CougarNow, Be Bright, Winter 2023

V O L . 19 • W I N T E R 2022-2023

in this issue

WELCOME FROM CHARITY SIANTURI...............................3 Our newest principal shares a little about herself and her plans for Elementary.

COUGAR ATHLETICS..............................................................4 What a year so far in Cougar Athletics!

HOMECOMING 2022..............................................................6 Alumni returned in full force this year to celebrate so many special moments.

TEACHING THE OLD TESTAMENT......................................10 How one teacher confronts the darkness to teach students how to be a light.

CRAZY ABOUT ROBOTICS.................................................... 13 Robots, Ohio, and future engineers.

YOUNG ALUM SPOTLIGHT...................................................14 Our young alumni are living the dream!

BE BRIGHT – FROM THE EDITOR....................................... 15 “You are the light of the world.”

On the cover: Mr. Joe Wiltz, High School Bible Teacher

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Greetings from PC’s New Elementary Principal, Charity Sianturi Greetings Cougar Community!

My name is Charity Sianturi, and I am the new Elementary Principal. It has been a blessing to return to Phoenix Christian after many years. I originally went to PCPS when I was in 8th grade. By God’s grace, upon graduating with an education degree from NAU, I headed straight overseas as a missionary teacher. Twenty-four years later, God has brought my family back full circle to work at Phoenix Christian. My husband, Manatap Sianturi, who also has his teaching degree, has stepped in to teach Art and STEM in the elementary, and my daughter, Cahyani, is enjoying the first-grade class.

It has been exciting to see how God has woven together the experiences from my previous schools to help me lead this team.

The missional focus of the elementary brings together students from various nations, social and economic backgrounds to create a wonderful tapestry of students and families.

This year we welcomed more than 40 new students to the elementary and seven new faculty. God is growing our school and has given us a bright future as we look to strengthen how we educate our minds, form our hearts, and equip our hands. I encourage you all to stop by the elementary campus to see our students and teachers in action.

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FALL/WINTER

SPORTS REVIEW

by Dan Fort

One senior who shines brightly on the field and mat is LEVI RHYNARD. Levi can be described in one word: tough. He plays hard, competes well, and pushes through. He has very high character in the way that he competes, showing sportsmanship at every turn, but also recognizing the importance of living out his faith through his actions.

On the football field, he was a scrappy linebacker that led the team in tackles and was an All-Region Linebacker in the 2021 season.

Coach Perez, Levi’s wrestling coach, shared, “Levi’s character is one to be admired. He is one of our team captains because he is an example for the other wrestlers. He never gives up; he fights till the end. He is a naturalborn leader—Levi’s faith and character are what set him apart. He is passionate about his faith. Levi will be a force to be reckoned with. He is driven. He is tough. He has a purpose. I know he will do great things.”

Levi is ranked 2nd in the state of Arizona at 157 lbs. in Division 4. Levi put up a great fight at State but fell short of a medal.

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MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CLINCH THE REGION! The PC men’s basketball team recently concluded their regular season with a 22-4 record. This is the first time our boys program has won over 20 games in a season since 2004-’05. The guys also earned PC the region title, which hadn’t occurred in over 20 years. Most importantly, they’re competing with a Christ-focused mentality!

— by Head Coach Ben Stryczek This year the Phoenix Christian Women’s basketball team fought hard to win the region title. This group of young ladies have worked both on and off the court to make this year one to remember. From focusing in the classroom, to supporting one another, this group of young women deserve to celebrate!

— by Head Coach Brandi Watkins Junior, Tommy Randolph, flies for the lay-up!

Honestye keeps moving the ball as the Cougars pull ahead to win the region championship game.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASEBALL:

Back-to-Back Champions

Senior, Aurora, shoots a free-throw during Senior Night and a HUGE win for the Cougars.

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1982 King and Queen, Ken & Andrea Kortman with the 2022 King and Queen, Eli Maradiaga & Katy Fort.

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Homecoming 2022 was certainly a celebration to remember!

With a record number of alumni coming home, we celebrated our 73rd Homecoming in a BIG way. Our students had a fun week of spirit days and lunchtime activities.

Homecoming morning started with an Alumni Chapel with special guests from the Class of 2002, a combined student/alumni worship team, an amazing student testimonial, and our keynote speaker from the Class of 1962, Pastor Delbert Hooge and his wife Lora. Following chapel, alumni enjoyed a wonderful brunch while the children’s Sign & Worship Team moved the group to tears. Students had another tough powder puff competition PC Football ready for a big night! and wrapped up the morning with a fun-filled pep assembly.

Later that afternoon, families and alumni enjoyed the annual carnival in the courtyard with special elements including the petting zoo and children’s choirs. The crowd moved to Cougar Stadium where fans cheered in a nail-biting game. The halftime show featured our beautiful students; the parade included our youngest Cougars to our seasoned seniors! We even had the King and Queen from the Class of 1982, Ken and Andrea Kortman, crown the newest royals. Thanks to an amazing donor, we raffled off a car to raise money for our incredible faculty and staff Christmas bonuses. Fireworks boomed after a delayed game when the Cougars ran the ball for the touchdown in the final seconds of the game.

What a Homecoming!

Cheer & some football players gather to bring some Homecoming spirit to the Elementary!

Alumnus Chip Allison ’02 shares some wise words with the younger generation at the Alumni Chapel.

Keynote speakers Delbert & Lora Hooge share about their school in the Philippines.

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Alumni enjoyed the brunch and reconnecting with classmates.

During homecoming weekend and the months that followed, our alumni gathered for many special reunions. Many alumni reconnected and enjoyed special moments of fellowship, shared memories, and a lot of laughter! One alumnus reflected that some of his very darkest hours were shared with classmates who have remained friends throughout the years. It’s so important to continue meeting together because of our rich and deep connections developed at Phoenix Christian. We need each other!

To begin planning your class reunion or to learn more about next year’s reunions, please contact the alumni office at alumni@ phoenixchristian.org.

Class of 1962 had a wonderful weekend of celebration for their 60th anniversary!

Class of 1972 celebrated their 50th anniversary!

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The Class of 2002 had an amazing night together; reconnecting with friends and enjoying an amazing meal in a classmate’s beautiful backyard.

The Class of 1982 celebrated 40 years with a wonderful catered dinner and a special time of fellowship.

The Class of 1992 enjoyed a fun night together to celebrate their 30th anniversary!

The Class of 1977 – a 45 Year Reunion!

Long-time friends – Class of 2002

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- Teacher Spotlight -

JOE WILTZ Lisa Blake: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

Joe Wiltz: This is my fifth-year teaching at Phoenix Christian and I have loved the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students. My wife, Courtney, and I have two boys, Cade and Max. Cade will be starting in the PC preschool next Fall and it is exciting to see him becoming part of the Phoenix Christian family!

LB: Teaching Old Testament must be challenging, so much content and not enough time!

Can you tell me how you structure your class to make sure students not only learn the Old Testament but also digest the information, so it makes sense?

JW: The Old Testament is definitely an intimidating body of work for students and even for adults! Much “I try to...communicate of its content can feel very alienating or distant from our context. To communicate it clearly, we that [students] can spend time identifying the big picture themes and be real about their messages that the Genesis story presents. I aim to connect these ideas to students’ everyday experience life experiences and and the big questions we all ask. Why is there evil? meditate on how God Where does the universe come from? Can we trust may redeem their what the Bible says is true? Through engaging with these hard questions, we start to see patterns difficulties.” and the big ideas of what the Bible says about the age-old questions people are challenged by. I try to spend a lot of time in the first few books while connecting these big ideas to the New Testament. This way students of every background develop the skills of independently reading the Bible and recognizing what the books are trying to say.

LB: When you think about challenging the students to be a light in our dark world, what comes to mind?

JW: I think that to best encourage and disciple people to be lights in the world, God must first confront the darkness in our hearts. When students walk through doubt, trauma, or other very real challenges in their lives, they are able to confront these types of darkness in the world because they have experienced it themselves. God redeems our negative experiences and traits so that we can better speak to those moments in others’ lives.

The way I try to encourage this in students is to communicate that they can be real about their life experiences and meditate on how God may redeem their difficulties.

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LB: Is there one or two students who seem to reflect this light? Can you share a little about them?

JW: One student who has demonstrated this ability is Alexa Garcia. She was my student last year and consistently worked to be an example of Christ on our campus. This was evident in the respect she had for classmates of any background while she still stood firm in the truth. Alexa impressed me in that she was able to speak about God and represent Him to other students without sounding judgmental, self-righteous, or compromising what the Bible communicates. I think that a lot of our students are learning who God is and how He speaks to their context and over time He will use their adversity for the growth of His kingdom.

LB: As we educate the minds, form the hearts, and equip the hands of students, what is your hope for this generation of students?

JW: My hope for this generation is that they can be encouraged to know that God can use their situation and has them in this age for a reason.

When Courtney and I first found out we were having a child, so many people told us they were worried he would have to grow up in this world at this time. We used to feel the same way but realized that there is not a worldly situation that God will not overcome. This generation of students will be the hands and feet of Christ in ways that my generation cannot, and God will continue to guide His Church.

Alexa Garcia

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CRAZY ABOUT

ROBOTICS

PC Robotics Team prepares to battle the competition

Lucca puts the finishing touches on his combat bot.

Isai and his team wanted to include all of the countries that the team represents on the robot: America, Mexico, Guatemala, and Cuba.

I sat down with four young men from the Robotics Class to talk about robots, Ohio, and their future.

Lucca and Saul, both sophomores, and T.J. and Isai, both freshmen, are thriving in the STEM program.

The Robotics Class is divided into groups, which are each given a project. Lucca and Saul were originally working on a maze robot but had to move to the combat robot project due to some unresolved complications in coding. T.J. and Isai are also working on a combat robot. Both groups are designing, creating, collaborating, and testing their combat robots for an upcoming competition in Ohio.

At the competition, combat “bots” go head-to-head in an enclosed arena; the goal is to destroy the opposing robot. I asked the students why they believed their robot would dominate in the arena. T.J. and Isai believe their bot has the speed and strength to destroy the competition. Lucca and Saul pointed to the unique rotating drum that can flip their opponent upside-down in the ring.

They were all asked why they spend their time and energy building robots, and each had similar answers: They love to build, learn new things, and discover innovative ways to fix problems. Mr. Milgrim identified these four as leaders in the class. When asked why they were identified as leaders, Lucca shared that he takes responsibility for his group and considers everyone’s ideas before moving forward. Isai thinks that he does a good job directing other students.

Looking to their future, Lucca and Isai would both like to become electrical engineers, Saul plans to study automotive engineering, and T.J. wants to pursue some type of engineering path. They agreed that the experience in Robotics and STEM will no doubt prepare them for their future careers. The experience is so tangible and requires them to work together to solve problems. Despite Lucca and Sauls’ problems with their previous coding project, Lucca said they are still determined to figure it out.

Their goal for the Robotics competition? “First place, of course!” The team has already received donations to help cover the trip expenses. They have plenty of dreams to help take STEM to the next level at Phoenix Christian! They need more space to collaborate and create, more tools for each individual group to use, and additional materials like motors, controllers, ECUs, and electrical supplies.

If you are interested in supporting the Robotics/ STEM program at Phoenix Christian, scan the QR code! Isai’s final thought: “Robotics is awesome!”

— by Lisa Blake

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YO U N G A LU M S P OT L I G H T ALONDRA FELIX ’18 — Since graduating,

I completed my bachelor’s in psychology at GCU, got married, started a full-time job as a behavioral health technician and job specialist with SB&H. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling at GCU. I also have become increasingly involved at church. I have the privilege of serving as the youth director and as a worship leader at Iglesia Cristina Conexion.

MEILING (MILGRIM) RHYNARD ’20 — After high

school, I got engaged and I went to ACU! After my first semester there, Easton and I got married that winter. We’ve been living life together and walking in what God has placed us in. He works full time and I go to school full time.

It’s so exciting to be able to spread the testimony of Jesus, wherever we go, not only as individuals but also together as one. I’m currently working on my senior recital; it will debut this spring!

MICHELLE MA ’19 — After PC, I studied Business Management & Marketing at ASU and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 3 years (I had so many dual-enrollment credits)! During my time in college, I was a part of a business fraternity and worked on campus as an admission representative for first-year students. Post college life, I’m working as an Executive Team Lead for Service & Engagement at Target.

I oversee front-of-store operations and a team of 50+ employees! Outside of Target life, I also work on marketing projects (social media management & content creation) for small businesses, and I love to travel when I am not working!

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from the editor BE BRIGHT! “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16

Sasha and Anya pose in the Japanese Friendship Garden.

I had a special moment this week. I had the opportunity to take two of our international students shopping. They both came from war-torn Ukraine. As they shared their experience so far at Phoenix Christian, I asked them about their favorite classes. They were both quick to comment that Bible was their favorite. They have a deep desire to learn and understand the scriptures and share with others.

They continued to reflect on their other favorite class, U.S. History with Mr. de Laet Jr. ’10. They said that he’s an amazing storyteller, challenging, but very caring. Sasha and Anya also talked about their love for reading all sorts of genres including anatomy, psychology, and romance!

The theme of this issue is “Be Bright” and I hope you’ve encountered stories of students who are doing exactly that! Students who are shining bright in our very dark world AND students who are challenging themselves to grow intellectually, athletically, and spiritually. Sasha and Anya are two of our very talented students who are doing exactly that!

- Lisa Blake, Editor CougarNow

Volume 19 • Winter 2022-2023

COUGARNOW ONLINE

SUPERINTENDENT

Jeff Blake

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

EDITOR

Lisa Blake

DESIGN

Brian Cole of Designflux

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Max Prep, Les Rhynard, Sandey Tenuto

CONTRIBUTORS

Steve Woods of PrintWoods

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Claude (Bud) Allison, Stephanie Brigowatz, David Fitzgerald, Juan Gonzales, Pete Hamstra, Steve Woods

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

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

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