Feels like Home

THE ORTMANS

Monty and Anne (Vanderpool) Ortman were good friends at Phoenix Christian in the late 1960s and married soon after. Their two children, Stephanie (’95) and Mark (’99) also graduated from Phoenix Christian while Monty served on the Board of Directors. Stephanie’s favorite memories include going on musicale/chorale trips and Peter Piper after football games. Stephanie married John Brigowatz. They have three beautiful children and one on the way (Class of 2037)! Stephanie and John enrolled JJ, Zachary and Megan in 2018—now third generation Cougars! Monty returned to serve as the Chairman of the Board in 2015.

When reflecting on what the heritage of Phoenix Christian means, Anne shared that it feels like she’s walking on “holy ground” when she steps on campus. Monty recalled that his senior year, they never won a single football game!

THE WOODS

FAMILY

Frank and Barbara (Staggs) Woods both attended Phoenix Christian in the early 60s but they actually didn’t meet at PC. Frank spent many hours in the print shop which became the foundation for a career in printing. Barbara recalls her favorite spot was sitting on the grass in the quad during lunch. They married shortly thereafter and had their only child, Steve. In the early 80s, Steve met Teresa (Van Den Berg) at Phoenix Christian and immediately fell for her (although he couldn’t get up the nerve to ask her out until their sophomore year). They married at age 18 after graduating from Phoenix Christian. Steve currently serves on the Board of Directors.

They had three beautiful daughters, Brittany, Ashley and Samantha, who all attended Phoenix Christian. Brittany graduated in 2016 and moved to Washington to attend college where she met her husband, Doug. They have two children, Faith & Hudson. Brittany had an incredible opportunity to continue her career with Ethan Allen in Scottsdale. In 2019, Faith and Hudson became 4th generation Cougars! Ashley (’16) played volleyball and softball all four years and also played a huge role in Student Government. Last April, Ashley graduated with honors from GCU’s Colangelo School of Business with a degree in Business Management. She is engaged to marry JT Henderson in January.

Sam most recently graduated from Phoenix Christian in 2018 and currently plays volleyball for Wheaton College. Sam shared, “The heritage of PC is uniquely special to me because my grandparents and parents walked the campus and did life at the same age I was doing life! What a gift from God to get to experience a special bond like that!”

THE FISHERS

Adam Fisher attended Phoenix Christian from 91-94. He married Kristen and they have been blessed with five beautiful children, Grace—9th Grade, Addison – 8th Grade, Hannah (not pictured)—6th Grade, Elizabeth—4th Grade and Blair—Preschool. Adam shared that he has so many great memories from PC, including football. He made many amazing friends who are still his best friends today.

THE BOARDMANS

Meghan (Ellis) Boardman ’03 and her sisters, Rachel (’18) and Bekah—senior, all attended Phoenix Christian. Meghan shared really fond memories of all of the fun monthly junior high parties. She reflects that she is proud to be a part of the legacy of Phoenix Christian by not only working as the Assistant Director of the Preschool but also sending her children to attend PC: Aubreigh—4th Grade, Makynzie—2nd Grade and Aaron—Kindergarten. Rachel met her two very best friends at PC on her first day of Kindergarten and Bekah loves playing volleyball and softball for Phoenix Christian.

THE CETONS

Kristy (Hornback) Ceton graduated from Phoenix Christian in 1994 and now has a son Lucas who is a freshman at Phoenix Christian (Lucas started as a kindergartener). Kristy shared about what the heritage of Phoenix Christian means to her. “I feel like I’m home when I walk on campus. I know that my son is getting the same experience I had surrounded by good friends and people who love him.”