris

Allyson Grace Hatcher

Jewels Elizabeth Holloway

Noelle Rose Hooper

Kailey Alexandra Hornback

Colin Gabriel Hudock

Greta Carly Hunsaker

Mateo Ponce Jesch

Emily Claire Johnson

Jadyn Lashett Renae Johnson

Owen Christopher Johnson

Mason Lee Kay

Riley Caitline Kelley

Jabarri Akil Knights-Forbes

Curtis Jule Kreklau III

Kiley Simone Langford

Elise Marie Latham

Alexander Jackson Lee

Jonathan Mark Lefler

Jacob Christopher Lemming

Alexandra Marie Lewis

Joseph Edward Longbottom

Anna Hope Lopez

Amaya Neveah Lowry

Benjamin Jaden Magana

Grace Olivia Marshall

Kathryn Lynn McCloskey

Blake Thompson McDonald

Ellie Jane McDonald

John Henry McLimore

Olivia Isabel Mnatzaganian

Eva Rosio Mobley

Brynna Kay Moore

Amani Muthoni Mudavadi

Molly Ann Mullinix

Andre DaShone Neal Jr

Ethan Michael Orstead

Elise Bryn Pauwels

Genesis Marie Nichole Pearson

Anna Elise Peduto

Jacob Christopher Perry

Kylie Joy Peterson

Emma Maxine Pippin

Peter Joseph Pizarro

Ethan Gabriel Porter

Meredith Taylor Procise

Gabrielle Nicole Roberts

Lilyana Lucile Rouget

Emma Claire Rzeszutko

Emmanuel Sanchez

Jayden Roosevelt Sanders

Lucas Joel Sarver

Zechariah Thomas Schloemer

Savannah Patricia Scholl

Alaina Joy Schultze

Dalton Robert Sheltz

Noah James Simmons

Audra Grace Stanley

Lewis Brandon Stayton

Alexander Martin Steffen

Katherine Elaine Xiang Stewart

Nicholas David Stewart

Zachary David Sullivan

Campbell Nicole Taylor

Grace Elizabeth Tesnar

Braden Wright Timmering

Callie Anne Turpen

Ava Isabel Valentine

Christopher Daniel McNew Vaught

Casey William Vidoni

Zachary Everett Whitt Warrick

Jake Andrew Wendel

Denzel Ezekiel Widjaja

Haven Nicole Wilson

Camden Anthony Wolfe

Buchanan Daniel Wright

William Maxwell Wyse

Xunting Yao

Austin Matthew Yates

Elijah Tate Zeronik

HONORS

Valedictorian Kate Floberg Salutatorian Jake Wendel

Maya Favors

Top Senior in Theatre Arts & National School Choral Award

John Philip Sousa Band Award Mason Kay

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award Jake Wendel

National School Orchestra Award Zachary Warrick

Alan Leinbach Servant Leadership Award Zachary Warrick & Caroline Curnutt

Spiritual Life Leadership Award Zachary Warrick & Emily Johnson

Doc Richards Scholastic Athlete Award Caroline Curnutt & Mason Kay

Athletes of the Year Elise Latham & John McLimore

GRADUATE STATS

SENIOR CLASS TALENT

A SNAPSHOT OF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE CLASS OF 2022

1 senior creates accuratehistoricallymodel soldiers from famous battles

1 Regional Championship win

31 Named Academic All-State

2 National Merit Finalists

1 senior recorded an album and played in a live concert with his own band

13 Named All-Conference

1 senior developed a lucrative shoe sale/resale business

5 National Merit Commended students

17 Athletes have signed to play sports in college

4 State Championships in Girls athletics (Indoor Track, Soccer, Volleyball and Lacrosse)

5 Sectional Championship wins

1

12 Named All-City

1 senior builds and restores cars

2 Semi-State Championships

1 senior started a neighborhood Bible Study and discipleship group for young girls (doubled in size since 2021)

1 Indiana Girls Lacrosse Association (INGLA) All-American

1 senior is an award-winning angler

1

2 State Championships

Mock Trial team won State and competed at the National Championship for the first time in school history

senior Mock Trial member won a State Best Attorney award for all four years

CELEBRATING HCS SECOND GENERATIONS

CLASS OF 2022

SECOND GENERATION GRADUATES

TEACHING

Hugh Fox ('22) and mother, Karen (Baker) Fox ('95)

Emily Johnson ('22) and mother, Claire (Hardin) Johnson ('96)

John Henry McLimore ('22) and father, John McLimore ('79)

Two students in our elementary school and one student in our intermediate school are not only second generation students, but they are being taught by the same teacher who taught their parent!

Mr. Bill Burdine with Whitney Hamilton III and his father, Whitney Hamilton, Jr. ('07)

Mrs. Jennifer Nutter with Maddux Atkinson and his mother, Stephanie (Culp) Atkinson ('03)

Mr. Paul Houck with Oliver Hilliard, and his mother, Hannah (Taylor) Hilliard ('00)

HONORING AL LEINBACH

MR. JIM WEAVER, FORMER HEADMASTER AT HERITAGE, PRESENTED AL LEINBACH WITH THE SAGAMORE OF THE WABASH AWARD.

n June 10, 2022, the Heritage family came together to celebrate Al Leinbach’s 56 years of service to the school and Christian education. Al joined Heritage in 1966 and with a servant heart for his students and the community, served as a teacher, coach and high school principal. He continues to serve as the school’s alumni relations coordinator.

SAGAMORE OF THE WABASH

During the celebration, former Head of School, Jim Weaver, presented Al with the Sagamore of the Wabash award – the highest citizen award in Indiana – signed by Governor Eric Holcomb.

The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created by Ralph Gates, who served as governor of Indiana from 1945 to 1949. “Sagamore” refers to the highest political leaders among northeast Native Americans whom others would look to for wisdom and advice. And “Wabash” refers to Indiana’s state river.

The award states that the honoree is “distinguished by his (her) humanity in living, his loyalty in friendship, his wisdom in council, and his inspiration in leadership.”

AL LEINBACH FIELD

With more than 200 alumni, staff, friends and family in attendance during the celebration, HCS Board Chair, Scott Schneider, announced the naming of our main stadium field to be “Al Leinbach Field.” His name now appears on the new digital scoreboard, which will be installed in 2023.

Mr. Scott Schneider, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Heritage Christian School presents Al Leinbach with a graphic rendering of the new scoreboard, which will be installed prior to the 20232024 sports season.

Dr. Eric Duncan ('72) was instrumental in the initiation of the Sagamore of the Wabash award and planning the event and served as the evening's emcee

HCS alumni parent, Donna McDonald, looks at memorabilia on display during the celebration, which included sports trophies, plaques, a personal trophy from the 1972 MCC-OCC Championship, a photo of basketball coach Al and a t-shirt quilt, designed and pieced by Sharon Koepper, featuring Al's many HCS t-shirts.

COMING TO HERITAGE WAS NOT BY MY DESIGN. IT WAS SPECIFICALLY BY GOD’S DESIGN. WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT, I KNEW THAT GOD HAD LED ME HERE.”

— AL LEINBACH

LEADING. TEACHING. SERVING.

e are pleased to welcome Intermediate and Middle School Principal, Trae Heeter and High School Principal, Jesse Burgess, to Heritage. Our school principals are not only trusted to guide the day-to-day operations of the schools, but they also inspire the teachers to teach, the staff to serve and the students to learn. At Heritage, our principals and staff also take on the special role of walking alongside students in their faith journeys by encouraging them to think Biblically as they pursue what the Lord has next for them in life.

TRAE HEETER

2022. In his role he aims to disciple students to live God-fearing lives and prepare them to make a positive impact in whatever they choose to do. What excites him most about his work is being a mentor. “Meeting students where they are and being able to disciple students in the hallway, at recess, in the cafeteria, or wherever, is something that I love," explained Mr. Heeter.

Mr. Heeter said that one of the biggest challenges we face is the growth we are seeing at the intermediate and middle school levels. “We love to see our schools growing – it’s a great challenge to have! Through this growth, we must be sure that we are providing our students with the support and resources that they need to be successful, as well as equip our teachers to know how to relate to students during this time period and help them see the world through a biblical worldview.” He says that our greatest asset is the Bible. “There are so many families and students who want what we offer and it starts with our foundation. We do not shy away from this in anything that we do and it's refreshing to be able to work alongside and serve like-minded Christian people.”

high school. “These are incredibly formative years and our job is to disciple our students and families and provide grace when needed. I thrive on relationships and going the extra mile for our students, parents and staff.”

Mr. Heeter graduated from Butler University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational administration. He also has valuable experience working with the NCAA. He enjoys traveling, sports (especially the Colts and Butler Bulldogs), spending time with his wife, Callie, and daughter, Jojo, and trying new restaurants.

JESSE BURGESS

Mr. Heeter was named intermediate and middle school principal in June

His vision for HCS intermediate and middle school students and families is to help each one with the transition from elementary school and into

We are excited to welcome High School Principal, Jesse Burgess to Heritage this school year. Mr. Burgess

joined our school after serving as the principal at Southmont High School in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He has 20 years of experience with the last 10 serving in school administration. Mr. Burgess says that he particularly enjoys working with high school-age students because this is when “they really begin to think critically and make connections to the curriculum and their future decisions.” So far, his favorite thing about Heritage is “the unity we have together in Christ and the Biblical worldview from which we live.”

Mr. Burgess’ vision for the high school is to partner with students and families to accomplish our mission of glorifying God, discipling students and pursuing academic excellence. “Our team is hoping to expand dual credit (joint college & high school credit) opportunities, as well as increase opportunities for our students to participate in Bible studies.”

Mr. Burgess earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and history and holds master’s degrees in

teaching and educational leadership. Outside of his work, Mr. Burgess, along with his wife, Jenna, and their three children, Caleb, Cora and Knox, loves traveling throughout the U.S. While in college, he had the unique opportunity to travel to Greece and climb Mt. Olympus. He is also an avid reader and is inspired by reading the biographies of Christians who have acted in boldness to proclaim the Word of God.

STEVE LINDAHL

We are happy to welcome Director of Guidance, Steve Lindahl, to HCS. Prior to joining Heritage this school year, Mr. Lindahl enjoyed a variety of roles throughout his career. At age 19, he became a special Deputy U.S. Marshall, then a military officer, followed by a ministry leader and finally as an academic administrator and teacher. Through this, he has seen God’s leadership of his life –each job preparing him for his current role where he is guiding students to purposefully explore God’s direction for their lives.

When asked who he is most inspired by, Mr. Lindahl said, “Daniel from the Old Testament because of his faithfulness and leadership.” As a teen, Daniel was uprooted from his home, his country and his dreams. Yet, despite his circumstances, he trusted God to lead him, which resulted in immediate and eternal rewards.

Mr. Lindahl earned his bachelor’s degree from Houghton College in New York and an MBA from Pennsylvania State University.

AT HERITAGE, WE ARE BLESSED WITH NEW AND LONG-SERVING TEACHERS AND STAFF. BELOW IS A SELECTION OF A FEW WHO HAVE BEEN WITH HERITAGE FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS. TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR TEACHERS AND STAFF, VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

High

School History Teacher

Dave Watt started his 33rd year of teaching high school history at HCS this school year. He most loves hanging out with his students and sharing Jesus’ love for them.

“For sure U.S. History and Government are my passions, but the students are what makes teaching fun,” he said.

Dave worked 22 jobs before teaching. He has worked at a steel mill in East Chicago,

on a pipeline, a gas plant, and a drilling rig in Wyoming, he’s framed houses, and he’s managed a grocery store in south Chicago. He attended Crown College in Minnesota for degrees in History and Bible and Theology and after a few friends told him to pursue teaching, he decided to return to Crown College for a degree in Secondary Education Social Science.

He heard about Heritage from an ACSI flyer someone had placed on his dorm bed. Dave eventually applied and interviewed for a job with Al Leinbach.

OUR GREATEST STRENGTH AT HCS IS OUR FOUNDATION, WHICH IS BUILT UPON JESUS CHRIST AND THE BIBLE. THIS FOUNDATION ALLOWS US TO BE UNIFIED AROUND A COMMON PURPOSE AND STRIVE TOGETHER IN LIKE-MINDEDNESS.”

– JESSE BURGESS, HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

DAVE WATT

The next day, Dave met a man on his college campus who grew up in the same Sunday School class as Leinbach. Dave knew at that moment that it was confirmation he’d end up at Heritage. He’s been here since 1989.

Outside of work, Dave most loves to spend time with his family, taking his kids fishing and helping his wife in the garden.

means of fulfilling His promise of Psalm 68:6 in my life. ‘God sets the solitary in families,’” she said.

classroom. "My favorite memory is actually when former students come back or email me. I get to see the amazing people they’ve become.”

JANICE HOUGHTON Library Media Specialist

Anyone who’s attended Heritage in the last 30 years knows Janice Houghton. Though she spent a decade away, serving as a missionary in Russia, she always felt a part of the Heritage family. Faculty and staff sent her care packages and resources, classes helped with projects, and families supported her financially.

“No visit back to the states was complete until I spent at least a day back at HCS,” she said. Houghton decided she wanted to be a school librarian in 6th grade, after helping in her school’s library. She studied Elementary Education at Grace College, then continued her education at the IU School of Library & Information Science at IUPUI.

Houghton loves getting to introduce students to good books, to be a part of dozens of research projects, and to collaborate with teachers across all grade levels. She is also involved with high school Mock Trial.

“Heritage has truly been God’s

“It’s awesome to work in a place where everyone has the goal of glorifying God in every aspect of their lives,” says Tony Hinkle. “I love the people of Heritage.” Hinkle came to the school in 1995 and has taught all but one year since his arrival; currently, he teaches integrated chemistry and physics, zoology, and botany in high school.

“It was a complete God thing,” he says of how he got into teaching. “In 1992, I went on my first mission trip. I was placed in a position teaching a curriculum on Christian morality and ethics to public school teachers. I’d never thought about teaching before that, but I loved it, and I came back knowing that’s what I wanted to do.” Before Hinkle went back to school to fulfill his calling for teaching, he worked full time as a vet for seven years—a vocation he brings into the zoology classroom and continues part-time today.

“When I teach science classes, God’s character is obvious in everything he’s made and in every scientific discovery,” Hinkle says. His passion for both God and science is obvious in the classroom, where he leads students in activities that vary from dissecting frogs to identifying flowers found in nearby woods. In every experiment, God’s glory is evident.

Hinkle’s favorite part of teaching, though, isn’t confined to the

PAUL HOUCK

Sixth Grade Bible Teacher and Track Coach

Mr. Houck is celebrating 40 years of teaching at Heritage this school year!

When he headed off to college, Mr. Houck was not certain of God’s calling on his life. After changing his major several time at Wright State University and then Taylor University, he felt God calling him to pursue a career in education. During his senior year of college, Mr. Houck had a practice interview with Heritage’s then-CEO, Ron McGraw. “I never believed that God wanted me to teach in a Christian school,” said Houck. But, the Lord’s plans became certain and he’s been teaching at Heritage ever since.

Mr. Houck has enjoyed a variety of jobs throughout the summers, including working at WTHR, baling hay and helping out at his father-inlaw’s feed store.

He has enjoyed coaching the Eagles Track and Field team since he started teaching in 1983 and has had the pleasure of seeing his three children, Laura (’05), James (’10) and Rachel (’14) all graduate from Heritage. Outside of school, Mr. Houck enjoys spending time outdoors and playing with his grandchildren.

TONY HINKLE High School Science Teacher

EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY PROGRAM

ELEVATING THE DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM - FALL 2023

Heritage Christian High School offers a wide range of college preparatory curriculum including Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit (DC) courses. These classes are carefully designed to provide the necessary academic foundation as a student moves from 9th to 12th grade. All classes at HCS are considered college preparatory.

Our exciting next step in the college preparatory process is to announce the launch of eCAP, the Early College Academy Program beginning in the Fall of 2023. This initiative will not only give our students a jumpstart in achieving their higher education goals, it could also save our families thousands in college tuition. Specifically, a Heritage student will have the opportunity to complete the equivalent of one full year of college (30 college credits) for as little as $2,500!

Students who elect to participate in the eCAP program will enroll in designated courses to simultaneously earn high school and Christian college credit (dual credits) while attending HCS. eCAP will also integrate Advanced Placement (AP) and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) to meet the standardized, college-level, Academy certificate requirements.

At present, students can earn either a College Prep or Academic Honors Diploma. Beginning the Fall of 2023, all students interested in eCAP can pursue the new “Early College Academy Diploma.” Although the Classes of 2024 and 2025 are grandfathered to the old Academies with the integration of DC/AP/CLEP, they could still potentially achieve an eCAP General Certificate. The eCAP Diploma will be fully implemented for the Class of 2026 with three options below:

• eCAP General Certificate = Ten (10) dual credit/AP courses and/or CLEP exams (30 college credits)

• eCAP Specialty Certificate = Ten (10) dual credit/AP courses and/or CLEP exams with four (4) in one of the ‘Academies’ (30 college credits)

• eCAP Associates Degree Equivalency Certificate = Combination of the two previous options (60 college credits)

eCAP is an “opt-in” program for students and is not a requirement for all HCS students. There is no formal application, rather, students simply need to inform their guidance counselor of their desire to participate in the eCAP program and choose their dual credit courses with the understanding that there is an added expense to regular HCS tuition for each eCAP course.

For more information, email Guidance Services at guidance.assistant@heritagechristian.net.

CREDIT (DC)

COLLEGE-LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM® (CLEP)

eCAP

Diploma Pathways are open to all HCS students.

Did you know? funds

can be leveraged to pay for dual credit courses.

Courses will primarily be instructor led on-site 100 to 200 level options that will transfer to most universities.

Courses offered beginning Fall 2023 with more courses added each year.

Current Academies

ACADEMY OF MINISTRY AND LEADERSHIP

ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

ACADEMY OF BIOMEDICINE

ACADEMY OF FINANCE

Future Academies

ACADEMY OF BIBLICAL MINISTRY

ACADEMY OF MATH & ENGINEERING

*30 credit hours are equivalent to one year of college.

*60 credit hours are equivalent to two years of college.

ACADEMY OF LIFE & HEALTH SCIENCES

ACADEMY OF BUSINESS DISCIPLINES

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

ACADEMY OF ENGLISH & COMMUNICATIONS

ACADEMY OF SPORTS SCIENCE

ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES & LAW

ACADEMY OF WORLD LANGUAGES

ACADEMY OF EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS - MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Cost: $250 per course above regular tuition.�

IN-STATE SAVINGS * PRIVATE SAVINGS *

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS - VISUAL ARTS * * *

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS VISUAL ARTS

ACADEMY OF SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY

*Estimated savings value only

College credits earned are transferable via official transcripts.

eCAP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will courses be virtual or in person?

Most classes will be taught on-site by HCS adjunct faculty credentialed by accredited Christian universities.

How much money will this save my family?

• 30 hours, one year of college, will cost $2,500 above regular tuition.

• 60 hours, two years of college, will cost $5,000 above regular tuition.

What students are eligible for eCAP?

eCAP is an “opt-in” program and is available for all HCS high school students.

What are the benefits to a student taking dual credit courses in high school?

• Entering college with dual credit courses completed sets students apart.

• Gives students a favorable place in the queue when they go to register at their university.

• Saves tuition dollars and time to have 100 and 200 level classes completed prior to college.

Why eCAP for HCS?

• To increase the value of a HCS education.

• Maintain a competitive edge.

• Grow our college and university connectivity.

Why eCAP for HCS students?

• Increased potential college enrollment for students.

• Explore and immerse our students into majors and careers prior to college.

• Demonstrate student college capability & potential.

• Reduce college costs for students and families.

Are all Academy and Specialty requirements finalized?

The Academy and Specialty courses are under development. As Academy certificate requirements and Specialty course options are finalized, students and families will be informed.

Why move away from some AP classes in the sciences and humanities toward dual credit? Select AP courses promote an anti-biblical worldview.

Will colleges and universities accept these credits?

Yes, the college credits earned are transferable via official transcripts from the issuing accredited higher education institution. On occasion the receiving institution may choose to only accept them as ‘general education’ credits and not major/ specialty related credits. This is determined by each institution.

What are the requirements for teachers and how are they recruited?

Teachers are credentialed by accredited universities to be an adjunct professor in a specific subject matter area.

Will HCS continue to offer the Academic Honors diploma?

Yes, however, we will also introduce the “Early College Diploma” for those that complete one of the eCAP options.

How many offerings have we had in the past compared to now?

HCS has offered seven dual credit courses in the past. We hope to expand our offerings to more than 24 dual credit classes in the 2023-2024 school year (phase 1) and further expand offerings in phase 2 and beyond.

Why is Heritage only partnering with Christian colleges?

Our Biblical worldview is the foundation of Heritage’s teaching philosophy, and for this reason we are partnering with universities that share our Biblical worldview. That said, 100-200 level courses are generally transferable between accredited universities, so any HCS students enrolled in the program should find this beneficial.

HCS PRESENTS TUCK EVERLASTING

THE MUSICAL

Heritage Christian School Fine Arts students came together as singers, dancers, actors, crew members and orchestra players to perform the annual fall musical production, “Tuck Everlasting” on November 10 – 12, 2022. The story tells the tale of eleven-year-old Winnie Foster and her journey with the Tuck family, who have learned how to live forever because they drink from a certain spring. Winnie must fight to protect the family’s secret. As her adventure unfolds, she faces an extraordinary choice: return to her life or continue with the Tucks on their infinite journey.

Tuck Everlasting was Mr. Bailey Hunt's first production as director. Mr. Hunt joined Heritage this year as a high school speech teacher and director of high school and

middle school theatre arts. Students under his direction and working with musical director, Mrs. Erin Voiles and technical director, Mr. Matt Voiles, made this production a success. Fine Arts Director, Krista Roorbach, said that “students quickly took ownership of the production, demonstrated leadership and helped create a great show!” Working with Mr. Hunt, students grew to understand the musical’s main themes of eternity, miracles and how our lives are gifts from God. “The cast shared these themes and messages of hope with the audience

through words, song and dance,” Krista added.

Tuck Everlasting is based on the best-selling children’s classic by Natalie Babbitt and adapted for the stage by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle. It features a score from Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen. The musical began on Broadway in March 2016.

More than 100 students participated in the strongly attended production held in the cafetorium. Lead roles were played by:

Hope Stines (Winnie Foster)

Jackson Cox (Jesse Tuck)

Audrey Turpen (Mae Tuck)

Harrison Thrift (Miles Tuck)

Eli King (Angus Tuck)

SPRING 2023 PRODUCTION

Eurydice

CAST

Eurydice - Summer Park

Orpheus - Luke Tiernon

Father - Eli King

Nasty Interesting Man/Lord of the UnderworldDayne Meyers

Large Stone - Emma Griffin

Small Stone - Laney Ewing

Loud Stone - Evelyn Kniffen

Chorus of Stones - Eva Abbott, Lucy Gard, Eva King, Katie Jo Schloemer, Harrison Thrift

March 2-4, 2023 7:00 pm

DIRECTORS

Director - Bailey Hunt

Assistant Director - Hannah Bostick

Crew and Technical Director - Matt Voiles

Heritage christian school Auditorium

More than 40 Fine Arts students came together to create and perform the spring production, Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl. Eurydice, which ran from March 2 - 4, 2023, is the retelling of a classic Greek myth, shifting focus from Orpheus to his bride, Eurydice, who dies on their wedding night. During the production, the audience is transported to an underworld where stones talk and sing, water makes you forget, where fathers are trees and where the one you love might just come back to you.

FINE ARTS FINE

CHRISTMAS 2022 CONCERT

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

April 19: High School Instrumental Spring Concert

May 3: 6th Grade, Middle School & High School Choral Spring Concert

May 10: 4th Grade Showcase

May 17: 6th Grade & Middle School Instrumental Spring Concert

ALL STATE HONORS ENSEMBLES

Our middle school and high school instrumental students performed in their annual Christmas concert in December 2022.

On January 12-14, 2023, ten students participated in All State Honors Ensembles in Fort Wayne, Indiana in conjunction with the Indiana Music Educators Association Teachers conference. Students were selected by auditions. Teachers Brad Gregory (band), Andrea Clinebelle (orchestra), Erin Voiles (Choir) and Krista Roorbach (5th Grade Music) attended the conference and were there to celebrate this achievement with their students and families.

Elementary All State Choir: Lydia Clinebelle, Silas Martin, Taylor Wright

Middle School All State Choir:

Samantha Duff, Gemma Gallion, Jenna Rihani

Jr. High All State Band: Juliana Winn (French horn)

Jr. High All State Orchestra: Laira Jordan (cello)

High School All State Orchestra: Nicole Awabdhy (cello)

High School All State Jazz Band: Andrew Wiggins (alto saxophone)

ARTS FINE ARTS

ISSMA CONTEST

On Saturday, January 28, 2023, HCS had 16 students participate in the ISSMA District Solo and Ensemble contest for both voice and piano. Out of 17 events, Heritage students received 16 gold ratings and one silver! Students who received a gold rating in the Group I category (highest difficulty) participated in the State Competition in February. Those students are Eli King, Ezra King, Evelyn Kniffen, David Reynolds, Audrey Turpen, and Jana Webb.

Instrumental (Band and Strings)

ISSMA Results:

29 Solos received Gold Medals

Two Solos received Silver Medals

Five Ensembles received Gold Medals

State Competition:

Nine Soloists received Gold, five with distinction

Five Ensembles received Gold, two with distinction

VISUAL ARTS

Tenth grade student, Zaria Winston, creates a masterpiece in her visual arts class.

FOOTBALL TEAM EARNS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

BOYS FOOTBALL

Our Eagles High School football team was named one of the 16 finalists in Indiana for the National Football Foundation Academic Excellence Award. We qualified by accumulating a TEAM GPA of 3.5 and our on-field success!

Football All-City Team Awards

IFCA All-State Honors

Kyle Antoine (QB) Collin Thompson (ATH) Luke Valerio (WR)

Luke Valerio

Kyle Antoine Christian Dora CJ Opper Collin Thompson

Photography by NeccoNise

BOYS TENNIS

The Boys Tennis team won the Sectional championship and ended their season in a three-way tie for the Conference title.

CROSS COUNTRY

BASEBALL

The HCS boys baseball team became Sectional Baseball Champs when they defeated Scecina 12-1.

Boys Tennis Post-Season Awards

BOYS SOCCER

Boys Soccer Post-Season Honors

Gabe Carrao 1st District, City/Conference

Noah Hamm All-City & All-Conference

Max Lock All-Conference

Andrew Wiggins

1st Team Pre Season Collegiate Baseball HS All-American

Cole Riggle Willem Hobson

Cross Country All-City Team Honors

Luke Teirnon All-Conference, All-City & City Runner Up

James Vaneventer All-Conference, All-City & City Champ

Zach Lemming All-City

GIRLS LACROSSE

BACK TO BACK STATE CHAMPS

GIRLS GOLF

September 12, 2022 at South Grove.

GIRLS SOCCER

Heritage sophomore forward, Abby Foulk, was named Girls’ Fall Soccer National Player of the Year by the National Christian School Athletic Association (NCSAA). Abby totaled 25 goals and 11 assists for the year.

Abby Foulk

The HCS girls golf team won the city tournament on

The Lady Eagles clinched back to back titles and were named the 2022 Class 1A State Champions.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Post-Season Awards – All-City

GIRLS SWIMMING

All-City Champion in the 500 Free and 100 Breast.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

During the weekend of Sept. 10-11, 2022, our girls cross country team finished 2nd at the IWU Wildcat Invite.

All-City Champions in the 400 Free Relay

GIRLS BASKETBALL GIRLS SOFTBALL

Girls Basketball All-City First Team

Bella Wynja Carly Minatel Olivia Endris

Joslyn Marshall Koryn Marshall Mya Davis

City Alliance Basketball Champions

2022 Post-Season Awards

Brie Buckles Evie Gordon

All-City Team Honors

Ella Andrews

Elyse Straka, Lucy Gard, Laurel Baxter, Ella Andrews

Alayna Tesnar 2nd Team All-State & All-City Calie Beikes All-City

Jana Webb All-City & All-City Tournament Team

Ari Thompson All-City (HM)

KYA CROOKE

Kya Crooke has been breaking track and field records since middle school. As a seventh grader, she broke our school’s longest standing girls track and field record of 5'4.75" in high jump – a record held for 28 years by her mom, Julie (Reinwald) Crooke (’95).

If allowed, Kya could score in the state track and field meet in as many as 13 individual events: three sprints, both hurdles and both jumps. In fact, she participated in a seven-event discipline, the heptathlon, which is an event made famous by Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Kya has won a national age-group title in the heptathlon, which means that in addition to the seven-event discipline, Kya has thrown the shot and javelin, and run 800 meters.

Not only does Kya excel in track and field, she also helped HCS win its first-ever IHSAA Class A soccer state championship in 2021.

“I love these two sports,” Kya said. “They fit together so well. And I do believe that me running on the track team helps my game in soccer, too. And vice versa.”

For Kya, athletic strength runs in the family. Her father is a native of the island nation of Saint Kitts and used to run track with sprinter Kim Collins, a five-time Olympian and 2003 world champion. Her mother,

Julie, is a former Heritage Christian three sport athlete and played Division 1 college soccer.

“I think it’s good that I love track so much, which is making me get better,” Crooke said. “If I didn’t like it so much, it would be hard to perform the way that I do.”

Last year, as a freshman, Kya was the Runner Up for High Jump at the IHSAA State Finals, Adidas National Champion and USATF Junior Olympic National Champion in High Jump and broke 8 HCS High School Track records (60m, 100m, 200m, 300mh, Long Jump, High Jump, 4x100, 4x400). Her sophomore season has just started and Kya has already earned her fourth National Title, winning High Jump at the Nike Indoor Nationals in NYC. She will be competing on the U20 Saint Kitts National team at the Carifta Games later this year and her ultimate goal is to be in the Olympics.

•

•

•

•

•

TRACK STAR. SOCCER PHENOM. SOPHOMORE SEEMINGLY KNOWS NO LIMITS.

Kya featured on a billboard in NYC.

POWER GUARD AND HCS SENIOR,

PREPS FOR PURDUE MYLES COLVIN,

Myles Colvin is electric. The Heritage Christian senior averages over 20 points a game. The question is never will the guard score, but how he’ll do it. “He just does some things that shock me!” said Myles’ dad, Rosevelt.

In January, Myles was named a 2023 McDonald’s All American nominee – one of just 15 boys selected from Indiana. A total of 722 girls and boys basketball players from around the country were chosen to have a chance to shine on one of high school basketball’s biggest stages: the McDonald’s All American Games, which will be held in Houston. “Becoming a McDonald’s All American Games nominee is about representing your family, friends, school and community on the national stage and doing so with pride of what you earned and respect for those that have paved the way,” said Vicki Chancellor, Atlanta-based McDonald’s Owner/Operator and Chair, McDonald’s USA Franchisee Marketing Committee.

“A lot of times I surprise myself,” Myles said. “Like one game, I threw the ball at the backboard and dunked it. It’s just most of the time it’s just instinct, and I go and do it and if I finish it, I’m like, ‘Whoa, I really just did that.’ I think it’s after the games that it hits me that I did something that’s really not normal for other people to do.”

The rest of his game? Well, that’s just as elite as his shot making.

“It’s quite shocking when I look at the film, when I see the usage of him, but what he does with the ball and off the ball it does a lot for everybody else as well,” said Brandon Coffer, head basketball coach at Heritage

Christian. “His presence on the floor does a lot, not just for him but for the entire team and program.”

Myles is no stranger to success. His father was a star linebacker at Purdue University before going on to win two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. Myles might be playing a different sport. However, the foundation is exactly same.

“I’ve seen through his daily life that he’s a hard worker,” Myles said of his father. “So, I think, just carrying out that lifestyle and getting the job done, I think if I do that, then I’ll get there.”

Myles will follow his father’s footsteps in one way — playing for the Purdue Boilermakers.

“It’s going to be really sweet. Obviously, not a lot of people in the world get to experience playing for one of the best teams in the country and also playing in one of the best arenas in the country, so that’s definitely a blessing I can’t wait for,” Myles said.

ROBOTICS

Our HCS Eagles Robotics teams competed in a robotics competition at Purdue on January 14, 2023.

• 6210K won the High School Excellence Award

• 6210U and 6210M won the Tournament Award

• 6210B won the Middle School Excellence Award

These awards qualified them for the 2023 Indiana Robotics State Championship held on March 25 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

During the week of May 9, 2022, our five middle school Eagles teams joined 725 teams from around the world in the VEX IQ Robotics Middle School World Championship.

• Team 6210 C: Coco Puffs, 6th Grade

• Team 6210 B: Big Pizza, 6th Grade

• Team 6210 D: Dominant Duo, 7th Grade

• Team 6210 E: Enchiladas, 7th Grade

• Team 6210 G: G Force, 8th Grade

Team G Force finished 11th in their division, and Team Enchiladas finished 7th! Both teams made the finals for their respective divisions – a big accomplishment.

MOCK TRIAL

As shown to the left, twelve Heritage students from our four high school mock trial teams were invited by the Indiana Bar Foundation to help 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. It was an incredible opportunity to perform in an actual courtroom again and for the students to work together with different teammates.

Five HCS Mock Trial teams competed in the Indianapolis High School Mock Trial Regional held February 25 – 26, 2023.

The all-senior team, Point Blank (shown right), came in second place and the freshman team, Shooting Stars placed eighth. Both of these teams competed in the State Finals March 11-12. All five teams accumulated individual awards for Best Attorney and Best Witness.

ALUMNI

MAKING A

DIFFERENCE AFTER HERITAGE

COL. CHRISTOPHER PERRY, MD (‘94)

Christopher Perry (‘94) has dedicated his entire postHeritage life to serving our country in the U.S. Army. After graduating from HCS, Chris attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. He then went to medical school and became a psychiatrist with subspecialties in Addiction Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. Throughout the past several years, Chris has focused on military-specific medicine, with a particular focus on medical readiness for our country’s warfighters and hospital leadership.

Chris is currently serving as the Chief Medical Officer at Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington and really enjoys taking care of soldiers. With suicide rates among service members at an all-time high, fighting this crisis is an important part of his work. “This nation has dedicated, noble soldiers who need care and it is an honor to be a part of their health.” Looking back on his time at Heritage, Chris recalls the impact

that the teachers had on his life. And, he says that Heritage prepared him spiritually and academically for the rigors of West Point. “I learned about world views at Heritage, which prepared me to better understand how much a person’s world view affects their mental health.”

GARRISON (' 15) AND MEGAN ('16) (HARRISON) LISBY

While attending Heritage, Garrett and Megan (Harrison) Lisby got more than just a great education. Heritage is where they met, participated in cross country and track and caught the bug for a career in health care. They are now married and both are Physical Therapists. Garrett (’15) credits

his shadowing experience at a physical therapy clinic while attending Heritage with sparking his passion for pursuing a career in the field. Megan (’16) credits her interest in the health care field to taking Anatomy and Physiology and AP Biology with Mr. Terry.

After graduating from HCS, Garrett and Megan both attended Taylor University where they majored in Exercise Science. Garrett and Megan recently graduated from Physical Therapy school at Florida Southern College and are beginning their careers as Physical Therapists in Indianapolis. Megan loves how many different settings and environments you can work in as a Physical Therapist. “I enjoy the amount of time I am able to spend interacting with and building relationships with the patients that I treat," says Lisby.

Some of Megan’s favorite memories of HCS were running cross country and track and the friendships gained. Garrett also enjoyed running cross country and track. He says that his time on both teams led to life-long friendships and introduced him to his wife!

AYANA (DAUGHTRY)

EDGAR ('91)

Ayana (Daughtry)

Edgar (‘91) has had a non-traditional path after graduating from Heritage but has enjoyed such an incredible variety of experiences that have furthered her growth in Christ and Kingdom work. After completing college, leading full-time ministry in Hartford, Connecticut and the birth of their first two children, Ayana and her husband moved to Tennessee. This move initiated a series of different adventures.

When her oldest child became ready for school, the Lord led Ayana to homeschool where she discovered her love for education, helping other families and building supportive educational communities. Ayana became a writer, educator and mentor and a homeschooling mom to five children (three of which have graduated high school). Through attending the Fire Church in Murfreesboro, Ayana became friends with Wendy Hibbard, who was working on a book called, I am Not an Oops! Wendy knew about Ayana’s love for storytelling and asked her to contribute to the book. God worked through this experience to

help Ayana learn to be more vulnerable and share more about her personal journey with God. Today, Ayana and her husband are assistant pastors at the Fire Church and lead the prison ministry. Ayana is also working on a collaboration called the Nashville Literacy Lab, which will help parents prepare their K-3 students to read. As she nears the end of her homeschooling journey, Ayana expects to write more books on topics such as motherhood, education and spiritual development.

KELLY (FEYEN) BEARD ('02)

Ever since she was 15, Kelly (Feyen) Beard (’02) wanted to be a social worker. “Before attending Heritage, I was already feeling a stirring in my heart, that my purpose was advocacy,” she said. Kelly was warmly welcomed into Heritage by teachers, staff and peers, and she says that she felt appreciated. "This affirmed for me that my pupose was (and is) to show God's love to people through kindness and empathy," she said. "This is what Heritage teachers, staff and students demonstrated to me," she added.

Kelly recalls one of her most memorable moments as a Heritage student was being named "Most Likely to Host SNL" at the end of her senior year.

After graduating from Heritage, Kelly went on to Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and currently serves as a social worker at Community Hospital’s MD Anderson Cancer Center - East. Working at Community has been incredibly rewarding as Kelly helps patients navigate through unimaginably difficult journeys.

— KELLY (FEYEN) BEARD ('02)

I ENJOY THE AMOUNT OF TIME I AM ABLE TO SPEND INTERACTING WITH AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE PATIENTS THAT I TREAT.”

– MEGAN (HARRISON) LISBY ('16)

I LOVED MAKING MY FRIENDS LAUGH! I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN RESERVED BUT YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY, ‘IT'S THE QUIET ONES THAT YOU HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR!'"