2022–2023 Annual Report

SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Compass

2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT

From the Head of School...

Focused on our Vision

We are just beginning our 28th year of developing mature disciples of Jesus Christ. Both our school and the society we live in have changed dramatically, but our vision remains the same. We endeavor to use our academic, artistic, and athletic programs to equip our students to seek, know, live, and proclaim the Truth. This process of discipleship is at the very heart of all we do both inside and outside of the classroom and is the basis for all learning at Southwest Christian. I am so grateful for all of the current and past SWCHS families who chose to partner with us to encourage and equip young people to love the Lord and live for Christ and his glory.

Committed to a Strategic Plan

Though our vision for developing mature disciples of Christ has remained constant, our strategy to accomplish this vision continues to develop. During the 2022-23 school year, the SWCHS Board of Directors, along with the SWCHS staff and faculty, conducted a strategic planning initiative to determine how we will continue to improve our school and more effectively disciple young people during the next five years.

The board and staff are deeply and prayerfully committed to this new strategic plan, and we are extremely excited to see what God is going to do at SWCHS during the next five years. I want to encourage our entire community to pray that God will continue to lead and bless our school community as we encounter opportunities and challenges to enhance the impact of our Christian education.

Trusting God and His Word

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Trusting the Lord and submitting to him requires our staff, parents, and students to read, know, and live out God’s word. The Bible is the basis of all knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, and pertains to every realm of life and thought. Therefore, at a time when the world seems to be increasingly uncertain, divided, and confused, we can be confident that God’s word clearly shows us how to best teach, mentor, and disciple our students.

Our school is committed to the hard work of planning for our future, yet, despite all of our strategic planning, our goal of developing mature followers of Christ is ultimately God’s work done through the power of the Holy Spirit. Praise God for how he is using SWCHS to help young people understand and live out their place and purpose in God’s kingdom.

Dan Beckering

Vision Statement

Southwest Christian High School exists to develop mature disciples of Jesus Christ who seek, know, live, and proclaim the Truth and glorify God through academic, artistic, and athletic excellence.

2022-23 Board of Directors

Dan Beckering, Head of School

Patrick Krommendyk, Chairman

Jason Zimmerman, Vice Chairman

Jack Brouwer, Secretary

Denise Tebbs, Treasurer

Jeff Brunsberg

Chad Gauger

Melissa Molin

Jon Nykanen

John Santjer

Bruce Washington

Nathaniel Zylstra

DISCIPLESHIP

Why We Are Here

SEEK the Truth

Southwest Christian High School believes that absolute Truth exists and is revealed through creation, Scripture, and the person of Christ. Southwest Christian encourages its students in each area of study to seek God’s truth while honestly assessing all truth claims, even those in opposition to the Biblical worldview. Our goal is to see graduates leave Southwest Christian with an understanding of the false truth claims impacting those around them and a hunger for a deeper understanding of God’s Truth.

KNOW the Truth

Southwest Christian High School believes that God desires all men to know the Truth. Although we approach the discovery of these revealed truths with humility, recognizing that we are finite and impacted by sin in our attempts to gain knowledge, Southwest Christian rejects the idea that all knowledge and truth claims are relative and therefore can’t be trusted. Instead, we encourage our students to believe that true knowledge is rooted in the revelation of God and is knowable.

LIVE the Truth

Southwest Christian High School believes that God is good, that morality comes from his His goodness, and that humanity has the opportunity and responsibility to conform to God’s goodness for His glory. In response to this, Southwest Christian encourages students to be set-apart for Christ and to follow Him through thoughts and actions. SWCHS encourages students to compassionately engage culture but not to conform to it; to not merely hear God, but to be obedient to His voice; and to strive to be instruments of God’s redemption for a lost world.

PROCLAIM the Truth

Southwest Christian High School believes that God desires all men to know the Truth. Southwest Christian strives to help students see that they are image-bearers of God and that He has called us to make disciples, spreading the Truth that we have sought and known. Southwest Christian seeks to assist students in finding their unique gifting, so they might proclaim God’s Truth in their calling and spheres of influence to which that calling brings them. It is our hope that this influence will spring from a life that seeks, knows, and authentically lives the Truth.

Partnering with Churches

Southwest Christian High School spends a minimum of six hours a day with students. We partner with parents on discipling students. We also recognize the importance of students and families getting plugged in at their local church. It’s important to us that our community is investing in a church.

Each year Southwest Christian hosts Pastor Appreciation Day. This year, we had 40 pastors attend our event and a few larger youth groups represented.

In Spring 2023, we had five students do “Instagram Takeovers” at their local youth groups on Wednesday nights. Southwest Christian wants to continue to communicate the value of investing in the local church. We come alongside churches in building disciples for the next generation. We have archived these Instagram takeovers in the YTH GROUP highlight reel for students to reference.

River Valley Church

Westwood Community Church

83 churches 40+ pastors

Serving in our Community

by Brian Goldie, Director of Spiritual Formation

One of Southwest Christian’s traditions is all-school service days twice a year! This past spring, six boy groups of our 53 discipleship groups collaborated together on a service project to clean up tires from a ravine. But for me, this was no ordinary Service Day project.

About three years ago, I received a phone call from my youngest son’s school that he wasn’t feeling well. On my way to pick him up, they called again to let me know that he was turning blue, unresponsive, and the ambulance was on its way. This was a terrifying experience. The next week of hospital visits, watching him go through seizures, and worrying about his life and future were chaotic. At the end of this tumult, we were told that he had a very rare form of encephalitis that is contracted from a mosquito bite.

Directly across from our country home, there is a ravine that used to be completely full of thousands of tires. Mechanics, auto shops, and car dealers used to come and drop off their tires in this ravine with the permission of the farmer who once owned the land. While there were great efforts in the past to get rid of these tires, erosion over the last two decades caused hundreds of them to be exposed again. These tires are an ideal habitat for mosquitoes that carry encephalitis.

With the help of my colleagues and their wonderful discipleship group students, we showed up on a rainy, muddy, spring day and tried to do our part. The

boys worked incredibly hard for hours removing tires from thick mud, extracting dirt from them, and stacking them so the mosquito control agency could later pick them up. This was grueling and messy work, and our neighborhood was so blessed and encouraged by the attitudes and work ethic of our students. We removed 220 tires from the ravine that day. This was a beautiful and meaningful service day, and it was a testimony to the impact the community of Christ can have. I am hopeful we’ll continue to have an impact on the greater Twin Cities as a result of our continued days of service at SWCHS.

served over

80 organizations or families in need in 2022-2023

2022-23 Service Day Committee

Melinda Andrews

Jessi Elliot

Anne Jones

Sonya Kaupp

Ali Kennedy

DeAnne Moore

Heidi Pexa

Nerissa Uplegger

Kimberly Van Dyken

April Zimmerman

Serving out in the community since

1996

53

D-groups served in our local communities

Senior Missions Trip

98 students & adults served on the trip in 2022

SWCHS has served in the Dominican Republic since

Alumni Sarah (Baribault) Nelson & Kirsten Provart served as nurses on the trip.

Transferring to a Christian school has rocked my life in the best way possible.

I transferred from a public school to Southwest Christian for my sophomore year of high school. As soon as I was welcomed into SWCHS by certain students and faculty, I knew I was right where God wanted me to be. My dad noticed that for my first month of being at SWCHS, I always had at least one highlight to share with my family every night.

Before, I had never been extremely involved in clubs or leadership opportunities at school because it was so easy to slip under the radar. But for our junior year, my friends and I decided to join the Spiritual Life Committee, because it is something we are passionate about. This has been such a blessing to my life. We have had the opportunity to speak into decisions and help serve the school alongside Mr. Goldie and Mr. Beckering. And now, I have the opportunity to be one of the committee chairs for my senior year. This opportunity has helped inspire my friends and me to pray for the 2023-2024 school year for students and faculty.

Student Testimonial

by Delaney Book, Class of ‘24

My favorite part about going to SWCHS is the faculty and teachers. Each and every one of my teachers knows me by name and knows my personality. I know they genuinely care for me. The relationships I have been able to have with my teachers deepen my level of respect for them, which ultimately helps me learn more effectively in the classroom. I know at SWCHS I am seen, known, and loved by my teachers and faculty.

SWCHS Bible courses have had a major impact on my faith journey. My understanding of the Bible has deepened and helped me grow in awe of who God is. The more I learn, the more I realize how big God is and how little I know. These classes have gone hand in hand with what I learned at church as well. Being involved in the local church has had an enormous impact on my faith journey as well.

Overall, the influence of SWCHS coming alongside the local church is a blessing. My experience transferring to a Christian school has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I’ve met my best friends, have reliable mentors in my life, and most importantly have grown in my love and intimacy with Jesus.

Spiritual Life Committee is a group of students who seek to find ways to foster and encourage student spiritual growth. These leaders help organize and facilitate events like Days of Prayer, worship times, and Bible studies that are student-led.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Record Year for DECA

Southwest Christian High School earned 19 state qualifiers in the fifth year of program history on Sunday, January 29 in the 2023 DECA District VII Competition. The SWCHS chapter competed against 600 other business students in District VII from Eden Prairie, Chaska, Chanhassen, Wayzata, Orono, Hopkins, and St. Louis Park.

DECA is an international program for high school and college students that prepares emerging leaders in business skills. Events range from employment interviews, sales pitches, “shark tank” presentations, and business role plays.

2023 state qualifiers:

• Employment Interview – Entry Level |

Abby Bauer, William Kail, Sofia Reeves, Julianna Wall

• Employment Interview – Advanced Level

| Jaclyn Brouwer, Libby Heimer, Gordie Molin, Dayton Thistle, Nora Vietzen, Annika Veurink, Abbie Wolff

• Sales Demonstration General/Home Lines – Maria Stuessi, Emily White

• Sales Demonstration Hard Line – Ericka Wall

• Principles of Business Management and Administration – Libby Heimer, Sofia Reeves

• Principles of Marketing – William Kail

• Principles of Hospitality and Tourism –Abby Bauer, Ava Hagen, Gordie Molin

• Apparel and Accessories Series – Annika Veurink

• Entrepreneurship Individual Series –Maria Stuessi

• Financial Services Team Decision Event –Karl Roepke and Emily White

• Hotel and Lodging Management Series – Julia Barce, Jaclyn Brouwer, Nora Vietzen

• Human Resources Management Series – Sean Johnson

• Marketing Communications Series – Becca Moore

• Community Awareness Project – Sean Johnson, Becca Moore, Dayton Thistle

2023 state finalists:

• Libby Heimer placed 1st for Principles of Business Administration and finished in the top eight for her advanced employment interview.

• Maria Stuessi placed 2nd in the state for Entrepreneurship Series

• Gordie Molin placed 4th in the state for Principles of Hospitality & Tourism

• Sean Johnson placed 5th in the state for Human Resources Management. Sean also finished in the top 20 for top test scores in the state of Minnesota.

• Nora Vietzen, Maria Stuessi, and Julia Barce also placed in the top eight for their Sales Project.

Innovative Chess-Bot Creation

In Summer 2021, Mr. Gary Shelton purchased a robotic arm for the robotics program. After taking Mr. Shelton’s course in Motion Controls, Nickolas (Nick) Azanov, a junior at the time, asked Mr. Shelton if they could make the robot play chess. He’d seen videos of robots playing chess and wondered if this one could also be built to do so. Mr. Shelton and Nick agreed that if Nick were to register as a teacher’s assistant (TA), they would pursue this chess-bot project.

During his junior year, Nick learned to write the needed code to perform three sets of communications. To complete step one’s process, Nick needed to program all of the pick-up and setdown motions into the robotic arm’s controller. “Last year, I learned how to program the arm’s motions to enable it to move over to the chess board, pick up a piece, and set it down in the appropriate square,” said Azanov.

With the help of alumnus Caleb Hay ‘16, a software engineering student at the University of Minnesota, Nick was able to develop the second part of the system to get the computer to communicate with the arm to make the move that the game wanted to make next. Nick used an Arduino Duo and wrote the needed code to interface the computer to the robotic arm’s controller. “With the addition of communication between the computer’s resident chess game and the robotic arm, the game could proceed by having the player type in their move and then allowing the response to move from the computer to the robotic arm,” said Azanov.

Mr. Shelton and Nick wanted to make a system so that the human player did not need to type in their move.

To achieve part three, the computer would need to be able to know the player’s move by reading the chess board directly. After detecting the player’s move, the computer would automatically calculate the game’s move, and cause the arm to make the move autonomously. Mr. Shelton designed the chess board (input tablet), chess pieces, and the tablet circuity. Each square of the board needed to have an isolated input sensor and send a signal for that particular square to the computer.

Nick did the heavy lifting of attaching an Arduino Mega to the chess board and writing the code needed for the Arduino to send an analog signal to the computer reflecting the human player’s move. Now the board was able to know the human player’s move. With this addition, the computer chess game, the board, and the robot are now all synced to communicate with each other.

“Without Mr. Shelton, this wouldn’t have been possible. All my gratitude goes to him,” Nick explained. “But Nick has done 99% of the work,” Shelton replied. We are grateful for faculty and students who work together to grow, innovate, and push the limits. 2023 graduate Nick Asanof and Mr. Gary Shelton are incredible examples of this.

Nickolas Azanov will be pursuing an engineering degree at Purdue University this fall. We can’t wait to see his creative journey continue.

Balloon Launch

Dr. Benson’s Earth & Space Science class learns about the atmosphere, basic meteorology, and what high-altitude balloon research entails. The labs introduce students to following & predicting jet stream patterns, ground wind speeds, temperature gradients, and flight predictors. The class watches videos of HAB research and launches and runs flight predictions of their own.

The class connected a hydrogen-filled balloon, a six-foot parachute, a smaller balloon for inside the parachute, two different GPS tracking devices, a radar reflector, and three GoPro cameras (the full video is available on YouTube.)

Roughly 900 high-altitude weather balloons are launched globally every day to collect data on temperature, humidity, atmospheric gases, barometric pressure, and jet stream winds. The balloon was registered to fly with the FAA and was tracked by a flight group out of Houston, Texas.

Dr. Benson prayed over the project, released “Operation Starburst” into the lower atmosphere, and watched as it shrank into the blue sky ascending to nearly 100,000 feet. “This was my fourth launch, and I was just as excited as I was the first time,” Dr. Benson said. “My physics students were invited as well which is why I am grateful for the school’s support to provide transportation for nearly 50 students so that those who are interested can join in on the adventure.”

The HAB team jumped into the school vans and began tracking the balloon. The GPS used has been a part of over 400 launches with a retrieval rate of 99.7%. The GPS system sent tracking signals via Iridium satellites roughly every 30–60 seconds. The balloon reached a height of roughly 19 miles up, traveling through the entire troposphere and into the stratosphere (near space). Roughly 90 minutes after lift-off, the balloon burst when it was 27 feet in diameter due to the higher pressure. When the balloon exploded, the system experienced a free-fall and it descended at roughly seven meters per second for about 45 minutes to its final destination on a farm in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

“The intention for our students was to gather data and flight images that showcase God’s order & beauty in creation and participate in the real work of scientists adding to the collective database of other HABs that meets a real need,” said Dr. Benson.

National Merit Finalist

In September 2022, more than 16,000 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists were designated to each state’s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors. Semifinalists represented less than one percent of the nation’s seniors. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists had to fulfill requirements to advance to finalist standing. Each semifinalist completed a detailed scholarship application essay and provided information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions. Semifinalists also had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed by

a high school official, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirmed their qualifying test performance. More than 7,140 finalists were selected to receive National Merit Scholarships totaling nearly $28 million. Finalist candidates are judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to Zachary Kaupp, our 2023 National Merit Scholar Finalist! This is a huge accomplishment and we recognize Zach’s hard work and academic excellence!

Robotics Supermileage Competition

Every year starting the first week in January, students and mentors come together to design and build for competition season. For the past two years, SWCHS has competed in the Shell Eco-Marathon. Shell hosts the four-day Supermileage each year in Indianapolis. 77 teams competed from colleges and high schools from both North and South America. 80% of teams were from colleges including Michigan Tech, Cornel, and Duke. Three high schools competed from Minnesota.

The goal is not to build the fastest car; the goal is to get the most fuel efficiency. The shape of the car is all about efficiency. A dual meter measures the amount of electricity that is coming out of the battery and is being used by the motor. There are about 75 technology-related inspections you have to pass in order to make it onto the track. Some of them are small inspections and some are complex. The driver has to get into the car in under 10 seconds and there are several safety constraints that have to be met.

Zachary Kaupp

Academic Honors

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a weighted GPA of 3.8 or higher in 2022–23.

Levi Abbring

Brianna Alpaugh

Addie Anderson

Alyssa Anderson

Amelia Anderson*

Jackson Andrews

Gavin Armitage

Grace Arndt

Braden Arsenault

Nickolas Azanov*

Luke Barbee*

Anneliese Batdorf

Abigail Bauer

Kathryn Beard*

Alexa Bearder

Brayden Beckering

Breanna Beckering

Kylie Beckering*

Livia Bengtson*

Molly Benson*

Nathan Bergman

Isabelle Bergstrom*

Titus Blatzheim

Ava Boen*

Dalaney Book*

Bella Boos*

Peter Bosch*

Daniel Bozanich*

Madelyn Brands

Luca Bredenberg*

Harrison Briggs

56% 95%

Willow Bristol

Jaclyn Brouwer*

Madalynn Brown

Chloe Brunsberg*

Ezekiel Buck

Zion Buck

Aubrey Burkhart

Caitlin Cagley

Elizabeth Callahan

Elena Carlson

Evelyn Carlson

Lydia Carlson*

Cosette Carto

Sadie Cinnamon

Katelyn Cook

Conan Christopher Crum Jr.

Clare Danz*

Evelyn Danz

Joshua Daun

John Davis IV*

Elias DeKam*

Ada Dekkers

Eli Dekkers

Andrew Denton

Ashlyn Denton*

Alexis Denton

Tori Dodds

Luke Dore

Claire Duncan*

Adam Dye

Sophia Elliott

Carter Engholm*

Josh Engler*

Lucas Engler

Olivia Esch

Gianna Faber

Jacob Ferrin*

Wyatt Fiedler

Isabella Fletcher

Ezra Flint

Sydney Foss

Reese Fritz

Emily Gale*

Nora Ganske*

Wade Ganske

William Garber*

Lily Gauger*

Peter Gauger*

Ella Gordon

Stella Greenwood

Jared Greiner*

Cooper Gunhus*

Isabelle Hardacker*

Tate Hardacre

Gisella Harder*

Ireland Harder*

Abigail Harmon

Hailey Hartwell*

Genevieve Hasbrouck*

Katherine Healey

Gerrit Hedman

Elizabeth Heimer

Benjamin Helm

Elleana Herz

Carter Hjelmberg

Natalie Hoekman

Ethan Holthusen

Larissa Hornor

Audrey Hough

Eden Hoyord

Iris Hulsing*

Logan Humphreys*

Braden Huston

Dagny Ingram*

Mark Ingram*

Saajid Islam

Tamzid Islam

Elaina Johnson

Evan Johnson*

Maya Johnson

Sean Johnson*

William Kail

Grant Kaisersatt

Luke Kamm

Zachery Kaupp*

Tivoli Kennedy

Megan Kimble

Logan Kimmel

Gwyneth Kleinprintz

Christoph Kleinprintz*

Sara Koester

Jaaron Konkel

Nathan Krietlow

95% of our students pass the national AP Language & Composition exam vs. 56% national pass rate.

Christina Kummer

Savannah Larson*

Clara Lauerman

Avery Laugen

Carissa Lee*

Claire Lemkuil

Benjamin Lindberg

Jacob Lodermeier

Noah Lodermeier

Abigayle Loehr

Chelsea Lohrenz*

Amanda Long

Jonah Lu*

Nora Lundeen

Lily Lundgren

Ellison Lundquist*

Garrett Lyles*

Makenna Mapstone

Sophie Marshall

Teagan Matheson*

Kennedy McHale

Ava McIntosh*

Sophia McIntosh

Nataliya McPherson*

Cade Mellema

Callen Merritt

Reese Merritt*

Taylor Miedema*

Isaiah Miles

Katherine Miller*

Madelynne Miner

Daniel Mogollon

Gordon Molin*

Lillian Moore*

Rebecca Moore*

Brooke Nicklaus

Anna Nykanen*

Kristin O’Brien*

Daniel Overline

Erika Park*

Gannon Paschke*

Samuel Pederson

Wyatt Peterson

Gabe Pluth

Ella Quiring*

Jace Rains

Nadia Ramli

Lillian Rediger*

Sofia Reeves*

Courtney Rehbein

George Rehbein*

Cooper Reimann

Miles Rengel

Ella Ringer

Riley Rodriguez*

Mercy Roemer

Karl Roepke

Bryson Rotz

Charlotte Ruch

Ellison Salyards

Keely Sandness

Johanna Santjer*

Erin Grace Savitt*

Macy Scheppmann

Madeline Schmidt*

Erya Schmidt

Natalie Schmieg

Liliana Seyller*

Adam Skaret

Julia Skaret

Colin Skoog

Sydney Skoog

Alyssa Smetak

Grace Sommerness

Abby Sorenson

Piper Stafford*

Maxwell Stapleton

Isaiah Stauble

Martha Steinhagen

Gabriella Stephens*

Lauren Stephens*

Chloe Stiernagle

Jed Streed

Trinity Streed

Rachel Strelnieks

Maria Stuessi

Emma Swayne

Brandt Tebbs

Avin Thistle

Dayton Thistle

Cody Thomas

Graham Thompson

Genevieve Thorsen*

Caleb Tollerud

Isabella Travis

Bailey Ursel

Nicholas Van Beusekom

Kayla Van Dyken*

Nataley Vassar

Annika Veurink

Nora Vietzen*

Braden Vis

Katelynn Voigt

Avery Wagaman*

Amelia Wagner

Kylie Waldron

Julianna Wall

Ericka Wall*

Brock Walmer*

Lucy Waymire

Daniel Wechter

Elizabeth Weckman

Isaac Weinacht*

Leihanah Weinacht

Brody Wercinski

Kaitlyn Wercinski

Wyatt Wercinski

Abigail White

Emily White

Maxwell Widdifield

Samuel Widdifield

Maxwell Wiegert

Autumn Wiens*

Caroline Wilhite

Isaac Wilson

Olivia Wilson*

Elizabeth Wolff

Abigail Wolff*

Mackenzie Wright

Cole Zimmerman

Mikayla Zitzloff*

John Zylstra*

65% 94%

94% of our students pass the national AP World History exam vs. 65% national pass rate.

*National Honor Society member

Formational Learning

by Peter Welle, Teaching for Transformation Coordinator

What does it mean for a student to receive a Christian education? Does the presence of a Bible class on their schedule, plus a few dozen Encounter sessions and discipleship group discussions each year suffice? Is it enough to receive quality instruction from professing Christian teachers within a tight-knit community? If a student spends their years at Southwest Christian learning and exploring the Christian worldview, but never receiving an invitation or opportunity to live it out in their coursework, are we satisfied to call that a Christian education?

At Southwest Christian, we’re looking for something deeper. As Christian philosopher Nicolas Wolterstorff once reminded Christian school leaders, “It is not faith added to understanding that we are after; it is not faith seeking understanding that we are after. Rather, it is faith realized in life.” Through the Teaching for Transformation (TfT) framework, SWCHS teachers across every department consider the ways that we can engage our students’ heads, hearts, and hands in connecting our content and curriculum to the life of following Jesus Christ in the world. Our hope is that students will begin to see how their learning connects to God’s story and their role in that.

A core practice of Teaching for Transformation that helps activate this level of learning is Formational Learning Experiences, where students use their academic skills and understanding to do real work that meets a real need for real people. This can take all sorts of forms, depending on the type of class and the direction that teachers and students want to go with it, but a key aspect of these learning experiences is that they’re not done solely for the teacher and they point at a flourishing Christian life beyond the grades.

This year, we focused on deepening our work with regard to Formational Learning Experiences and saw many beautiful expressions of what this looks like in our context. Among the highlights:

Mrs. Krause’s Foundations of Algebra class got to bless some elementary students at St. John’s Lutheran School in Chaska by providing mathematics instruction and leading them in some multiplication games over the course of the year.

Dr. Benson’s Environmental Science class analyzed local rivers and participated in water quality testing to determine the best-suited habitat for trout that

they will harvest and release this upcoming school year as part of an ongoing partnership with Trout Unlimited and their Trout in the School’s program.

Dr. Carlson’s 11th grade Bible class got to take their understanding and curiosity home as they led a family bible study around the dinner table and together reflected on how to carry those ideas into action.

Mrs. Langert and I invited Pastor Billy Russell, who experienced the civil rights movement from the front lines as a young man in Mississippi, to come and answer questions from 11th grade US History students. This was part of our “Politics & Christian Practices” unit where students also considered their own policy positions and engaged in a real-life political conversation in which they sought to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit.

There’s more room for growth in our formational learning design, of course, but we are so pleased with the ways that the Christian education that our student’s experience has deepened and stretched over the past few years. It is our hope that the distinctly Christian nature of what we offer will continue to enfold every subject and every class session and that our students will get to experience loving God and their neighbor as a regular part of doing school.

Excellence in Program Advancement:

Dr. Pete Flint, Accreditation Coordinator, skillfully and tirelessly led our efforts to achieve re-accreditation with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and new certification with the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA). As a full-time teacher, Dr. Flint led a rigorous self-assessment of all aspects of our school programming and developed the reports for the ASCI and CESA teams who visited our campus in April.

Excellence in Instructional Practice:

Jarryd Haag, Science & Physical Education Faculty, is deeply committed to helping his students develop as disciples of Christ. Mr. Haag integrates research and best practice in his teaching and inspires his students through his own enthusiasm for learning. Mr. Haag is respected and admired by his students and colleagues.

Excellence in Professional Practice: Kayle Vick, Director of Operations, skillfully manages a variety of functions and departments critical to operating our school. Kayle is always looking for ways to better support and enhance the work of other SWC faculty and staff. He is passionate about the school’s vision for discipleship and faithfully serves our school community.

Kristie Gusa-Novellino Retires

Kristie Gusa-Novellino retired after 22 years of leaving a permanent mark on our school community. “I have had the privilege of working with Kristie during my entire tenure at Southwest Christian High School as we both started our SWCHS careers one week apart in August 2001,” said Head of School Dan Beckering. “From the first time I met her to her last day on campus, Kristie demonstrated sincere compassion and love for our students. For 22 years, she has consistently prioritized the well-being of our students above all else, exemplifying a servant’s heart that touches the lives of everyone she encounters. Her desire to follow Jesus is a guiding force in her life, motivating her to go above and beyond to serve the students, families, and staff.”

Always a team player, Kristie was eager to join the students on many senior mission trips to the DR and attended many all-school retreats to care for our students. She was always there to lend a listening ear, making time for everyone and demonstrating unwavering support. During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, Kristie and her team of nurses proved invaluable to the school. Their dedication and commitment to the student’s health and safety were invaluable, earning them the Excellence in Program Development award in 2020-21. Our students and staff will dearly miss Kristie’s bright smile, cheerful laughter, and caring approach. As Kristie embarks on her retirement journey, her legacy of compassion and faith will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of working with her.

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

Visual Arts Recognition

MSHSL Visual Arts

Tournament

SUPERIOR RATING

Lydia Carlson*

Who, me?

Sophia Kazmierkoski

Radiant Gaze

Gannon Paschke

Flared Ceramic Bowl

EXCELLENT RATING

Bria Alpaugh

Magpie in Flight

Addie Anderson

Something to Hold On To

Stella Greenwood

Modern Ancient Greece

Dagny Ingram

Composition and Value

Elizabeth Jacques

Bill

Will Kail

Conversation

Joellen Merkle

Beauty Among the Thorns

Erika Park

Abstract Lights

Erika Park

Fauvist Chameleon

Gannon Paschke

Garden of the Gods on Hasselblad

500c

Mercy Roemer

Creation

Avery Wagaman

Tea Party

Articulate Art Show

Blue Ribbon Awards

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Harry Briggs

Wade Ganske

Dagny Ingram

Jacob Ramirez

PAINTING

Kaitlyn Cook

Sophia Kazmierkoski

DRAWING

Bria Alpaugh

Iris Hulsing

Elizabeth Jacques

Sophia Kazmierkoski

Adah Tibbetts

Katelyn Voigt

Avery Wagaman

CERAMICS

Breanna Beckering

Maddie Brands

Isaiah Miles

Stella Greenwood

Micah Gueldner

PHOTOGRAPHY

Breanna Beckering

Natalie Hoekman

Ellison Salyards

*Lydia Carlson won state recognition for MSHSL visual arts tournament for her Who, me? drawing, in addition to her Superior rating.

Other Awards/Recognition

2022-23 POIEMA Editor

Iris Hulsing

Great Commission Artists

‘23 traveling show: “In God’s Hands”

Anneliese Batdorf “Light of the World”- digital photography

Youth Art Month - Show at the State Capital in March

Lydia Carlson

Sophie Kazmierkoski

Avery Wagaman

Music Recognition

World Strides Chicago

Heritage Festival

Gold Rating

Chamber Singers/Una Voce

Jazz Band

1st Rating

Chamber Singers/Una Voce

Silver Rating

Symphonic Band

Top Maestro Solo Awards

Logan Kimmel, Anna Nykanen, Cooper Gunhus, Daniel Bozanich

Best Instrumental Group (Adjudicator Award)

SWCHS Jazz Band

Best All-Around School Award (Sweepstakes Award)

SWCHS Chamber Singers, Una Voce, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band

2022-23 Honor Ensembles

MMEA All-State Orchestra

Daniel Bozanich (French Horn)

MMEA All-State Choir

Annika Veurink (Soprano2)

MBDA 9th-10th Grade All-State Band

Logan Kimmel (Trumpet)

Wright County Conference

Honor Choir

Ava Boen, Emily Gale, Ethan Groninga, Paul Hornor, Daniel Overline, Miles Rengel, Avery Wagaman, Leihanah Weinacht

Honor Band

Daniel Bozanich, Jace Dovolis, Josh Engler, Cooper Gunhus, Logan Kimmel

2023 University of Northwestern-St. Paul Honor Band

Bria Alpaugh, Katelyn Cook, Tori Dodds, Jace Dovolis

Local Level

Instrumental Solo & Ensemble

Superior Rating

Bria Alpaugh, Daniel Bozanich, Caitlin Cagely, Lydia Carlson*,

Katelyn Cook, Tori Dodds, Jace Dovolis, Ezra Flint, Cooper Gunhus, Logan Kimmel, Jaaron Konkel, Anna Nykanen, Nicholas Van Beusekom, Amelia Wagner* * Perfect Score

Flute Duet: Gianna Faber and Iona Heddle

Viola Duet: Madelynne Miner, Grace Arndt

Violin Trio: Carissa Lee, Amelia Wagner, Lucy Waymire

Mixed Instrumental Trio: Nora Lundeen, Makenna Mapstone, Bella Travis

Trumpet Trio: Brayden Beckering, Will Garber, Nate Krietlow

Percussion Ensemble: Gordie Molin, Carter Hjelmberg, Iona Heddle, Will Garber, Max Weckman

String Ensemble: Grace Arndt, Noah Butler, Carissa Lee, Jonah Lu, Madelynne Miner, AJ Newell, Cade Newell, Amelia Wagner, Lucy Waymire

Vocal Solo & Ensemble

Superior Rating

Lillian Adams-Trost, Kate Beard, Kylie Beckering, Saraphina Bettin, Ava Boen, Evelyn Carlson, Lydia Carlson, Sadie Cinnamon, Hannah Cox, Joshua Daun, Sophia Elliot, Sophie Evenstad, Sydney Foss, Faith Gabriel, Libby Heimer,

Chicago Music Trip

Audrey Hough, Eden Hoyord, Chloe

Johanson, Sophie Jones, Avery Laugen, Abby Loehr, Lilly Moore, Daniel

Overline, Ainsley Phillips, Miles Rengel, Riley Rodriguez, Lucy Russell, Liliana

Seyller, Julia Skaret, Annika Veurink, Evan Vick, Avery Wagaman, Leihanah

Weinacht, Max Widdifild, Autumn

Wiens, Abigail Wolff, Elizabeth Wolff, Jack Zylstra

State Level

Instrumental Solo & Ensemble

Excellent Rating

Caitlin Cagley, Tori Dodds, Iona Heddle, Gianna Faber, Nicholas Van Beusekom

Instrumental Solo & Ensemble

Superior Rating

Daniel Bozanich, Jace Dovolis, Cooper

Gunhus, Logan Kimmel, Amelia Wagner*

* Perfect Score

Vocal Solo & Ensemble

Excellent Rating

Evie Carlson, Faith Gabriel

Vocal Solo & Ensemble

Superior Rating

Lillian Adams-Trost, Kate Beard, Sadie

Cinnamon, Sophie Evenstad, Chloe

Johanson, Avery Laugen, Lilly Moore, Daniel Overline, Miles Rengel, Lucy

Russell, Annika Veurink, Avery Wagaman

The Southwest Christian High School music students competed in Chicago this spring. 66 students and 11 chaperones departed SWCHS on March 30. The first stop was Wheaton College in Illinois where they hosted a Music Conservatory tour for our students. SWCHS then headed to the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. On Friday, the group did some sightseeing at the Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Blue Man Group.

On Saturday, the group went to the Willis Tower before the competition. SWCHS competed against 25 ensembles for the Worldstrides Chicago Heritage Festival. The choir performed at Bolingbrook High School, and both the symphonic and jazz bands performed at Plainfield East High School.

We are grateful for the opportunity these students had to explore Chicago, compete well, and bond together as a music program.

Theater Recognition

Fall Play

Best Performer in a Leading Role

Emily Gale

Best Performer in a Supporting Role

Lucy Russell

Hardest Worker

Emily Gale

Team Player

Lydia Carlson

Most Improved

Iona Heddle

Legacy Robe Winner

Emily Gale

Fall Play Hennepin Theater

Trust Spotlight Awards

Overall Production

Honorable Mention

Lighting Crew

Honorable Mention

Overall Technical Crew

Honorable Mention

Outstanding Performer in a Featuring Role

Lucy Russell

Outstanding in Technical Leadership

Daniel Overline

Honorable Mention in Technical Leadership

Gracie Savitt

Evaluator Shout-outs

Emily Gale, Connor Klein, Jack Zylstra

SoFresh

Best Performer in a Leading Role

Ethan Groninga

Best Performer in a Supporting Role

Evie Carlson

Hardest Worker

Bria Alpaugh

Team Player

Matthew Brands

Most Improved

Saraphina Bettin

Spring Musical

Best Performer in a Leading Role

Connor Klein

Best Performer in a Supporting Role

Savannah Larson

Hardest Worker

Emily Gale

Team Player

Savannah Larson

Most Improved

Sara Koester

Legacy Robe Winner

Connor Klein

Spring Musical Hennepin

Theater Trust Spotlight Awards

Overall Technical Team

Outstanding

Sound Crew

Outstanding

Lighting Crew

Outstanding

Honorable Mention in a Leading Role

Connor Klein, Emily Gale

Honorable Mention in a Supporting Role

Savannah Larson, Jack Zylstra

Outstanding in Technical Leadership

Daniel Overline, Miles Rengel, Anna Nykanen

Honorable Mention in Technical Leadership

Bria Alpaugh

Evaluator Shout-out

Evie Carlson , Vocal Ensemble, Dance Ensemble, Ensemble

Performance

Tech Team Testimonial

by Miles Rengel ‘23 Graduate

In my time at Southwest, I was heavily involved in our technical team for the auditorium and other areas around the school. Jason Wipf, the auditorium manager at SWCHS, was influential in my time at SWCHS and trained the team on how to use professional technical equipment which is used in the audio, visual, and lighting industries. Over the course of my four years, Mr. Wipf taught me so much about audio, specifically, that has prepared me for my next steps in college and what I might want to pursue in the future.

It was an incredible experience working with other students with a similar passion for technology. Serving with our tech team helped me form life-long friendships. Daniel Overline also joined the team during his freshman year, and we became very good friends through countless hours of collaborating on productions. I enjoyed working with audio, while Danel loved lighting. I can’t wait to see what we will all do with our talents in technology.

Because Southwest Christian has industry-standard equipment, we were prepared to be quality techs in our churches and community. We acquired skills that will allow us to use those gifts, both personally and professionally, in whatever ways we choose. Every day we faced challenges that needed to be solved for the SWCHS auditorium events to happen at the highest level. Those situations gave us realworld experiences and insight into what life is like in the audio, lighting, camera, and stage industries. Whether we pursue careers in tech or not, we will be able to use those problem-solving skills in future endeavors.

So much of my time as a student was shaped because of my involvement with the tech crew, but I also learned a valuable skill set that I will be able to integrate into the rest of my life whether that is specific to production or other future opportunities.

Tech Team Stats

31 Encounters

25+ School Events

Miles Rengel ‘23 Graduate

Daniel Overline ‘23 Graduate

ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE

FALL ATHLETICS

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Gold Standard GPA

3.94 Average GPA

Overall Record

22 Wins, 9 Losses

Conference Record

5 Wins, 0 Losses

Awards/Honors

Conference Champions

All Conference

Luca Bredenberg

Mehlayna Straub

Annika Veurink

AC - Honorable Mention

Kylie Beckering

Ava McIntosh

Taylor Miedema

Ella Quiring

Mikayla Zitzloff

All State - 1st Team

Mehlayna Straub

Annika Veurink

All Metro - 2nd Team

Annika Veurink

GIRLS SOCCER

Gold Standard GPA

3.84 Average GPA

Season Record

13 Wins, 3 Losses, 3 Ties

Conference Record

5 Wins, 1 Losses, 1 Tie

All Conference

Maya Johnson

Lillian Rediger

Eva Restrepo

Piper Stafford

AC - Honorable Mention

Aubrey Burkhart

Bella Travis

All State - 1st Team

Maya Johnson

Lillian Rediger

All State - 2nd Team

Piper Stafford

Ms. Soccer 2022

Lillian Rediger

BOYS SOCCER

Silver Standard GPA

3.66 Average GPA

Season Record

15 Wins, 5 Losses

All Conference

Marcus Banegas

Jake Bettin

Luke Kamm

AC - Honorable Mention

Nick Azanov

Christoph Kleinprintz

Sam Widdifield

All State - 1st Team

Jake Bettin

Luke Kamm

All State - 2nd Team

Marcus Banegas

All State Tournament Team

Jake Bettin

GIRLS TENNIS

Silver Standard GPA

3.6 Average GPA

Season Record

2 Wins, 7 Losses

All Conference

Ella Ringer

AC - Honorable Mention

Issy Bergstrom

Ava Boen

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Silver Standard GPA

3.63 Average GPA

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Silver Standard GPA

3.6 Average GPA

AC - Honorable Mention

Zion Buck

Josh Daun

Zachery Kaupp

Wyatt Wercinski

WINTER ATHLETICS

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Gold Standard GPA

3.852 Average GPA

Section Coach of the Year

Tiffany Stubbs

Season Record

18 Wins, 11 Losses

Conference Record

3 Wins, 7 Losses

Notables

Sub-Section Champions

All Conference

Chloe Brunsberg

Aubrey Burkhart

AC - Honorable Mention

Kylie Beckering

Hallie Greer

Mehlayna Straub

BOYS BASKETBALL

Silver Standard GPA

3.53 Average GPA

Season Record

8 Wins, 19 Losses

Conference Record

3 Wins, 7 Losses

All Conference

Brayden Beckering

AC - Honorable Mention

Sam Pederson

BOYS HOCKEY

Team GPA

3.27 Average GPA

Season Record

12 Wins, 9 Losses, 5 Ties

Conference Record

4 Wins, 4 Losses, 1 Tie

All Conference

Caleb Bendell

Tate Hardacre

Jannes Kamp

AC - Honorable Mention

Jared Greiner

DANCE

Silver Standard GPA

3.6 Average GPA

All Conference

Hope Greer

Audrey Monsen

SPRING ATHLETICS

SOFTBALL

Silver Standard GPA

3.65 Average GPA

Season Record

4 Wins, 14 Losses

Conference Record

3 Wins, 7 Losses

All Conference

Tiv Kennedy

Abby White

AC - Honorable Mention

Emily Hoernemann

Ainsley Phillips

McKinzie Smith

BASEBALL

Team GPA

3.43 Average GPA

Season Record

10 Wins, 9 Losses

Conference Record

4 Wins, 6 Losses

All Conference

Seth Luther

Max Wiegert

AC - Honorable Mention

Melvin Maldonado

AJ Newell

BOYS TENNIS

Team GPA

3.47 Average GPA

Season Record

6 Wins, 8 Losses

AC - Honorable Mention

Cameron Thomas

Evan Johnson

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Silver Standard GPA

3.71 Average GPA

All Conference

100M:

Mehlayna Straub

200M:

Mehlayna Straub

300M Hurdles:

Kaitlyn Wercinski

4x100 Relay:

Maya Johnson

Ada Dekkers

Breanna Beckering

Mehlayna Straub

Triple Jump:

Mehlayna Straub

State Qualifier

300M Hurdles:

Kaitlyn Wercinski

Triple Jump:

Mehlayna Straub

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Silver Standard GPA

3.73 Average GPA

All Conference

Long Jump

Zion Buck

State Qualifier

800M

Wyatt Wercinski

GIRLS GOLF

Gold Standard GPA

3.84 Average GPA

All Conference

Kendall Hoag

AC - Honorable Mention

Autumn Wiens

State Qualifier

Kendall Hoag

BOYS GOLF

Silver Standard GPA

3.54 Average GPA

All Conference

Jacob Ferrin

State Qualifier

Jacob Ferrin

Brody Pluth

GIRLS LACROSSE

Team GPA

3.44 Average GPA

Season Record

13 Wins, 2 Losses

Conference Record

6 Wins, 1 Losses

All Conference

Molly Benson

Gisella Harder

AC - Honorable Mention

Lily Gauger

Chloe Johanson

Tori Lacomy

Biz Olimb

BOYS LACROSSE

Team GPA

3.24 Average GPA

Season Record

3 Wins, 11 Losses

Conference Record

2 Wins, 6 Losses

All Conference

John Davis IV

AC - Honorable Mention

Ashton Hendel

Marc Maas

CO-OP SPORTS

FOOTBALL

(Co-Op with Mound

Westonka)

Season Record

8 Wins, 1 Losses

GIRLS HOCKEY

(Co-Op with Mound

Westonka)

Season Record

18 Wins, 9 Losses

Conference Record

5 Wins, 2 Losses

All Conference

Molly Benson

Gisella Harder

ALPINE SKI RACING

All Conference

Avin Thistle

Dayton Thistle

Season four marks the most successful year in program history for the dance team. With wins at every invitational including PACT, Hutchinson, ACGC, and Spectrum, and a fifth-place finish in a conference of Class AA schools, the team’s hard work paid off. The Stars placed fourth in their section, missing advancement to State by just one point. Prior to their final competition, the girls were ranked seventh in Minnesota for Class A.

“I’ve been so blessed to work with this group of talented and hardworking young ladies,” said Head Coach Kiana Barkalow. “Their passion for dance is always evident as is their love for Christ, which is a winning combination in my opinion. Our dance families and athletic director, Darin Keizer, have been incredibly supportive throughout the growth of our program, and we’re so thankful. We hosted our first conference meet at the school this season, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help

of our families and the school. Our goal this season was to make a name for ourselves, and the girls accomplished that within their first few meets. Our mission was to give God glory with all of our talents, successes, and interactions with other athletes. This season was very special to everyone, and the girls are already excited to start training for next season.”

Dance Program Reaches New Levels Girls Basketball Family Culture

Our basketball team had one of their most successful seasons in school history, finishing the season 18-11 playing against tough competition. They won first place at the Christmas Tournament in St. Cloud and cracked the top 20 in ranking. The most fun game of the season was Homecoming, after being down 26-8 the crowd cheered us on, and we came back to win it in overtime in front of all our fans. This program is full of girls with grit and passion that love playing hard for each other and for the Lord. We ended with five all-conference players, one All-State Honorable Mention, and the Section Coach of the Year. We have a great group of girls and a lot of momentum in this program right now. We had a record-breaking

year at kids camp this summer with 67 young girls. The entire program top to bottom has embraced our family-like culture, where older players are mentoring younger ones and everyone feels valued. When I asked the girls what their favorite thing about our program was, one of the main answers was the intentional relationships. We do a lot of team bonding because we love spending time together so much. It has been really special to watch the girls become best friends off the court and play together so beautifully on the court. We have a lot of talent returning this next year and will hopefully be a top-ranked team again this coming year.

Back to Back Trips to State

Coming off a state championship and graduating eight seniors, the boys’ soccer team needed to rebuild. The team fought through adversity, however, had guys step into prominent roles, finished their season with a record of 15-5, and competed at the state tournament for the second time in school history!

The team outscored their opponents 70-26. In the first round of state the Stars came up against Maranatha Christian Academy, out-shooting the Mustangs 25-3. However, they lost 3-2 against the Mustangs as a penalty was called in the box with 50 seconds left in the game.

Congratulations to Luke Kamm (7 Goals, 10 Assists), Marcus Benagas (6 Goals, 15 Assists), and Jake

Bettin (35 Goals, 10 Assists) on their all-state honors. Congratulations to our All-conference players: Jake Bettin, Luke Kamm, Marcus Benagas, Sam Widdifield (HM), Nick Azanov (HM), and Christoph Kleinprintz (HM).

The soccer boys had a team motto of “better together.” Our boys lived out this motto through selfless leadership and encouragement for each other. A couple of boys fought critical injuries, Josh Engler (season-ending ACL tear) and Sam Widdifield (Shoulder), however, they found different ways to lead the team through coaching and encouragement while they were out. Thank you to our seniors for your leadership and dedication to the program.

Congrats to our 2022-23 State Qualifiers

Boys Golf Jacob Ferrin Boys Golf Brody Pluth Girls Golf Kendall Hoag Track & Field

CLASS OF 2023

103

TOTAL STUDENTS

$4.9M

REPORTED IN ACCEPTED SCHOLARSHIPS

CLASS OF

Emily Grace Ainslie

University of Kentucky, Equine Management

Alexis Grace Anderson

Semester At Sea, Social Media Degree

Amelia Jane Anderson*** Hope College, Business & Communications

Grace Anneliese Arndt*

Baylor University, Biochemistry & Theology

Nickolas Alexander Azanov*** Purdue University, Engineering

Caleb James Bendell Junior Hockey

Isabelle Jean Bergstrom** North Dakota State University, Biology

Ava Patricia Boen**

Hope College, Marketing & Psychology

Daniel Nicholas Bozanich*** Penn State University, Biomedical Engineering & Music Performance

Kenneth Andrew Briggs Gap Year

Willow Wudnesh Bristol**

Arizona State University, Business

Chloe Ann Brunsberg**

Hope College, Finance

Lydia Renee Carlson*** University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Communication Studies

John Berry Davis IV* University of Dubuque, Business Management & Economics

Alexis Carolann Denton* Evangel University, Elementary Education & Social Sciences

Nolan Robert Dittrich Bethany Lutheran College, Media Arts & Business

Bella Louise Duneman

Southern Methodist University, Finance

Justin Zachariah Erickson Penn State University, Criminal Justice

Jacob Alexander Ferrin** Bethel University, Finance

Ezra Samuel Flint*** Cedarville University, Industrial Design

Hannah Joy Flynn* Gap Year

Emily Karen Gale*** North Park University, Nursing

Hope Theresa Greer

Minnesota State University- Mankato, Criminal Justice

Greta Lynn Gundy Gap Year

Isabelle Carissa Hardacker*** Bethany Lutheran College, Animal Sciences

Ireland Anne Harder***

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Chemistry

Genevieve Louella Hasbrouck*** University of North Dakota, Psychology

Katherine Elizabeth Healey* Samford University, Business Marketing

Elizabeth Grace Heimer*** Grand Canyon University, Communications & Marketing

Colin Ray Herkenhoff Working at a Ski Resort

Todd Anthony Holloway II North Central University, Computer Science

Reese Catherine Holmstrom

University of Minnesota, Kinesiology / Physician Assistant Track

Larissa Frances Hornor

Torchbearers’ Bodenseehof Bible School

Mariah Gabrielle Hunt Gap year then design school

Mark Michael Reid Ingram*

Arizona State University, Design

Tamzid Siraj Islam

University of Minnesota, Undecided

*** Summa Cum Laude (4.15 & Above)

** Magna Cum Laude (3.95 - 4.14)

* Cum Laude (3.65 - 3.94)

(V) - Valedictorian | (S) - Salutatorian

Alexis Marie Johnson Gap Year

Sean Tyler Johnson***

Southern Methodist University, Finance

Muluken Matthew Kamm* Crown College, Sports Business

Zachery Andrew Kaupp***

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Computer Science

Austin James Kimble

North Central University, Computer Science

Connor George Klein

Dunwoody School of Technology, Interior Design

Christoph Michael Kleinprintz**

University of St. Thomas, Business

Ryan James Knotts*

Crown College, Psychology & Graphic Design

Tori Alison Lacomy

Iowa State, Business

Chelsea Elizabeth Lohrenz**

Iowa State, Genetics: Pre-Veterinary Track

Jonah Lu***

University of Iowa, Computer Science & Engineering

Seth Timothy Luther

Century Community College, Finance

Garrett Robert Lyles***(V)

University of South Carolina, Chemical Engineering

Isabelle Grace Maas

Samford University, Biblical Studies

Marcus Victor Maas

Dunwoody College of Technology, Welding & Metal Fabrication

Summer Dawn Mathwig

Florida SouthWestern State College, Emergency Medical Services

Nataliya Hope McPherson**

Montana State University, Sociology & Conservation Biology

2023

Courtney Kaycia Meyer

University of Northern Iowa, Criminology

Katherine Lynn Miller***(S)

Samford University, Communication Sciences & Disorders

Zachary Theodore Miller

Dunwoody College of Technology, Welding & Metal Fabrication

Rebecca Grace Moore***

University of South Carolina, Economics & Pre-Law

Sonya Grace Nutcher * Gap Year

Kristin Kathleen O’Brien*** Bethel University, Communications & Psychology

Elizabeth James Marie Olimb

Gap Year

Daniel Earl Overline Webster University, Lighting Design

Matthew Montgomery Payne Bethel University, Business

Samuel John Pederson

University of St Thomas, Finance & Data

Analytics

Gabriella Marie Peterson

Normandale Community College, Psychology

Wyatt Vincent Peterson**

University of Northwestern St. Paul, Engineering

Ainsley Elizabeth Phillips

University of Puget Sound, Exercise Science & Music

Ella Marie Quiring***

Francis Marion University, Nursing

Lillian James Rediger*

St. Olaf College, Undecided

George Dylan Rehbein*

Bethany Lutheran College, Business Finance

Cooper Christopher Reimann*

University of Mississippi, Exercise Science

Miles Daniel Rengel*

University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Business & Media Production

Eva Marie Restrepo

Grand Canyon University, Exercise Science & Nutrition

Maria Ann Rosten* North Dakota State University, Accounting

Ella Jane Rust

University of Kansas, Marketing

Ellie Grace Schmid

University Northwestern-St. Paul, Marketing & Nutrition

Erya Grace Schmidt*

University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Nursing

Jackson Leonardo Scribante

University of Kansas, Business Marketing

Michael Owen Sorenson

University of Minnesota Duluth, Marketing & Finance

Piper Anne Stafford*** Samford University, Nursing

Martha Mavis Steinhagen

Southwest Baptist University, Agriculture Business

Gabriella Susan Stephens*

University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Nursing

Lauren Shannon Stephens**

University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Exercise Science

Mehlayna Elizabeth Straub*

Concordia University- St.Paul, Undecided

Trinity Roshelle Streed**

Gap Year then University of Tennessee, Nursing

Maria Paige Stuessi***

University of Iowa, Business

Dayton James Thistle

Creighton University, Business Management

*** Summa Cum Laude (4.15 & Above)

** Magna Cum Laude (3.95 - 4.14)

* Cum Laude (3.65 - 3.94)

(V) - Valedictorian | (S) - Salutatorian

Cody Nelson Thomas*

Gustavus Adolphus, Engineering

Erick John Thompson

Grand Canyon University, Cyber Security

Sarah Ashley Thorson

Grand Canyon University, Exercise Science

Adah Helene Tibbetts*

North Central University, Marketing

Caleb Robert Tollerud*

Grand Canyon University, Finance

Selah Michelle Uplegger

North Dakota State University, Nursing

Annika Joy Veurink***

Villanova University, Communications & Vocal Performance

Nora Grace Vietzen*

Creighton University, Nursing

Graciela Elieth Villalobos

Grand Canyon University, Psychology

Ericka Marie Wall***

Hope College, Elementary Education

Alyssa Frances Weaver

University of Notre Dame, Undecided

Leihanah Mercy Weinacht***

St. Olaf College, Biology

Emily Marie White**

Hope College, Political Science

Samuel Martin Widdifield

Grand Canyon University, Marketing

Caroline Amy Wilhite**

Torchbearers’ Bodenseehof Bible School

Olivia Susan Wilson***(V)

Clemson University, Nursing

Mikayla Evelyn Zitzloff***

Samford University, Nursing

GIVING

2015 2012

Leading the Way

Cost of Project: $12.1 million

Contributions Received: $6.1 million

To accommodate the school’s growth in 2011, Southwest Christian purchased 29 acres of farmland in Chaska as the new location for the campus. 1981 Bavaria Road became the permanent home to Southwest Christian with 187 students and a new school year at the new location on September 4, 2012.

Phase 2

Cost of Project: $990,000

Contributions Received: $990,000

This expansion allowed us to expand parking lots, add tennis courts, and provide some excavating infrastructure for future outdoor field improvements.

Farmland purchased for new school building.

New tennis courts and parking lot.

Excavation of land in preparation for improvements.

Chaska becomes new campus location for Southwest Christian High School.

Building Disciples 2019

Cost of Project: $17 million

Contributions Received: $14.7 million

To accommodate continued enrollment growth, an additional building was needed for more classrooms, counselors offices, pro-tech, additional parking, and auditorium. Campaign included two years of financial need-based scholarships.

Campus Expansion

2023

Training Disciples

Cost of Project: $18 million

Contributions Received: $12.5 million

This expansion will include 53,000 sq ft of gymnasium and training spaces benefiting indoor athletic teams, all year round training, and physical education classes. Additional indoor training space is desperately needed with Minnesota weather. Campaign includes two years of financial need-based scholarships.

Finished exterior of building.

790-seat auditorium completed.

Athletic Expansion

Grand Opening: January 2024

Training Disciples Campaign

SWCHS is focused on developing disciples of Jesus Christ as we train our students in academic, artistic, and athletic disciplines. Our new athletic complex will strengthen our academic and athletic programs and provide us with more opportunities to mentor and equip our students and athletes. The new facility will enhance our effectiveness in many areas including:

• Building Community // SWCHS will be able to host many athletic events on the same night. For example, we look forward to having home basketball games on the same day so that athletes, coaches, and fans can cheer on, encourage, and fellowship with one another.

Leslie Robertson Director of Development L_Robertson@swchs.org

• Excellence // Our teams will now have excellent year-round, state-of-the-art training facilities. While our volleyball and basketball programs will certainly benefit, the facilities will allow for new and better training and practice opportunities for all of our teams including tennis, hockey, baseball, soccer, track, cross country, dance, golf, and lacrosse. The team meeting facilities, weight room, gym courts, and indoor turf bunker will be available to every SWCHS team. Our expanded training space will benefit our academic program by allowing practices and competitions during convenient hours so that students have more time for homework, sleep, and time with their families.

• Discipleship // The new athletic complex will free up valuable classroom space in our existing building. The physical education and athletic departments will have offices and classrooms in the new building so that their current space is available to meet other needs. Valuable storage areas will be vacated and quickly claimed by our facilities department. Our steady enrollment growth has added pressure to our existing main school building, and the new classrooms, work space, and storage areas will give our school even more space to continue our work developing mature disciples of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:6-7

We are grateful for the gifts of $12.5 million our community has committed toward the Training Disciples campaign. As you know, the impact of economic inflation has resulted in higher than anticipated costs for labor and materials. In addition, a brand new code-mandated storm shelter has added significantly to the project cost. We have worked diligently to keep the cost at $18 million. The building committee has sharpened the design, reduced costs where possible, and made the required storm shelter into a valuable indoor turf space.

As we wrap up our fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, we will be expanding the Training Disciples campaign into a third year. Join me in giving generously to the campaign for us to continue to provide the Southwest Christian experience through our core values of truth, discipleship, excellence, community, and college preparation. We are trusting God to fulfill these financial needs and we are looking forward to using our parking lot when school opens in August. Our grand opening for our new athletic complex is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, January 6.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

A Note from Admissions

The vision of our founding families and leaders to grow to be a school of 500 students is being realized this year! It has been a joy to engage with so many families who are interested in Christ-centered education. Many of them are considering Christian education for the very first time.

As we meet with families, our desire is to clearly communicate that our school is based on the Truth of God’s Word! We are intentional throughout the admissions process to help families understand our core values and commitment to developing mature disciples of Jesus Christ who seek, know, live, and proclaim the Truth.

Our enrollment growth has been planned and consistent for the past 10 years (as shown below). I am grateful for how the board of directors and school leadership prayerfully and strategically planned for this growth in order to preserve the Christ-centered community and culture we cherish at SWCHS.

I look forward to meeting more new families in the weeks and months to come! I invite you to share your SWCHS experience with other families who may desire a Christ-centered education.

Barb Rengel Director of Admissions

Training Disciples Campaign Donors

Tim & Deborah Abring

David & Amy Alpaugh

Richard & Rachel Alpaugh

Todd & Krista Anderson

Mark & Sandra Hiller Anderson

Benjamin & Jamie Armitage

Craig & Pam Armitage

Mitch & Kristen Avery

Clark & Tina Bain

Jeremy & Bria Banken

Ina Barton

Bill & Mary Becker

Dan & Laura Beckering

Darin & Tricia Beckering

Jerry & Linda Beckering

Larry & Lu Beise

David & Laura Boyd Beise

Jim & Kirsten Bengtson

Holly Benson

Frank & Maureen Berthold

John & Jennifer Bettin

James Bina

Sarah Black

Shana Bloodsaw

Leon & JoAnn Boeckel

Nate & Tonia Boike

Ed & Margaret Bosch

Steve & Tara Bosch

Chuck & Cindy Bourn

Angela Brandes

Brian & Laura Bredenberg

Keith & Ann Broscoff

Jack & Michelle Brouwer

Michael & Marie Brown

Jeff & Suzy Brunsberg

Robert & Carol Bryce

Robbie & Ivy Burkhart

Terry Burkhart

Sean & Merritt Callahan

Brian & Taria Cameron

Andy & Colleen Carlin

Frank & Debbie Carlson

Jay & Kari Carroll

Bob & Jennie Coughlin

Conan & Amy Crum

Scott & Joey Dake

Greg & Joan Dattilo

Bob & Jennifer Daub

Matthew & Monique Day

Rodney & Evelyn Deboer

Sarah Dejewski

Deb DeJonge

Todd & Vicki Dillon

Allan & Karen Dirks

Brent & Shannon Dodds

Jim & Wanda Dotseth

Don & Michelle Duncan

Michael & Sandra Eidem

David & Jessilyn Elliott

Ron Elliott

John & Danielle Engholm

Duane & Patricia Engler

Chris & Corinne Erhart

Tim & Dawne Erhart

Glen & Jeanette Ertel

Gary & Debra Etheridge

Carolyn Fasching

Dan & Mindi Fasold

Jim & Kristina Ferrin

Bill & Adair Flaherty

John & Jennifer Fletcher

Scott & Kelly Flynn

Brandon & Charity Forar

Mitchell Forss

Brad & Laura Fritz

Tom & Bonnie Gasper

Kirk & Jayne Gassen

Chad & Gretchen Gauger

Jim & Sue Gedrose

James & Kathy Gelder

Peter & Jennifer Gordon

Clark Graeve

Todd & Lesley Greiner

Kurt & Rachel Gueldner

James & Marilyn Guldseth

Chet & Lisa Gunhus

Kristie Gusa-Novellino

Andrew & Jenny Hardacre

Philip Hardacre

Cullen & Stacy Harder

Richard & Christine Harwood

Jonathon & Yvette Hatch

John & Linda Haugen

Mark & Stacey Hausmann

Jim & Elise Hay

Randall & Eva Hedman

Arthur & Annette Helget

Richard & Amy Hendel

David & Rachael Herkenhoff

Warren & Jeannine Herreid

Bill & Darcy Hoag

Aron & Lisa Hoffman

David & Judith Hoiriis

Scott & Carrie Holthusen

Matt & Amy Hotchkiss

Carol Huesman

John & Aimee Boyd Hulsing

Jerry & Lori Hulstein

Wade & Nicola Humphreys

Sheldon Huston

Anthony & Cara Indovina

Michael & Elspeth Ingram

Eric & Susan Isom

Duane & Ileen Jerdee

Tim & Susan Johanson

Nick & Abbie Johnson

Allan & Erna Johnson

Elizabeth Johnson

Greg & Sonya Kaupp

Darin & Jenna Keizer

Keith & Denise Keizer

Steven & Hope Kimble

William & Betty Kimble

Matt & Niki Klein

Tom & Julie Kloempken

David & Linda Kobielush

Tim & Danielle Koehler

Henry & Dee Kramer

Howard & Alvina Krikke

Jay & Lydia Kroese

Patrick & Julie Krommendyk

Dennis & Sherri Krueger

Gregory & Carla Kummer

Tim & Heidi Larkin

Wade & Deena Laugen

Dave & Sherraye Lindstrom

Chris & Alice Lodermeier

Terry & Joy Lubben

Tim & Carrie Lundgren

David & Anne Luther

John & Ann Marie Marshall

Jose & Amy Adams Martin

Judy McCormick

Michael & Heide McDermott

Jim & Julie McEliece

Rick & Jody McNatt

Mike & Chick Meek

Harold & Glenda Mellema

Scott & Heather Mellema

Jonathan & Janet Merkle

Jerome & Sandra Meyer

Scott Micek

Mike & Allison Miedema

Kyle & Melissa Molin

Steven & Marsha Molin

John & Phyllis Monsen

Tyler Monsen

Scott & Brenda Moore

Chris & Amy Morrison

Vaughn & Bridgette Mulcrone

Rick & Sara Narvaez

Lance & Karin Newell

Paul & Debra Niebuhr

Liv Paulson Norderhaug

Jon & Deb Nykanen

Tom & Nikki O’Brien

Jack & Vivian Ocenasek

Rick & Kate Olson

Allan & Vicki Olson

Bob & Judy Olson

Jim & Darla Olson

Kevin & Tiffany Ortner

Gary & Patty Ostrem

Matt & Tricia Paschke

Michael & Sandy Pawlyszyn

Brett & Elizabeth Perry

Lois Petersen

Tom & Annebet Pettit

Mark & Jacquie Phillips

Joe & Darcy Piche

Steve & Nikki Pothast

Abe & Tara Quiring

Charles & Mindi Rector

Paul Reimer

Rob & Beth Reiskytl

Paul & Barb Rengel

Joe & Jane Ringer

Bob & Lois Robertson

Greg & Leslie Robertson

Patricia Robinson

Katie Rosenow

Ed & Eileen Rosenwinkel

Richard & Diane Rovang

Randy & Shelley Reinhart Saby

Adam & Kristen Sandvig

Greg & Rae Lynn Sandvig

John & Jessica Santjer

Harvey & Darlene Sawyer

Dennis & Susan Scheppmann

Tim & Pam Schmidt

Grace Schmidt

Jo Ann Schwartz

Phil & Judy Schwarz

Steve & Kelly Schwen

Lauren Schwen

Michael & Janet Scott

Jay & Candi Scott

John & Tina Scribante

David & Shelley Shirley

Adam & Brittany Shively

Mark & Kathy Simanek

Steven & Lynette Skramstad

Jason & Ashley Smith

Eric & Sharla Stafford

Mark & Shannon Stay

Jeff & Jennifer Stephens

Don & Jane Straub

Pamela Strommen

David & Lucia Stuessi

Scott & Christine Swanson

Mike & Trisha Sweet

Mike Szymanski

Steve & Denise Tebbs

Joe Tewinkel

Brent & Kelly Thielen

Mark & Kristen Thistle

Erick & Liz Thompson

David & Roxanne Thorson

Craig & Chrystal Trettin

Scott & Jennifer Tudor

Peter & Deirdre Van Nest

Jim & Stephanie Verdoorn

Craig & Christine Veurink

Paul & Kristen Vietzen

Mark & Karen Wagner

Richard & Laura Wall

Travis & Alexandra Walmer

Mike & Kate Walters

Craig Wanous

Charles & Denise Warta

Roger & Leanna Watchorn

Chet & Elynn Welle

Tony & Courtney Wells

Michael & Jennifer Widdifield

David & Jessica Widdifield

Joel & Kelly Wiegert

Chris & Amy Wiens

Mark & Amy Wilhite

Kevin & Megan Wright

Roger & Jayann Young

Jeff & Suzy Yue

Fred & Kay Zimmerman

Jason & April Zimmerman

Nathaniel & Kari Zylstra

COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS

Ameriprise

Banken Structures

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Cargill

Duininck Companies

HD Distributing

Honour Capital

JD Nelson and Debra Nelson Charitable Foundation

K.A.H.R. Foundation

Medtronic

Ernest S. and Sally A. Micek Family

Foundation

Midwest United VBC LLC

Olson, Clough & LeBlanc

Prins Bank

Royal Bank of Canada

Sales Force

Sea Foam Sales Company

Senior Care Communities

Sequel Response

Sid & Carol Verdoorn Foundation

Thrivent

Tradition Capital Bank

United Health Group

US Bank

Wells Fargo

Thank you for supporting our programs!

CORPORATE PARTNERS:

Advanced Imaging Solutions

Amazon

Bethel University

Brama Real Estate

Chapel Hill Academy

Chaska Lions

Chick fil-A

Crown College

Detello’s Pizza and Pasta

Drew’s Homemade Carmel Corn

DS Driving School West

Fabcon Precast

Freedom Financial Group

Hoag Family Tree

Hotel Excelsior

Kyle Hunt & Partners

KTIS

Luther, McFarland, Kuehner, & Associates:

Ameriprise Financial

Matt Lorenz, State Farm Agent

North Central University

OSR Physical Therapy

RJM Construction

Saby Farms

Signature Wealth Management

Smartpress

Stafford Family Realtors

The Piche’ Group - RBC Wealth Management

Tradition Capital Bank

Twin Cities Property Finder

University of Northwestern - St. Paul

Valeo Health & Wellness Center

WaterRock

Youngstedts

To learn more about becoming a Corporate Sponsor contact:

Leslie Robertson

l_robertson@swchs.org

ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB

Maroon:

Jeff & Suzy Brunsberg

Joe & Stacy Carto

Matt & Becky Dekkers

Jack & Robin Fiedler

Scott & Gretchen Ganske

Greg & Lynda Gentz

Nick & Shannon Hoekman

Nick & Abbie Johnson

Jay & Lydia Kroese

Greg & Karla Kummer

Michael & Allison Miedema

Lance & Karin Newell

Brett & Elizabeth Perry

David & Jenna Rains

Michelle Rovang Burke

Craig & Dawn Sandness

John & Jessica Santjer

Steve & Denise Tebbs

Mark & Kristen Thistle

Thomas & Melissa Tollefson

James & Stephanie Verdoorn

Darren & Elise Wercinski

Aaron & Ann Wilson

Matt & Ann Wolff

Jason & April Zimmerman

Silver:

Tim & Christina Bristol

Bryan & Sarah Dye

Michael & Jennifer Widdifield

Star:

Robbie & Ivy Burkhart

Steve & Paige Garber

Peter & Jennifer Gordon

Curt & Heidi Greer

Kyle & Melissa Molin

Chad & Tiffany Stiernagle

Booster Supporters

SWC-RICHFIELD HOCKEY:

Authentic Brand

Bluff High Kennels

Bonfe

Carver Scott Humane Society

Cedar West Family Dentistry

Chartier Orthodontics

Chick-fil-A Chanhassen | EP

Culvers Bloomington

Edgetek

Fortis

Fox Den Salon

GTS Financial

Hendel Homes

Honour Capital

Kent Stoa Coldwell Banker

Konen Homes

Kyle Hunt Partners

Lake Orthodontics

Lindsay Group

Minnesota Made Hockey

Near & Far Photography

Nicolet National Bank

O.S.R. Physical Therapy

Ovation Orthodontics

RBC Wealth Management

Rollx Vans

Tooth by the Lake

Twin Cities Orthopedics

Twin City Filter Service

FINE ARTS PATRONS:

Patron:

Chad & Gretchen Gauger

Matt & Niki Klein

Kyle & Melissa Molin

Producer:

Nate & Amber Boen

Scott & Brenda Moore

Jason & Betsy Phillips

Director:

Chet & Lisa Gunhus

Jon & Deb Nykanen

Jay & Candi Scott

Nathaniel & Kari Zylstra

Friend:

Dave & Amy Alpaugh

Chris & Lori Dovolis

Stan & Lynn Gabriel

Nate & Beth Gale

Randy & Eva Hedman

Barb Overline

Carey & Cheryl Rettig

Jeff & Lori Wagaman

Jason & April Zimmerman

Contributer:

Jim & Julie Kazmierkoski

ALUMNI

Stay updated on alumni located nationwide. We are proud of our community and their professional accomplishments.

JESSICA (CARLIN) LOMBARDO ‘10

Partner Sales Director

Yelp (AZ)

I have been with Yelp for nine years since graduating from UW-Madison and currently manage Yelp’s top channel partners where I am responsible for maintaining and growing $20 million in annualized advertising revenue.

TOM CARDLE ‘10

Internal Wholesaler

First Trust (TX)

As a wholesaler at First Trust Portfolios, I help advisors find the best investment products for their clients. I love building relationships with advisors, learning about their financial practices, and helping them serve their clients better.

Nick is a CPA and senior manager in the KPMG Minneapolis audit practice with more than 12 years of experience providing financial statement audits and audits of internal controls to a variety of both private and public clients, primarily in the consumer goods, retail, and manufacturing industries.

“Nine years ago, I started as a human resources intern with Hilton Chicago. I have worked for Hilton, Marriott, & Nobu. I lead a team at LM Restaurant Group with over 250 employees. We really challenge the concept of ”human resources.” People & Culture is putting the employee first and finding answers to questions like “how can we motivate our employees the best? and “how do we work best together remembering that we all have different backgrounds and cultures that make us who we are?” I love what I do, and I’m so glad I followed God’s calling for my life!”

I am back in Indiana for almost two years now working for Reid Health in Orthopedics. I am the head non-operative sports medicine physician overseeing athletic trainers and athletes for eight high schools and two colleges. My favorite part of the job is getting to utilize ultrasound everyday to help patients.

I’m currently working as a rotational sales analyst for L’Oreal USA in the consumer products division out of their Hudson Yards office in New York City. I started full time with L’Oreal post-grad after being hired out of their internship program in college and moved to NYC for the role.

Chemonics International (MD)

I have 10 years of experience working in strategy, program management, and communications roles for global organizations. I am currently employed by the global sustainable development firm, Chemonics International, which works with US, UK, and other government clients to help people around the world live happier, healthier, and more productive lives. I work closely with the Executive Team and Board of Directors to deliver the company’s 5-year strategic plan and manage corporate operations.

NICK OLSON ‘06

BRAYTON KIEDROWSKI ‘08

Senior Audit Manager

KPMG (MN)

Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician

Reid Health (IN)

KJEIRSTIN CARLSON ‘18

NATALIE WISELY ‘09

GRACE KENNEDY ‘11

Retail Merchandising Analyst L’Oreal (NY)

Project Manager, Communications & Change Management Specialist Director of People & Culture

LM Restaurant Group (IL)

Rachel “DeVries” Benedict ‘06 Corporate M&A Partner | Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Who: SWCHS alumna

While at SWCHS: Rachel was involved in student council, soccer, golf, and choir.

Education: Rachel graduated from Calvin University in 2010 with a degree in English, Business, and International Relations. She received her J.D. in 2013 from the University of Minnesota Law School with a concentration in Business Law.

Where she is now: Rachel is a partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP. Rachel was recognized in Minnesota Lawyer’s 2023 “The Power 30: Mergers & Acquisitions” and has been named as a Rising Star by Minnesota Super Lawyers since 2020. Some of her clients include UnitedHealth Group, Best Buy, and Land O’ Lakes. She manages a variety of corporate transactions, with a focus on strategic M&A in the healthcare, food and beverage, and technology industries. “The best part of being an M&A attorney is learning about client businesses and advising them through key turning points in their corporate history,” Benedict said. She has been practicing for 10 years and is Co-Chair of Recruiting.

Personal Life: Rachel and her husband, David, have two children: Sophia and Pierce. They live in Chanhassen and attend Church of the Cross.

‘05 Senior Dominican Republic Missions Trip

Beckham Brycen Wojta

April 28, 2023

Brycen & Katie (Lubben ‘13)

Adelyn Joy Olson July 7, 2023

Parents: Nick (‘06) & Kristina

Theodore Michael Walters June 17, 2023

Brett (‘04) & Bekah

Maluhia Yaeko Miklas

December 11, 2022

Anthony (‘14) & Kameko

Marley May Rosenberry May 20, 2023

Josh & Mackenzie (Horkey ‘14)

Michael Andrew Lombardo December 31, 2022 Marc & Jessica (Carlin ‘10)

Emma Kate Olson February 13, 2023 Spencer (‘10) & Hannah

Veronica Jay Mateffy

December 21, 2022

William (‘14) & Maddie

Zion Daniel Kruse

June 7, 2023

Nick (‘04) & Jennifer

Layla Grey Bearson

April 2, 2023

Alex & Chelsea (Greiling ‘06)

Otto Elwood Shelley May 1, 2023

John & Amanda (Kavlie ‘10)

Mason ‘18 & Lauren (O’Brien ‘19) Hardacre July 15, 2023

Michael & Rachael (Clark ‘10) Rohlf June 10, 2023

Luke & Ally (Jensen ‘14) Kidwell June 23, 2023

Nate & Sarah (Baribault ‘17) Nelson July 8, 2023

Oliver ‘19 & Rylie Baklund May 6, 2023

Henry ‘21 & Krystal Baklund July 1, 2023

FINANCIALS

$720K was granted to families for need-based scholarships in 2022-2023

Cindy Eidem Director of Finance

2022-2023 OPERATING INCOME

2022-2023 OPERATING EXPENDITURES

Five-Year Strategic Plan

During the 2022-23 school year, the SWCHS Board of Directors, along with the SWCHS staff and faculty, conducted a strategic planning initiative to determine how we will continue to improve our school and more effectively disciple young people during the next five years. Below are the five strategic priorities. To learn more about the Strategic Plan, scan the QR code on the right.

1981 BAVARIA RD, CHASKA, MN 55318