“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
Our beloved hero, Charlie Brown, is at his wit’s end when he exclaims this statement. To some, the answer may be obvious, but to others, Christmas and the holiday season can be an extremely difficult and lonely time. I’d venture to say that Charlie Brown is among those that feels acutely “alone” in a time when togetherness is celebrated and emphasized.
Yet, in his search for meaning, Charlie Brown reminds us of something deeply human—the longing to connect, to be seen, and to rediscover hope when it feels most out of reach. Through his quiet perseverance, we are invited to look beyond the tinsel, the lights, the pageant, the music, and the tree, to find comfort in the simple, sincere moments that truly define the season. Whether it’s Linus’s uncomplicated reminder of the Babe in a manger, or the small miracle of friends gathering around a scraggly tree, this story speaks to the beauty of imperfection and the power of community. After all, the real spirit of Christmas isn’t found in perfection or abundance, but in empathy, grace, and the quiet birth of humankind’s Savior. Tonight, as the familiarity of Vince Guaraldi’s incredible music washes over you, and you join us in singing our finale, may you all find a renewal of that spirit within yourselves and your own communities.
Glory to God in all things!
A charlie brown hristmas C
by Charles M. Schulz
Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson
Stage Adaptation by Eric Schaeffer
By Special Arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson
December 12 & 13, 2025
PRODUCER MYRA KAELIN (’94)
SCENIC DESIGN & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR JUSTIN McPHERSON (’07)
STAGE MANAGER EMMA HANNA
COSTUME DESIGN KATHY RISK
LIGHTING DESIGN GAVIN TAAN
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR KEATON MILLER (’17)
PROPERTIES AND SET DRESSING TECHNICAL THEATRE IV HONORS
BACKSTAGE MANAGER AYUSH ROY
STUDENT HOUSE MANAGER ELIJAH WILLSON
SOUND ENGINEER GINGER KAELIN*
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT & HOUSE MANAGER CRISTINA ZEPEDA
DIRECTED BY LONNI ADAMS (’25) & CAMILLE BAHAM (’25)
VALLEY CHRISTIAN THEATRE STATEMENT
Here at Valley Christian Theatre (VCT), we believe it is vital for our students to know they can be unapologetically Christian in the Arts; their artistic gifts are God-given, after all. Further, it is equally important to us that our students leave our program well-prepared to think and live like followers of Jesus in a complex world. This includes learning to use their own Christian perspective to address worldly themes and the fallen nature of humanity, much like they do in their other academic studies. Often, it is when we confront these very themes that we turn towards Christ, humbling ourselves as we examine our own convictions, and seek wisdom; this is the gritty work that allows us to strengthen our faith (James 1:5-7).
Every VCT production, K-12, goes through a vetting process with several sets of theatrically experienced eyes on scripts before they are decided upon. We examine the scripts closely and decide as a team whether a show is a good choice for the Valley Christian Schools (VCS) stage. It is an extensive and time-consuming process, and one we do not take lightly. Invariably, we come across characters and situations that challenge our very human (and Christian) sensibilities. Please keep in mind that VCS does not condone these situations, characters, or lifestyles; rather, what you see on stage is a reflection of the reality of our modern world and culture. It is in these moments that we pause, humble ourselves, and begin to look for clues of justice and redemption within the story. While not always overt, they nearly always exist. And sometimes, bringing a smile to your face or a moment of joy to your heart is the redemptive moment (Isaiah 61:3).
As you enjoy tonight’s performance, if at any moment you find yourself triggered, we encourage you to pause, reflect, seek wisdom, and look for justice and redemption. If you have questions, strong thoughts, or feelings you wish to express, please, reach out to us—we want to engage in a healthy, respectful, and godly dialogue with you. It is our true desire to give your students artistic opportunities that allow the light of Christ to shine through them so that they may ultimately glorify God through their art “at home and in their communities”—to “Do it heartily unto the Lord.” We strive to ensure that the Valley Christian Theatre program embodies the VCS mission in all that we do.
Myra Kaelin K-12 Director of Theatre Arts
Justin McPherson K-12 Technical Theatre Director
CAST
Emma Breiland FRIEDA
Presley Buchanan ROYANNE HOBBS
Amaya Chavez WOODSTOCK’S FLOCK
Leo Chen ........................................................................................................................LINUS VAN PELT
Aaron Inker ................................................................................................................. CHARLIE BROWN
Rebecca Inker WOODSTOCK’S FLOCK
Juliette Jackson SALLY BROWN
Lauren Jung WOODSTOCK’S FLOCK
Lena Jung............................................................................................................................................. EMILY
Casey Lee ......................................................................................................... WOODSTOCK’S FLOCK
Lena Streichardt ...................................................................................................................................LILA
Oct 2-4.............................. 9-11 Radium Girls - HS Theatre
Oct 23................................. Fall Choral Concert - JH/HS Choirs
Oct 30................................. Fall Strings Concert - JH/HS Strings
Nov 5.................................. Sounds of Autumn - JH/HS Bands
Nov 6-8............................... Treasure Island - JH Theatre
Nov 12................................. Fall Chamber Recital - JH/HS Chambers
Nov 20-22........................... Emerge: Adventures in Wonderland - HS Dance
Dec 10................................ Holiday Chamber Recital - JH/HS Chambers
Dec 12-13............................ A Charlie Brown Christmas - EL Theatre
Dec 15-18............................ Christmas at the California - K-12 Conservatory
Monday, December 15 - K-3 EL Choirs
Tuesday, December 16 - JH Music
Wednesday, December 17 - 4-5 EL Music, HS Band and Percussion
Thursday, December 18 - The Bells Still Ring: A Conservatory Christmas Finale
Grace Zhu (’27)
WARRIOR FUND
Tuition funds operations. Philanthropy fuels vision. Every gift makes a difference, so please consider donating to the Warrior Fund today.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SAVE DATE the
April 25, 2026
Join us to honor Dr. Cliff Daugherty’s 40 years of transformative leadership at Valley Christian. This special evening celebrates our legacy while welcoming new leadership and inspiring our future. Your presence helps ensure Christian education remains accessible for generations to come. vcs.net/warriorcelebration
May 11, 2026
We look forward to welcoming the VCS community for a round of golf and a day of fellowship at the annual Golf Classic. vcs.net/golfclassic
Giving PLANNED
The Shechem Oak Society honors alumni, parents, and friends who have included Valley Christian Schools in their estate plans, empowering future generations just as the oak at Shechem symbolized God’s faithfulness throughout biblical history. Your gift ensures our faithful witness to God’s kingdom mission through VCS to all generations.
We invite you to join the Shechem Oak Society. Visit plannedgiving.vcs.net or contact advancement@vcs.net to explore the variety of ways you can make a lasting impact at VCS.
ALUMNI CORNER
Alumni Association
As we travel across the country connecting with Alumni Ambassadors and fellow alumni, we’re continually inspired by the incredible journeys our graduates have taken since high school. The Alumni Ambassador program continues to grow—now reaching alumni around the world.
Become an Alumni Ambassador
Apply to be an Ambassador today at vcs.net/alumniambassador
Alumni Ministries Team
Re-Connect & Update
Update your info today at vcs.net/alumniconnect
Dr. Steve Dang (’02) Senior Vice President, Chief Ministry Officer, and Director of Alumni Ministries
Vanessa (Makinster ’03) Galante Assistant Director of Alumni Ministries
Mark Lodewyk Vice President of Ministry Relations
vcs.net/alumnistore
Show off your school spirit in style! Your purchase not only enhances your personal collection but helps fund future initiatives for your alma mater.
Learn more about our Alumni Community alumni.vcs.net
MISSION STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™
FOUNDING STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence
