VOL. 22 • FALL 2024
Embracing the Wisdom of 75 Years as Phoenix Christian Strengthens & Grows
How I wish you could enjoy the celebration of our Class of 2024 as they entered their graduation ceremony with smiles, nerves, and a little fear. As 50 graduates each made their way down the aisle and their teachers smiled and waved, we saw them not as teens, but now as young adults. In this moment, we reflected how quickly the year swept by, how quickly they grew, but also on the years invested in their lives.
2023-2024 began with a record 19% growth in our student population. With the growth, came the responsibility to press into promotion of culture and the full embrace of our Christ-centered ethos. Our professional team each embraced their roles as stewards of our Lord’s school.
• We celebrated the academic growth of our students and the Christ-centered support from our growing R.I.S.E.N. (Responding to Student Educational Needs) Program and Intervention Specialists who carefully guided our students with learning differences.
• School spirit strengthened as athletic programs embraced renewed vibrancy such as our Varsity Football Team and programs such as our Varsity Baseball and Basketball Teams continue to push deep into State Playoffs. Regardless of records, success is best measured by our student athletes encountering Christ through the living curriculum of our highly qualified coaches.
• Each morning our elementary began with prayers, pledges, and specific celebrations of spiritual fruits our youngest students see in each other.
• Each week, our inspired worship team guided peers into sacred spaces of worship solidified by their exemplified commitment to Christ in everyday living.
And now, the 2024-2025 school-year is a time of recommitment to our mission to educate the minds, form the hearts and equip the hands of students in our Christ-centered school. We embrace
the wisdom of 75 years as Phoenix Christian Preparatory School serving in the heart of our community!
• We are refining our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan focusing on a growth mindset culture, spiritual formation, and becoming a fully funded school.
• We are partnering with Triun3 to better strengthen our business management.
• Our beautifully remodeled Old Paths Café dining room was completed both ahead of schedule and under budget thanks to our generous donors.
• The Elementary Williams Memorial Library is also undergoing final rejuvenation.
• Our new Athletics Field House and video review space is ready for our athletes.
• Two new 5th grade classrooms, redesigned RISEN Room, and new elementary restrooms are complete with upgraded flooring, drop ceilings, new lighting, new HVAC, new windows, new doors, new walkway with planters, and new vision for excellence, inspiring future enhancements.
We are committed to celebrating and continually refining our Christ-centered school.
With prayer and anticipation,
Jeff Blake, MaSLF, MaED Phoenix Christian Preparatory School
Strategically Investing & Gratefully Celebrating the Lord’s Favor Upon PC
In April of this year, Jeff Blake and I had an incredible opportunity to participate in a training conference designed specifically for, and provided without expense to, Christian school leaders by the Herzog Foundation. The meetings were held at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California and surrounded by the legacy of the 40th President of the United States we invested four days alongside other educators and professionals from around the United States. We received encouragement and equipping from some of the brightest and most experienced minds in the field of private Christian education and it was a source of great joy for each of us to represent Phoenix Christian. God certainly blessed us with a number of important takeaways that we have already begun to implement in our respective roles as we serve the Lord and Phoenix Christian. Jeff and I returned with added clarity and perspective for the mission as well as a profound sense of gratitude to the Lord for His faithfulness and provision in sustaining Phoenix Christian.
We are thankful to the Lord for each and every person who He has woven into the fabric of Phoenix Christian on Indian School Road over the past 75 years. If you are reading this issue of CougarNow, you are highly valued as an important member of the PC Family. We thank God for YOU!
After successfully launching the new school year, we want to intentionally take time to thank and praise God for all that He has accomplished in, through and around Phoenix Christian not only through the decades but also throughout the previous school year. Last year PC experienced another influx of students and families growing by almost twenty percent. While we give all of the glory to God for what He alone can do, we know that He is working daily through the incredible faculty and staff of Phoenix Christian. As leaders, we are working hard to make Phoenix Christian a great place to serve the Lord and we are celebrating a high retention of excellent teachers. Many others beyond the PC community are also being compelled to invest in the mission of Phoenix Christian via several significant grants that have been awarded and utilized to update
and improve the athletic facilities for the middle and high school campus, enhance the preschool and further develop the Connie Williams Memorial Library on the elementary campus. We sincerely believe the Lord’s favor is upon us and we earnestly desire to honor Jesus in all that we say and do. We are committed to praying for wisdom to carefully and strategically invest the resources that many gracious and generous donors have been compelled to invest in the Kingdom work the Holy Spirit is doing today and in the future at PC! Will you please celebrate and join us in expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for providing so well for His school in the heart of Phoenix?
As a Board of Trustees, we continue to confess our need for Jesus as the sole leader of our lives and of Phoenix Christian. We understand well that the more God blesses PC with lives that are transformed for the sake of eternity the more the enemy will want to attack. We ask you to join us in praying against wickedness and against the schemes of the devil. We are committed to working hard to serve well and with excellence in mind. On behalf of everyone at Phoenix Christian THANK YOU for being such an important part of who God has designed us to be for His glory!
CougarNow!
Steve Woods ’83 Chairman of the Board
CLASS OF
VALEDICTORIAN Alexa Garcia
Having graduated with 4.428 and completed an Honors Capstone Project, Alexa has proven herself an intelligent, passionate, and a well-spoken young woman who plans to continue her studies in pre-law at UofA. Congratulations Alexa, we are extremely proud of you! Please enjoy reading a portion of Alexa’s beautiful speech.
“As we move to the next chapter of our lives, remember that you will always be led to where you are supposed to be. We will accomplish many milestones of success but also fail many times. We will all face an ever changing and ruthless world. Some of us will face it with a support system, and some of us will face completely alone. No matter, you will be forced to endure. And when you fail, because we will, remember this quote from Rachel Scott: ‘It was not meant to be your blessing but if you keep looking backwards you will miss yours.’ If we dwell on our failures, it will cost us the success that was meant to come from it. Graduates, show the world that we are our failures just as much as our successes. Do not be ashamed of any redirection that you will face in life. Embrace failure, rejection, and disappointment because ultimately those things are building your success, even when you cannot see it.”
2024
SALUTATORIAN Liliana Payan
Having graduated with 4.35 and completed an Honors Capstone Project, Lilly spent her high school career playing volleyball, participating in NHS and Student Government, and taking most of our Honors and AP courses. Lilly becomes a Duck this fall as she heads to the University of Oregon to study business marketing.
“As we gather here this evening to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance, it is truly an honor to stand before a group of individuals who exemplify the very essence of leadership, academic excellence and outstanding character. Armed with knowledge, fueled by passion, and guided by their faith in God and the strength of their character, these graduates are poised to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.
So to the graduating Class of 2024, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. May you continue to lead with courage, excel with integrity, and make a positive difference wherever life may take you. Congratulations!” — Excerpt taken from the Graduation Ceremony
Jeannine Graden HS Principal
INTERNATIONAL HIGHEST HONOR Anna Proskurina
Anna Proskurina, from Ukraine, received the International Highest Honor Award and had the opportunity to share some very wise words. Anna studied at Phoenix Christian for two years. Anna has proven herself by overcoming adversities, shown resiliency, and bravery and made the most of her time at Phoenix Christian. Congratulations Anna, we anticipate God’s greatest blessings on your life.
JAMES R. WICKERSHAM AWARD Addison Fisher
Steve Woods, Class of 1983 and Chairman of the Board of Directors presented the James R. Wickersham Citizenship Award. This award is named after Mr. Wickersham, who served at Phoenix Christian for 33 years. He truly represented the highest level of character and spiritual leadership. With these ideals in mind, Phoenix Christian honors one graduating senior who exemplifies these characteristics in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to Addison Fisher, recipient of the James R. Wickersham Citizenship Award.
CAROLYN KROBER MUSIC AWARD Victoria Enriquez
The Carolyn Krober Music Award is presented to an outstanding senior in music. Former Principal and Development Director, Mr. Krober, and his family, established this award in honor of their daughter and three other outstanding Christian young people who were killed in a car accident coming home from a choir tour in California in 1959. The awardee is a gifted musician and has been a vital part of the worship team for the past three years. Whether it is playing the keys, guitar, or bass, she has helped lead the student body each week at chapel into the throne of God. Congratulations to Victoria Enriquez!
ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Jacky Vega de la Cruz & Dominic Parris
Each year, the varsity coaches of Phoenix Christian nominate candidates from their program for the honor of Senior Student Athlete of the Year. These honored athletes are both multi-sport participants and recognized as outstanding individuals. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 Athletes of the Year—Jacky Vega de la Cruz and Dominic Parris.
LIVING CURRICULUM AWARD Damariz Navarrete & Steve Woods
For the very first time, the Alumni Board of Directors presented the Living Curriculum Award to a deserving alumnus and to a graduating senior. This award is defined as follows:
1. A life submitted to the ways of Jesus.
2. A life submitted to the ongoing study and application of the ways of Jesus.
3. A life whose love for others is reflective of one living out their worship in the workplace or school.
4. A life that honors the core values of Phoenix Christian.
Congratulations to graduating senior, Damariz Navarrete. Damariz embodies these characteristics beautifully. She exudes the joy of the Lord, a hunger for spiritual growth, a compassion for others and a love for her school, Phoenix Christian. Steve Woods, Class of 1983 and Board Chairman, also shares many similar qualities. His lifelong commitment to the Lord, desire to learn and grow each day, his desire to live in community with one another as an act of worship to our Lord and his relentless and contagious LOVE for Phoenix Christian make him a worthy recipient of the Living Curriculum Award.
ATHLETICS 2024 COUGAR
The VARSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL season started with high expectations and a target on our back. The team performed well, winning the 2A region for the second year in a row. They’ve gone 24-0 in region play the past two season. They earned the five seed and again advanced to the Final Four for the third consecutive year. Though we graduate a bulk of our fire power, the future continues to be bright for PC Basketball.
The VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL team was gritty and worked hard to achieve success. With a young group of players returning, our Lady Cougars are poised to compete.
The VARSITY BASEBALL team was a scrappy bunch that improved as the season went on and earned a Central region Championship and eventually advanced to the state championship. With no graduating seniors and a talented group of upcoming freshmen, this program is going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Coach Mark Band received a notable distinction as the Coach of the Year.
The 2023 Phoenix Christian VARSITY FOOTBALL season was nothing short of remarkable, defined by resilience, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Despite facing adversity and grappling with a series of injuries, the team defied the odds, orchestrating a sensational turnaround from a single win in 2022 to an impressive 8-2 record, securing a coveted playoff berth.
Under the leadership of Coach Brigowatz, together the VARSITY GOLF team has won matches and our student-athletes have set individual personal bests. Remarkably, JJ Brigowatz took 2nd Place in the AIA DIII State Golf Tournament.
The Phoenix Christian SOCCER season marked a year of significant progress under an all-new coaching staff. The team celebrated their first win in two years and made impressive strides by cutting their goal differential in half. As a young and determined squad, they are eager to continue growing and competing, all while striving to honor God in everything they do. This season has set a strong foundation for the future, filled with hope and determination.
The SOFTBALL season was a growth year in many ways, yet the girls improved rapidly, finishing second in the region and advancing to the sweet sixteen of the 2A playoffs. With a record of 11-6, and a 13-game winning streak, these girls posted the second consecutive winning season for PC!
TRACK AND FIELD has a long and successful history at Phoenix Christian. This season, we had a host of athletes qualify for state, many breaking personal records. Congrats to Bella Irving-Bates, our 100 Meters State Champion. With most athletes returning, the state of Arizona better watch out for Cougar Track!
In its short time of existence, the MEN’S VARSITY VOLLEYBALL program has grown quickly. Our boys have learned how to compete with bigger, more experienced teams. The team responded well, learning the game and competing.
The PC LADIES’ VARSITY VOLLEYBALL team had a solid season under the leadership of new head coach, Mrs. Lyndee Johnson. Our team exemplified resilience and a never give up attitude. We finished .500% in region play and this talented young group hopes to earn a playoff birth this upcoming season.
We reignited our MIDDLE SCHOOL GOLF team this year, led by Coach Lynch, and they quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Not only did this brand-new Cougars team win multiple tournaments, but we finished in the top two teams in our region, thus qualifying us for the CCSL middle school championships last week. This was comprised of the top thirty golfers in the entire league and our very own, Theo Lake, had a top five individual performance in the championship as well.
The VARSITY WRESTLING season produced three state qualifiers and a 5th place State finalist in his weight class. With a new Wrestling Coaching Staff, led by Coach Abajian, we anticipate a strong resurgence of the program.
2028 The Class of
What a year it was for Phoenix Christian Middle School. We welcomed the new school year with optimism and a pursuit of excellence. Expectations were set, parameters were established, students adjusted, and a new year began.
From academic achievement to the sports field and all things in between, it was a wonderful year for our middle school students. We witnessed many students make academic gains and improvement throughout the year.
We placed three championship plaques and three runnerup trophies on the Wall of Champions in the upstairs hallway. We watched character develop and integrity take room deep in the hearts of our students as they did their best to live out Galatians 5:22-23. This year actors acted, singers sang, players competed, artists created, musicians played, scholars learned, and it was all done for the honor and glory of God.
Mark Abeyta, Middle School Principal
Barnabas Award –Zaema Bakke
Rising Star Award— Harlow Converti & AJ Hernandez
Athlete of the Year— Sophie Alvarado
Timothy Award— Shelby Shearer
Giving Partners
SUSTAINING MONTHLY DONORS*
We are grateful for the increase in our monthly sustaining donors! These dedicated supporters recognize the need and make a meaningful impact every month.
Byrd Family Trust ’66
Infinity Management
Consulting LLC, ’01
Roxanne Anderson
Jerry & Judy Blake
Jeff & Lisa ’94 Blake
Antonius & Marypaul ’70 Bom
Ryan Brase ’99
Alex & Kristy Clay
John & Patti Culea ’60
Josh Frost ’12
Perry Furgason ’78
Juan & Naomi Gonzales
Ben & Anne-Louise Gurney
John ’68 & Connie Hamner
Jorge & Kimberly Hernandez
Melody Hill ’73
Jim & Bonnie ’61 Hills
Susan Kinkel
Danny & Laurie ’70
Kuykendall
William & Denise ’73 Leslie
Lester & Sally Matthews ’62
Michael ’68 & Dana McNeely
Leah Mesta-Ruiz ’19
Kelby & Melody Milgrim ’88
Stanley ’77 & Karen Moehr
James ’65 & Lucinda Paxton
Josue & Veronica Perez
Rick & Joan Rolfes
Kenneth & Karen Seigle
Marla Serbousek-Smith
Donna Sherrill ’56
Stephen ’81 & Kathy Shiffer
Travis & Khala Stanfield ’00
Bill ’60 & Sandy Stone
Diane Talley
Kristen ’06 & Dan Thiem
David ’66 & Barb Tomb
Tanner ’11 & Sara Trapp
Genaro Vega de la Cruz ’21
James & Donna Wickersham
Donna Williams
Steve & Teresa Woods ‘83
*Monthly donors for at least six months from fiscal year 2023-2024
TIMOTHY TUITION SCHOLARSHIP DONORS*
The Timothy Scholarship Fund is dedicated to supporting students who need assistance in covering their tuition costs. Our undertaking is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to receive a Phoenix Christian education, regardless of their financial situation. Thank you for your generous contributions, which help make this possible!
Damon ’68 & Peggy Becker
Antonius & Marypaul ’70 Bom
Charles ’59 & Abra Bowles
Terry ’65 & Nancy ’66 Clay
Gerald ’65 & Nola Sue ’63 Curd
Bob & Liz ’69 Draper
David & Jill ’80 Evans
Ben & Anne-Louise Gurney
Gloria Henry ’76
Jim & Bonnie ’61 Hills
Vera Hoerner
Wayne & Diane Kindall
John ’64 & Lois King
James & Ruth Anne Koltveit
Joel McClain ’70
Michael ’68 & Dana McNeely
Janet Mullins ’70
Michael ’74 & Jan Ostermeyer
Wilma Plett ’65
Ken Schaaf ’53
Richard ’67 & Brenda Stewart
Craig ’73 & Grazyna Stockmeier
John & Sharon Stuckey
Jim & Donna Wickersham
Steve & Teresa Woods ’83
Patrick ’78 & Mary Wright
James Yocum
David Zook ’68
*Fiscal Year donations — July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
OAW CAMPAIGN DONORS
Our student callers love talking to Phoenix Christian alumni during the annual One Dollar A Week campaign. Thank you to all of those who “answered the call” and generously donated.
Byrd Family Trust ’66
Steven G Mihaylo Family Foundation
Kelly Frampton Interior Design
Emmaus Evangelical Fellowship –Bellah ’73
Pinatas y Decoraciones
Emanuel LLc
New Horizons Foundation
Chip & Kay Allison ’02
Andrew & Nicole Alvarado ’05
Pamela Armour ’71
Peggy Armstrong ’73
Bradley & Sandra Asolas
Philip ’64 & Phyllis Auernheimer
Joy Bailey ’79
James ’89 & Lara Bands
Damon ’68 & Peggy Becker
Rochelle & Gary Becker
Richard ’73 & Erin Bellah
Linda Beller
Donna Bergmen
Jeff & Lisa ’94 Blake
Jerry & Judy Blake
Justin ’06 & Hayley Bohall ’08
Linda Boller
Henry ’60 & Carol Borgerding
Sarai Borja Nevarez ’19
Donald & Rosa ’53 Bowers
Chris ’76 & Patty ’79 Bradley
Diane Brandsma ’83
Ryan Brase ’99
David ’77 & Diane Brown
John & Marilyn ’72 Brush
Michelle Burns ’88
James & Sarah Callahan
Tim ’69 & Della Camping
Chris Cannon
Scott Capehart ’89
Andrew ’78 & Lynn Carr
Sergio Carrillo
Jeffrey & Cara ’97 Cavanaugh
Brian & Cyndee Clancy
RANDY Compton ’05
Anthony ’02 & Jamie Converti
Harold ’57 & Carol Cooper
Joanne Coppola ’63
Jack & Dee Dee ’66 Creed
Calvin ’98 & Marian Crow
John & Patti Culea ’60
Richard & Carol Cummings ’62
Gerald ’65 & Nola Sue ’63 Curd
Misty Darlington
Christine Davies ’67
Stephen ’78 & Leta Davis
Nathan & Stefanie de Laet ’10
Jon ’81 & Jaime Dekkers
Dominique Dozier
Bob & Liz ’69 Draper
Torger ’84 & Peggy Erickson
Alan & Becky Fisher
Charles & Betty ’64 Floyd
Duane & Cynthia ’70 Fradenburgh
Gregory ’85 & Gina Fraley
Robert Frieling ’69
Perry Furgason ’78
David ’60 & Barb Furnish
Scot Glasco ’76
Jeannine Graden
Robert Gulley
Pete ’76 & Linda Hamstra
James & Jo Ann ’60 Harte
Wayne Hayes
Robert & Ruth ’84 Hayes
Scott ’88 & Melissa Hendrix
Bonnie Heng (Feddern) ’79
Jeffrey ’85 & Sheri Henson
Barbara Hermansen ’74
Paul ’89 & Julie Hopkins
Aimee Horn ’09
Bill & Barbara ’62 Hoshel
Ryan ’02 & Hallie House
Donald & Rosa ’53 Bowers
Kermit & Kathleen ’66 Humphries
David & Sylvia Huss
Brian & Lynae ’83 Jacks
Brian ’93 & Marie ’95 Jeffries
Katherine Jestila ’77
David ’69 & Sandra ’70 Johnson
Charles ’75 & Pamela ’80 Jongert
Martin ’73 & Esther Jordan
David & Christie ’91 Kessinger
Mary Kemberling
Greg ’71 & Christine Klein
Lois Klem ’78
Dave & Deborah ’82 Klem
Tom & Marcia Kuyper
Bernard & Letitia LaVant
Benny ’57 & Jerri Lindsey
Richard ’84 & Janese ’86 Lundin
Wesley & Daryl Lusher ’59
Caleb & Kali Lynch
Lester ’62 & Sally Mathews
Claire Maxwell
Bruce & Betsy ’69 McBride
Melanie McBride ’97
Vern & Lynda ’65 Meyer
Johnny ’61 & Jeanne ’62 Miller
Douglas Miller ’73
Bob ’58 & Judy Moffitt
Janet Mullins ’70
Joseph & Shelley Munos
Leona Nelson ’60
Joseph Ochoa
Dirk Olmstead ’89
Monty ’67 & Anne ’69 Ortman
Ray & Nancy Ostrander ’55
Mary Jane Perrone ’63
Susan Peterson ’72
Michael Podlesnik ’22
Donald & Brenda ’70 Poole
Bob & Judie Porter ’61
Deborah Pringle ’01
Natalie Quintero
OAW CAMPAIGN DONORS
Robert ’68 & Patricia Rehm
David ’62 & Elizabeth Reiter
Dave & Ruth ’76 Ruter
Joan Safriet ’63
Adam Sanders
Travis & Lauren ’06 Scharnweber
Kenneth & Karen Seigle
Thomas ’75 & Julie Sertich
David Sharrit ’67
Donna Sherrill ’56
Jason Siciliano ’00
Stephen & Kathy Shiffer ’81
Jerry & Nancy Simmons ’56
Jacquelyn Smiser ’56
Patrick & Florence ’67 Smith
Jeffrey & Linnea ’86 Smith
Eldon & Nadine ’61 Smith
Paul ’62 & Sandie Smith
Margaret Smith ’11
William Smith ’91
Terry & Carol Stines
Craig ’73 & Grazyna Stockmeier
James “Randall” ’58 & Dixie Stone
Bill ’60 & Sandy Stone
Ben Stryczek
Terry & Kim Sutter
David ’66 & Barb Tomb
Douglas ’65 & Vicki Totel
David ’70 & Renie Totel
Steve & Renee Trapp
Gilberto Trujillo
Mark & Priscilla Van Dam ’86
David ’79 & Janet Van Hofwegen
Paul ’56 & Naomi Van Liew
Mark ’70 & Carol ’69 VanderNaalt
David VanderWall ’71
Kevin ’76 & Takayo Wagoner
Bill Weed ’56
James & Megan Werhanowicz ’06
Jim & Carrie ‘91 Wheat
Stephen ‘09 & Courtney Williams
Jim & Jan Wolfe
John & Kathy Wommer
Daniel ‘62 & Kathleen Woods
Steve & Teresa Woods ‘83
Archie ‘63 & Kathy Wright
Michael & Sheryl ‘90 Zeller
Dear PC community, friends and family,
What a night we had at our annual Spring fundraiser, The Giddy Up Gala! With a sold-out crowd, we truly had a memorable time together. From the engaging games to the silent auction, the entertaining jailhouse antics to the impressive hat bar, there was never a dull moment.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the live auction that included a surprise go cart, trips to Colorado and Florida and others! The funds will have a significant impact to further our mission to educate, form and equip. Additionally, the Give from the Heart initiative surpassed all expectations by raising over $150K, enabling us to complete our cafeteria renovations this summer which include brand new rolling garage doors, new furniture, a large condiment bar, sky lights, new paint and a mural! We are thrilled to share that we raised over $300,000 in total at the Giddy Up Gala!
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our record number 17 corporate sponsors and 18 table hosts whose support made this event possible. It was also wonderful to see so many alumni back on campus, reminiscing and creating new memories.
With live music filling the quad provided by Porter Band, it was an incredible evening. You could truly sense the Lord’s hand of blessing in it all. And, of course, we all remember the delicious food from Little Miss BBQ. It was a hit and left everyone with smiles on their faces and full bellies.
Thank you for making the Giddy Up Gala an unforgettable success. Your support ensures that Phoenix Christian continues to thrive, providing a Christ-centered education that shapes the minds, hearts, and hands of our students.
P.S. Save the date for our Diamond Gala on March 29th, 2025. It promises to be bigger and better than ever as we celebrate our 75th anniversary!
Warm regards, Kay Allison ’02
GENEROUS DONORS
Cigna Healthcare
Dykstra Machinery
Andrew & Karyn Abbott
Mark & Andrea Abeyta
Kay & Claude (Chip) Allison III ’02
Ben & Bev ’75 Altopp
Andrew & Nicole Alvarado ’05
Miriam Antolik
Bradley & Sandra Asolas
Mark & Joyanna Band
Gary & Shelly Becker
Kenny Beverley
Howard & Evelyn Billings
Jeffrey & Lisa ’94 Blake
Jerry & Judy Blake
Eric & Meghan ’03 Boardman
Candice Boller
Jayne Bostow
Anna & Nate Bradley
Tony & Cindy Burgarello
Lance & Aubrie Carter
Miracle Catering
Brian & Cyndee Clancy
Brian Cole
Anthony ’02 & Jamie Converti
Daniel ’13 & Breanna ’15 Cotton
Keith & Leanna de Laet
Ed & Tracy deLeon
Kevin & Kari ’91 Devine
Sam Doctorian
Adam & Britni Earnest
Christian & Whitney Ely
Andrew ’07 & Rebecca ’02 Feight
Perry ’76 & Teresa Fraley
Loren & Beth Franklin
Jeannine Graden
Cesar Guerrero & Maria Gonzalez
Shiriam & Karina Gutierrez
Victor & Liliana Guzman
Pete ’76 & Linda Hamstra
Raquel Hamstra
Kyle Hanson
Marcos & Ana Hernandez
Brian & Christina Hines
Scott & Bekke Holmes
Aimee Horn
Ryan ’02 & Hallie House
Alrick Hylton
Brian ’93 & Marie ’95 Jeffries
Darrin’87 & Kerri Jeffries
Nicholas ’13 & Allie Johnson
Michael & Lyndee Johnson
Ray & Mandi Karvis
Darrel ’70 & Diane Kuiper
Mark & Kristin Laird
Jacob & Amber Lambert
Allen & Kathy Larm
Drew & Elizabeth Lasley
Daryl & Denise Layne ’73
Yancy ’80 & Stacey ’81 Lindsey
Ryan & Courtney Moser
Jamaila Newhall
Gary & Laura Noffsinger
Brant ’02 & Anna Nyhart
Eric & Melinda Papadeas
Sara & Doug Penick
Liana Perez
Drew Pierce
Jessica Ragland ’16
Dennis & Roxana Rogers
Adam Sanders
Travis & Lauren ’07 Scharnweber
Josh & Sarah Selby
Matt & Blair Semon
Juanita Soto Ayers
Terry & Kim Sutter
Milford & Linda Sutter
Dan & Kristen ’06 Thiem
Nathan Tucker
John Turner ’71
David ’79 & Janet Van Hofwegen
Paul ’83 & Sheila Van Hofwegen
Preston ’12 & Hillary Van Hofwegen
Donald ’88 & Ingrid Van Hofwegen
Amber Walker ’01
Casey ’05 & Nicole Werhanowicz
James & Megan Werhanowicz ’06
John & Kathy Wommer
Steve & Teresa Woods ’83
GIVE FROM THE HEART DONORS
Towne Homes
Andrew & Karyn Abbott
Robert & Bea Abeyta
Richard & Sharon Altopp
Ben & Beverly ’75 Altopp
Bradley & Sandra Asolas
Brian Axtman
Scott ’70 & Laurie Baughman
Casey & Candice Boller
Chris ’76 & Patty ’79 Bradley
Tony & Cindy Burgarello
Michael & Melissa Burkhart
Lance & Aubrie Carter
Jerry & Carol Chesser
Larry & Mary Chvilicek
Cyndee & Brian Clancy
Pamela & Howard Ingham
Anthony ’02 & Jamie Converti
Ed & Tracy de Leon
Robert & Elizabeth ’69 Draper
Philip ’61 & Sharon Eaton
David & Carol Eaton ’54
Erik & Norma Duarte Flisyn
Perry ’76 & Teresa Fraley
Loren & Beth Franklin
Jeannine Graden
Victor & Liliana Guzman
Pete ’76 & Linda Hamstra
Bekke & Scott Holmes
Ryan ’02 & Hallie House
Brian’93 & Marie ’95 Jeffries
James & Ruth Anne Koltveit
Darrel ’70 & Diane Kuiper
Jacob & Amber Lambert
Yancy ’80 & Stacey ’81 Lindsey
Mark & Darlene Messner
John & Pam Miller
James & Nancy Nagle
Gary & Laura Noffsinger
Erin Olson
Eric & Melinda Papadeas
Donald & Brenda ’70 Poole
Diane Raden
Dennis & Roxana Rogers
Travis & Lauren ’06 Scharnweber
Alisha Scott
Jay & Lori Silverberg
Terry & Carol Stines
Milford & Linda Sutter
Terry andKim Sutter
Dan & Kristen ’06 Thiem
Matthew & Ronda Thraen
David ’66 & Barbara Tomb
Douglas ’65 & Vicki Totel
Preston ’12 & Hillary Van Hofwegen
Thys ’09 & Shay ’10 Van Hofwegen
David ’79 & Janet Van Hofwegen
Paul ’83 & Sheila Van Hofwegen
Rhonda Vanderveer
Casey ‘05 & Nicole Werhanowicz
Stephen ‘09 & Courtney Williams
Steve & Teresa Woods ’83
The Cougar prominently displayed in this beautiful and timeless space.
Beautiful and eclectic woods bring warmth to the space along with the beautiful natural light streaming in from the huge glass garage doors.
GALA TABLE HOSTS
Andrew & Karyn Abbott
Juanita Soto Ayers
Gary & Shelly Becker
Jeff & Lisa Blake
Jerry & Judy Blake
Lance & Aubrie Carter
Brian & Cyndee Clancy
Ryan & Hallie House
Brian & Marie Jeffries
Ray & Mandi Karvis
Jacob & Amber Lambert
Yancy & Stacey Lindsey
Bill & Linda Sutter
Dennis & Roxana Rogers
Parkside Tech
Pooles and Altopps
Travis & Lauren Scharnweber
Donald & Ingrid Van Hofwegen
GIFT-IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS
Abuelo’s
ACSTO Basket
Bark Box
Bearizona Wildlife Park
Black Bear Diner
Breanna_e_Photography
Burn & B Cut Fitness
Caffe Vita
Calvary Christian Academy
Cane’s
Childrens Museum of Phx
Chocolate Chippery
Citrine Natural
Beauty Bar
Core Collective Fitness
John Culea
CYT
Dbacks
Designflux
DHH Med Spa
Don’t Stop the Party
Fat Ox
Rebecca Feight
Fraley Family
GCU
GCU Golf
Karina Gutierrez
Guzman Family
Hot Valley Cleaners
Hotworx (Northern Phx)
Lyndee Johnson
Junk in the Trunk
Ray Karvis
Kay’s Casita Bnb
Kendra Scott
Knudsen’s Tire
Lemon Lodge Bnb
Lily Photography
Living Streams Kids
Mama Lindas/Slim
Chickens/Burger King/ Gadzooks
Miracle Catering
Jamaila Newhall
Noggin Boss
North Phx Baptist
PHX Rising
Phoenix Christian Parents
Pinatas Decorations & Emanuel
Ray Glasses
Real Thread
Rooted & Grounded
Décor
Adam Sanders
Selby Family
Matt & Selah Schoech
So Loved
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Diamond Level
Platinum Level
PrintWoods
Providence Christian College
Little Miss BBQ
Monomyth Studios
Knudsen’s Tire Pro
Baruc Construction
Gold Level
Doug Penick Design
North Phoenix
Firesky Financial
Silver Level
Marsh and McLellan
Catalyst Construction
STO4Kidz
ACSTO & School Choice AZ
Society Salon
Mrs. Kathryn Scott
Connor Sprague – Suns Tickets
Sto4Kidz
Debra Timmerman
The Plant Stand of AZ
Trader Joe’s
David & Janet Van Hofwegen
Paul & Sheila Van Hofwegen
Donald & Ingrid Van Hofwegen
Wines for Humanity
Wommer Family
Wondercide
Gala Chair Kay Allison ’02 and sister/alumnus Megan Werhanowicz ’06 pose for a quick sister pic before dinner.
Parent and Gala Team Member,
We loved the Giddy Up theme this year – it was beautiful with so many fun western elements!
for
Freshman AJ Hernandez received one of our Trailblazer Awards for his remarkable leadership amongst the student body. Also seen above is one of our football coaches, Brandon Sparks.
Amber Lambert along with her parents, the Larms, enjoying the amazing elementary baskets in the Silent Auction.
Thankful
alumni who continue to invest in Phoenix Christian. Thankful for James Werhanowicz ’06 and the NINES for their work on our Cafeteria renovation project!
1949 CLUB
The 1949 Club is a group of dedicated donors who contribute at least $1,949, supporting Phoenix Christian’s mission. Members receive exclusive perks like Spring Gala tickets, a legacy brick, allaccess athletic passes, and a lunch with the Superintendent.
Robert & Bea Abeyta
Bradley & Sandra Asolas
Jeri Balmes
Mark & Joyanna Band
Richard & Erin Bellah
Jerry & Judy Blake
Jeffrey & Lisa Blake
Charles & Abra Bowles
Tony & Cindy Burgarello
Michael & Melissa Burkhart
Lance & Aubrie Carter
Kristy & Alex Clay
John & Patti Culea
David & Carol Eaton
David & Jill Evans
Perry & Teresa Fraley
Loren & Beth Franklin
Perry L. Furgason
Ben & Anne-Louise Gurney
Liliana & Victor Guzman
Linda & Pete Hamstra
Wayne Hayes
Scott & Melissa Hendrix
Burnett Hibbard
Bekke & Scott Holmes
Ryan & Hallie House
Kelly & Sandy House
Howard & Pamela Ingham
Darrin & Kerri Jeffries
Charles & Pamela Jongert
James & Ruth Anne Koltveit
Darrel & Diane Kuiper
Jacob & Amber Lambert
James & Marilyn Layman
Daryl & Denise Layne
Janice McClain
Peter & Cheryl Moseley
Jamaila Newhall
Monty & Anne Ortman
Sara & Doug Penick
George Pannel
Larry Polhill
Robert & Judie Porter
Dennis & Roxana Rogers
Travis & Lauren Scharnweber
Mark & Judy Schmitt
David Sharrit
Gary & Diane Smith
Richard & Brenda Stewart
Terry & Linda Sutter
Milford & Linda Sutter
Robert Swier
David & Barbara Tomb
Douglas & Vicki Totel
Paul & Sheila Van Hofwegen
Preston & Hillary Van Hofwegen
David & Janet Van Hofwegen
Donald & Ingrid Van Hofwegen
Paul & Naomi Van Liew
Bill Weed
Brian & Jeresha Wickersham
John & Kathy Wommer
Steve & Teresa Woods
Archie & Kathy Wright
ACSTO
Sharp Advertising Association
Dutch Masters Electric
Monomyth Studio
NINES
Lemon Lodge
Iron City Polaris
Dykstra Machinery
For more information on donating to a State Tax Credit Organization or to make a gift to Phoenix Christian, please visit phoenixchristian.org/support.
GENERAL GIFTS & GRANTS
In addition to our major fundraising efforts throughout the year, our donors give generously to many other campaigns and causes including stock donations and estate gifts. We are thankful!
Byrd Family Trust
Southwest Farm Service
PrintWoods
Bellevue Heights Church
LISC
Sharp Advertising Association
VH Holdings Inc
ACSTO
Dutch Masters Electric
CLW Plumbing
Emmaus Evangelical Fellowship
Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV)
Boondocks Patio & Grill
AZSTA
Hulk Equipment Corporation
Phoenix Paradise Valley SDA
Church
Charles & Ruth Stone
Charitable Fund
Robert L. Van Hofwegen
Dairy
Baruc Construction
Mark & Andrea Abeyta
Bud & Brenda Allison
Chip & Kay Allison
Roxanne Anderson
Danielle Arcadi
Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth
George & Catherine Baker
Jeri Balmes
Mark & Joyanna Band
Vikki Barr
Jeff & Lisa Blake
Thomas & Jennifer Blake
LeKai Bolton
Charlie & Abra Bowles
Robert & Sandra Bowles
Bob & Linda Byrd
Elba Raquel Castaneda
Kristy Ceton
Howard & Pam Ingham
Alex & Kristy Clay
Anna Cline
Eric Crown
Jim & Brenda Diehl
Mark & Mary Ellen
Donaldson
Cynthia Driscoll
Phil & Sharon Eaton
Tomas & Roxana Fajardo
Ethan Friedl
Joshua Frost
Perry & Louisa Furgason
Anthony Gaglardi
Michele Galli
Becky Garcia
Rawleigh & Dawn Grove
Ben & Anne-Louise Gurney
Charles & Kristy Guzman
Jennifer Gwinn
Dennis & Vickie Hackworth
Pamela Hanks
Albion Hargrave
Rex Harmon
Robin & Lisa Henderson
David & Nancy Henrickson
Ana Hernandez
Burnie Hibbard
Melody Hill
Paul & Karla Hoffer
Kelly & Sandy House
Saroj Jagernauth
Lisa Jokimaki
Mary Joseph
Ray & Mandy Karvis
Tina Knoell
James & Ruth Anne Koltveit
Julie Kosier
Jennifer Kramer
Katherine Krediet
Gina Kruckenberg
Mark & Kristin Laird
Katelyn Lange
James & Marilyn Layman
Jim & Rosemary Lopez
Tara Lopez
Gloria Lozano
Leo & Nancy Maxwell
Janice McClain
Diane Messersmith
Kelby & Melody Milgrim
James Mitchell
John & Beverly Mize
Robert & Irene Mock
Peter & Cheryl Mosely
Mark & Karen Myers
Sharon Naillon
Steven Nguyen
Lydia Njeri
Mickey & Donna Nunez
Mark & Ashley Ortman
Monty & Anne Ortman
George & Lenore Pannel
Abby Pastorino
Donald & Debra Petersen
Bob & Judie Porter
Cristy Prudencio
Kristin Quintin
Robert Quintin
Daniel Ramirez
Krystle Ramos
Steven Raymond
John-Paul Reiger
Kenzie Riches
Kate Roe
Richard & Joan Rolfes
Ivan Saavedra
Heather Sakai
JoAnn Salem
Adam Sanders
Chris & Barb Schanen
Allison Schmitt
GENERAL GIFTS & GRANTS (cont.)
Mark & Judy Schmitt
Thomas & Julie Sertich
John Shepherd
Jon & Brooke Shores
Nancy Shores
Gary & Diane Smith
Rene Snowberger
Matt Sohn
Rudy Soto
Juanita Soto Ayers
Charles Spannagel
Richard & Brenda Stewart
Bill & Sandy Stone
Mil & Linda Sutter
Ellie Svendsen
Diane Talley
Tanner Trapp
Kimberly Twardoski
Manuel Valenzuela Cortes
Donald & Ingrid Van Hofwegen
Jane Van Laningham
Caroline Van Slyke
John & Kristi Vander Maas
Carlos Vasquez
Xiomara (yo) Vides
Gary & Sara Viscum
Curtis & Pam Voss
William & Sue Waytas
Brian & Jeresha Wickersham
Michael & Diane Williams
Joe & Courtney Wiltz
John Winikka
Daniel Witkop
Ashley Wollersheim
Hannah Woodruff
Steve & Teresa Woods
Timothy Wright
James Yocom
Richard & Susan Youngker
from the editor
All to Jesus I surrender, Lord I give myself to Thee. Fill me with Thy love and power, let Thy blessing fall on me. I surrender all. I surrender all. I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
If you haven’t watched Unsung Hero, you must! The story of Rebecca St. James, her brothers from King and Country and family’s journey from their affluence in Australia to poverty in America. This is a beautiful story of one’s family commitment to surrendering ALL OF IT to their Lord, even writing their needs and requests on post-it notes and hanging them on their living room wall. At one point, the mom hits rock bottom, feeling lost and hopeless, piles all of the children in the mini-van and drives. She doesn’t know where she’s going, she just needs to go. They pass by a park, and the kids beg her to stop. She does. They get out and just start playing—all of them (Mom included). They laugh, play make-believe, and forget for just a minute, about the hardship. And the Lord, through this innocent and delightful moment, reminds them of the hope we have in Christ.
We face so many hard things. Some of us experience more than others. And sometimes, we move into a place of hopelessness. BUT the Lord is faithful to pull us out of the pit, to redeem our difficult story, and surprise us with so much more than we could ever hope for or imagine. We just have to surrender.
Lisa Blake ’94 Editor, CougarNow
Alexa Garcia Duchenne Awareness
My name is Alexa Garcia, and I am a graduating senior at Phoenix Christian Preparatory. My brother, Gibran Garcia, is 13 years old and suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). As his older sister, I feel a responsibility to speak out for him and other boys with Duchenne. So many times, we have been disregarded as just another illness or a family in an unfortunate position. Through this article, I hope that readers in the local community will take the time to read about what Duchenne is and understand it. As I take on the incredible privilege and responsibility to create representation for boys with Duchenne, I want to recognize their incredible courage. These young men are warriors who have experienced far more pain and obstacles than anyone ever should. In 13 years, Gibran has taught me priceless lessons, and I couldn’t be prouder to have him as my younger brother.
Having such a close association with a rare disease, I have experienced what it’s like to be a part of a small, underrepresented group. There have been times when people insulted and were
hurtful to our family in ignorance. Duchenne is a rare disease and its uniqueness does not fit the norms of most disabilities. I hope that with more awareness, we will bring increased funding, interest, and resources directed towards studying rare diseases. More than and just as important as research is the fostering of understanding in the local community. When in a hard situation, being understood brings a feeling of support like no other.
What is Duchenne?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare muscle disorder. Although there are many types of Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne is the most aggressive and progressive. DMD is caused by a genetic problem in producing dystrophin, a protein that protects muscle fibers from breaking down when exposed to enzymes. Duchenne affects about one in 3,500 male births worldwide. As the disease progresses, muscle weakness and atrophy spread to different muscles of the body. Most boys require a wheelchair by their teenage years.
There is no cure for Duchenne. Current treatments available such as gene therapy and steroids aim to control symptoms to improve quality of life. Steroid drugs can slow the loss of muscle strength but come with various side effects, including; osteoporosis, hormonal imbalances, upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, cataracts, diabetes, and psychosis. Life expectancy for Duchenne patients is early 20’s as life-threatening complications may develop in the most important muscles of the body, like disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and breathing (respiratory) difficulties. Treatments are not cures.
Living with Duchenne
One of the greatest struggles we’ve had with Duchenne aside from the physical aspect is the emotional stress of school. After talking to my mom (in an interview that will be available in several weeks), she says that one of the greatest struggles she has had is with the lack of understanding from schools. Since Gibran seems normal at a simple glance, it is often easy for people to assume he is at a normal cognitive level. However, that is not the case. Often, there are mental delays in people with Duchenne. The absence of the dystrophin protein causes changes in the brain and recent studies are revealing that males with Duchenne are more prone to mental illnesses such as ADHD. Males 1-29 years of age with DMD who were losing their ability to walk were more likely to have behavioral concerns and more than three times as likely to have depressed mood as those who were still able to walk independently (CDC). A tremendous mental toll is taken as they lose the abilities they once had.
My family fought relentlessly to get Gibran the educational resources he needed to get through school. Gibran has been diagnosed with obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), Anxiety, Dyslexia, and Dycalucia, as well as attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), which impedes learning in a traditional setting. We went through various meetings and appeals to get Gibran on an Individualized Education Plan. Since then, we have continued to work with teachers consistently and give them as many resources as possible to be able to understand Duchenne. For a long time, teachers were unresponsive to our efforts and it strained their relationship with Gibran. Now, he attends Pensar Academy where he has received an exceptional education and the teachers surround him with love and support. His mentors actively pursue knowledge to be able to understand Gibran and provide him with the best quality education. Mental health and wellness is just as important as physical. We hope to continue to work and pursue the well-being of boys with Duchenne.
Looking ahead
In 13 years, Gibran has taught me priceless lessons, and I couldn’t be prouder to have him as my younger brother.
In closing, I want to extend my gratitude to each of you for taking the time to read this article. By delving into the complexities of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy together, we’ve started on a journey of understanding and awareness. If you find yourself with lingering questions or a newfound curiosity about this topic, I encourage you to delve deeper. Whether through further research or reaching out to medical professionals, your pursuit of knowledge can contribute to a brighter future for those affected by Duchenne. Thank you for your engagement and time.
