Coming Home

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.

Jonathan Wilfong ’01 and Jeff Blake

Dan Cadriel ’81 and Steve Woods ’83

Patty & Tim Beltz ’71 and Jeff Blake

Bob ’60 & Judie ’61 Porter and Steve Woods ’83

Immediately following, we had a beautiful Legacy Courtyard dedication, 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.

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

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 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.

Preschool choir sings during the carnival.