SPRING 2019
Glorifying God
DISCIPLING STUDENTS Pursuing Excellence
CONTENTS
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24 Heritage Messenger Spring 2019
MESSENGER STAFF Gary Roebbelen, Executive Editor Lauren Schneider, Managing Editor Becky Stowers, Associate Editor Ellen Christenberry, Editor and Lead Writer Lauren Woolever, Assistant Editor Bri Salm, Designer messenger@heritagechristian.net Cover photo courtesy of Studio Thirteen Photography
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CEO PERSPECTIVE
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COMMUNITY LIFE
DISCIPLESHIP OVERVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES ATHLETICS FINE ARTS ALUMNI UPDATES
the HeritageFUND Fund
The Messenger staff would like to thank talented Studio 13 photographer and Heritage parent of two alumni, Lesle Lane, for her creativity and expertise that have helped to bring stories to life in this issue. To learn more about her commercial or portrait services, visit www.studio13online.com.
GIVING DEEducation GUIInspiring Learn more and support
The Heritage Fund is the school's vital annual campaign that meets our most important needs. through the Heritage Fund at
www.heritagechristian.net/heritagefund
CEO PERSPECTIVE
Over the years, I have been asked about the importance of Christian education. In light of the cultural shifts we see in our society, this is an increasingly important question. I believe that much of the distinctiveness of Christian education is expressed in the word “hope.” In a world that struggles to make sense of injustice, conflict, and pain, a Christian stands as a person of hope. It could therefore be said that a Christian school is defined by hope. God works through Christian schools to present students with the reality of a world broken by man’s rebellion and selfishness. This realization produces a longing to experience things as they should be between God and man. Longing is a necessary component of hope, and it is that longing that God uses to call His people back to Himself through Jesus Christ, the embodiment of hope. I recently read that genuine hope is a combination of imagination, faith, and desire. Jesus teaches our children how
to imagine what could be (an end to war and hate, a Christcentered society, social justice for all). Jesus’ example then encourages our children to believe that it is really possible to make a difference through His power and grace. Our children’s desire to engage the world is then ignited. Christian hope looks outward with an eternal perspective focused on the cause of Christ for the good of others. This is the genuine hope that exists in the Christian school environment and why I praise God for Heritage, a place where children are presented with a vision of the way things are supposed to be and inspired by the hope that gives true purpose, meaning, and joy to life.
Jeff Freeman, CEO
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DISCIPLESHIP
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ince its founding over half a century ago, Heritage Christian and competing in math and science competitions, to name a School has maintained a firm conviction to train and teach few. Heritage coaches also work hard to disciple students and its students in accordance with Scripture. Heritage Christian encourage them to understand spiritual truths through sport. believes in placing an equal emphasis on academic excellence and relational discipleship, maintaining that Christ is preeminent Heritage is dedicated to teaching biblical doctrines, core truths, in all things and that the Bible is the source for all wisdom and and Christian living. Students hear and learn God’s Word every knowledge. The school presents the Gospel through various day in the classroom, as curriculum for every grade level includes avenues in order to reach students holistically, Bible instruction and Scripture memorization. Students as the beauty of God’s creation and his Gospel also hear various perspectives and interpretations of the Heritage Christian permeate all spheres of our lives: through Word through pastors, teachers, and outside speakers in believes in placing an the rigor of academic training; the creativity chapel. equal emphasis on academic excellence and of music, art, and theatrical training; healthy Heritage students learn from an early age the importance relational discipleship, competition and the physical rigor of sport; and maintaining that Christ is of showing Christ’s love to those in need. The school the joys and challenges of relationships. preeminent in all things supports various local and global care ministries and and that the Bible is the Heritage Christian hires faculty and staff who solicits the help of students and families. Elementary source for all wisdom and students collect Coins for the Kingdom to benefit an profess faith in Jesus Christ. The faculty and knowledge. staff make it part of their mission to minister overseas orphanage and participate in A Day Without to students, both in and out of the classroom. Shoes, a shoe collection drive for needy kids around the They do this by challenging their students to see the work of God world. During the holidays, Heritage partners with Samaritan’s in light of their particular school subject, by mentoring students Purse as an official drop-off location for Operation Christmas formally and informally, by building relationships with students Child. Middle and high school students greet those who visit and their families, and by living Gospel-centered lives. campus to donate their boxes, then pack and load the donated boxes into distribution trucks. Every semester, middle and high Because Christ is preeminent in all things, Heritage Christian school students also participate in service days, in which they believes we can serve God in all that we do. This includes travel to local organizations and ministries to work and serve playing sports to the best of our abilities, creating art and music, for a day.
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DISCIPLESHIP
TEACH Facts of the Bible Doctrines of the Bible Principles of Christian living
MENTOR
CHRIST CENTERED
TRAIN
Use spiritual gifts Share the Gospel Provide ministry opportunities
Model Christian lifestyle Build relationships Cultivate character
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n 2015, the Heritage administration created a discipleship model, “Teach. Mentor. Train.� to better define and enhance the culture of discipleship and guide the faculty and staff in understanding how to disciple students holistically. We know the Gospel permeates all areas of life, so we believe that discipleship can be accomplished through many avenues.
MENTOR
TEACH
TRAIN
Heritage Christian believes in the importance of knowing Scripture, so we are intentional about teaching our students the facts of the Bible, core doctrines, and principles of Christian living. We do this through Bible classes, chapels, and through teaching biblical principles in all school subjects.
We train our students in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in all extracurricular activities to become servant leaders and to know how to articulate the Gospel.
All Heritage teachers, coaches, and staff are Christians who value educating students in academics, helping students grow in their faith, and developing students into Christ-following servant leaders. We demonstrate character and leadership by modeling a Christian lifestyle.
For more information about spiritual life at Heritage, visit heritagechristian.net
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By Becky Stowers
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iscipleship is a powerful word. It’s sharing and teaching God’s Word. It’s modeling Christlikeness. It’s building relationships with people, challenging them to live holy, righteous lives. It’s a cyclical process where we are discipling others to be disciples, and through it all we are developing a deep relationship with our Lord. It is a daily process that takes commitment, humility, and a desire to live fully for Him. I studied nursing at Cedarville University, and while there I got plugged into residence life, which lead me to work at Cedarville in student life for 13 years. During that time I got my Master’s from Liberty University in Human Services with an emphasis in Executive Leadership. From there I went to Palm Beach Atlantic University as the Director of Health and Wellness. I came to Heritage in the summer of 2017, and I quickly learned that discipleship has a team approach. Thinking back over my life, I see the people who challenged my walk with the Lord, specifically those people who discipled me. In high school, I had many different mentors who impacted my life. This is similar to Heritage, as discipleship is not something just the discipleship staff does. Discipleship is also something done by each and every one of our staff members.
I often hear of students who are meeting with teachers during their lunch periods, or of our teachers praying for students who are facing challenging obstacles. Our staff disciples well, and I love seeing it in action! I often have the joy of watching our students disciple other students. We provide mentoring opportunities for students at every grade level, so high school students can mentor middle and elementary students, and middle school students can mentor elementary students. Discipling is happening all over our campus, both formally and informally. There are many facets to my job as Discipleship Director. It ranges from helping the Leadership Team develop the spiritual theme for the year, to coordinating details of our Spiritual Emphasis Weeks, to creating chapel schedules, to planning and assisting in campus events for our students, to being available to
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talk with students when they are having a difficult day. Each day is unique, and each day is a day when I get to see the Lord work in students’ lives.
Discipleship begins at home, which is why we’re excited about our Parent Resources, which provide materials for parents to learn how to be godly parents in our world today. A lot has changed in parenting over the years, and it’s important to be aware of the struggles our students are facing. Find out more about our Parent Resources at heritagechristian.net/resources.
DISCIPLESHIP
Dina Furnish, Discipleship Program Coordinator Dina Furnish has known she wanted to be a counselor since 7th grade. Through her journey with Christ, Dina discovered that God’s larger calling was for her to use her gifts to love His children and point them toward Jesus. Dina graduated from Valparaiso University in 1987 with a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. She earned her master’s degree in Counseling and Counselor Education from IU in 1990. Before having children, Dina worked in children’s homes and hospital settings as a counselor and therapist for adults and youth. She transitioned out of full-time work to raise her children until her youngest was in 7th grade. Dina joined the HCS staff in 2008, as she and her husband Miles sent their sons, Pierson (‘14), MJ (‘17), and Evan (‘18), to Heritage. She loves mentoring students, providing a safe place for them to work through tough issues, and speaking God’s word into their lives. Dina recently started the Parent Resource Partners program, a free resource for HCS parents to meet with a seasoned HCS parent for counsel, prayer, and support.
Tom Flynn, Men’s Discipleship Leader Tom Flynn and his wife Amy have been involved with HCS since their children, Megan (‘05) and Justin (‘08), started attending Heritage in 1995. He has since served in numerous roles at Heritage, including as a member of the Board of Directors, Board Spiritual Formation Committee Chairman, and men’s and women’s lacrosse founder and coach. In 2016, he was named the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association Man of the Year for his service to lacrosse and the young men he mentors! Tom graduated from Purdue University and was CEO and owner of a construction firm for 26 years. He’s currently a deacon at College Park Church and works alongside Iron 2 Iron Ministries and Impact 27:17 Ministries.
has a passion to inspire, challenge, and encourage young men to seek Christ-centered lives in their current purpose, motivations, and convictions, as well as for their future roles in relationships, marriage, family, career, and community.
Tia Cavanaugh-Goggans, Diversity and Discipleship Coordinator Tia Cavanaugh-Goggans has devoted her life to improving and protecting the welfare of children and their families. After completing bachelor's and master’s degrees in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Child Development and Child Psychology at IU, Bloomington, she worked for the Department of Child Services. She has also worked in the areas of foster care and adoption, residential treatment, assisted and supported living for special needs individuals, pediatric consultation, and public relations and marketing in the child welfare industry. Tia joined the discipleship staff in 2016 after sending her oldest daughter, Maya (‘22) to Heritage. Tia keeps busy running middle school small groups and student council, mentoring students, and working on the Diversity Council. “It is my sincere prayer that, together, we will continue to launch students, from all walks of life, onto a road of success and a lifelong journey with Jesus Christ,” said Tia. As of summer 2018, she is a newlywed. She and her husband are the parents of five children.
STUDENTS AT HERITAGE ARE KNOWN AND LOVED What makes Heritage different? Our teachers. They are committed, sacrificial servants who care for our students. It’s through these men and women and an authentic community of meaningful relationships where discipleship flourishes. Relationships are a priority at Heritage because we know that’s where God orchestrates His best discipleship moments.
He stepped into a formal ministry role at Heritage in 2014. Tom
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DISCIPLESHIP
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ne of the great HCS traditions is the annual, all-school Christmas chapel. It’s a joyful celebration and a beautiful time for the entire school to come together. The chapel showcases the Fine Arts through music, and then a faculty or staff member delivers a Christmas message. Perhaps the most anticipated part of Christmas chapel is the singing of The 12 Days of Christmas, in which each grade level gets assigned a “day.” The seniors, who always get to be the 1st Day of Christmas, come up with creative sketches, movements, and inside jokes for each round of the song. Over the years, attendance has grown to about 1,400 people, as more alumni and parents have attended. This tradition is a fun and festive way to ring in Advent, a time of true joy and excitement, which is exactly what it should be!
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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iscipleship in the elementary school takes place in and out of the classroom, beginning with our faculty and staff, all of whom profess faith in Christ. At Heritage Christian, we believe academics and discipleship go hand-in-hand and that students can learn the Bible and biblical principles at a very young age. Because of this, the elementary school integrates the Bible into every facet of education, helping students grow physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually through the truths of the Bible.
TEACH In class, students learn Bible stories, biblical principles, and the truths of what it means to follow Christ. Elementary Bible curriculum includes learning about the Old and New Testaments, the life of Christ, Pilgrim’s Progress, and repentance and forgiveness. As part of the Bible curriculum, students learn how to memorize and recite Scripture every year. In third grade, students learn over 60 verses through song.
MENTOR Each year, elementary teachers make spiritual goals specific to their class. These goals are meant to help them mentor their
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students on a more personal level. Teachers do things such as pray with and for their students every day, share what it means to be a good friend, and teach the Gospel through discipline. Some elementary students have high school mentors. Together, they play games, talk about how to deal with difficult things, read Bible verses, and learn how to be a good friend.
TRAIN Teachers work on the concept of leadership from the earliest grade levels, encouraging students to show leadership through their choices and the way they treat others. Formal leadership training begins in 4th grade through service opportunities within the school. Elementary students are exposed to local and international opportunities to serve through the Care Ministries program. They collect coins for Coins for the Kingdom to support global ministries and they collect material goods like shoes, canned goods, and books for local organizations. Serving within the school is also emphasized through such programs as Reading Buddies, encouragement notes, and random acts of kindness.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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hapel is a sweet time for elementary students to come together, sing their hearts out, and learn God’s word from faculty, staff, and outside Christian leaders and pastors. Grades 1-4 congregate twice a month for a chapel program that includes worship through singing, prayer, updates on elementary Care Ministries, and a Bible lesson. Kindergarten has its own program that meets once a month. The primary goal of these chapels is to help students grow in their walk with Jesus and to see the beauty and importance of corporate worship.
Many of the speakers connect the yearly school theme with a passage of scripture. This year, with the theme #WeWill, students have learned about a variety of topics, including “We will choose to be a friend,� “We will choose to be kind,� “We will serve,� and “We will glorify God.� Elementary music teacher Cathy Bartemus leads the worship portion of chapel, but she makes it a priority to have students assist her. “We try to have students involved as much as possible - leading worship, praying, and helping with the lessons,� said Bartemus.
25 years of ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CARE MINISTRIES
collected and distributed
3,500
FORTY THOUSAND+
shoeboxes filled for Operation Christmas Child
pairs of shoes collected through A Day Without Shoes
of books purchased for an African orphanage library
IN 2018 ALONE
distributed to Hearts and Hope for Haiti for support of the Kelley Erb Preschool at the Little Angels Orphanage, the ALOM medical clinic, and the School of Hope
cans of soup collected and distributed to local food pantries
Spent on Spanish Bibles for the Little House of Hope in Mexico
$150
THREE THOUSAND
dollars distributed to Hope Ministries for Kenduiwo Children’s Home in Africa
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MEET JENNIFER NUTTER
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very year, a handful of students gets a written letter from their third grade teacher, celebrating the anniversary of a day most people may not think to celebrate ̶ their spiritual birthday. For over 10 years, third grade teacher Jennifer Nutter has been sending letters to former students who accepted Christ in her classroom. The idea came to Nutter organically; she marked a date in her calendar when one student accepted Christ in her class. The following year, she decided a note to this student would be a nice gesture to encourage him in his walk with the Lord. The idea stuck, and Nutter has been doing this ever since. Recently, this same student visited Mrs. Nutter and her classrom on his spiritual birthday with a bouquet of flowers, thanking her for her continuous support and encouragement.
From Student to Teacher Jennifer Nutter (‘88) has been a part of the Heritage family for over 40 years, having attended Heritage since kindergarten and having taught at Heritage in several stints since the mid-90s. “I consider this my family since I’ve been here since I was five,” she said. Nutter attended Grace College, where she met her husband of 26 years, Scott. Directly after graduating, she returned to Heritage, this time as a third grade teacher, serving under the leadership of her own former first grade teacher, Elementary Principal Mary Jane English. She taught for five years before taking time off to raise her two children, Jeremy (‘16) and Emily (‘23). After an 11year hiatus, Nutter returned to Heritage.
Living on Mission Mrs. Nutter beams when she talks about teaching third grade. “Oh, they’re so much fun!” she said. “I love the age in that they’re able to start thinking for themselves. I always tell the parents that I wish they could be flies on the wall during our Bible discussions because sometimes they say things that even convict me.” Serving Jesus and celebrating her students are two things Nutter strives to do every day. “I continually thank the Lord for allowing me to serve and give back to the school that without a doubt gave me a solid foundation based on Jesus Christ.” Nutter’s enthusiasm for people and the Gospel extends beyond the classroom. In the last decade, the Nutter family has grown to know and love the Indianapolis refugee population. When their children were young, the Nutters decided to buy gifts for a family in need, so they asked around and found a refugee woman with six children.
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Third grade teacher Jennifer Nutter stands by her van, full of donated clothes, toys,and household items for the refugee population in Indianapolis.
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Discovering that this family had never experienced winter, the Nutters also opted to provide winter clothes and coats for the family.
Whoever is available can meet up at the storage unit, load their cars, and head to an apartment complex on the west side of town, where they present the residents with the donated items. The Nutters and their church have sought to also meet these families’ spiritual needs, so they provide programs for youth and adults at their church.
What started as a kind gesture has since turned into a large operation, and the Nutters began to "God didn't call see similar needs across the entire city. Their me to go across church, Eagle Creek Grace Bible Church, and “God didn’t call me to go across seas, but He’s the Heritage community have since become brought the whole world here,” said Nutter, who is seas, but He's active parts of this ministry as well, providing thankful for how God has provided opportunities brought the whole physical and spiritual needs for refugees around for her children and students to experience the world here." Indianapolis. Nutter leaves her van unlocked in beauty of different cultures, all in their backyard. the Heritage parking lot every day so families “This all happened just because we wanted to help and students can leave clothes, toys, and one family. We were not looking for anything,” said Nutter. “But household items in her car at any time. Almost every day, she’ll you have to be open to what the Lord is showing you.” find new items in her van. When her van gets full, she takes the items to a storage unit owned by her church. On a free Saturday, Nutter will email her students’ families and the elementary teachers to let them know they’ll be making a run.
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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ach year, numerous Heritage elementary students pray to receive Christ into their lives, either at home or school. The teachers and principals have always made it a point to celebrate this occasion by letting the child play a xylophone over the intercom to announce this transformational moment. You can often hear cheers throughout the building when this happens. In 2009, then Assistant Principal Mary Lou Cooper came up with the idea to also have these students write out their testimony and put it in a book. Since then, the testimony book has become a staple item in the elementary office. When a child accepts Christ, the
teachers and principals explain to him or her what a testimony is, then a parent or teacher will help the child write one down. The principals help the child place the testimony in the book, let him or her ring the xylophone, then gift the student a devotional book. This book helps children further understand salvation and offers devotionals the child can do at home. Today, the elementary office has two testimony books stuffed full with children’s testimonies. This memento is just another physical demonstration of the work of the Holy Spirit in our young hearts and minds. We celebrate how His work is living and active at Heritage, in all grade levels!
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INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
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ur fifth and sixth grade students are at an age where they’re discovering more about themselves and their gifts. At Heritage Christian, we give them the tools they need to grow in their gifts, to learn about the world, and to serve others, all through a biblical lens. We do this by teaching God’s Word in class and chapel, mentoring students, and providing programs that help students learn servant leadership. All of these efforts correlate with our goals to teach, mentor, and train students in a way that helps them understand how God wants them to use their gifts to love him and other people.
TEACH All students take Bible class to study God’s Word and begin to learn basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Fifth grade focuses on studying the book of Acts; sixth grade does a comparative study of the Gospels, reads Old Testament prophecy, and learns about Jesus’ ministry, fulfillment, and redemption. As part of the Bible curriculum, students learn how to memorize and recite Scripture every year. During weekly chapels, students pray, sing worship songs led by the middle school praise team, and hear from a staff member or guest speaker. Each speaker shares God’s Word and applies biblical principles in ways students can understand. Periodically, the intermediate school joins the middle school for special chapels.
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MENTOR Intermediate school teachers are Christ-followers and they make it their mission to share the Gospel with their students, both in and out of the classroom. Teachers challenge their students to read their Bibles, to apply its principles, and to seek to know Christ more. Some intermediate school students get together with elementary students to mentor them. They play games, talk about how to deal with difficult things, read Bible verses, and learn how to be a good friend.
TRAIN Discipleship is integrated through leadership programs. Students are also given many opportunities to use their gifts for service. Small groups work together to do things such as write the intermediate school newspaper, assemble games and hair-bows for orphans in Haiti, and mentor elementary students. Students can also participate in Encouragement Groups, which do things around the Heritage and Indianapolis communities to provide encouragement in various ways.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
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n the intermediate school, students begin to develop leadership skills through the initiative M.A.D.E. to Lead. The “M.A.D.E.” stands for Motivated to follow Christ, Activated to take action, Dedicated to pursuing what is right, Energized to serve others. All intermediate school students are required to participate in at least one of six leadership groups. In SPARKS, students learn about hospitality and brainstorm ways to perform random acts of kindness for others at school and in their communities. In News Media Group, students learn the basics of journalism. This year, students are creating a video to give 4th graders and their parents a sneak preview of what the intermediate school is like. In Leadership Council, the intermediate school’s version of Student Council, a group of students learn about formulating action plans and applying biblical peacemaking and respect with their peers. This group also creates a biannual
newspaper about elementary school events, which goes home to parents at the end of each semester. Intermediate school students can also opt to work with elementary students as either Reading Buddies or Mentoring Buddies. Reading Buddies meet with a preschooler or kindergartner to help them learn to read, comprehend, and discuss stories. Mentoring Buddies learn about how to interact with, listen to, and advise young children, then they meet with an elementary student to apply these principles. Both of these programs give students the chance to lead and set a positive example with younger children. In Mosaic Project, students design and create a mosaic that depicts a Bible story or Bible verse. This mosaic will become part of the intermediate school’s decor. Cultivating leadership skills takes time, but the intermediate students are already growing in their understanding of humility, creativity, and collaboration with their peers.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
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ur seventh and eighth graders are becoming more independent and learning to think on their own as they prepare for high school. At Heritage Christian, we teach, mentor, and train our middle school students to lead, serve, and further understand their role in God’s kingdom.
TEACH
MENTOR
All students take a Bible course to study and understand the Bible and its principles more deeply. Seventh grade studies the New Testament and eighth grade studies the Old Testament.
Middle school teachers are Christ-followers and they make it their mission to share the Gospel with their students, both in and out of the classroom. Teachers challenge their students to read their Bibles, apply its principles, and seek to know Christ.
During weekly chapels, students pray, sing worship songs led by a student-led praise team, and hear about God from their teachers, local pastors, alumni, and peers. One week each semester, students have chapel or small group every day. They also go out in the community for service days. In the Fall 2018 semester, seventh graders went to Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources to paint and clean the facilities; eighth graders went to Gleaners Food Bank to help sort donated food.
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Every middle school student is placed in a small group with seven or eight peers and a Heritage staff member. They meet together throughout the school year to study the Bible, encourage one another, and learn to live in community with other believers. The middle school is equipped with a full-time discipleship staff member who is available to meet with students, walk through difficult times with them, and challenge them in their walks with Christ.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
TRAIN Students have opportunities to learn and practice servant leadership through student council, clubs, athletics, and fine arts. These programs help students discover how God has gifted them, learn confidence and responsibility, and practice how to work with others. Throughout the school year, students are given opportunities to serve others at school and around Indianapolis. Middle school students can mentor younger students, serve as student ambassadors for Heritage events, and participate in clubs that serve others.
Students can participate in the Heritage chapter of WyldLife. Leaders work specifically with middle schoolers to understand the challenges and changes these students are experiencing. Leaders seek to model and express God's love by hearing students' stories and honoring their God-given desire for a life of fun, adventure, and purpose.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
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iddle school can be tough to navigate. This pre-teen stage also brings with it a critical time of self-discovery and exploration of the world’s ideas. Knowing this, the Heritage discipleship team has made it a priority to help middle school students discover their own voices and see how they are equipped to impact their communities. On a Saturday this past October, Heritage hosted the second annual middle school leadership conference, Lead Now, put on by Sagamore Leadership Initiative. Its primary goals are to teach students about leadership, to equip them to lead within their circles of influence, and to break down the low expectations that society places on teenagers. “Middle schoolers may not realize that they can be agents of change, but they do want to make a difference,” said Discipleship Program Coordinator Dina Furnish. “There’s so much we can do to help equip them to
Linda Znachko, founder of He Knows Your Name Ministry, with freshman Zachary Warrick.
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n October 2018, three HCS students presented a CuddleCot device to the NICU at St. Vincent Hospital. The students donated the device with the help of Linda Znachko, founder of the He Knows Your Name ministry, after Znachko spoke in chapel. He Knows Your Name began in 2009, when Znachko, the mother of four HCS alumni, heard a news story about the body of a
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really see what their strengths are and see how they can make a difference.” In 2018, the theme of the conference was “Mission Possible.” Forty students from Heritage, surrounding schools, and homeschool groups met for this one-day conference. The students heard from speakers about how to be on mission and work together to make change, and also had several breakout sessions in small groups. Each student walked away with a personal mission statement and a problem or issue in mind that he or she could get involved with. “I love seeing kids realizing what they have to offer,” said Furnish. “We tend to think leaders are the ones who want to grab the microphone and boss everyone around, but there are so many strong leaders who are behind the scenes.”
Heritage Christian School students donated a CuddleCot device to St. Vincent Women's Hospital. newborn baby found in a dumpster. Znachko decided this child deserved a proper burial, so she adopted, named, and buried the baby. Since then, Znachko has made great strides throughout Indianapolis, bringing dignity in death to newborn babies. She does this often by naming and burying abandoned babies, but also by providing support to parents of NICU or stillborn babies. In the last few years, Znachko has raised money to provide CuddleCots for local hospitals. A CuddleCot is a device that
Students Caroline Curnutt, Zachary Warrick, and Molly Mullinix sold nearly 300 bracelets to raise money for a CuddleCot device.
allows families to have more time to grieve and say goodbye to their child. These devices, though fairly common in the UK, are not widely used in the US. Znachko shared her heart for the ministry with the HCS students and explained the importance of bringing dignity to all people. After chapel, one middle school student, now freshman Zach Warrick, approached her, wanting to do something to help the ministry. Zach decided to raise money to buy a CuddleCot. With the help of middle school Discipleship Director Tia Cavanaugh-Goggans, Zach got with two friends and put together a plan. The students presented their plan to the school’s administration, then got approval to sell MudLOVE bracelets to the student body to raise money. The bracelets they chose were made by MudLOVE, an Indiana-based organization that makes customizable ceramic bracelets. For every purchase, MudLOVE provides one week of clean water to the Central African Republic.“By selling these bracelets, not only were we helping children needing water, we were also helping these babies be remembered,” said Zach Warrick.
The students earned quite a profit, a total of about $500. CuddleCots typically cost around $4,000, though, so the students knew their portion would not be enough to purchase one. However, Znachko had a few surprises up her sleeve. When she arrived at Heritage to receive the students’ donation, she brought with her several news stations and some representatives from St. Vincent Hospital. She announced that an anonymous donor had offered to pay the remaining balance in order to buy a CuddleCot and dedicate it to St. Vincent in the name of Heritage Christian School. Fast-forward several months later, the three student organizers, the Heritage discipleship team, and Linda Znachko attended a dedication ceremony to officially present the CuddleCot to St. Vincent Women’s Hospital in Fishers. “I’m so grateful for how these young people have inspired me,” Znachko said at the ceremony.
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HIGH SCHOOL
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SPIRITUAL ENCOURAGEMENT PARTNERS Discipleship at Heritage doesn’t just have to come from a teacherstudent relationship. Spiritual Encouragement Partners is a high school partnership program for students, by students. Any student who wishes to build deeper relationships with students in other grade levels can sign up and be paired with a small group of people. These groups, which are no more than five students, can plan together to meet during a free period in school, during lunch, or outside of school. This partnership is meant to help students encourage one another, share struggles and prayer requests, and simply learn to build relationships with others.
Each year, high school students spend a day serving various organizations, schools, and charities around Indianapolis.
“Participating in Spiritual Encouragement Partners has not only given me the opportunity to pour into the lives of my peers, but also influenced my life deeply as I grow alongside other girls,” said HCS senior Sophie Snyder, who leads a small group of girls. “Whether it's through sending daily words of encouragement or going laser tagging, the fellowship that is created among this group is so special and valuable.”
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HIGH SCHOOL
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very spring, a group of HCS seniors graduate from the only school they’ve ever known. These students, deemed “Heritage lifers,” bring a unique dynamic to the Heritage community as they leave over a dozen years of memories and relationships with students, teachers, and coaches. Senior Reagan Cornwell is one such “lifer,” having attended Heritage since kindergarten. Her leadership and care for others are evident at Heritage. Her mom is also an active member of the Heritage family, serving as a substitute teacher, ABCare instructor, middle school small group leader, a Parent Resource Partner, and a room parent for Reagan’s youngest sister. Reagan has been able to learn to lead selflessly and to use her gifts to help serve people in every sphere of influence. A gifted athlete, Reagan plays varsity soccer and junior varsity tennis. She started playing soccer when she was five and has been playing ever since. She finished her fourth and final varsity soccer season this year, and she knows she will sorely miss her soccer family. “Each and every girl on that team is there for one another and will be there by your side, good days and bad,” said Reagan. “The bond we share is one that cannot be explained.”
Reagan’s involvement in the Heritage community extends beyond the athletic field. After having led a girls’ small group for two years, Reagan decided she wanted to continue working to bring students deeper into their relationships with Christ. Her senior year, she began serving on the high school chapel planning team. The student leaders are in charge of preparing the
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“I selected Reagan for the chapel planning team because of her heart for the Lord,” said Director of Discipleship Becky Stowers. “She is consistent and wants to see students grow in their walk with Christ.” Reagan and a few other senior girls also spearheaded the Fall Girls’ Night, an after-school event for all high school girls.
“Each and every girl on that team is there for one another and will be there by your side, good days and bad,” said Reagan. “The bond each and every one of us shares is one that cannot be explained.”
As for tennis, Reagan decided to pick up the sport on a whim. “That’s the thing I love about Heritage athletics: you have the choice to begin a completely new sport and the coaches will welcome you and spend time training you,” she said. The last two years, she has discovered the influence she has as an upperclassman on each sports team. “As a senior, the girls on the team look up to you,” she said. “It is a great opportunity to help shape other girls’ lives and encourage them.”
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chapel introductions each week, which include fun things like “On the Spots,” in which a student leader will select a student at random to come up and be interviewed on the spot. Student leaders also organize Spiritual Emphasis Week, working together to select a theme, speakers, and worship leaders.
Reagan’s commitment to service and to working with people influenced her decision to take a gap year before college. In the fall of 2019, Reagan will attend YWAM (Youth With a Mission) Discipleship Training School. She will attend a YWAM school for three months, and then she’ll be sent overseas to do two months of mission work. The location is still unknown, but Reagan is eager to find out where God will send her. After YWAM, Reagan hopes to attend college to study exercise science or kinesiology to become a physical therapist.
Reagan has mixed feelings about graduating from Heritage in the spring. Though she’s eager to embark on a new adventure, she is also sad to say goodbye to her beloved friends and teachers. “The teachers here are top notch. They truly care about every student and their education,” she said. “I love that each class and subject is taught from a Christian worldview.” Reagan considers her class of 2019 “one big family,” and as for the other “Heritage lifers” that she’s known since Kindergarten, “It’s something you won’t find at any other school,” she said.
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Senior Reagan Cornwell is a “Heritage lifer,” having attended HCS since Kindergarten. She’s pictured here on the first day of each school year.
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HIGH SCHOOL
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he high school Bible department is one of the main distinctives at Heritage Christian School. The discipleship of young Christian minds is dependent upon teaching Scripture, exploring truth, understanding other worldviews, and witnessing personal change. No matter what field our students enter after graduation, our desire is for God’s Word to be their foundation. The high school Bible curriculum is structured to explore seven key tenets of the Christian life.
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Learning inductive Bible study methods helps students study and interpret Scripture on their own.
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Understanding Christian doctrine solidifies crucial biblical truths.
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Interacting with diverse worldviews allows students to challenge the truth or error of any thought system.
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Knowing Church history reminds the 21st century mind that opportunities and problems are not new.
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Building godly relationships requires a biblical foundation.
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Practicing apologetics helps students know how to defend their faith.
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Interpreting other subjects through a biblical lens connects the rest of the world with the Bible.
All Bible courses are one semester in length and students are required to take a minimum of six courses in their high school career. This allows them to select from a variety of courses based on their interests. Students are required to take Worldviews as one of their Bible electives. In this class, students analyze widely accepted worldviews such as Naturalism and Existentialism and compare it with the Christian worldview, which equips students to defend their faith as they leave Heritage.
GRADES 9/10 BIBLE COURSES Attributes of God Biblical Manhood and Womanhood Christian Mission The Gospel in the Beginning The Gospel of John How to Study the Bible Introduction to the Christian Faith Life of Christ
GRADES 11/12 BIBLE COURSES Biblical Counseling Bioethics Christian History and Theology Christian Living: Biblical Community Introduction to the Christian Faith New Testament: Romans Non-Christian Religions Old Testament: Leviticus Social Ethics A Theology of Technology Worldviews
“Heritage instilled in me a core foundation of Biblical principles and a belief system to guide me throughout college and beyond.” - HCS alumnus
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EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
!
Thank you, ESS FOR 30 YEARS
The ESS team at the annual Eagle Golf Classic
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ducational Support Services (ESS) acknowledges learning differences and provides a variety of programs, intervention strategies, and teaching methods to meet the learning needs and challenges of children. Support extends to the teachers and families of children who learn differently. Through a team effort, children with learning differences will become successful and independent learners who realize their God-given abilities and fulfill their God-designed potential.
Fall 1988: NILD (National Institute for Learning Development) Educational Therapy program started at HCS 1993-1994: Explorers program for high ability students began 1999-2000: Directed Studies program began 2000-2001: Search and Teach programs initiated 2003-2004: Academic Skills Class (formerly Resource) began Spring 2009: STAR Reading was piloted 2009-2010: A formal International Student Program was started 2016-2017: Solutions Math launched For more information about ESS visit Heritagechristian.net/ESS
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ATHLETICS
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iscipleship is a key aspect of what makes Heritage unique, and the athletics department makes a concerted effort to encourage and disciple each coach, team, athlete, and family involved in HCS athletics. The department does this through what it calls the “three prong approach,” supporting the three main relationships that take place in athletics: department-to-coach, coach-to-student, and team-to-team. In recent years, the athletics department has created a more formalized process to guide what each department, coach, and team does on a daily basis to fulfill its mission statement: “Glorify God in the discipleship of student-athletes and the pursuit of excellence in athletics, with the Bible as the foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.”
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The department supports the coaching staff by providing printed and online resources for them. One such resource is the book InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can Transform Lives, written by Joe Ehrmann, a former NFL star who became a pastor following his football career. The book helps coaches see how they have a tremendous amount of influence in their athletes’ lives and it encourages them to mentor their athletes beyond the playing field. “Our main objective is to help our coaches become transformational coaches,” said HCS Director of Athletics Michelle York. “Not coaches who care just about the wins and losses, but coaches who care more about the relationship with their players.”
Department-to-Coach
Coach-to-Student
The athletics department works to develop and challenge its coaches in their professional, personal, and spiritual growth. The department supports them professionally by holding coaches meetings to discuss season strategies and by checking in with them weekly to see what needs they might have. Beyond this, the department strives to help coaches also grow in their own relationships with Christ, which in turn helps them mentor students and build unified teams and mature players.
All HCS coaches work to teach and mentor their athletes beyond the playing field. Some have their teams study a book of the Bible and others begin each practice with a devotional or life lesson talk.
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“We ask all of our coaches to have some focused time to disciple, mentor, and share God’s Word with their student athletes,” said York.
ATHLETICS
While student athletes respond to different methods, the main goal is for coaches to connect with their students outside of the sport and to open up space for deeper conversations.
Team-to-Team In order to help HCS teams live outwardly, humbly, and respectfully, the athletics department and coaches encourage their athletes to connect with their opponents. The teams do this by praying with their opponent teams or by being appreciative and kind during their handshake line at the end of each game. Most teams also prepare and deliver Blessing Bags to each opposing teammate after a game, which include a snack, drink, and a note of encouragement or Scripture verse. “We have many people from the opposing teams or schools comment on how much they appreciate these acts of sportsmanship or service that our teams do,” said York, “especially when our team loses, but still prays or hands out Blessing Bags to the other team.”
Learn more at heritagechristian.net/athletics
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ATHLETICS
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ATHLETICS
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FINE ARTS
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s God’s image bearers, we reflect His many characteristics, including the unique ability to create. This ability to work with our hands, minds, and voices to create beauty gives us the opportunity to visibly glorify God and express ourselves. At Heritage Christian, we place a significant emphasis on the practice of fine arts. We believe it’s impossible to nurture and develop the whole child without the creative nature of the arts. The arts provide a safe place for students to form new ideas, to express their beliefs and personalities, and to glorify God. All students are involved in some form of the arts from preschool to grade twelve. Studies show that students who
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practice the arts are more likely to graduate with honors. Our fine arts teachers have the unique opportunity to watch their students grow and learn across multiple grade levels. They teach their students that God is the ultimate Creator and that He created us to create. From music ensembles, to visual arts like painting, sculpting, and photography, to theater, Heritage students have a wide variety of opportunities to grow in their creative talents and worship God.
Learn more at heritagechristian.net/finearts
FINE ARTS
"Since music is something we will take into eternity, what a great opportunity we have now to practice and prepare for that day!"
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remember as a kid listening to AM radio in the morning before school. Certain days between the news and the farm reports they played big band music from the 1930’s–1940’s. I remember hearing the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington for the first time and being totally captivated,” recalls HCS Band Director Brad Gregory. Gregory discovered he had a knack for jazz and big band music at an early age. Though he started on the piano, Gregory picked up the alto saxophone in fifth grade and was hooked. “My first saxophone was an old silver sax that my mom played when she was in school,” he said. Gregory played in every band his school offered. His freshman year of high school, he joined a jazz band. “For the first time I was able to play the music that had caught my attention.” After high school, Gregory attended a one-year Bible program at Word of Life Bible Institute, then graduated from Cedarville College with a degree in Music Education. He has also completed a Master's in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. Gregory spent 17 years teaching instrumental and choral music and Bible at a Christian school on Indy’s west side, working simultaneously as the assistant minister of music and the orchestra director at a church. Stepping down after nearly two decades in education, Gregory took a hard pass when he first heard about an open band director position at Heritage. But the Lord had different plans for him.
“As it happened many times in my life, almost immediately the Holy Spirit brought conviction,” he said. Resisting at first, Gregory filled out the job application for Heritage band director, telling God, “If you want me at Heritage you have to do it!” Gregory keeps plenty busy teaching all 5th-12th grade band classes, middle school and high school jazz bands, and two seventh grade Bible classes. He also plays in the pit orchestra for Heritage musicals and runs the Honors Band Day. Gregory has also transformed the middle and high school jazz band programs, inspiring many students to learn and take joy in the art of jazz. He teaches his students to learn the vocabulary of jazz through the study of scales, but he also emphasizes that his students simply learn jazz by listening. “The tradition of jazz music is an aural tradition. It doesn’t matter what kind or what era of jazz a person listens to, just start listening,” he said. “Listening helps students to understand the language of jazz and of course find their favorite kind of jazz.” Every year, under his leadership, the jazz bands host the Flavor of Jazz, an evening of catered desserts and a student-led jazz concert that almost always sells out. Gregory loves to participate in music-making because it allows us to know God better. “As we are made in God’s image, so too can we participate in creating,” explained Gregory. “Since music is something that we will take into eternity, what a great opportunity we have now to practice and prepare for that day!”
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ALUMNI
1970's Brad Candler ‘74, Controller at Anderson Commercial Group Nancy (Gardner) Shonkwiler ‘76, Accountant at Mannacor Liz (Wagner) Meyer ‘77, Manager of Marketing and Sales for Endeavor Communications Marilyn (Miller) White ‘78, Broker/Owner/Realtor at Opening Doors Real Estate LLC Mike Felber ‘79, Pastorate at Lighthouse Baptist Church
1980's Tracy Self ‘81, Research Associate / Formulations Supervisor at Eli Lilly & Co. Liz (Gugle) Langford ‘89, Office Manager at Langford's Collision Repair
1990's Jason Langford ‘90, Associate Warden at USMCFP Jennifer Jensen ‘92, Assistant Director for Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana Department of Education Clay McComas ‘92, Field Service Technician at Mark Andy, Inc. Diana Herwig ‘94, Account Executive at OneCause Heather Hitchcock ‘94, Contractor at Aston Carter Justin Olivetti ‘94, Pastorate at Knox Evangelical Presbyterian Church Josh Fetzer (Medlin) ‘96, Founded Fetzerhaus Technology Jenni (Conner) Hufford ‘97, Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Clay Culhan ‘97, Risk Analyst II & Rsam GRC Administrator at Freedom Mortgage Lindsay Keith ‘97, Executive Assistant and Office Manager at Project Lead The Way Adam Snively ‘97, Managing Partner/Loan Officer at Hometown Lenders, Inc. Kelly (Williams) Alcala ‘98, Elected to Morgan County Council Tim Harvey ‘99, Branch Manager at Center Bank
2000's Jon Oren ‘00, Specialty Markets at Hello Nature Stephen Lathrop ‘01, Senior Scientist at AbbVie Megan (Risinger) Talpas ‘03, Loan Officer at Milestone Home Lending Tim Bergstrom ‘04, Lead Graphic Artist at Timber Canvas Gavin Fox ‘04, Audit Senior Manager at Blue & Co., LLC Andy Martin, PhD ‘04, Engineer in the GLOBALFOUNDRIES Center for Complex Analysis Kassy (Cooper) McCowan ‘04, Licensed Real Estate Broker at Weicher, Realtors-Yates & Associates Krystle (Schnepp-Pfister) Roberts, MD ‘04, Physician at Magnificat Family Medicine Cate (Neff) Brocker ‘05, Director, Wellness Institute at Epilepsy Foundation Nate Cooper ‘05, President & Owner at Ampere Energy Services Isaiah Mylin ‘05, Diagnostic Sales Specialist at Hologic, Inc. Erich Stout ‘05, Financial Advisor at Valeo Financial Advisors Carla (Ghaoui) Teasdale ‘05, Director of IT at Bastian Solutions Kyle Dykstra ‘06, Customer Service Representative at M.J. Schuetz Insurance Services, Inc. Joshua Millage ‘06, Vice President of Acquisitions at Monmouth Ventures, LLC Jimmy Sharp ‘06, Account Executive at 7Summits Jennifer (Foltz) Stringfellow ‘06, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Garrett Wilson ‘06, E-commerce Marketplace Manager at Mission Boat Gear Erin (Breiner) Nix ‘07, Kindergarten teacher at Heritage Christian School Alexis T. (Schaefer) Overbeeke ‘07, Project Manager at Beyondsoft
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Sarah (Lambert) Berkey ‘08, Sales Associate at BoxLunch Katie (Hornback) Glenn ‘08, Physician Assistant at Tri-state Community Clinic Nathanael Lapointe ‘08, Software Engineer at Raytheon Lacey (Fisher) Lind ‘08, Social Media Manager/Office Nanny at Life Refined Lauren McCready ‘08, Flight Nurse at StatFlight 5, Emergency Rescue Service Garrett Meador ‘08, Account Executive | Department of Homeland Security at Salesforce Daniel Metzelfeld ‘08, Director of Player Development at Davidson College Alex Smith ‘08, General Manager at Three Kings Athletics Madison Allgood ‘09, PS Senior Financial Analyst at Genesys Jessica (Cashman) Boram ‘09, Physical Therapist at The Children's TherAplay Foundation, Inc Ben Goosman ‘09, Software Development Engineer at Expedia Group Jennie Jones ‘09, Associate Brand Manager at RXBAR David Long ‘09, Manager, Supply Chain Analytics and Communication Support at SSM Health Harrison Osborne ‘09, Project Manager at Cardinal Contracting, LLC
2010's Chris Byrne ‘10, Load Planning Specialist at BRT John Cecil ‘10, Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual Jacob Harman ‘10, Project Manager at Electron Beam Tech, Inc. Isaac Johnson ‘10, Case Manager Kenosha Community Health Center, Inc. Lindsay Morgan ‘10, National Sales Support Team at Paylocity David Phillips ‘10, Admissions Coordinator at the Beacon Fellowship Shelby Bradford ‘11, President at Wipe Every Tear Foundation Shelby (Fleetwood) Gelwicks ‘11, Business Development Coordinator at Yasmin L. Stump Law Group, PC Leah (Richards) Hartzell ‘11, Studio Manager at THE PLAID AGENCY Nick Hoover ’11, Realtor at Carpenter Realtors Nathan Just ‘11, Associate Software Engineer at OneCause Audrey (Hiatt) Betkey ‘12, Development Officer, Loyal Donor Program at The Nature Conservancy Eric Douglass ‘12, Business Analyst at SEI Archway Abby (Hadley) Harry ‘12, Marketing & Customer Support Specialist at IGNITE Veterinary Solutions Brock Erb ‘12, Fund Analyst for CREA, LLC Ryane (Zamora) Whitt ‘12, Recruiter at Insight Global Tyler Yahne ‘12, Communications Coordinator at Ascension Health Ministry Service Center Owen Egenolf ‘13, Project Engineer at Shiel Sexton Haley Lyon ‘13, Child Nutrition Staff Dietitian at MSD of Wayne Township Amanda Maple ‘13, Auditor at Atchley & Associates, LLP Miranda Doss ‘14, Nurse at Riley Hospital for Children Molly (Painter) Gearheart ‘14, Nurse at Greenville Children's Hospital Ryan Hutton ‘14, Territory Manager at Ecolab Laura (Davis) Krajewski ‘14, Director of Customer Success at Peak Money Sarah Pruitt ‘14, Chemistry Teaching Assistant at The Ohio State University Jody Sturtz ‘14, Marketing Assistant at RTD Media & Management Ellen Williamson ‘14, Second grade teacher at Heritage Christian School Lebbeus Woods ‘14, Associate Consultant at Appirio Alex Flinchum ‘15, Team Lead at Indiana University Serve IT Clinic Collin Jewett ‘15, Manufacturing Process Designer at IMMI Alex Myers ‘15, Customer Service Sales Representative at Gander Outdoors Reily Petty ‘15, Associate Consultant at Appirio Celeste Langhammer ‘16, Radiology (RT) at Methodist Hospital
ALUMNI
TO THOSE ALUMNI RECENTLY MARRIED Ed Daniels ‘70 Sarah (Harriman) Smith ‘71 Richard “Rick” Weinmann ‘74 Mike Fundenberger ‘78 David Sanders ‘78 Robin (Ague) Baxter ‘82 Valerie King ‘87
Mike Chapman ‘85 Missy (Billeisen) Weeks ‘85 Steve Kamke ‘86 Paula (Kaster) Polston ‘86 Matt Caldwell ‘91 Kyle Gillon ‘97 Aaron Williamson ‘98 Eric Gilham ‘99 Christine (Kluger) Qumsiyeh ‘99 Kristen (Nicks) Chapman ‘00 Jessica (Shewan) Lembelembe ‘00 Jon Scott ‘01 Adam Hotle ‘03 Sarah (Pardue) Brennan ‘04 Maggie (Conner) Miller ‘05 Rachel (Terpstra) Sturdevant ‘05 Mike Zipper ‘05 Thomas Janzen ‘06 Seth Ragsdale ‘06 Jimmy Sharp ‘06 Jennifer (Foltz) Stringfellow ‘06 Laura (Waltz) Wise ‘06 Brice Burke ‘07 Nate Compton ‘07 Anthony Aj Jones ‘08 Hanna (Huff) Allen ‘09
Allie (Coleman) Baeten ‘09 Max Goldenberg ‘09 Chelsea (Templeton) Kepler ‘09 Bethany (Hotle) Venhuizen ‘09 Hillary Wolfe ‘10 Jacob Harman ‘10 Joel Sampson ‘10 Leah (Richards) Hartzell ‘11 Hannah (Mariani) Mathews ‘11 Jacob Millage ‘11 Ariel (Eads) Miller ‘11 Alex Thomas ‘11 Tori (West) Arnold ‘12 Bryant Clayton, Jr. ‘12 Sarah (Jourdan) Craney ‘12 Rachael (Rainwater) DeArmond ‘12 Brock Erb ‘12 Griffin Davis ‘12 Luke Richter ‘12 Kelsey (Danielson) Richter ‘12 Stephen Shearrow ‘12 Chandler Swan ‘12 Ryan Dietrich ‘13 Austin Bishop ‘14 Rachel (Miller) Farmer ‘14
The class of '97 at their 20th reunion
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eritage values our alumni. They are an important part of our rich history and community. We are excited to offer a scholarship for new HCS students of alumni. Families where at least one parent is a HCS alumnae/ alumnus 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 assistance 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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ALUMNI
Heidi (Robinson) Aguirre ‘97 and husband Matthew, baby girl Nora Emily (Kreitl) Allen and husband Jeremy ‘99, baby girl Adelyn Seth Alt ‘99 and wife Lori, baby boy Christian Jeremy Armiger ‘07 and wife Ana, baby son Jadon Stephanie (Culp) Atkinson '03 and husband Kiel, baby boy Jaxton Jen (Brecheisen) Barnette '05 and husband Brandon, baby girl Kiersten Whitney (Mays) Bate '10 and husband Josh, baby boy Alistair Christopher Bennett ‘06 and wife Katie, baby boy Henry Jessica (Cashman) Boram and husband Zach ‘09, baby girl Maverick Jon Caldwell ‘00 and wife Nikki, baby girl Marta Bethany (Kaufman) Crawshaw ‘04 and husband David, baby boy Samuel Ellen (Davis) Christenberry ‘10 and husband Andrew, baby boy Walker Tristan Cork '06 and wife Danielle, baby girl Hallie Dee (Helton) Corwin ‘05 and husband Chris, baby girl Kenna Claire (Anton) Danz ‘04 and husband Ryan, baby girl Vivienne Laura (Nader) Dusabimana ‘00 and husband Bonaventure, baby girl Randa Stephanie (Foley) Eastman ‘04 and husband Jason, baby girl Della Grace Katie (Danielson) Elliott ‘04 and husband Joe, baby girl Naomi Anna (Brunett) Farmer ‘06 and husband Matt, baby girl Lilly Ben Farthing ‘06 and wife Kristen, baby boy Max Lindsey (Wolfe) Fisher '06 and husband Gabriel, baby girl Hope Rebekah (Davis) Fleetwood and husband Jon ‘05, baby girl Hazel Gavin Fox '04 and wife Lauren, baby girl Claire Nadia (Nader) Fraley ‘06 and husband Thomas ‘07, baby girl Willa Reuben Gay ‘07 and wife Taui, baby girl Ryleigh Emily (Ollis) Gillespie ‘09 and husband Nicholas, baby girl Leanor Toni (Self) Godsey ‘11 and husband Erik, baby boy Jack Keegan (McSweeney) Griffith ‘10 and husband Nich, baby girl Eliza Jason Guhl ‘05 and wife Kristin, baby girl Clara Jon Haarlow ‘05 and wife Jessica, baby boy Gage Whitney Hamilton '07 and wife Katherine, baby girl Avery Will Hardison '02 and wife Ashley, baby girl Ella Laura (Young) Jones ‘03 and husband Matt, baby girl Dorothy Kristin (Douglas-Maultra) Kempson ‘09 and husband Jordan, baby boy Felix Sarah (Nix) Kennerk ‘03 and husband Max, baby girl Eleanor Grant Kreeger '06 and wife Darienne, baby girl Elisa Kylee (Cooper) Kuehn ‘08 and husband Chance, baby girl Pressley Erin (Haffner) Ladley '07 and husband Brett, baby boy Brooks Olivia (Deering) Lichtle ‘15 and husband Justin ‘14, baby boy Adrian Nathan Litz '94 and wife Brittany, baby boy Bode Kylee (Turner) McMurray ‘00 and husband Adam, baby boy Knox Jeff Miley ‘11 and wife Kate, baby girl Harper
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Josh Miller ‘04 and wife Erica, baby girl MaKenzie Jessica (Vance) Mires ‘09 and husband Sam, baby girl Evelyn Spencer Moffatt ‘00 and wife Brittany, baby boy Julian Andrew Mosier ‘05 and wife Kathleen, baby boy Silas Jacob Nishida ‘06 and wife Casondra, baby boy Silas Charli (Duke) Norris '07 and husband Cory, baby girl Kennedy Stephen Parker ‘01 and wife Amber, baby girl Olivia Brian Perry ‘07 and wife Katie, baby girl Sawyer Laura (Sandvig) Porter ‘07 and husband Reese, baby boy Huck Brian Poulsen '09 and wife Liliana, baby boy Jude Rebecca (Jensen) Radcliff ‘07 and husband James ‘08, baby boy Lincoln David Rawlins ‘05 and wife Naomie, baby girl Ellie Mia (Coster) Reed ‘12 and husband Brady, baby boy Easton Holly (Davis) Riemer ‘00 and husband Dan, baby girl Maelyn Aaron Robertson ‘02 and wife Erin, baby boy Anders Danny Rockey '98 and wife Cassidy, baby girl Violet Bethany (Landis) Samuel ‘04 and husband Aamod, baby boy Silas Mark Sandvig ‘03 and wife Claire, baby boy Peter Leah (Fernsler) Shattuck ‘02 and husband Steven, baby girl Maisie Christine (Wyatt) Schmidt ‘09 and husband Zachary, baby boy River Stephanie (Wild) Shaughnessy '05 and husband Philip, baby girl Lydia Ethan Simcox ‘04 and wife Megan, baby girl Jillian Stephen Simcox '04 and wife Amy, baby girl Allison Ashley (Atkins) Siner and husband Nathan ‘05, baby boy Everett Amy (Long) Snyder and husband Donnie ‘11, baby girl Georgia Carly (Haffner) Speicher ‘06 and husband Adam, baby boy Charlie Annie (Conner) Spencer '99 and husband Ryan, baby girl Kaia Shaun Summitt ‘97 and wife Cara, baby girl Charlotte Ann (Rector) Sambyal ‘11 and husband Troy, baby boy Xander Stephen Tepner '10 and wife Kelly, baby boy Andrew Darrell Thompson ‘04 and wife Mical, baby boy Elisha Diana (Sadowitz) Vida ‘03 and husband Andrew, baby boy Vince Kristin (Snively) Walls ‘00 and husband Chris, baby girl Georgia Eleanor (Turean) Walters ‘03 and husband Drew, baby girl Meredith Chris Ward ‘09 and wife Brittany, baby boy Griffin
To submit your alumni update, email alumni@heritagechristian.net
ALUMNI
DALE SHAW
Heritage alumnus Dale Shaw ('76) and his family
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od’s calling on our lives appears in ways we cannot anticipate, and we often have to hold those callings with open arms. Heritage Christian alumnus Dale Shaw (‘76) is an example of one who holds his calling loosely and lives by faith to see God shape his ministry. He attributes his time at Heritage as one reason he understands the truth of living by faith. “I’d gotten into some trouble at my old school,” said Shaw, who came to HCS as a sophomore. “I needed a fresh environment. But I left Heritage with a much different perspective than from when I came in.” Shaw credits much of his growth in high school to Al Leinbach, then his teacher and varsity basketball coach and now the Alumni Relations Coordinator. “He really helped me understand the reality of living by faith.” At Heritage, Shaw got involved in pretty much everything, including starring in theatre, editing the Heritage Herald newspaper, lettering in track, and playing on the varsity basketball team—which won the Midwest Christian Conference Championship his senior year. Shaw’s diverse portfolio foreshadowed a trend of flexibility and change that carries on into his adult life; he even says that it’s part of his calling. After high school, Shaw attended Cedarville University, where he ran cross country and track, majored in elementary education, and met his wife Sarah. Longing to stay connected to Heritage, Shaw taught third grade in the 1980's and coached cross country in the 1990's. He and Sarah sent their two youngest of four children, Molly (‘06) and Kimber (‘09), to Heritage for middle and high school. Shaw discovered his adaptability and his ability to kickstart projects once he found his home at College Park Church. The
Shaws attended College Park on its very first Sunday in 1985. Shaw felt guided through many church ministries, so much so that he eventually decided to become an ordained minister. This year, he will celebrate his 20th anniversary on the College Park staff. “God’s helped me realize that I’m good at rallying people to start new initiatives,” said Shaw. “I have tended to start initiatives and, once they get up and running, to have someone else come in and take it to a higher level.” Shaw’s ability to gather people and his heart for urban renewal moved him to serve the Brookside neighborhood, an underprivileged area on Indy’s Near East side that College Park has been serving since the 1990s. The church’s work there focuses on building five pillars for a healthy community: Jesus-centered churches, economic development, education, safe clustered housing, and relational placemaking. The Shaws became so involved in building bridges between College Park and Brookside that they moved to Brookside in 2014. Since then, 12 other College Park families and singles have moved there. Shaw credits his time at Heritage as one reason for his passion for Christ-centered communities. “Heritage taught me the importance of being in a community of people who share the same values when it comes to who Christ is and what he’s done for us,” he said. Shaw’s influence in Brookside and at College Park is apparent. But it is God’s work in his heart and Shaw’s willingness to be flexible that demonstrate the truth of Gospel.
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COMMUNITY
Jog-a-Thon Worthy Servants Brunch
n Spring Luncheo lgate All-School Tai Birthday Gifts t Bags Encouragemen
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he Heritage PTF is excited to announce that the annual Joga-Thon is making some fun changes this year. Any student who has attended Heritage in the last 25+ years will remember the beloved Jog-a-Thon, a fun celebration of friendly competition and playing outside with classmates. While the fun will still be around, the process of preparing the event and raising support is getting a face lift. Jog-a-Thon is the PTF’s annual fundraiser that raises money for special events, projects, and gifts for the faculty and staff. Over 80% of those funds goes back to the teachers through gifts like the Worthy Servants brunch, financial bonuses, birthday balloons, and treats throughout the year. Students work to raise money by asking their friends or family for support. On the day of Jog-a-Thon, each grade level gets an allotted time to jog around the school track and win prizes if their class runs the most laps. The PTF works hard to make every Jog-a-Thon fun and memorable. They’ve had visits from mascots like Boomer, the Chick-Fil-A cow, Clifford, and the Heritage Eagle. They’ve given out fun prizes for the class that runs the most laps, including Kona Ice and a few hours on a rock climbing wall. Last
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Breakfast Cart Father/Daughter Ball Pottery Painting Party
nic ily Pic t m a F igh New kate N S r e l l b Ro ast Clu Breakf
year, since Jog-a-Thon landed on “May-the-Fourth,” the theme was Star Wars. The middle school had a Star Wars t-shirt design competition, and Star Wars characters showed up on campus during the event. In years past, every student in grades K-8 received a packet that included 10 mailers. Students would mail letters to 10 friends and family members asking for financial support to participate in Jog-a-Thon. If students raised over a certain amount of money, they earned a Jog-a-Thon t-shirt. In efforts to streamline the giving process and cut down precious volunteer time and energy, the PTF has hired Boosterthon to manage Jog-a-Thon this year. The entire giving process will be online so students no longer have to go through the hassle of mailing letters, and donations can be done more simply and quickly. Boosterthon will also run the event, bringing in their own mascots, staff, and surprises to help the PTF volunteers. Additionally, all students will receive a t-shirt. PTF is hopeful that this year’s changes will make giving more accessible and that the day’s events will bring lots of surprises for the students.
GIVING A SPIRITUAL LIFT Spiritual Lift is a volunteer-run balloon and gift store that serves as a ministry for the student body and a fundraiser for the elementary school. Loved ones can send students and teachers gifts and balloons to uplift and encourage them any time during the school year. The ministry currently has 22 volunteers who work throughout the entire school year.
Unbeknownst to many students, families, and staff, there are dozens of people regularly praying for the Heritage community. Below are some of the prayer groups that meet on the Heritage campus throughout the year.
MEN’S PRAYER GROUP Fathers, grandfathers, and relatives of Heritage students come together with Heritage faculty, staff, board members, and the CEO once a month for worship and prayer. The gathering often includes a devotional from a guest speaker, musical praise and worship, and a time for intentional prayer. The group sees this as an opportunity to pray for the HCS community, connect with faculty and staff, and care for one another. “It’s a safe place for men to be, where they know that people are walking with them, are present in their lives and are appreciating them in a quiet, confidential place where they can live life with other godly men,” said Brad Hastings, who founded the group in 2014. “It’s important for us as fathers to understand first-hand that Heritage has an academic mission, but they’re also here to disciple our children,” he continued. “This group is just one small way to plug in and develop some of those relationships.”
WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP For the past few years, several faculty and staff have met together on Wednesday mornings before school to pray for Heritage students, families, teachers, alumni, and the student and administrative leaders. Much of their focus is on the students, that their lives and hearts will be changed by the Gospel and that the Holy Spirit would move in raising them to be Christian leaders, both now and when they are adults. The group also prays for Spirit-filled teaching, for any specific events going on around the school, and for anything else they feel led to present at Jesus’ feet.
MOMS IN PRAYER GROUP The Heritage PTF hosts a chapter of Moms in Prayer, a worldwide initiative of mothers praying for their children and schools. The initiative spans all 50 states and dozens of countries worldwide. They spend time sharing prayer requests related to Heritage, then they break into small groups to pray over students, teachers, and school concerns. Encouragement notes are written to the teachers/staff that were prayed for that day.
SPRING 2019 HERITAGE MESSENGER
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