Kinder Grads, Davis & Deacon
V O L . 16 • S U M M E R 2021
WELCOME FROM YOUR LEADERSHIP................................4-5
in this issue
Greetings and updates from Jeff Blake & Steve Woods.
ALL ABOUT THE CLASS OF 2021 Congratulations to this amazing and talented group of seniors!
6
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS................................................................. 12 Showcasing two of our remarkable Senior Capstone students.
INTRODUCING THE CLASS OF 2028......................................14 Mrs. Zappe shares about this group, often known as the “life of the party”!
PROMOTING OUR 8TH GRADERS........................................... 16
The special and sacred moment we shared as this group moves into high school.
GIVING PARTNERS.......................................................................... 19 A very special recognition of our partners in Christian education.
WE REMEMBER................................................................................ 28 Honoring the Spiritual giants we lost this past year.
SAVE THE DATE FOR HOMECOMING ’21............................. 32 This is our year to reconnect, embrace, and celebrate!
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR........................................................ 35
“Why We Give”
My husband and I are grateful to be a part of supporting Phoenix Christian! We love how the school is greatly impacting and investing in children’s minds and hearts in such a missional way. It’s also been amazing to see the school’s heart for Foster Care!
LAUREN ’06 & TRAVIS SCHARNWEBER
Photo: Ciara Kleva ’07 3
A Vision for One Body Anchored in His Love Through God’s Spirit and Word, we commit our vision for our 2021-2022 school year! We find Ephesians 4:11-16 to be a refining reminder of our role. “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip...build...the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity...that we will be mature in the Lord...” As we equip our faculty and hire new teachers, this year is a powerful opportunity to embrace our Spirit driven responsibility to equip, build, and pursue unity. In this pursuit, our middle school and high school will embrace a theme of “One Body” affirming the beautiful tapestry of Phoenix Christian with a renewed God inspired unity. Our preschool and elementary students will follow a theme of “Anchored in His Love” based on Hebrews 6:19 calling for hope rooted in the love of Christ. With an eye on the challenges of last year and a passionate and hopeful pursuit to lead our school to new horizons, I am completely committed to the responsibility to best equip Phoenix Christian’s team to build up the next generation of the body of Christ. As our culture becomes increasingly opposed to the ways of Jesus, Christ-centered education is more important than ever. Phoenix Christian’s mission is more important than ever. Phoenix Christian’s faculty and staff must be more unified and equipped than ever to best guide our students toward spiritual maturity. Our vision is “to be a vibrant, Christcentered school in our community, prioritizing resources to continually pursue new horizons in educating minds, forming hearts, and equipping hands of students.” Now is a bold opportunity to further strengthen our academic rigor as we continue to invest in new and innovative K-12 curriculum, technologies, continual campus enhancement and expansion of our teaching and support staff. We have completely rebuilt our middle school faculty to construct and protect a unified and dynamic Christ-centered culture. We have developed an Athletic Strategic Plan to develop and maintain championship caliber programs which also provide our student-athletes with a daily encounter with God’s Truth.
I hope you enjoy learning about our incredible students, especially our promoting 5th and 8th grades and graduated seniors! We are so proud of their many talents and rejoice in their spiritual growth. They have shown remarkable “grit” this last year and a half of insurmountable obstacles. The Class of 2021 earned over 2.3 million dollars in scholarships and 363 college credits. Five grads will play collegiate sports, three will pursue music degrees on scholarship and one has already enlisted in the US Army. This issue of CougarNow also highlights you; our partners in Christian education. Our alumni and friends of Phoenix Christian have blessed us in so many ways; whether through your continual prayers for PC, financial support, or through the AZ tuition tax credit programs. We cannot do this work without you! You are making a difference in the lives of our beautiful students. With God-driven ambition to step further and courageously in faith, I ask for your prayer. With prayerful anticipation,
Jeff Blake Superintendent
4
God is at Work in Us and at PC In the popular Bible Study “Experiencing God”, Henry Blackaby offers a suggestion for Christians who desire to be used by God for the sake of His kingdom, “Watch where God is working and join Him.” God is working at Phoenix Christian. Since the beginning, God has had His hand on Phoenix Christian. Moreover, God is working in the individual lives of those who comprise the Phoenix Christian community. This certainly includes those of us who are currently on campus, but it also extends to the greater Phoenix Christian family around the world. If you are receiving this issue of CougarNow, we are excited that somewhere along the line God has invited you to be a part of the fabric of PC and we celebrate again this year all that God has done and is doing in, through and around the Body of Christ that finds its roots in a relationship with Jesus and also with Phoenix Christian. Whether you are looking forward to this coming year on campus, just finished your time as a student or teacher at PC, or even if your days at Phoenix Christian are a distant memory in the rear view mirror of life we thank God for you. Regardless of when or how your path crosses with PC we thank God for allowing us to know you and to celebrate the ways in which He is working in your life and in our midst collectively as a community. In the devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers writes, “You will never cease to be the most amazed person on earth at what God has done for you on the inside.” When the Lord seizes someone with the power of His great affection and makes changes on the inside, nobody is more amazed than the person who He is changing from the inside-out. This phenomenon reminds me of Phoenix Christian. Jesus Christ is the head of the church, always has been and always will be. PC is an extension of His church for the purpose of evangelism and equipping for the sake of His Kingdom. Over the years, and certainly in recent years, we have seen God make changes at PC that nobody could imagine taking the credit for apart from the Lord. May the Lord continue to receive glory and honor for the things that only He can do in, through and around Phoenix Christian. We will never cease to be amazed at what He has done and is doing for us on the inside. We know that He is working. He has invited us, He has invited you, to join Him in what He is doing. Will you ask Him to reveal how he wants to use you and the gifts He has given you for His glory and for the good of those around you right where you are today?
We are excited that somewhere along the line God has invited you to be a part of the fabric of PC.
May we continue to pray this simple prayer that I often hear myself offering, “Lord, if you really can use anyone would you please prove it by using a knucklehead just like me?” Thank you for being an important part of the PC family. We appreciate you,
Steve Woods PC Board of Trustees PC Class of 1983
5
All about the CLASS
OF 2021
OUR F O UR PI LLA RS:
EVANGELISM AT HOME AND ABROAD — It is a sacred responsibility to share and spread the Gospel message worldwide.
LOVE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS — Grace, kindness, and consideration are due for everyone. We are to love our neighbors sacrificially.
LAMP ATOP THE WORD OF GOD — We believe that all knowledge, truth, and wisdom flow from the Scriptures. The lamp represents the Spirit, sent to us by God the Father, who is alive and active today.
6
CROSS & CROWN INTERTWINED — By the cross of Christ, we receive the rightesouness of God.
VALEDICTORIAN
Ainsley Ebert
Spiritual & Leadership Formation
College Plans: Arizona Christian University
SALUTATORIAN
Zachary Wheat
STEM & Humanities
College Plans: Northern Arizona University
7
ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Ainsley Ebert & Howard Russell
JAMES R. WICKERSHAM CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Ljayah Washington, Fine Arts & Anthony Rodriguez, Humanities
8
CAROLYN KROBER MUSIC AWARD
Ckicsia Navarrete Fine Arts
INTERNATIONAL HIGHEST HONOR
Phat Dang, Vietnam Fine Arts
9
COLLEGE SIGNING DAY
10
Look out for the
CLASS OF 2021!
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES: Arizona Christian University Arizona State University Bennet College Bethune-Cookman University Biola University California University of Pennsylvania Cedarville University Eastern New Mexico University Eastern University Edinboro University Elizabeth City College Grand Canyon University Kent State University
11
Langston University Malone University Mount Vernon College Northern Arizona University New Mexico University Ohio Christian University Ottawa University Philander Smith College Providence Christian College Seton Hill University Slippery Rock University The College of Wooster University of Arizona University of Arkansas
SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECTS
This year, seven seniors successfully completed the Honors Capstone Project. Seniors who plan to graduate with honors choose a topic in their Concentration (Fine Arts, Humanities, Spiritual & Leadership Formation, STEM) and plan an extensive project. These scholars overcame many obstacles, persevered through the extra stress of a research paper, and courageously presented to a panel of faculty and staff. The projects covered a range of diverse and creative topics including writing a children’s book, hosting a night of worship, creating a documentary about some heroes working with inner city youth, and researching the role the Bible played in the lives of our founding fathers.
NATALY OLGUIN
(Humanities concentration) has had a passion for young women and the distorted body image of so many. She sought to plan an event that would inspire high school girls to see themselves through the eyes of their Creator. She held a “female-only” chapel titled “I’m Lovin’ Me.” She asked the girls to go to different stations where they wrote about what they saw in the mirrors. She had a guest speaker, Valeria Estrada, who spoke life into the girls and challenged them to fight against the enemy 12
who wants to destroy their identity in Christ. She closed by saying, “only you can live your unique life…the life God called you to live.” Nataly’s favorite verse is, “God is using his great power to keep you safe, because you trust Him. He will continue to keep you safe until the last day, when Christ will return. Then you will know that God has saved you completely from sin and from death” (1 Peter 1:5). Nataly plans to attend Grand Canyon University as a first-generation college student, majoring in psychology.
ANDREW FORT (Fine Arts concentration), new to Phoenix Christian this year, is a talented musician. He composed an original piece, entitled Waltz for Fish. Andrew’s favorite verse is Psalm 40:3: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.” Andrew will attend The Master’s University and plans to study music composition, pursuing his passion and truly unique giftings in the arts.
13
5th GRADE CLASS
Meet Lizzie Fisher & Skylar Franke What does it mean to be a leader? 5th graders Skylar and Elizabeth joined Superintendent Jeff Blake on The Beacon to talk about leadership. Both Skylar and Elizabeth demonstrate incredible leadership in the classroom AND on the court. Skylar LOVES basketball and showed his passion and drive for the game as a new student this year. “Lizzie” loves every sport and knows what it means to serve her teammates and care for their hearts. Watch out for these two; God has great plans in store for them!
14
THE CLASS OF 2028...
What a Class!
The fifth graders are going to be missed on the Elementary Campus. They were the largest 5th grade class in Phoenix Christian Preparatory School’s history. They added tremendous personality and talent to the campus! As “seniors” on the Elementary campus, they took on the challenge! They were often the “life of the party”. They crushed school spirit at the Apex Fun Run and set the tone for the rest of the student body! They excelled in their athletic abilities, musical and acting talents as was demonstrated in the middle school sports program and the school production of “Annie”. The Chapel that was hosted by the 5th graders was one that will not be forgotten…the heartfelt worship was led by members of the class and the spiritual challenge, “His Sheep”, was given by a 5th grader will be long remembered as a favorite by all who attended. The
annual 5th grade Camp at Prescott Pines will be a cherished memory…hiking, skits, hayride, owl study, forensics and game night led this class to forge deep relationships as a group of young people. The culmination of the year was a “Wet & Wild” end-of-the-year party, and in addition they filled a “Time Capsule” with mementos from 2020-21 to be opened when they graduate in 2028. God’s Spirit moved in the lives of these students and seeds were planted…we are trusting that as they move on to middle school that they would exhibit much good fruit and their words and actions will reflect who they serve. Go Cougars for God’s glory! Mrs. Zappe, Elementary Principal
15
THE CLASS OF 2025...
8th Grade Excels
The recent 8th grade graduates, or the class of 2025, had a tremendous year in and outside the classroom. For their mathematics finals, they had the task of designing a plot of land with different threedimensional buildings. They were quite precise in their measurements and their calculations of surface area and volume. One scholar, Luke Hocking, had a nice design based around the Las Vegas Raiders stadium. Although, he would have done better if he had designed it around the Buffalo Bills stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Overall, I was impressed with each scholar’s focus and patience for a project that took many class days to complete. Outside of the classroom, I saw different scholars step up in their growth as a leader. Recently, I was able to witness a scholar who never played organized basketball in her life. With very little skill, she became the vocal leader of a team that made it all the way to the championship game. Her leadership helped to make that happen. This eighth grade class was amazing academically and in developing as leaders, which will set them up for success in high school and beyond. Mr. Matt Feely, Math Teacher 16
TIMOTHY AWARD
JJ Brigowatz The Timothy award is voted by the faculty at Phoenix Christian Preparatory Middle School and is based upon the following criteria: A student who has demonstrated a willingness to render any service to the school when called upon, has demonstrated desirable qualities of personality, has successfully held school offices, positions of responsibility, or maintained a high standard of excellence in all areas of their student life and has shown a type of leadership which directly influences others for good. This award is one of the highest honors a promoting 8th grader can receive at Phoenix Christian Preparatory Middle School. Congratulations to the recipient, JJ Brigowatz!
BARNABAS AWARD
Trinity Trimble The biggest lesson we learn from Barnabas is that encouragement is one of the most effective ways to help a fellow brother or sister in Christ. Acts 11:23-24 gives us the best insight into the life of Barnabas: “When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man…” Barnabas was an impact player. He was consistent, authentic, unselfish, and tireless in his work. Congratulations to Trinity Trimble, recipient of the Barnabas Award.
17
“Why I Give”
I give to Phoenix Christian because of its rich history and bright future. Phoenix Christian had a profound impact on me, prepared me for my future, and strengthened my God-centered foundation and through prayer and giving it is my hope that current and future students have the same experience.
JONATHAN WILFONG ’01
Giving Partners SUSTAINING MONTHLY DONORS* Our friends and alumni who donate monthly has grown! We are so grateful to this group who faithfully give each month. What a tremendous blessing! Roxanne Anderson
Jim ’65 & Cindy ’66 Paxton
Jeff & Lisa ’94 Blake
Rick & Joan Rolfes
Antonius & Marypaul ’70 Bom
Kenneth & Karen Seigle
John ’68 & Connie Hamner
Stephen ’81 & Kathy Shiffer
Jorge & Kimberly Hernandez
Khala ’00 & Travis Stanfield
Melody Hill ’73
Bill ’60 & Sandy Stone
Jim & Bonnie ’61 Hills
Diane Talley
Stephen ’60 & Sherri Kerr
David ’66 & Barbara Tomb
Anthony & Johanna Maldonado Les ’62 & Sally Mathews
Tanner Trapp ’11
Mike ’68 & Dana McNeely
Clayton Troxell
Kelby & Melody Milgrim ’88
James & Donna Wickersham
Stan ’77 & Karen Moehr
Byrd Family Trust
*Monthly donors for at least six months.
TIMOTHY TUITION SCHOLARSHIP FUND* On behalf of all of our students at Phoenix Christian, thank you! Thank you to those who contributed to the Timothy Scholarship Fund, a fund dedicated to giving every child the opportunity for a Christian education regardless of income level. Daniel & Larcy Adickes Cary & Geraldine Adkins Patricia Armenta Bradley & Sandra Asolas Antonius & Marypaul ’70 Bom Thomas Carlson Lisa Christiansen Anne Cusick Ralph & Jean ’56 De la Vega Judd Erickson
Charles & Elizabeth Finley Albion & Jo-Nell Hargrave Jean Heltzinger Bonnie ’61 & Jim Hills Gail ’68 & Denise Houser Mike ’68 & Dana McNeely Letticia Medina Moreno Family Foundation Joanne Oesterle Diane Raden Mark ’80 & Beth ’81 Ropp Kent Ross ’68
David Savidge Kennth & Karen Seigle Nadine ’61 & Eldon Smith Linnea ’86 & Jeff Smith Khala ’00 & Travis Stanfield Ernie & Karen Watson Jim & Donna Wickersham Kelly Frampton Interior Design The Estate of Ray Oesterle
*Fiscal Year donations — July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021
19
OAW CAMPAIGN DONORS* We had a record-breaking OAW Campaign, receiving over $82,000 in gifts, much of which came from our generous alumni. Thank you! Jerry ’80 & Ruth ’77 Abbitt
Jill ’89 & Jeremy Creed
Christina ’76 & Michael Hogg
Nancy Alarcon
Carol Cunningham
Gail ’68 & Denise Houser
Manuel Aldecoa
Gerald ’65 & Nola ’63 Curd
Donald A. Huber
Claude & Brenda Allison
Stephen ’78 & Leta Davis
Cynthia Hughes ’86
Roxanne Anderson
Lynn ’82 & Rusty Devorkin
David & Zona ’73 Humbach
Larry ’63 & Nancy Anderson
Mark ’75 & Mary Ellen Donaldson
David & Sylvia Huss
Brad & Sandy Asolas Jamie Auernheimer ’92
James ’82 & Vicki Drew
Tony & Gretchen Janes Jeannine ’79 & Bruce Janzen
Paul Ayraud ’73
Lea Duarte
Joy Bailey ’79
David & Carol Eaton ’54
Keith Baker
Andrew Ehnis ’00
Vikki Barr ’69
Kimalyn Fait ’80
Scott ’70 & Laurie Baughman
Larry & Joyce Fait
Stephen ’76 & Jennifer Baughman
Tomas & Roxana Fajardo
Richard ’73 & Erin Bellah
Alan & Becky Fisher
Richard ’68 & Leona Bergstrom
David Fitzgerald
Bethany Bible Church Jeff & Lisa ’94 Blake
Cynthia ’70 & Duane Fradenburgh
Sarai Borja Nevarez ’19
Perry ’76 & Teresa Fraley
Lois Klem ’78
Barbara ’81 & Doug Bowden
Paul Fridenmaker ’63
Darrel ’70 & Diane Kuiper
Chris ’76 & Patty ’79 Bradley
Robert Frieling ’69
Daryl ’73 & Denise ’74 Layne
Toni ’63 & Douglas Bradley
Barbara ’60 & David Furnish
Carl LePera ’66
Diane Brandsma ’83
Scot Glasco ’76
Karla Lepore ’91
David ’59 Bromley
Trudy ’65 & Voyle Glover
Paul ’65 & Sue Lindblad
David ’77 & Diane Brown
Jeannine Graden
David Burris
Charles ’76 & Jill Haak
Ralph ’69 & Cindy ’70 Lindeman
Ruby Byrd ’03
John ’68 & Connie Hamner
Byrd Family Trust ’66
Peter ’76 & Linda Hamstra
David ’06 & Julia Callahan
Erin Hart ’97
James & Sarah Callahan
Jo Ann ’60 & James Harte
Sandra ’76 & Patrick Carlisle
Ruth ’84 & Robert Hayes
Will & Lucy ’53 Carlson
Scott ’88 & Melissa Hendrix
Jennifer Church ’69
Bonnie ’79 & Mark Heng
Nancy ’66 & Terry ’65 Clay
Bonnie ’61 & Jim Hills
Randy Compton ’05
Doug & Sandy Hoffpauir
Dana ’69 & Pamela Cook
Elizabeth Hogan d’Armand ’76
Christine Jeffres ’60
John & Joyce ’63 Fenwick
David ’69 & Sandra ’70 Johnson Charles ’75 & Pamela ’80 Jongert Martin ’73 & Esther Jordan Randy & Dianne Joselit Stephen ’60 & Sherri Kerr Christina ’91 & David Kessinger June Kilbank James Kleiner ’64
Dawn ’80 & Earl Lucas Anthony & Johanna Maldanado Deborah ’75 & Danny Martinez
20
Gretchen Marz David May ’71 Betsy ’69 & Bruce McBride Janice McClain ’73 Donald Mccrea Kimberly ’85 & Samuel Messina
OAW CAMPAIGN DONORS (CONT.) Lynda ’65 & Vern Meyer
Rick & Joan Rolfes
Clayton Troxell
Kelby & Melody Milgrim ’88
Angelica Sanchez
Gilberto Trujillo
Johnny ’61 & Jeanne ’62 Miller
Lauren ’06 & Travis Scharnweber
Mark ’88 & Heather ’94 Van Sant
Erika Miranda ’15 Ray & Sharon Miranda
Ken & Karen Seigle
Janet Mullins ’70
Tom ’75 & Julie Sertich
James Munos
Anonymous ’67
John Munos
Stephen ’81 & Kathy Shiffer
Joe & Shelley Munos Ryan Munos ’17 Claudia Nevarez Beverly ’70 & Mark Nuessle Dirk ’89 & Adrienn Olmstead Monty ’67 & Anne ’69 Ortman Royann ’75 & David Parker Shannon ’89 & Stephen Parks Jim ’65 & Cindy ’66 Paxton Mary ’63 & Roy Perrone Donald ’75 & Debra Darling- Petersen
Bob ’60 & Judy ’61 Porter
Bob ’68 & Patricia Rehm
Shegay ’70 & Stephen Vanderpool David ’71 & Debbie Vander Wall
Jason Siciliano ’00
Curtis ’77 & Pam Voss
Susan Sims ’70
Amber ’01 & Andrew Walker
James & Janet Sizemore
William ’71 & Shere Walter
Nadine ’61 & Eldon Smith Florence ’67 & Patrick Smith Kim Smith ’73 Linnea ’86 & Jeff Smith Roger ’64 & Jeanie Staub Terry & Carol Stines
Randall & Dixie Stone ’58
Tara Waterman Bill ’56 & Joyce Weed Rod ’78 & Cathy Whitlatch Jonathan Wilfong ’01 Michael ’69 & Diane ’77 Williams Jim and Jan Wolfe John & Kathy Wommer
Diane Talley David ’66 & Barbara Tomb
Ray Eyewear ’76
Carol ’69 & Mark ’70 VanderNaalt
Linda ’75 & Jeff Shook
Bill ’60 & Sandy Stone
Brenda ’70 & Kevin Poole
Keith ’80 & Kimberlee Robinson
Tracy Scott ’83
Steve & Teresa Woods ’83
David ’70 & Renie Totel
Sally Zane ’79
Douglas ’65 & Vicki Totel
Dale & Ruth Zappe
Winden & Amy Trimble
Sheryl ’90 & Michael Zeller
*Fiscal Year donations — July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY. YOU ARE MAKING AN ETERNAL DIFFERENCE! If you would like to contribute to any of these campaigns, please contact Jeff Blake at jblake@phoenixchristian.org. We are so grateful for the many alumni and the Phoenix Christian community for your ongoing love and commitment to Phoenix Christian. 21
Spring Gala Sponsors
GALA TABLE SPONSORS Ben & Beverly ’75 Altopp Jerry & Judy Blake Jeff & Lisa ’94 Blake David ’79 & Janet Van Hofwegen Steve & Teresa Woods ’83 Black Oak Institute Pete ’76 & Linda Hamstra Christ’s Church of the Valley
CORPORATE SPONSORS Platinum Level Providence Christian College Joselit & Johnsen CPAs, LLC Lovitt & Touche
Gold Level FireSky Financial
Silver Level Colorado Christian University CLW Plumbing ACSTO
Give from the Heart Fine Arts Initiative
The Spring Gala was beautiful in a more intimate setting, the Wrigley Mansion, due to COVID restrictions. Our theme, “Expressions of His Love” permeated the evening with many of our talented students sharing their love for the arts. Grammy award winning artist, Rebecca St. James, inspired us with her passion for worship and her love and admiration for what is happening at Phoenix Christian. We shared our Fine Arts Initiative during the “Give from the Heart” moment. Our vision is to fully update our dated fine arts spaces including the Black Box Theatre, the Art Room, the Band Room and the Choir Room. In addition, we plan to create a premier outdoor venue in our beautiful tree-lined courtyard. Sound, lighting, a raised stage and a beautifully designed awning or pergola will transform our courtyard into a performance center for the entire school and community. Thanks to so many generous supporters, we raised over $75,000 towards our thriving Fine Arts programs. Beverly ’75 & Ben Altopp Dick & Sharon Altopp Robert & Paula Beck Alex & Kristy Clay Nancy ’66 & Terry ’65 Clay Liz ’69 & Robert Draper Tomas & Roxana Fajardo Mike & Kim Fleishmann Bob & Barbara Fraley Jeannine Graden Pete ’76 & Linda Hamstra Amy Hawkinson Sally Henry Alrick Hylton
Howard Ingham & Pam Clark Robert & Dana Johnston Darrel ’70 & Diane Kuiper Phyllis Lowe John & Pam Miller Diane Mills Eric & Melinda Papadeas Josue & Veronica Perez Craig ’75 & Stacy Phelps PrintWoods ’83 Diane Raden Dennis & Roxana Rogers Lauren ’06 & Travis Scharnweber
David & Julie Smith Paul & Carol Sorensen Wes Stahler Bill ’60 & Sandy Stone David ’66 & Barbara Tomb Doug ’65 & Vicki Totel Lorenzo & MaryEllen Valenzuela Paul ’83 & Sheila Van Hofwegen Rhonda Vanderveer Amber ’01 & Andrew Walker Younglife Eaton District ’54 Your Part-Time Controller
GALA GIFT-IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS Arizona Science Center Arizona Biltmore Golf Club Augusta Ranch AZ on the Rocks Micah Buennagel Jerry & Carol Chesser Chipotle Cobblestone Car Wash Crazy Jim’s Restaurant Megan Davies Desert Botanical Garden DHH Med Spa Enchanted Island
Tomas & Roxana Fajardo Ironwood Christina Juarez Kendra Scott Liberty Market Litchfield’s at the Wigwam Maldonado Family Mental Heart Therapeutic Play Nunez Family Monty ’67 & Anne ’69 Ortman Phyllis Lowe Perez Family
23
Ping Golf Raising Canes Raven Golf Club - Phoenix Mil & Linda Sutter David ’66 & Barbara Tomb Ron & Jana Towne John & Julie Weideman Wigwam Golf Resort Jim & Jan Wolfe Steve & Teresa Woods ’83 Kinder – 5th Grade Family Baskets PC Families Gift Card donations
COUGAR CLASSIC SPONSORS Gold Medal Champions
Bronze Medal Champions
Donors & Gifts-in-Kind
Bud Allison
Emeline Gabbour
Betty De Foe
Connie Williams’ Joy of Learning
Providence Christian College – Pete ’76 & Linda Hamstra
Jim Denmark
Hole-in-One Sponsorship
Bearizona Wildlife Park
PrintWoods ‘83
Silver Medal Champions
School Tuition Organization 4 Kidz (STO4Kidz)
Desert Botanical Gardens
Mom’s Pantry ‘76 Salem Media
CleanNet USA The Kennedy Family
Alan Fisher, Consultant
American Furniture Warehouse Cobblestone Auto Spa Eagle Mountain Golf Club House of Comedy Jason’s Deli
Robin & Lisa Henderson
OdySea Aquarium
State Farm Insurance – Wes Stahler
Spinato’s Valle Luna Mexican Food & Cantina
24
1949 CLUB The 1949 Club was created to honor those giving at or above $1949 (celebrating Phoenix Christian’s origination year). We celebrated this group of donors (2020 calendar year) at a special luncheon this year; they received a surprise PC Bling Box, and the opportunity to inscribe a brick for our Legacy Courtyard. Claude & Brenda Allison
Jeannine Graden
Brad & Sandy Asolas
Peter ’76 & Linda Hamstra
Lauren ’06 & Travis Scharnweber
Assured Engineering Concepts
Burnie Hibbard
Anonymous Class of ’67
Charles ’75 & Pam Jongert ’80
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
Randall & Dianne Joselit
Linda ’75 & Jeff Shook
Bellevue Heights Church
Darrel ’70 & Diane Kuiper
Milford & Linda Sutter
Bellevue Heights Foundation
Janice M. McClain ’73
Rick Swier
Letticia Medina
David ’66 & Barbara Tomb
Moreno Family Foundation
Doug ’65 & Vicki Totel
Byrd Family Trust ’66
Monty ’67 & Anne ’69 Ortman
Robert & Andrea Van Hofwegen ’77
Elizabeth ’69 & Bob Draper
Mark & Ashley Ortman ’99
Judd Erickson
Dennis & Roxana Rogers
Donald ’88 & Ingrid Van Hofwegen
Richard ’73 & Erin Bellah
Jerry & Judy Blake Bobb Family Foundation
25
SECURE OUR CAMPUS CAMPAIGN* A.C.T. Rebar Contractors, Inc.
Pamela Hanks ’66
Ken & Brenda Pratt
Roxanne Anderson
Nancy ’80 & David Henrickson
Graham ’56 & Mary Lou ’55 Reedy
Kelly ’73 & Barnabas Bagby
Ryan ’02 & Hallie House
Robert ’68 & Patricia Rhem
Lisa ’94 & Jeff Blake GayLynn Brewer Bob & Linda Byrd ’66 Dorthy ’63 & Eddy Emerson Barbara ’57 & Donald Hagerson
Infinity Management Consulting LLC
Joseph & Elaine Sheil
Jeffrey & Virginia Kerr
Doug ’65 & Vicki Totel
Jim & Ruth Anne Koltveit
Marvin & Leona Wagner
Robert & Irene Mock
Sue ’79 & Bill Waytas
Janet Mullins ’70
David Wright ’74
*Fiscal Year donations — July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021
26
GENERAL BUDGET, GRANTS, ACTIVITY & MEMORIAL FUNDS* AZ Sports & Tourism Authority
Burnie Hibbard
Ken & Cheri Ricker
Santos Barrera
Michael & Zina Horrell
Jason Roach
Ron Becker
Destini Jackson
Dennis & Roxana Rogers
Bellevue Heights Foundation
Kelly Johnson
Reynaldo & Patricia Sandoval
Tynisa Berry
Sherry Johnson-Tarver
Ken ’53 & Dee Schaaf
Thomas & Jennifer Blake
Robert & Dana Johnston
Blackbaud Giving Fund
Randy & Dianne Joselit
Lauren ’06 & Travis Scharnweber
Bobb Family Foundation
Scott & Rene Karow
Henry ’60 & Carol Borgerding
Glenn & Jennifer Kasprzyk
Tom ’75 & Julie Sertich
Daniel & Barb Bronars
Jeffrey & Virginia Kerr
Byrd Family Trust
Stephen ’60 & Sherri Kerr
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
Vicki Carmichael
Bernard & Letitia LaVant
Kristy Ceton ’94
Phyllis Lowe
Diana Chatterton
John & Aleta Lynch
Jerry & Carol Chesser
John & Krista Lynch ’88 Jennifer Marmor
Christ Church
Russell & Julie Mason
Lisa Christiansen
Donna McCuin
Rod & Glenda Clark Jerry & Joan Colangelo David ’59 & Linda Conovaloff Roger Curry ’67 Ralph & Jean ’56 De la Vega Richelle Delavan ’79
Debbi Miller-Bush Milk Run Premium Ice Cream Boba
Mark & Stacy Schneider
Nadine ’61 & Eldon Smith Chadwick Stevens Stone Charitable Fund Mil & Linda Sutter Steven Sutter ’72 Kevin ’85 & Sonja ’87 Swier Diane Talley David & Nelda Thompson Doug ’65 & Vicki Totel Tanner Trapp ’11
Beverly ’64 & John Mize
Clayton Troxell
Stan ’77 & Karen Moehr
Chad Unrein
Bob ’58 & Judy Moffitt
Lisa Valdivia
Diane Downing
Eiselda Mondaca
Robert & Liz ’69 Draper
Gary & Susann Moore
Lorenzo & MaryEllen Valenzuela
Rigoberto & January Espinoza
Marisol Moya
Adam & Kristen Fisher
Joe & Shelley Munos
Howard & Kelly Frampton Joe & Deborah Gordon
National Christian Foundation, Greater Chicago
Jan & Karen Greenhow
Brant ’02 & Anna Nyhart
William ’71 & Shere Walter
Charles & Kristy Guzman
Monty ’67 & Anne ’69 Ortman
Sue ’79 & Bill Waytas
Donald & Barbara ’57 Hagerson
Overton Builders
Ann Webbs
Peter ’76 & Linda Hamstra
Joseph & Janice Proski
Steven Wells
Cristian Prudencio
Steve & Teresa Woods ’83
Mary Reed
We the People Pictures
Reynolds Electric
Neal & Connie Zappe
Russ & Lauren Richardson
Younglife Eaton District ’54
Pamela Hanks ’66 Patrick & Kristin Hassett Heirs of the Republic Education
Valwest Technologies David Vanderschoot ’80 Yolanda Vega Amber ’01 & Andrew Walker
*Fiscal Year donations — July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021
27
We Remember these Spiritual Giants This last year, we lost several incredible teachers who made a remarkable difference in the lives of so many Phoenix Christian students. Mr. Hovda, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Galindo and Mrs. Sasso each had a unique impact. During these difficult times of sickness and loss, our Phoenix Christian family turned to the Facebook alumni page to lift these loved ones up in prayer, share memories, and express gratitude. We’d like to share just a few of these special notes and thank the PC community for your gracious expressions of love. Even though we are spread throughout the world, we belong to ONE Kingdom, worshipping ONE God, united by a very special place called Phoenix Christian.
Renee’ Behrens ’77 I remember his big smile & sense of humor! Melissa Raney ’92 I’m so sorry for your loss...Mr. Galindo was a great man and always greeted you with a smile.
JOSHUA GALINDO
February 28, 1933 - January 14, 2021 20 years of service to Phoenix Christian
I think of him often as I drive down the street and accelerate through the curve, just like he taught me. One of my favorite memories of him is during one of our driving lessons when he was teaching me how to enter the freeway I looked over and he had fallen asleep, I wasn’t sure what to do so I just kept driving till he woke up. I figured I must be doing something right if he felt comfortable enough to fall asleep...lol. Praying for the Lord’s comfort during this difficult time. Leslie Billings ’88 A gifted man who cared about making a difference to students, involved in international missions. Well done good and faithful servant. May God give those here on earth the heart and encouragement to carry on. Prayers for the family and all those who experience his God given teaching talent. Christina Stark Hogg ’76 My sincere condolences on your loss. May God bring you all His comfort and strength. Mr. Galindo was an inspirational Spanish teacher and fine example of God’s love, joy and compassion. His laughter was contagious! We students were privileged to have him as a teacher. Would have never known that he was such an accomplished man. So glad to know that He is reveling in the presence of our Lord and Savior! Val Garrison ’73 You know you have had an incredible teacher who invested in their students, when many, many years later you still think of them & some of the things they taught you. Mr. Galindo was one of those! I’m truly heartbroken for his family in losing him. Heaven is now made richer with his presence. May he be enjoying his great reward for a life well lived and joy in his Savior’s presence!! Bill Holloway ’64 Quite a man with memories for all who knew him. His impact is unforgettable.
28
Christina Stark Hogg ’76 Such a humble and beautiful life for The Lord!! Though I had you as a teacher, in my mid-teens, I so remember seeing such a difference in the quality of your character. You walked and talked as Christ did. Mr. Hovda made a huge impression on my young life. Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into His Rest. Prayers for the comfort of your family. Grace Karcher ’76 Really loved him. “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” He gave a lot of peace to all of us students. He always shined a light I’ve kept all these years.
EUGENE LEE HOVDA July 5, 1926 - June 14, 2021
23 years of service to Phoenix Christian
Lois Leader ’72 He was so kind and gentle with the students! Decades later, we remember his influence. That’s a legacy! Gloria Henry ’76 Mr. Hovda was my favorite PCHS teacher. Starting the school day in his Bible class was a true blessing. His love for the Lord and the Word will always be a sweet memory. Mary Jane Barton Perrone ’63 “When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be!” Mr. Hovda lived it, he taught it, and we appreciated it. Sympathy and gratitude for Mrs. Hovda and the family. Becky Smith Lastovica ’65 Besides having Mr. Hovda for Bible, he picked me up every day for school along with Paul Lindblad and Clyde Church. He was a patient man. James Wickersham Mr. Hovda was a kind and loving man. It was a joy to be a colleague of his. May the family take comfort in the beauty of his life and his love of the Lord. Bill Holloway ’64 Of all the Godly men I have known in my life, Gene Hovda was the one I’ll always remember. He taught Bible in a way that made sense to a very immature young man. God Blessed me to know him. Brian Hines ’80 He is enjoying what he has taught so many people about...HEAVEN and being in the presence of his Lord. I will never forget how he may have caught someone I know cheating on a Bible verse in class but never said anything to that person; just a look...heard this from a friend.
Mr. Hovda’s Bible class
Nelda Joy Claywell Fincher ’65 I remember Mr. Hovda as being so kind, quiet and patient with us all, and his cute little smile! God bless your service Mr. Hovda! You made it to the kingdom. Daryl Layne ’73 Mr. Honda taught me more than any other teacher in my life. Not in a book but in his actions. Love you.
29
VICTOR KELLY
September 6, 1936 - February 3, 2021 27 years of service to Phoenix Christian
Photo: Josh Galindo
“To choose teaching as a profession in today’s cultural climate calls for far more courage, endurance and wellestablished skill sets that that which I faced over fifty years ago. But one thing remained constant: Teaching is a profession in which one must be right the first time. There is little opportunity to “reset”, and, in my case, sadly, there are some who, throughout the remainder of their lives, will still carry the bitter fruit of my thoughtless actions, stupid mistakes and wounding words. If I were to have the opportunity to start again at the beginning, I believe there are three things I should do differently. • I would encourage far more and correct far less • I would be far more concerned with what a student will become and much less concerned with the anomalies evident in that process of becoming. • I would be far more concerned that compassion and kindness would drive my actions far more than cultural mores, expediency and urgency. My encouragement to teachers? Balance that which is urgent against that which is important. Guard against transforming personal preference into Biblical principles. Drive firmness and discipline with kindness and compassion. Fiercely protect personal integrity. In future years, few students will remember how to diagram a sentence. They will always remember the teacher who treated them with kindness and respect.” – Victor Kelly
30
David May ’71 Mr. Kelly taught me more than just English. Before I became a Christian, he helped to show me that faith was more than just what you heard on Sundays. It represented how your life would be directed. This even applied to selling ads for the school yearbook. When I told him I had accepted the Lord, I will never forget that heartfelt smile on his face. Coming from Mr. Kelley, it said more than words ever could. Elizabeth LaMertha ’91 My senior year (90-91) was extremely difficult because my father was deployed to Iraq in support of Desert Storm. He missed the majority of the year and my focus was not on school, not on being a senior, and not on a college future because I had no idea how long the war would last or what would happen to my dad. I also felt so alone as I was one of the only military kids on campus. Mr. Kelly blessed me with the greatest blessings of my senior year. A few weeks before graduation, I found out that my dad would make it home in time for graduation. I asked Mr. Kelly if my dad could do something, like pray at graduation because my dad had missed my entire senior year. (Mr. Kelly was our class sponsor that year.) He told me that unfortunately the ceremony was already planned. What I didn’t know is that he had contacted my mom earlier to find out when my dad was coming home and had arranged for my dad give the keynote address at baccalaureate. I had no idea that my dad would be speaking until I was walking down the aisle and saw him on the stage. I can’t thank Mr. Kelly enough for helping to include my dad in the graduation ceremonies. I have been an English teacher for 25 years. Mr. Kelly inspired my love for British literature and my desire to keep going to school and learning. (Mr. Kelly was always taking some class or other.) I praise God for allowing me to have Mr. Kelly as a teacher and an inspiration. Laura Huizenga ’84 Praying for the family. He was one of my most influential teachers. Love to you all. Beth Sasso Roth ’84 Praying for all of the Kelly family and extended family! What an amazing teacher he was! He was so passionate about his students learning! Many times in college I thanked the Lord for Mr. Kelly as I often found myself surrounded by kids struggling to write a research paper. Yet, Mr. Kelly saw to it that you knew how to do it and do it right! His teaching prepared me for college and helped me survive it as well! He was one of a kind! Martin Jordan ’73 I can only echo what Lois Leader posted. Mr. Kelly was an exemplar, a role model for role models. With each passing year, I grew to appreciate what he did for us more and more. His love for the Lord, his family, and his country always put the challenges of life in the proper perspective. We shall see him again, and he would challenge us to be the “Mr. Kelly” in someone else’s life.
Shannon Parks ’89 I am just seeing this today! May I say, I am so very sorry for you and your loss! Your Mom, Mrs. Barbara Bales Sasso, was my Teacher at Phoenix Christian High. She was a wonderful teacher and always so vivacious and full of life and the love of God! I pray for you and your family to receive peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit as you grieve her loss! I rejoice with you all in knowing she is in the presence of Jesus!
BARBARA BALES SASSO May 11, 1932 - November 4, 2020
5 years of service to Phoenix Christian
Cameron Conder ’94 My condolences to the Barbara Bales Sasso family, the greatest memory I have of Mrs. Sasso is she always believed in me, she will always have a special place in my heart. DeeDee Hart-Boyd ’92 I am so sorry! She was the best teacher I ever had. The biggest heart that everyone could see and she loved all her “kids”. She will be missed!! Linda Worthington ’91 My tears are heavy hearing this, Mrs. Sasso has and always will be my favorite teacher. She taught me more than English, Debate & Drama; she taught me grace, compassion, courage and what it means to follow Christ, to serve & help others & always look to the positive side. She was the first teacher I had to see before school, and the last at the end of every school day. I have always used her as an example to my own kids, and will forever be grateful that I was able to tell her how much she means to me just a few months ago. She will forever be in my heart. I love you Mrs. Sasso! Andrew Harshman ’92 Dyslexia has haunted me for much of my life. Reading and writing to me was more like running a marathon barefoot across Legos. Suffice it to say I was not a fan of all things English. Enter Mrs Sasso. She put up with our antics for Sophomore year. Our group tested her patience on a regular basis and through her grueling perseverance, she taught me a love for the English language and drama. A guy like me getting into drama of all things? Sort of like a milk bucket under a bull. I had the privilege of being part of the first thespian group at PC. Her grace continued to sway me and I was determined to be in her classes for my Junior and Senior year as well.
31
Campus Misses You!
Plan to come home October 15-16
PC HOMECOMING 2021 FRIDAY FESTIVITIES: • • • • •
SATURDAY: Various Reunions
Alumni Chapel Alumni Brunch Legacy Courtyard Dedication Friday Night BBQ in the Quad Football Game
33
Contact alumni@phoenixchristian.org with any questions or information on reunion plans.
“There’s only one YOU on the planet. When we trust Him and His plans, anything is possible.” VALERIA ESTRADA
Volume 16 • Summer 2021
COUGARNOW ONLINE
SUPERINTENDENT
Read this and other issues of CougarNow at phoenixchristian.org.
EDITOR
DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lisa Blake Brian Cole of Revolution Graphics
We’d like to hear from you. Send your emails to cougarnow@phoenixchristian.org.
CONTRIBUTORS
To support this online and print publication, please visit phoenixchristian.org/support.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
34
Jeff Blake
Miriam Murray ’19, Amber Lambert Steve Woods, Barb Tomb Back cover artwork concept by Ezra Dailey
Claude (Bud) Allison, Jamie Clifford, David Fitzgerald, Juan Gonzales, Pete Hamstra, Daryl Layne, Aleta Lynch, Steve Woods
THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S!
from the editor
What a year we’ve had. Things have certainly been difficult for many; including the loss of loved ones, financial hardship, political unrest, rising rates of suicide, and drug abuse. Much of which was faced in isolation. We are not meant to be isolated. We are not meant to live in silos facing all of life’s challenges alone. For some, isolation is easier than for others. Sometimes it’s easier to hide, to escape by binge watching Hulu or for our younger generation, YouTube or Xbox. All the while, we feel a deep sense of loneliness and emptiness. This year Phoenix Christian’s theme, Fight My Battle, resonated with our school. 2020-21 was a FIGHT! A fight for the hearts and minds of our students. A fight to help students return to a healthy place where they were challenged to reconnect with friends, reignite their love for the Arts, or STEM or football. We fought to give them a traditional Homecoming, Prom, retreat, and even a chance to worship together in chapel. We fought to speak TRUTH, to teach TRUTH, and to challenge the loud noise of social media, and the influencers. What was easy for us to forget in the fierce fight, is that HE is fighting for us. The Battle is the Lord’s! The name of Jesus is POWERFUL. He can overcome loneliness, fear, financial hardship, sickness, addiction, apathy, anxiety, depression. He can use the body of Christ to rise up and FIGHT. An authentic community who loves others, shows compassion, gathers in prayer and worship, who steps out in faith to share the gospel and teaches TRUTH. Just remember, it’s HIS battle. “But in the depths of my heart, I truly know that you, Yahweh, have become my Shield; You take me and surround me with yourself. Your glory covers me continually. You lift high my head. I have cried out to you Yahweh and your holy presence; you send me a Father’s help. So now I’ll lie down and sleep like a babythen I’ll awake in the safety, for you surround me with your glory” (Psalm 3:3 The Passion). - Lisa Blake, Editor CougarNow 35
2021- 2022 theme
1751 W. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85015