CougarNow, Winter 2022

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Inside THIS ISSUE Welcome from Jeff Blake.....................................3 Happy New Year! Mr. Blake shares about who we are and what’s next for Phoenix Christian.

Fall Sports Review.................................................. 4 Learn about the success of the Cougars’ fall season.

Coming Home..........................................................6 Alumni return for a massive Homecoming celebration.

Master Teacher in the Making..........................10 One teacher’s journey towards nobility.

Young Alum Highlights.......................................12 Our young alumni are getting it done in college!

Take a peek at what a few of them are doing.

Dual-Enrollment Reaches Higher...................16 In-class college instruction without leaving the campus.

In the Middle...........................................................18 How these middle schoolers are coming out on top.

Alumni Spotlight..................................................20 One young alumnus’ dreams come true.

What’s New With You?....................................... 22 See what Class of 2002 alum Ryan House has been up to.

Letter from the Editor....................................... 23 Feel the Magic..................................... Back Cover Join us for a night of a million dreams.

ON THE COVER: Elementary teacher Mrs. Mia Schlaak. Read her story on Page 10.

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Welcome from JEFF BLAKE Phoenix Christian Preparatory School Family, Each day is an opportunity to deliberately pursue educating of minds, forming hearts, and equipping the hands of students in a Christ-centered environment.

Our purpose and values remain as strong as ever, supported by the same biblical foundation that has steadied us since 1949. As we start a new year, I would like to share a few things about who we are and where God is leading us.

First and foremost, we are a Christ-centered school.

We unapologetically infuse the name of Jesus into every corner of our campus. Classrooms showcase a world view that points to the Truth of the gospel and our Creator.

Second, our students encounter academic excellence each day, from bell to bell. We believe each student deserves the opportunity to reach his or her greatest potential. This year, we transitioned to Iowa Testing for grades three through tenth. This adaptive online testing best measures individual and corporate student progress. At each school level, Phoenix Christian has added intervention specialists to enhance student success. Moreover, Phoenix Christian’s R.I.S.E.N. program is designed to better serve our special needs students which includes an expanded support staff and official handbook to guide excellent support.

Third, Phoenix Christian is a beautiful school, nestled in the heart of the city. One family recently shared, “The minute we stepped on campus, we felt like we were home.” Property enhancement is a huge priority for us. We are so thankful for Bellevue Heights Foundation’s back-to-back grant that covered a significant portion of the rod iron fencing installed around the perimeter of the high school campus.

What’s next for Phoenix Christian? We’re growing! With the recent and steady growth in school population, we see the need for expansion. This month, the Asbury Expansion Team will meet to determine the feasibility of developing the property to our east. This expansion will enable Phoenix Christian’s continued growth as Christian education becomes more critical to families in central Phoenix and the surrounding communities.

God is truly blessing Phoenix Christian. I hope you enjoy taking a few moments to read about the remarkable opportunities Phoenix Christian students encounter every day. You will also meet a few of our many young alumni who are encountering great success in college and remarkable plans for their future. I am humbled by your continued love and support of this very special place, Phoenix Christian.

With prayerful gratitude,

Jeff Blake, MaEd, MaSFL

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FALL SPORTS REVIEW Our fall sports season was a competitive one. Our high school football, volleyball and cross-country teams competed well, with our Varsity Football Team finishing as Region Champions and competing in the AIA 3A playoffs.

We were fortunate to also have several strong players who received major honors for their play, including Jerahmia Smith who earned Region player of the year, Cristian Mackey (Region Offensive Player of the Year) and Angel Gutierrez (Region Defensive Player of the Year).

Jerahmia also earned a spot on the All-State team as a 1st team offensive lineman.

Our Middle School soccer and volleyball teams dominated the competition, with our MS Volleyball team finishing in second place in the Cactus Christian Schools League (CCSL) and our MS Soccer team winning the CCSL Small School Championship. Our participation numbers were up and we enjoyed a full season of competition.

CCSL Small School Champion Soccer Team

Haven Dailey MS Soccer Goalie

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Cristian Mackey Region Offensive Player of the year

Jerahmia Smith Region Player of the year

Varsity Football Region Champions

Varsity Volleyball

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COMING HOME

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What a Homecoming! After two years of unconventional Homecomings due to COVID restrictions, this past October, we celebrated our 72nd Homecoming in a big way.

Alumni showed up representing classes as far back as 1953 to our most recent graduating class, 2021. Each year we invite alumni to attend an alumni chapel Friday morning. This year we celebrated with a decade panel including Bob ‘60 and Judie ‘61 Porter, Tim and Patty Beltz ‘71, Dan Cadriel ‘81, and Jonathan Wilfong ’01. Immediately following, we had a beautiful Legacy Courtyard dedication,

Dr. Monty ’67 & Anne ’69 Ortman and Pete Hamstra ’76

honoring Phoenix Christian’s rich history.

We honored Joe Tyler ’68 who sculpted the beautiful legacy tree representing our deep roots. We also honored Monty Ortman ’67 who recently retired from the Board of Directors, having served two different terms as the Chairman

of the Board. Monty and Anne ’69 have had tremendous impact on the Phoenix Christian community, helping to restore the remarkable heritage and secure our bright future. As a legacy school, we celebrated 3rd generation families including the Ortman/Brigowatz, and the Allison/Van Hofwegen. We topped off the morning’s activities with a wonderful brunch and the pep assembly.

Later in the day, alumni and families returned for a huge carnival in the courtyard, dinner, a petting zoo, elementary choir concert and cotton candy of course! The Cougars put on a great show with a nail-biting game that ended with a huge victory. Reunion classes gathered Saturday throughout the day, and several included the prior year’s classes because of COVID. Jeff Blake, Superintendent, and his wife Lisa, Director of Alumni Relations, visited most of the reunions. Jeff shared, “What an honor to visit with so many alumni. I was inspired to hear the stories of impactful experiences at ‘Christian High.’”

The ’59-‘61 reunion finally had the chance to gather in November after being rescheduled at least three times.

Classmates celebrated at the Porters’ Friday night and gathered in the courtyard the next day. They enjoyed

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their time together and learning about the growth and changes in the school. Later in December, the Classes of 1956-57, met in the Phoenix Christian cafeteria (their old stomping ground) to connect and celebrate together. This group meets annually and is filled with laughter, life updates, some tears, tremendous gratitude for His gracious blessings and remarkable hope for Heaven.

If you would like to learn more about the Legacy Courtyard, Homecoming festivities, or reunion planning, please contact Lisa Blake at alumni@phoenixchristian.org.

Jonathan Wilfong ’01 and Jeff Blake

Preschool choir sings during the carnival.

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Patty & Tim Beltz ’71 and Jeff Blake Dan Cadriel ’81 and Steve Woods ’83 Bob ’60 & Judie ’61 Porter and Steve Woods ’83

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MASTER TEACHER IN THE MAKING Mia Schlaak’s journey towards nobility You can’t help but feel the going to be a part of childhood excitement and beauty as you memories; I’m going to help shape walk into Mrs. Schlaak’s classroom. their future. Not everyone gets to Mrs. Schlaak started as a first-year do that! Teaching is a noble thing teacher at Phoenix Christian in to do. And I realized, I do not 2018-19. You can imagine what that deserve this responsibility!” And that was like, a first-year teacher in a responsibility, Mrs. Schlaak does not pandemic. That caused her serious take lightly. She believes that her doubt as she struggled to orient to classroom should be academically teaching, learn rigorous and as fun the curriculum as it is rigorous. and teach online She emphasizes for two months. the need to teach She reflected children how to back to those think critically, to days, “I remember challenge each one thinking, what to their greatest have I done? I potential. With could have gone each lesson plan, into a million she asks herself other careers, but how she can I chose teaching.” make it fun and She thought back imaginative. The - MIA SCHLAAK to an impactful children should podcast she be smiling, excited listened to during to learn the next those days of thing, even if it is struggle. The difficult. It seems in topic was false humility; feeling as the later years of elementary, many though you are “above” what you’re students lose their love for school. doing. “When I’m asked what I do When she notices that in a student, for a living and I say I’m a teacher, it becomes her goal for that student most people respond with, ‘bless to LOVE school again. She spends your heart.’ They feel bad for me. I an extraordinary amount of time, asked myself at that moment, what creating this environment in her else would I want to be doing? I’m classroom.

When I’m asked what I do for a living and I say I’m a teacher, most people respond with, ‘bless your heart’.

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Principal Ruth Zappe shared, “Mia Schlaak has grown tremendously as a teacher from when I first arrived at PC! She is deeply committed and spends countless hours is preparation for each subject. She is a Master teacher in the making!” Mrs. Schlaak is concerned for this generation growing up too quickly. If she could give a little advice, she would encourage parents to slow down life; spend time with your children doing things like baking, taking a walk, talking about a movie. “And most important, read the Bible with your children. Children love spending time with their parents, don’t let the time pass you by.”

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Spotlight on PC’s

YOUNG ALUM

Adrian Fleming ’21 – Adrian attends Arizona Christian University and is majoring in Biblical and Theological Studies.

Adrian reflected on his time at Phoenix Christian: “I am extremely grateful for how Phoenix Christian prepared me to be able to make the transition with the new Bible classes.

I am also using my leadership skills I learned while at Phoenix Christian working in the admissions office at ACU.”

Howard Russell ’21 – Howard is a freshman at Eastern New Mexico University. Howard is a running back for the Greyhounds. Howard has enjoyed an amazing year and has been successful both on the field and in the classroom.

Russell was fifth in the All-Lone Star Conference in rushing yards with 622 yards in nine contests. He finished the season with two touchdowns and averaged 69.1 yards per game.

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Cassidy Clifford ’21 – Cassidy attends Providence Christian College in Pasadena and plays volleyball for the Sea Beggars. “Phoenix Christian prepared me so well for college and having the dual enrollment credits definitely helped! I am currently studying Psychology. Playing volleyball at Providence has been the biggest blessing and I owe it entirely to God and the amazing team and coaches I had at Phoenix Christian.” Cassidy transferred in 21 dual-enrollment college credits from Phoenix Christian.

Crystal Alvarado ’19 – Crystal is a senior at NAU, majoring in Chemistry with an emphasis in Forensics and Criminalistics.

Crystal transferred in 37 college credits which will allow her to graduate in three years. Crystal plans to continue her education to earn a master’s degree and hopes to work in a crime lab.

Crystal shared about her time at Phoenix Christian. “Each class and teacher I had in high school prepared me for college, spiritually and mentally. They encouraged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, prayed over me, taught me the value of education and most important, taught me what a relationship with God looks like, through their words and actions.”

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Alice Zhao ’20 – Alice is a sophomore at University of Virgina, double majoring in economics and statistics with a minor in politics. Alice plans to pursue a PhD in economics and possibly become an economic consultant. Alice graduated from Phoenix Christian as Valedictorian, concentrating in STEM and Humanities. She shared about her college preparation. “Mr. deLaet and his AP Government and AP US History courses prepared me very well for college. Mr. deLaet did more than just teach the course content but also incorporated various components (watching the news, discussions, etc) to classes that turned out to be helpful for future studies. I still remember how watching CBS This Morning was always the very first part of the class, and how Mr. deLaet encouraged us to read news from different sources. All these are super helpful for social science students like me (and even for anyone) because it gradually develops essential social science intuition and critical thinking skills that are

helpful in all stages of studying and life in general. Also, the amount of readings for AP US history prepared me well for college readings too.” Alice also reflected that her four years of Bible classes were very impactful to her life. Her freshman year at PC was the very first time she learned about God. “At church, I am able to resonate with the sermons more and share during Bible studies because of the detailed and contextual knowledge I learned from the meticulous Bible reading assignments during my freshman and sophomore years.” Alice keeps busy with her studies in addition to involvement in Student Council International Student Affairs Agency (organize bonding events and engagement opportunities for international students at school), Data Science Club (study coding languages and work on various interesting projects, such as capturing mistakes in restaurant orders data and analyzing cancer data), and Club Running.

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Ainsley Ebert ’21 – Class of 2021 Valedictorian attends Arizona Christian University. Ainsley transferred 28 dual enrollment credits, studying elementary education with plans to earn a master’s in administration or education. “My heart lies in the heart of the inner city to I would love to teach in a school in an at-risk community.

Maybe one day I will be running my own school!” Ainsley reflects on her unique experience at Phoenix Christian. “Mr. Hibbard’s Pre-Calc and Statistics classes had a huge impact on me. Mr. Hibbard challenged me in my work but also was intentional in the time he spent helping his students - beyond the math lessons. Being in Mr. Hibbard’s class taught me how to persevere despite getting

stuck on a problem and how to think for myself. Apart from the actual curriculum, he demonstrated what it really means to care for your students. I had some amazing life talks with Mr. Hibbard. As someone who is an aspiring teacher, I hope that one day my students will be able to say the same about me. Another class that prepared me for college is very specific to my major. My senior year, I was able to be a teacher assistant for Mrs. Ross and her kindergarten class. I not only got a taste of what it is like to be in the elementary classroom setting and study her different methods of teaching, but I also experienced a sense of confirmation that I’m pursuing the right career!

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DUAL ENROLLMENT REACHES HIGHER Students receive in-class college instruction without leaving the campus High school students at Many of our graduating seniors Phoenix Christian have a distinct will enroll at the university with opportunity to earn up to two over 30 college credits and several years of college even before they juniors are on track to receive graduate from Phoenix Christian! over 40 college credits. Adan, a Dual-Enrollment exists on most senior earning 31 college credits, high school campuses today; anticipates the opportunity to however, most classes are virtual, graduate early or even travel and students work online. Dualabroad. He is confident that his enrollment teachers must qualify rigorous coursework and academic through the credit issuing college commitment will help him be or university and must meet the successful at the University of New Higher Learning Commissions’ Mexico. A parent/alumnus recently qualifications. Phoenix Christian shared, “dual-enrollment courses strongly believes changed everything that collegefor our two younger level, honors daughters. One courses should graduated early be taught in the Dual-enrollment having earned a full classroom by a of college with courses changed year highly qualified dual-enrollment at everything for teacher. Students Phoenix Christian. receive a higher our two younger The other had the level of support incredible opportunity daughters. from the teaching to spend a year as faculty along with an intern at a camp experiencing a in Hawaii. Having multi-dimensional earned a full year of classroom with college credit while hands-on learning. We are proud at PC, she was still able to graduate of our experienced and educated in four years with her college faculty! This year, we have dualclassmates. This could not have enrollment partnerships with happened without the resolve and Colorado Christian University, commitment by Phoenix Christian Grand Canyon University and to offer a solid in-class dualArizona Christian University. enrollment program.”

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Nathan deLaet Class of 2006 *AP US History *AP European History *AP Government

Paula Enriquez Dual-Enrollment Psychology Students immersed in their dualenrollment Statistics class.

Jay Hendricks Class of 1970 *AP Literature *AP Language

Burnie Hibbard

Dr. Dan Korow

Dual-Enrollment Statistics Dual-Enrollment Pre-Calculus *AP Calculus A & B

Dual-Enrollment Anatomy/Physiology

Kelby Milgrim Class of 1988 Dual-Enrollment Physics

*Indicates both Dual-Enrollment and AP classes

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IN THE MIDDLE

How these Middle Schoolers are coming out on top At Phoenix Christian Preparatory Schools, Academic excellence is more than just a slogan on a wall or print in a student handbook. When you visit the Historic Campus of P.C. and walk the hallways of our High School, take a moment to peak into our Algebra 1 and Geometry classes. At first glance you may not see anything out of the ordinary and assume all is normal.

However, if you look closer you may see a few faces whose features are not as defined and students whose stature appears smaller than average. No, you wouldn’t need to schedule an eye exam, your eyes are working properly. What you are witnessed to are fourteen middle school students enrolled in high school mathematics. In fact, 33% of all eighth-grade students at P.C. are enrolled in high school courses for the 20212022 school year.

Haven Dailey, Middle School President and Geometry student says, “P.C. has really given me an opportunity to grow and continue

learning without restrictions. Although the math can be difficult, I push myself and ask my peers for help when I need it.” Haven’s thoughts are echoed by his peers who find the challenge of high school academics difficult but rewarding. Mr. Witkop, Geometry and Algebra teacher said, “P.C. is unique, in that middle school students are challenged and encouraged to enroll in high school classes and receive high school credit.

Our hope is the trend continues in high school with these students participating in dual-enrollment courses to obtain college credits before graduating high school.”

The future of the Middle School at Phoenix Christian is beyond bright. The enrichment program offers students opportunities to push their cognitive capabilities and excel academically. With high expectations, high rigor and high accountability, Phoenix Christian is poised to develop high character students and future global leaders.

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The Legacy Foundation Leave a legacy, Impact Generations

Learn how you can influence generations to come through the power of Christian education.

Matured or deferred planned gifts make a lasting impact to support the mission of Phoenix Christian.

To learn more about The Legacy Foundation, contact the Advancement Team at advancement@phoenixchristian.org

Educating the minds, forming the hearts, and equipping the hands in a Christ-centered atmosphere.

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MEGAN SLUGA ’14 Can you tell us about your time at Phoenix Christian?

I attended Phoenix Christian from 5th grade through high school and was actively involved in student government, the National Honor Society (NHS), and the women’s varsity basketball and softball teams. As a high school student who knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, I took every math and science class that was offered at Phoenix Christian. Not only did these classes help to prepare me for my college courses, but I also was able to receive college credit for the dual enrollment and advanced placement (AP) courses that I took at PC.

What has life been like for you after graduating from Phoenix Christian?

After graduating from PC (Class of 2014), I attended the University of Arizona in Tucson for undergrad. I majored in Physiology and minored in Spanish and Public Health. During undergrad, I

became actively involved with a global health organization and spent my summers working in clinics in rural Honduras, Nicaragua, and Ghana. These experiences confirmed my desire to purpose a career as a physician and led to my decision to pursue a graduate degree in Public Health. I am now in my fourth and final year of medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. I will graduate with both my medical degree and Master of Public Health degree this Spring.

What are your career goals?

After graduating from medical school, I plan to complete a residency in

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What do you enjoy when you are not on rotation?

Obstetrics and Gynecology and ultimately practice as an OB/GYN here in the Valley. I hope to also be involved in medical student and/or resident education in the future.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in medicine?

I have planned on pursuing a career in medicine for as long as I can remember.

I was two years old when I first told my parents that I was going to be a doctor. At the age of four, I told my prekindergarten teacher during the week that we studied the letter “O” that my favorite “O” word was otolaryngologist. I was delighted when I first realized that the initials of my name, Megan Diane, were “MD”. Although I was young when I first declared my desire to become a physician, I have never wavered in this decision. Becoming a physician requires a lot of time and dedication, but I cannot imagine a more fulfilling career than medicine.

I am one of two siblings. My younger sister, Allie Sluga, also graduated from PC (Class of 2017). I am married to Delaney Harbin, who is also an alumnus of Phoenix Christian. In our spare time we enjoy spending time with friends (many of whom were our classmates at PC), hiking, camping, kayaking, and snowboarding.

What are you most thankful for about your time at Phoenix Christian?

My teachers and coaches served as mentors and became like an extended family over the years. I have stayed in touch with many of them since graduating from PC and some even attending my wedding a few years ago!

“ ”

My teachers and coaches served as mentors and became like an extended family over the years.

Megan & Delaney on vacation

Delaney Harbin, Megan, Leah Janes, Kat Westbrook, Jordan Leary, Sarah Schroeder (now Sarah Frampton), and Thomas Frampton (all PC alumni, class of 2014).

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W H AT ’ S N E W W I T H YO U ?

Dr. Ryan House, PsyD After graduating from Pepperdine University with an undergraduate degree in psychology, I spent the first decade of my career in business. Honestly speaking… I never thought that I was going to have the opportunity to further my academic education, but four kids and 15 years of marriage later I am a proud graduate of Midwestern University with a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. Mental health has been such a huge part of my life story and I am beyond blessed to be able to leverage my life experiences with my academic training and humbly meet others wherever they might be on their own mental health journey.

Mental Health Center of America is a multidisciplinary (psychiatry, medication management, counseling, psychological assessment, neurofeedback) health care clinic that is designed to be your first and last stop for your mental health care needs. We are conveniently located in central Phoenix (16th Street & Northern) and are now accepting new patients. Further information can be found at mentalhealthcenter.com.

- Ryan House, Class of 2002

Email news and updates to alumni@phoenixchristian.org.

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The new year requires

thoughtful reflection. Most of the time, we do not give ourselves enough time or space to reflect. But this year, I’m taking the time.

What did I experience last year that was life giving?

What made me laugh?

What made me cry? What inspired me? What mistakes did I make? One central word continued to emerge in my thinking—friendship.

New and old friends.

Forgotten friends and laugh until you cry friends. Since taking this role as Alumni Director, I have met many new friends. These friends and alumni have inspired me with their words, their encouragement, and their commitment to Christian education, especially Phoenix Christian. So many things have changed over the generations at PC, the buildings, the ages, the color of skin but many things remain unchanged. The unwavering belief that Christian education is vital. My parents moved from Iowa to Phoenix, just so we could grow up in a Christian school. One alumnus from the early 60s shared that she worked after school and on the weekends to pay for the $500 tuition. Another alumnus from the 50s talked about walking four miles to and from school, determined

Lisa Blake ’94 and one of her new friends, Paul Van Liew ’56

to attend “Christian High.” An alum from the early 2000s who moved to Phoenix from Boston shared that Phoenix Christian was his only hope for a better future. And today, students travel around the world to attend Phoenix Christian.

I lean into 2022 with a renewed passion for Christian education and for Christ, thanks to so many friends.

Dr. Phil Eaton ’61 recently posted an inspiring blog about the new year entitled, “Leaning Forward.” Let’s lean forward together in great expectation, anticipating all that the Lord has planned. Happy New Year! peatonblog.com/blog/leaning-forward - Lisa Blake ’94 Director of Alumni Relations

Volume 17 • Winter 2022

COUGARNOW ONLINE

SUPERINTENDENT

Jeff Blake

Read this and other issues of CougarNow at phoenixchristian.org.

EDITOR

Lisa Blake

DESIGN

Brian Cole of Revolution Graphics

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dorian Studios, Sandra Tenuto Photography

We’d like to hear from you. Send your emails to cougarnow@phoenixchristian.org.

To support this online and print publication, please visit phoenixchristian. org/support.

CONTRIBUTORS

Hallie House, Steve Woods, Barb Tomb

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Claude (Bud) Allison, Jamie Clifford, David Fitzgerald, Juan Gonzales, Pete Hamstra, Jeff McGee, Steve Woods

If you would like to become an event sponsor or purchase tickets, visit

handbid.app.link/pcgala/bigtop

1751 W. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85015

Contact Lisa Blake with questions: lblake@phoenixchristian.org