Cougar NOW AND THEN AND NEXT
Volume 11 • Summer 2019
WELCOME LETTERS
Dear Phoenix A
s the books close on another year for Phoenix Christian Preparatory School, I would like to take time to celebrate God’s Grace and Provision this past school year and to also pause in consideration of the financial challenges that lie ahead. Many testimonies reflect the difference that this school is making in individual lives, families AND... “for God and His Kingdom.” Two of our long-time board members, Gena Sluga and David Van Hofwegen, have resigned so we thank them for their years of service! We welcomed Juan Gonzales and Jamie Clifford as new board members. I look forward to working together with them for God’s kingdom and for His honor. Phoenix Christian still resides at 18th Avenue and Indian School. We are grateful that we were able to acquire the properties to the west of 18th Ave where the elementary and preschool reside. However, the demographics of our neighborhood and our ministry look different today than when I graduated in 1967. Anne and I now have three grandchildren attending. We experience first-hand the GOOD things that are now happening in the classrooms, on the campus, and in the sports program. Our student population reflects the diversity of our city along with the challenges that ALL parents who value Christian education face. Some, through God’s provision are able to pay their child’s full tuition. Some, can pay a portion along with AZ Tax Credit assistance like ACSTO or STO4Kidz. Others rely totally on corporate donations scholarships and private tax-deductible donations or student scholarships.
The costs for covering monthly expenses (including lunch assistance for qualifying students) is NOT sustainable unless alumni (1949-2019), grandparents/parents/friends of past and present students along with corporate support happens monthly and annually. Your prayers, volunteering, and financial support are critical to the future of Phoenix Christian as the 70th anniversary is celebrated this fall. The board is dedicated to seeking God’s wisdom as we determine to follow the mission and vision of our school. Students are finding a relationship with Jesus Christ and through faithful, dedicated faculty, staff and administration, we are a beacon of light in central Phoenix! Congratulations to the Class of 2019! Their testimonies at graduation were inspiring, encouraging and God honoring with 96% pursuing higher education! Lastly please remember that ONLY Christian Education provides the freedom to use God’s Word, pray openly and to speak the name of Jesus. “To God be the Glory” for PC’s many years of remaining dedicated to the passion of its founding fathers! In His Service, Monty Ortman PC Chairman, PC Board of Directors
Cover Photo - Hadley Swier, ‘19 - Photographer - Josh Snider of JSnider Studios
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can hardly believe May 2019 has already come to a close with God breathed Preschool, Kindergarten and Middle School Promotions and High School Graduation. Take a deep breath and pause with me for a moment to embrace the spiritual discipline of celebrating God’s abundant gifts. 1 Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Psalm 150
Christian Family This year held moments of profound celebration and challenge. Through it all, I am certain God is pursuing the heart of every student and working through the devotion of our faculty, coaches, staff, leadership and supporting community. Our vision “to be a vibrant, Christ-centered school in our community, prioritizing resources to continually pursue new horizons in educating minds, forming hearts, and equipping hands of students” is born out of our divine faith and the trust our families and supporters place in God’s transformational work through Phoenix Christian Preparatory School. Our year began with our annual Launch event as we challenged our entire school community to begin a fresh pursuit of “New Year, New Me” rooted in Paul’s assertion “that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun” (2 Corinthians 5:17). God is in the process of renewing PC individually and corporately. This year, hundreds of students were impacted through spiritual encounters at Senior High Retreat, 8th Grade Adventure Camp, 5th Grade Camp and daily encounters with God’s truth. Further, we celebrate the unexpected spiritual leadership of our Chinese international students who unapologetically and infectiously share of their life changing encounter with Christ! We celebrate the victories of our PC MESA (Math Education Science Achievement) Team victoriously defending their state title again this year. Once again, our football team is region champions and made another appearance in the post season. We celebrate our Lady Cougar Varsity basketball and softball programs advancing into State Playoffs. Our middle school celebrated championships in golf, wrestling, and basketball! The defending back to back state champion baseball team
advanced deep into the playoffs after completing the best regular season record in school history. Coaches Mark Band and Tara Poovey were both recognized as Coach of the Year for the Valley Region of the AIA. Additionally, individual state titles were awarded in golf and track and field! Tearfully we celebrate the legacy and retirement of Jim Wolfe, Mary Hendricks, Lois Leader, and Jim Callahan who collectively invested 115 years in the life changing ministry of Phoenix Christian! Our community is grateful for their sacrificial service as they lived out their worship among our students. Phoenix Christian’s 58th graduating senior class of 2019 earned millions of dollars in scholarship offers and, through dual enrollment earned at PC, will save even more in college tuition expenses. Many of this year’s class are first generation college students with 96% attending higher education. These graduating seniors boast strengths in fine arts as evident in an exceptional worship team! Please join me in celebrating these leaders, servants, and state champion athletes who helped strengthen school spirit! This spring we added The Beacon Radio Show! In a media landscape dotted with politics and opinions, tune in to a show that will lift your spirits. Our vision at The Beacon radio show is to celebrate when God uses the unexpected to do the unexplainable. Presented by Phoenix Christian Preparatory School and hosted by PC Alumnus Steve Woods, The Beacon features intimate conversations with people just like you, each with a story to share about what happens when God’s invisible work becomes visible. Listen in on Sundays at 9am on the Patriot 960 AM and be encouraged, and visit phoenixchristian. org to learn more. Through the restoration of our OAW
Contents 4 Valedictorian/Salutatorian 6 Fine Arts Senior & International Highest Honor 8 MESA & Robotics 10 Charlie Brown Musical 12 2019 Acceptances & Distinguished Awards 16 Why Phoenix Christian? 18 Sports Year in Review 22 Giving Tree Gala & Auction 24 Financial Champions 26 Calendar 27 Letter from the Editor
(One Dollar a Week) campaign, Annual Auction, Fun Run, and other initiatives over $400,000 was raised to support God’s missional vision for Phoenix Christian. We are committed to be excellent stewards of the resources entrusted to PC. The generosity of our supporters is further encouragement to pursue new horizons of obedience in pursuit of God’s transformational ways. For instance, we have established an ambitious academic and business strategic plan. I would love the opportunity to share these plans with you! With God driven ambition to step further and courageously in faith, I ask for your prayer and support as our historic institution is in the midst of a grand effort to re-strengthen our foundation, in order that we may best serve our students, friends, alumni, and our community, and ensure a bright future for decades to come. With prayerful gratitude and hope,
Jeff Blake, MAEd & MSLF Superintendent
Valedictorian Justus Miranda
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ustus Miranda and Michelle Ma have battled to the very top of their class with tight competition! The two are quite a pair; taking most of the same Advanced Placement and Honors classes. In many classes they even sat right next to each other! One teacher noticed they had a healthy, fun yet competitive relationship. They seemed to always keep each other on their toes and challenged each other to be their very best. Interestingly, Michelle and Justus are quite different. Justus is a self-proclaimed introvert who much prefers hanging out with a few friends or even more so, just being at home with his family. Michelle prefers taking on the role of a leader, competing as an athlete and serving in Heart for the City. Both students were quick to identify Mr. Nathan de Laet as a gifted and influential teacher, noting his great care for his students and the learning process. Our Valedictorian, Justus and Salutatorian, Michelle both plan to attend Arizona State University this fall. Justus will study at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, majoring in Sports Journalism. Michelle will study at the W.P. Carey School of Business pursuing a career as a business analyst. In Justus’ Valedictorian address at graduation, he shared his vivid memory of his brother’s serious car accident several years ago, when Justus was a freshman. After arriving at the hospital, the waiting room started filling up with many friends, teachers and administration from PC. He said his family was blown away by the love that was shown by Phoenix Christian. Justus reflected that this moment taught him that PC is more than just a school, it is a family. Although these two feel well prepared to move onto the next chapter in their lives, they certainly leave a profound impact at Phoenix Christian. They taught their peers and younger students alike what it means to pursue excellence in every area of life, how to engage the living curriculum as well as book knowledge and that spiritual formation directs each of their steps. In the words of Michelle, “Enjoy high school while you still have time; it will go by so fast and before you know it, you’ll be throwing up your caps!”
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Salutatorian Michelle Ma
Valedictorian & Salutatorian take a quick break from exams to have some fun!
Fine Arts
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Hadley Swier
s you reflect on your very big accomplishment (graduating with very high academic honors and significant extra-curricular accomplishments), what was it like to carry such a heavy load and juggle the rest of high school? H. My high school life got very, very difficult at times. I had to sacrifice most of my free time to get to the point I am at now. Every spare moment counted for something. I focused a lot on living for tomorrow and making tomorrow easier for me. I’m not going to lie; the stress would often get to me. I was only able to accomplish all I did with the help of God. What surprised you as you look back on your high school career? H. It went by much faster than I ever anticipated. I also learned much more than I thought I ever would, especially in my Bible and calculus classes. Was there one teacher who really challenged you to grow as a student? Who was it and describe that experience? H. Mrs. Wolfe is the teacher that had the most significant impact on me. I’ve taken her classes for 7 years now. Over that time, she taught me the principles of art and also gave me the room I needed to grow them. She still challenges me and will call me out when something looks wrong, which is what I need to get better. Mrs. Wolfe, I’d like to thank you for all the help and opportunities you’ve given me - it truly made PC home to me. You are a brilliant artist and was award the Outstanding Artist of the Year, can you share about your artistic journey while at PC? H. I’ve taken Mrs. Wolfe’s art classes every
single year I’ve been at PC, sometimes even multiple classes a semester. 6th grade was the first year I got to have art more than once a week, and I was very excited. I can assure you I was not very good back then. I hadn’t learned color theory, blending or the proper way to do just about anything. Mrs. Wolfe was the one who taught me how to draw with colored pencils, use kneaded erasers, and draw realistically. I spent a considerable amount of my time outside of school practicing my techniques. Outside of school, I took those skills and learned how to use them on my own and developed my own style. I went from realism to abstract and precision to expression. God gave me the talent, and I did my part to grow it. How many AP and honors classes did you take at Phoenix Christian? H. 11 How many dual enrollment credits will you have when you graduate? H. 42 credits Looking forward, what are your plans for college and career? H. I plan on majoring in Industrial Design at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. After college, I hope to get my master’s degree studying abroad. For my career, I’m not sure where I’ll go yet; I’m leaving that up to God. If I could plan my whole life out, I really would, but I know that’s not what I can do. I’m excited to see what doors He will open for me in the years to come! You are moving on to a large public university. Do you feel equipped both academically and spiritually to move into such a different setting? What if any concerns do you have? H. I feel very solid both academically and spiritually. My AP classes at PC have taught me how to efficiently manage my time and study for the most challenging courses. I’ve written so many papers over the years that it has become second nature to me. My PC education has also given me a solid understanding of the Bible, and its content. Apart from that, I recognized that many college students lose their faith when moving away to college. This year I became very involved in my church. I’m taking part
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in a 14-week program called SMI (Student Missionary Internship). It has taught me in-depth apologetics and has forced me outside my comfort zone by making me talk to people about their faith and mine. These are the things that have prepared me the most for what is to come. What are you looking forward to the most? H. I’m looking forward to starting my life and preparing for my future career and becoming an Industrial Designer as well as growing as a person and a follower of Christ. If you have one or two pieces of advice for younger students, what would you want to share? H. Work hard in school. It will help you and make life easier in the long run. But don’t overwork yourself. Find something you love, something you’re passionate about and do as much as you can to develop and grow it. That’s what you’ll build your life on.
International Highest Honors Gujie ‘Jessica’ Shen “It is a sacred responsbility to share and spread the Gospel message worldwide."
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s you reflect on your very big accomplishment (highest international academic honor), what was it like to carry such a heavy load? J. From my point of view, I don’t consider it a heavy load. Most of my friends from Shanghai who choose to study abroad usually have a similar workload as me or even more intensive. What surprised you as you look back on your high school career? J. I’ve switched a couple high schools due to different reasons all through high school. I’m surprised I made friends in every school. I met my best friends in middle school and for a long time I thought I ran out of luck to make good friends again in high school. Was there one teacher who really challenged you to grow as a student at Phoenix Christian? Who was it and how would you describe that experience?
J. Mr. de Laet! I took three of his classes this
year (APUSH, AP Euro, Theater) and I couldn’t ask for a better teacher. It’s my first-time doing drama and I could not have performed on stage without his help. Both of his history classes were fun and informative. Before tests I can always stay after school for extra help. We have also talked about some abstract questions about life after school and I really appreciate him spending time telling me patiently his opinions.
Looking forward, what are your plans for college and career? J. I will be attending William and Mary this fall. I plan to study a new language and take classes in any fields I’m interested but never had the chance to explore during high school. I plan to major in Anthropology and Environmental Science but it’s still subject to change since I don’t want to confine myself. Also, I want to get more involved in clubs and other activities! For a career, I aspire to work in museums or any work relating to art conservation and cultural heritage preservation. How has Phoenix Christian impacted you and helped you grow? J. Before I came here, I’ve seen the Bible and went to church for a few times, but I never got to know the Bible in a more structured way. As we took a closer look at the Bible in Old Testament class, I obtained a deeper understanding of Christianity. It shaped my worldview and I will probably learn more about its effect to western society by taking a few classes in religious studies in college. Also meeting students from other countries was really cool!!!
What are you looking forward to the most after high school? J. Work in the Starbucks near my home in Shanghai! That has been my dream job since I was in elementary school. Also most importantly meet my old friends and eat in newly opened restaurants. If you have one or two pieces of advice for younger students, especially international students, what would you want to share? J. Why all of a sudden, I became one of the graduates giving advice to younger students?? In all seriousness, I would say don’t listen to others’ advice too much before you do something. Just because others think it’s hard doesn’t necessarily mean it’s difficult for you. Even it feels hard, persuade yourself that it’s possible to achieve and all it takes is time and practice. For international students…try to make the most of your time here and keep an open mind. On the other hand, don’t force yourself to blend in and take in values you are not comfortable with.
MESA Back-to-Back Champions BEST competition in New Mexico
PVC Bridge Challenge Team at GCU
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his year, Phoenix Christian students competed in the National Robotics Challenge (NRC) in Marion, Ohio, the BEST Robotics Challenge in Las Cruces, New Mexico and the returning Champions to the MESA competition at the University of Arizona. For the second year in a row, Phoenix Christian earned the championship title at MESA! The administration could not resist the opportunity to cheer on our students and experienced so many proud moments as they watched our 45 students collaborate, think creatively, problem solve, work fast and finally succeed. The high school team placed first out of 15 school and our middle school placed fourth out of 42 schools.
Phoenix Christian STEM Director, Kelby Milgrim added the first ever Robotics class to PC’s STEM class offerings and determined to give them the opportunity of a life time, competing at the National Robotics Challenge in Ohio. Students Kedir Yassin, Fanyang ‘Kent’ Zhong, Alice Zhao, and Richard Lei built two remote-controlled robots that competed in a simulated hockey event against two robotic opponents. The team that scores the most goals in a three-minute match wins. The event is held in a double elimination format tournament. 42 high schools from 13 states attended this longest running robotics competition in the world. Most impressive, the Phoenix Christian team placed 7th overall.
PVC Bridge Challenge Team at UofA
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The BEST competition required PC students to think quickly on their feet and rework their robot once they arrived in New Mexico. The team comprised of Bri Jewell, Crystal Alvarado, Zeke Kellogg, Michael Podlesnik, Chan Santawisuk, Hadley Swier, Luis Villanueva, Kedir Yassin and Fanyang ‘Kent’ Zhong faced incredible adversity! Over 24 high schools competed in this challenge; design and build a prototype robot capable of harvesting specific types of garbage from the gyres, utilizing a Field Engineer on a recycle ship to construct different types of reef-building materials and install these materials on an artificial reef framework. Even after overcoming some significant challenges, the team managed to place twelfth overall!
Fanyang ‘Kent’ Zhong locked in on his robot.
Cargo Rocket Team
Middle School Awards
High School Awards
PVC Bridge Challenge – 5th Place Brooklynne Blake, Manuel Catalan, Pricila Reyes, Levi Rhynard and Michelle Diaz Morales
Solar Car – 5th Place Daniel Jacobo, Alex Robes and Kazuya ‘Kazu’ Kashiwabara
Solar Car – 7th Place Ruby Rhynard, Melanie Selamu and Naomi Hennix
National Competition- 3rd Place Zachary Wheat, Tony Rodriguez, Olivia Karow and Sulamit Bereketab
Tape and Paper Canoe – 8th Place Cerina Palmer, Jace Hagan and Brody Goodwin
PVC Bridge Challenge – 1st Place Tianwei ‘Alice’ Zhao, Yunjian ‘Richard’ Lei, Kedir Yassin, Kyung Hun ‘Jake’ Kim and Nhan ‘Ken’ Do
Cargo Rocket – 1st Place Damion Carpio, Reuben Guerrero, Ethan Timmerman and Eduardo Carmona Avila
Cargo Rocket – 1st Place Seungmin ‘Patrick’ Ji, Hyeong Yun ‘Kevin’ Kim and Shiyi ‘Terry’ Yang
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printed Tool to teach math or science) – 11th Place Emma Gonzales and Mia Holterman
Tape and Paper Canoe – 4th Place Team - Seungmin ‘Patrick’ Ji, Hyeong Yun ‘Kevin’ Kim and Shiyi ‘Terry’ Yang
Computer Science Scavenger Hunt – 10th Place Ethan Timmerman, Damion Carpio and Reuben Guerrero
It’s Complicated (Goldberg Device) 3rd Place - Daniel Becerra Rodriguez, Ezequiel Hernandez and Malik Streety
On-Site Challenge – 11th Place Frank Rhynard, Cerina Palmer, Mia Holterman and Emanuel Mason It’s Complicated (Goldberg Device) – 21st Place Joshua Chau, Emanuel Mason, David Rodriguez and Ares Smith
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printed Tool to teach math or science) – 4th Place Olivia Karow and Anthony Castillo Computer Science Scavenger Hunt – 3rd Place Jingxuan ‘Justin’ Zhang, Chan Santawisuk and Nhan ‘Ken’ Do On-Site Challenge – 1st Place Christian Lopez, Abdias Molina, Kedir Yassin, and Kyung Hun ‘Jake’ Kim
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown Interview with Andres Marrufo & Nathan de Laet
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hoenix Christian put on Charlie Brown, the musical earlier this spring. The last musical production at PC took place well over five years ago. The production left the audience speechless. Although we knew the level of amazing talent our students have, we had no idea that our two young directors could create such a heart-warming, gut wrenching, and amusing show. I had a chance to sit down recently with Andres Marrufo (Voice Director) and Nathan de Laet (Acting Director) to talk about the musical.
“...we had no idea that our two young directors could create such a heartwarming, gut wrenching, and amusing show.”
I asked Nathan and Andy who had the idea to add a musical to the Fine Arts program this year. Nathan quickly jumped in and gave all the credit to Andy. “He had the idea, took the initiative and got the ball rolling.” Andy describe himself as an “advocate of the arts.” He believes musical theatre has its own unique attributes, the acting is much different, the performance feels much different, and of course, you sing! “So why Charlie Brown”, I asked? Nathan said they were looking to start small but wanted a show-stopper and felt Charlie Brown met that criteria. Nathan played Charlie Brown at Phoenix Christian back in 2009. Andy shared, “we decided early on that we had to do it right so we agreed to a live orchestra, no canned music!” When asked what surprised them the most they laughed! Andy said, “Opening night, we just didn’t expect it to be so good!” Nathan chimed in that he had no idea that parents were going to walk out crying because they were so moved. Nathan continued that the other surprise they had was Tia playing Lucy. He said they chose a very difficult piece for the auditions knowing that if she could nail that piece, she could definitely play Lucy. Tia stopped by after school with no intention of trying out, just curious what they were all doing. They asked her to try the piece. She asked for a few minutes so she could listen to the song on You Tube. She came back a few minutes later and nailed the song! They could not believe it and were absolutely certain they found their Lucy.
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Andy made note that they owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to Moezart Productions who donated beautiful costumes, built the set, and helped set up lighting and sound. They asked for absolutely nothing in return. Steve, the cofounder of Moezart Productions, attended the performance and gave kudos - he loved the show. I asked the two what it was like working together for the first time and they laughed again. They self-admittedly recognized that Nathan is a pessimist and Andy an optimist which turned out to be a sweet balance. These two seemed to have such a great chemistry and truly spurred each other on to create something amazing. When I asked what’s next, they exchanged glances. Andy said, “We want to surprise you!” We anticipate another great show next year and live in expectation of God’s recreating hand in our Fine Arts program at Phoenix Christian.
Class of 2019
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ongratulations to the class of 2019! The Class of 2019 was accepted to over 25 colleges and universities, earning over two million in scholarship awards. 21 out of the 56 seniors graduated with Honors and amongst our Honor students, seven of these students graduated with a double Concentration. Almost all of our students graduated with a Concentration in one of the four— Fine Arts, Humanities, Spiritual and Leadership Formation, STEM. Nearly half of the seniors are first generation college students who will no doubt affect the trajectory of their families’ future.
Class of 2019 Awards Valedictorian Justus David Miranda Salutatorian Dinh ‘Michelle’ Ma International Highest Honor Gujie ‘Jessica’ Shen James R Wickersham Citizenship Award Miriam Yadria Murray and Joey Reichenberger Carolyn Krober Memorial Music Award Sarai Borja Nevarez Athlete of the Year John ‘Jack’ Morgan Doherty and Mawe Alejandra Herrera Rivero
‘Jack’ Doherty awarded Senior Athlete of the Year. Mawe Herrera Rivero awarded Senior Athlete of the Year.
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Miriam Murray awarded James R. Wickersham Citizenship Award.
Joey Reichenberger awarded James R. Wickersham Citizenship Award.
Sarai Borja Nevarez awarded the Carolyn Krober Memorial Music Award.
Senior Class Verse Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Class of 2019 College Acceptances Arizona Christian University Arizona State University The University of Arizona Bard College Baylor University Biola University Central Arizona College Central College University of Cincinnati Colorado Christian University University of Connecticut Grand Canyon University University of Illinois – Chicago University of Kansas King’s College University of Louisiana University of Minnesota North Carolina State University North Central University Northern Arizona University Ottawa University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Purdue University University of Redlands University of Toledo University of Washington West Virginia University Western New Mexico University Westmont College College of William and Mary
Why PC?
Student/Counselor Ratio
145:1
Financial Aid Awards
17
Average Class Size
88%
of students
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Lopes Teach
e are excited to announce a new partnership with Grand Canyon University. This collaborative partnership is designed to mutually benefit both organizations to strengthen Christian education for this generation and the next. Bringing GCU faculty and pre-service teacher candidates to the Phoenix Christian campus and classrooms will provide additional support and innovation for the classroom through the sharing and modeling of new strategies and best practices. Additionally, the pre-service teacher candidates will engage with the teachers and students in a hands-on, realistic learning environment. The focus of this partnership will be around the overall instructional program. This includes brain-based and engaging instructional strategies as well as appropriate use of technology. Because of the Christian foundations of Phoenix Christian, these strategies will include Biblical integration into the academic content. This partnership aligns with the Phoenix Christian strategic plan “Educating the Mind�.
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Individual Tax Credits Corporate Tax Credits
608,046 $ 1,363,055 $
Diversity
2% Bi-Racial Other 1% 3% Native American 16% Multi-Racial 4% African American
33% Hispanic
29% Caucasian 11% 11% Asian Asian
2,167,895
$
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College Scholarship Dollars
Academy
Average Dual Enrollment Credits Earned (over one semester in college)
55
%
Percentage of first-generation college students
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Year in Review Zachary Wheat wins the long jump state title!
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he Phoenix Christian Cougars fielded 12 varsity programs in 2018-19. The Cougars were able to boast a pair of 2A Region Champions (football & baseball) while finishing in the top three of the region in three other team sports (boys & girls basketball and softball). In addition, individual sports had a big highlight as a pair of boy’s track and field members brought home AIA Division IV State Champion honors. Wrestling produced points at the state meet with a limited roster of participants. Winden Trimble led the way with a 3rd place finish in the sectional qualifying and then finished 6th overall at the state meet in the 182- pound class. In the spring, Corey Wolesensky became the first PC golfer to advance to the AIA Division III State Tournament since 2012. PC student-athletes were common on the AIA honor rolls during the seasons. In all, 49 students were named to All Region teams with 28 of those being first team selections. Twelve students were honored on 2A Conference All State teams with nine of those being first team selections. Football and baseball students comprised all of the first team accolades (Ramon Castro, Mark Hocking, Joseph Kellogg, Manace Freeman, Zach Cole and Malik Taylor were the football players and Mason Rhynard, Nathan Tarver and Jack Doherty the baseball athletes). Highest individual recognitions on the team sport athlete recognitions went to Malik Taylor as the 2A Conference Player of the Year in football and Nathan Tarver was 2A Conference Baseball Offensive Player of the Year. Tarver won the 2A Conference Defensive Player of the Year award a year ago. MeiLing Milgrim was 2A 1st Team All State as a catcher for softball. Two track and field athletes earned top honors by winning the AIA Division IV State championship in their respective state meet events. Zach Wheat won the long jump state title and Manace Freeman won the 100-meter dash. Region high honors were given to three coaches. Tara Poovey (girls’ basketball) and Mark Band (baseball) were each named 2A Valley Region Coach of the Year for their respective seasons while football coach Brian Cole was selected as 2A Agua Fria Region Coach of the Year. Poovey’s basketball team finished 15-10 and third in the 2A Valley Region in what looked initially to be a rebuilding year. The Cougars advanced to the 2A State Tournament for the first time since 2015-16. Band’s baseball team was trying to win their third consecutive 2A State Championship but fell short in the state tournament semifinals. Band’s team was a perfect 8-0 in Valley Region play and finished the season as the #2 rated team in 2A. PC Football won its third straight region championship on their way to a 10-3 season and lost to the eventual state champion for the third season in a row.
Manace Freeman determined to win the 100-meter dash for the state title.
Keith Baker Director of Athletics
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Winden Trimble places 6th overall in state in the 182-pound division.
Nathan Tarver won 2A Conference Baseball Offensive Player of the Year.
PC Athletes of the Year
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hoenix Christian coaches nominate and select a male and female Athlete of the Year for each academic class. For the 2018-19 school year, the following students were selected:
Freshman Class of 2022: Galilea Rivero and Daniel Beccerra Sophomore Class of 2021: Ainsley Ebert and Howard Russell Junior Class of 2020: Kristen Perkins and Manace Freeman Senior Class of 2019: Mawe Rivero and Jack Doherty Trinity Varner, freshman homeschool student earned the position of starting pitcher for Phoenix Christian. Phoenix Christian has a growing number of homeschool students playing for the Cougars.
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MeiLing, All-State catcher, in her classic catcher’s stance.
Middle School Sports
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ight sports were offered to PC middle schoolers. A pair of girls’ teams highlighted the middle school season in 201819 for the Cougars. Josh Perez won Coach of the Year honors as his first-year wrestling team won the Canyon Athletic Association tournament championship. Kathryn Munos and Raquel Nowakowski won individual championships to pace the Cougars to the team title. Basketball also won a league championship with the girls’ team making a late season run through the Cactus Christian Schools League Small Schools Division to win the tournament title with a 31-22 win over Christ Greenfield. The team finished 7-4 overall. In golf, sixth grader J.J. Brigowatz competed at the top of the Cactus Christian Schools League during the regular season, winning five of the six 9-hole events (he placed 4th in the other event). He then capped off the season by winning the two-day, 18-hole championship tournament. Brigowatz still has two more years of middle school golf remaining.
JJ Brigowatz wins the twoday 18-hole championship.
The Cactus Christian League Small Schools Basketball Champions MS Basketball Championship Josh Perez wins 2A Coach of the Year with PC’s first ever women’s wrestling team along with Kathryn Munos and Raquel Nowakowski who earned individual championships.
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he 2019 Phoenix Christian Junior High Lady Cougar Basketball Team had one unforgettable season!
PC had a total of eleven student-athletes on the A Team, three of which were returners from the 2018 season. Seven out of eleven were 8th graders. This was a special group of young ladies from the beginning who worked hard and played hard! They pushed each other to make each other better and leaned on one another when they needed someone. They valued each other and created such a tight bond which carried over to the court. Whether they were new to the game, had little experience or had a couple of seasons under them, they were not once negative nor brought anyone down when games or practices got tough and ultimately trusted and respected each other. The Lady Cougars took part in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Impact Play Devotional for Gamedays. The team was on a spiritual journey this season in what it means to be a follower of Christ, growing in God’s Word and applying it to their life. The team grew in their faith and began to share Him with others. The team was on a mission this season to do great things but it was a rollercoaster of challenges to get there. After a busy season that included both victories and defeat, they would face one of their toughest opponents of the season, the #1 seed Christ Greenfield, having lost to them in the regular season by 27 points. As coaches, we always tell them, “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish”. During the last pre-game talk of the season, there was such an amount of peace over the team, you could see and feel it. With more than 15 teams in the Cactus Christian School League, PC was in the top 2. They deserved to be there and were not going to leave without a fight! PC was down at halftime by 2 points, 16 to 14. However, 2nd half the Lady Cougars came out on an 8-0 run against the Lady Eagles! PC shutdown their three main scorers with a face guard smother defense. PC had a big 2nd half, scoring 17 points and held Christ Greenfield to just 6 points in the 2nd half. PC kept their composure and worked the clock to their advantage offensively. The Lady Cougars controlled the game during the 2nd half and won by a score of 31 to 22! The Phoenix Christian Lady Cougar Basketball Team has won their 2nd Championship in the last three years! The Lady Cougars collectively stepped up this season and demonstrated what playing with heart is all about! Their teamwork and work ethic proved just that! More importantly, they had fun through all the challenges that came with this season. As coaches, we teach there are two things they can control, attitude and effort; always demonstrate a Christ-like attitude and give 110% effort. They believed in each other and saved their best game for last! PC finished the overall season with a record of 9 and 4 and scoring 385 points in 13 games! Thank you to all the parents and fans who supported us on our journey this season, couldn’t have done it without you! Congratulations to the 2019 Cactus Christian School League Champions, Phoenix Christian Prep
The 2019 Phoenix Christian Junior High Lady Cougar Basketball Team had one unforgettable season! Brooklynne Blake, Kimberly Coronado, Berenice Fajardo, Nancy Felix, Emma Gonzales, Marisa Hennix, Raquel Nowakowski, Addison Ortman, Evelyn Ramirez, Pricila Reyes, Rebekah Van Sant. Coaching Staff: Head Coach Tara Poovey. Assistants: Leah Janes, Juan Gonzales and Ainsley Ebert. -Tara Poovey, Class of 2004 8th Grader Marisa Hennix takes the jump shot heading to play-offs.
Last day of practice before heading to play-offs.
Giving Tree Gala & Live Auction
T
he Giving Tree Gala and Live Auction, March 7th, was truly a spectacular and beautiful evening. From the beautiful PC courtyard trimmed in lights to the delicious Babbo’s Dinner and the wonderful live auctioneer, Jennie Heal, the night encompassed all that Phoenix Christian hoped to achieve. The families who attended were exceedingly generous, raising over $150,000. More importantly, alumni and old and new friends to Phoenix Christian attended an event that shared our rich history as well as our bright future! With tremendous gratitude, we would like to thank Stephanie (Ortman) Brigowatz, Class of 1995 and the 2019 Auction Chair.
“Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission.” Henri Nouwen, A Spirituality of Fundraising
Special thank you to our table sponsors and our generous donors: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Blake Mr. & Mrs. Art Calderon Mr. & Mrs. Howard Fleishman Ms. Jeannine Graden Mr. & Mrs. Randy Joselit Mr. & Mrs. Adam Lambert Dr. & Mrs. Monty Ortman Mr. & Mrs. Travis Scharnweber Mr. & Mrs. David Van Hofwegen Mr. And Mrs. Bud Allison 19th Avenue Garage 5 & Diner Ajo Als Andres Marrufo Aqua-Tots Central Phoenix (Nicolas Veaco) Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
Arizona Cardinals (Mo Streety)
Cobblestone Auto Spa
Majerle’s
Sprouts
Arizona Diamondbacks
Mr. Keith de Laet & Mr. Nathan de Laet
Mi Patio
Starbucks
Stephen Beals, M.D. (Gina Viviano & Cathy Burr)
David & Carol Eaton
Midtown Nail Lounge
Stratum Laser Tag
My Mother’s Restaurant
Sugar Petals
One Swing Golf
Sylvan Learning Center
Orange Theory
Shogun Sushi
Ortman Family
SkyLeader (Eric Leader)
Petsmart
The Root Salon
Phoenix Arthur Murray Dance Center
Total Wine & More
Blake/Ingham Family Brian Cole, Phoenix Fire Department Station 42 Carlos O’Brien’s Catherine Fournier Cathy Burr Wayne Crandall
Enchanted Island Fraley Family G and G Don’t Stop the Party Gadzooks Gomez Family Grand Canyon University
Elite Island Resorts
Impact Gymnastics
Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers (Randy Coffin)
Jamba Juice Jen Racer, Craft Nights
Cooper Family
Kendra Scott
CycleBar Scottsdale 101
La Pinata
Desert Botanical Garden
Layne Family
Duke Photography
Leasures Designer Portraits
Dusty Perez, Lily Photography Dutch Bros
Lois Leader Southwest Gardener
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Phoenix Suns
Mark Vander Giessen
Podlesnik Family
Paul & Sheila Van Hofwegen
Prince Amukamara
Weiss Family
Raising Cane’s
Windsor/Churn
Rehab Burger Therapy
Woods Family
Robert Tate Foundation Scooter’s Coffee Secrets Aveda Salon Seminoff Family Shake Shack Shortleash
Faculty enjoying the hors d’oeuvres.
Beautiful night under the tree lit sky.
National Honor Society served at the event.
Thank you to our event sponsors
Junior Alice Zhao demonstrates her remarkable talent on the baby grand piano.
Financial Champions Those who gave to the OAW campaign and other general or designated gifts in 2018.
Velia Aguirre Theoria Allen ‘54 Claude Allison David Altopp Robert ‘66 & Lillie Amberson Roxanne Anderson Anonymous Barnabas & Kelley ‘73 Bagby Mark Band Vikki Barr Joanne Barchi Scott ‘70 & Laurie Baughman Damon Becker ‘68 Richard ‘73 & Erin Bellah Bellevue Heights Church Richard ‘68 & Leona Bergstrom Howard & Evelyn Billings Jason & Deb Blake Jeff & Lisa ‘94 Blake Jerry & Judy Blake Gerald Bolt ‘59 Henry ‘60 & Carol Borgerding Stephen & Susan Borowy Barbara Bowden ‘81 Chris ‘76 & Patricia Bradley John & Marilyn ‘72 Brush Frank Burchi Byrd Family Trust Art & Yvonne Calderon David Callahan ‘06 James & Sarah Callahan Steven & Carol Cameron Donald Campbell David Conovaloff ‘59 Scott Capehart ‘89
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Kristy Ceton ‘94 Madaline Chandelle-Hansen ‘56 Gustavo Chaydez Bryan Chiordi Ken Christiansen Lee Church ‘68 Rod Clark David ‘59 & Linda Conovaloff Randy Compton ‘05 Mark Covelli Christine Davies ‘67 Ralph & Jean ‘56 De la Vega Diane Downing Brian ‘02 & Tara Draper Robert & Elizabeth ‘69 Draper Leroy Earhart Mark Edgerton David & Diane Eicher David & Lynette Ellis Emmaus Evangelical Mary Ellen Fee Howard Fleishman Charles & Betty ‘64 Floyd Robert Frieling ‘69 Catherine Fry ‘69 Perry Furgason ‘78 Scot Glasco ‘76 Olivia Gonzalez ‘69 Jeannine Graden Jan Greenhow James Greer ‘05 Myles & Carol Grunewald Jack ‘63 & Betty ‘63 Hafer John Hamner ‘68 Aaron & Victoria ‘10 Hamstra
Pete & Linda Hamstra ‘76 Sheila Hanson Albion Hargrave Jay ‘70 & Mary Hendricks Scott ‘88 & Melissa Hendrix Laurie Holmes Anthony & Brooke Holterman Paul & Joy Hopkins Karl Hornback Michael Horrell William & Barbara ‘62 Hoshel Kelly & Sandy House ‘71 Richard ‘85 & Denise Hovey ‘85 Garry & Sharon ‘70 Howard Yilun Hua ‘14 David & Zona ‘73 Humbach Stephen ‘81 & Lori ‘81 Hungerford Grace Hunt Roy & Donna ‘64 Hutchison Peter & Janis Jacobson Integrity Auto GlassTony & Gretchen Janes Sherry Johnson-Tarver Charles ‘75 & Pamela ‘80 Jongert Scott & Rene Karow Wayne & Diane Kindall Jim & Ruth Ann Koltveit Kuiper Family Trust Law Enforcement Specialists Daryl ‘73 & Denise ‘74 Layne Eric ‘73 & Lois ‘72 Leader Randy ‘78 & Elaine Leander
Carl ‘66 & Denise LePera Ralph ‘69 & Cindy ‘70 Lindeman Yancy ‘80 & Stacey ‘81 Lindsey Phyllis Lowe John Lynch Lawrence Mattausch ‘56 Paul MacLearn ‘57 Janice McClain ‘73 Lynda Meyer ‘65 Lori Miller William & Linda ‘58 Miller John & Beverly ‘64 Mize Ray & Sharon Miranda Joseph Munos National Christian Foundation Judith Nixon Derek & Danielle Olich Gary Olmstead Mark ‘67 & Anne ‘69 Ortman Mark ‘99 & Ashley ‘99 Ortman Brian & Karen Padelford George ‘65 & Lenore ‘65 Pannel James Paxton ‘65 Bettina Pedersen ‘78 Douglas & Benette ‘74 Penney Roy & Mary Jane ‘63 Perrone Donald Petersen ‘75 Debbie Petty Christopher Petrie Kevin & Brenda ‘70 Poole
Ming Qui Corky ‘81 & Cynthia ‘81 Richardson Charlene Rogers Dorthy Rogers Rogers & Kirby Inc Richard Rolfes Dave & Ruth ‘76 Ruter Kenneth ‘53 Schaaf Mary Scharnweber Travis & Lauren ‘06 Scharnweber Mark & Stacy Schneider Karen Seigle Tom Sertich ‘75 Donna Sherrill ‘56 Stephen ‘81 & Kathy Shiffer Dawn Shillington Jason Siciliano ‘00 Dave Simon ‘87 Lynda Sims Delbert Skinner ‘58 Charles & Debra Slagle Shane & Gena Sluga Eldon & Nadine ‘61 Smith Linnea Smith ‘86 Patrick & Florence ‘67 Smith Craig Stockmeier ‘73 Bill Stone ‘60 David & Janet ‘68 Stravers Chadwick Stevens Nicholas Sundberg Francisco Tapia Blair Tarver Robin Thomas ‘86
David ‘66 & Barbara Tomb Shirley Tomb Elexia Torres Douglas ‘65 & Vicki Totel Ronald Towne Clayton Troxell Gilberto Trujillo Dani Urick Paul ‘56 & Naomi Van Liew Harold Van Sant Bob Vouga ‘55 Andrew & Amber ‘01 Walker William & Sue ‘79 Waytas Bill Weed ‘56 Mark Weiss Wells Fargo Foundation Katie Westbrook ‘14 Rodney ‘78 & Cathryn Whitlatch James & Donna Wickersham Michael Williams ‘69 Stephen Williams ‘09 Jim & Jan Wolfe Steve ‘83 & Teresa ‘83 Woods John Wommer Sally Zane ‘79 Mike & Sheryl ‘90 Zeller
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What’s New With You?
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Mr. Wolfe teaching Honors Anatomy and Physiology. Mrs. Hendricks leading her class with that great big smile!
Calendar of Events August 5 Launch – Back to School Night 6:00pm
Mr. Callahan managing the annual tug-a-war games at high school retreat.
August 6 New Student Orientation August 7 First Day of School November 1 - 3 Homecoming Weekend and 70th Anniversary Celebration November 21 Prospective Student Open House & Fall Festival
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Mrs. Leader celebrates the end of the year with her AP Calc class and Ironm
Letter from the Editor
W
e said goodbye to four teacher/heroes last month during the graduation ceremonies. Mr. Jim Wolfe (41 years), Mrs. Mary Hendricks (35), Mrs. Lois Leader, Class of 1972 (20 years), and Mr. Jim Callahan (14 years). These four remarkable teachers served much of their careers, if not all of their careers, at Phoenix Christian. Having sacrificed so much and expected little in return, this group challenged students throughout the years to think, question, read, to care about the learning process and to be Christ followers.
from broken families and/or poverty. These students have found great love and compassion from Mr. Callahan. One graduating senior planning to pursue Christian ministry in college, shared that Mr. Callahan had a profound influence on his spiritual journey in high school. And so, I stand in awe of these Giants in our community. Teaching is not for the weak or faint in heart. At times, it can be heartbreaking, exhausting, frustrating, and disappointing. But for these four Phoenix Christian teachers, they persevered by the grace of God. They were change-makers, they powerfully influenced several generations and they relentlessly taught the Word of God. New York Times writer, David Brooks commented on a TED Talk interview that we are not teaching our children about morality, truth and self-sacrifice. Well I would like for David Brooks to meet Mr. Wolfe, Mrs. Hendricks, Mrs. Leader and Mr. Callahan. These four faithfully taught those ideas and so much more at Phoenix Christian. May God richly bless these next years as you find rest and new opportunities to serve and continue building God’s kingdom.
Alumni throughout the years consistently comment that Mr. Wolfe’s Biology and Anatomy classes prepared them for the rigors of college science courses. One in particular commented that Mr. Wolfe’s challenging classes helped her rise to the very top in both her undergrad pre-med courses as well as her classes at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. AP Calculus students encountered the most rigorous math course in high school yet Mrs. Leader had such a unique and even fun approach to teaching. Many alumni reflect that Mrs. Leader paved the way for their own careers in math education or other math related careers. Mrs. Hendricks’ long-time career in the elementary Lisa Blake school defined the richness and beauty of elementary education. Her loving and patient approach to each one of the children she Editor of CougarNow taught along with her love for literature had such a remarkable impact on student growth. Mr. Callahan’s impact on the Bible department redefined Phoenix Christian’s commitment to not only teaching Old Testament and New Testament curriculum, but challenging students to understand why we believe what we believe Volume 11 - Summer 2019 Phoenix Christian Preparatory School and learning how to defend their beliefs. In recent years, as the make-up of our student population SUPERINTENDENT Jeff Blake has diversified, Mr. Callahan truly embraced the students who were EDITOR Lisa Blake learning these ideas for the very first time, students who have suffered DESIGN Michael Swaine
CougarNow
PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTORS
Keith Baker Scott Rigler
Sarah Rhodes Dorian Studio
Barbara Tomb Steve Woods
Dr. Monty Ortman, Claude (Bud) Allison, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jamie Clifford, Juan Gonzales, Pete Hamstra, Daryl Layne, Steve Woods
CougarNow Online
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