Spring/Summer 2022 The Magazine of Village Christan School CLASS OF 2022 Celebrating VCS graduates 2022 RECORDSWINGSAUCTIONINTOBOOKS The Crusader Club Has Long-Lasting Impact CURTAIN CALL Thom Babbes Retires, Dan RochetoHandpickedTakeOver CRUSADERS CLIMB BACK TO THE TOP VCS Athletics filled the trophy case in 2021-2022 FAMILY CONNECTION Rodas brothers redefine support system on and off the field
Now, our students are reaping the benefits. As you will see in the following pages, nothing can deter Village Christian from pursuing extraordinary accomplishments, innovation, and heartfelt connection, all within the context of God’s favor, guidance, and covering.
If you have an idea for a story or person to be featured in the Village Voice, please email connect@villagechristian.org.
For years, the Village Voice was a hallmark of the VCS community.
The last two years have been quite a journey for this community, but we are re-emerging stronger, more resilient, and more reliant on God’s grace—and we are thankful to have done it all together.
Whether on stage, on the field, or in the classroom, the VCS community reached tremendous heights during the 2021-2022 school year, and as you read on, you’ll see how.
We are proud to feature so many amazing people and stories that capture the heart and history of Village Christian School.
Welcome to the second issue of the Village Voice relaunch.
SPIRITUAL LIFE UPDATE | PAUL PITTS III Chapel Recap: "I Am" COMMUNITY FEATURE 2022 Auction and Gala Swings into the Record Books FINE ARTS FEATURE Roche Handpicked to Take Over for Babbes PERFORMING ARTS UPDATE Performing Arts Doesn't Miss a Beat ATHLETICS UPDATE Crusaders Climb Back to the Top RETIREMENT | LISA ADAMSON A Career in Kindness CONCENTRATIONS ® UPDATE Reigniting Concentrations ® ALUMNI FEATURE | RODAS BROTHERS Family Connection ALUMNI FEATURE | ISABELLA SANTIAGO (‘22) A Heart for People ALUMNI UPDATES Crusaders for Life VCS Marketing Department VP | Tracy Nightingale Editor | Paul Putignano Graphic Designer | Fontaina Funk Event Coordinator | Lesli Cates Photographers / Contributors Risa Benning, Karina Culbertson, Ray Endacott, Matt Farias, Fontaina Funk, Judy Mandl, Dana Mikels, Paul Pitts III, Paul Putignano, Blanca Schnobrich, Harry Tom Special Thanks Melissa Cherella, Lindsay Gunn CONTENTS 1612620222830364246 the VILLAGE VOICE
THANKSGIVING BREAK | NOVEMBER 21-25, 2022
CRUSADER GOLF CLASSIC | SEPTEMBER 23, 2022
This special break is a full week again this year. Enjoy this time with friends and family as we enter the home stretch of the calendar year.
CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT CELEBRATION | DECEMBER 9, 2022
Don’t miss this beautiful night of fellowship, music, treats, and heart-warming festivities—all in celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior.
CHRISTMAS BREAK | DECEMBER 22, 2022 – JANUARY 9, 2023
Upcoming Events
4 the Village Voice BACK TO SCHOOL | AUGUST 16 (MS/HS) AND 17 (ES), 2022
HOMECOMING | SEPTEMBER 12-17, 2022
Closing out the first semester, it’s time to enjoy a blessed Christmas Break with loved ones.
GRANDPARENTS DAY | NOVEMBER 18, 2022 We cannot wait to get our beloved grandparents back on campus for this special tradition with our Elementary students.
Our 24th annual golf tournament will be held at DeBell Golf Club. Rally your friends and family to support this Booster Club-hosted tradition on the links. Visit birdease.com/crusader to register!
The first day of school for Middle and High School students is August 16, while our Elementary students will join us for their first day on August 17.
Calling all Crusaders past and present. Homecoming Spirit Week kicks off September 12, features our annual “Nonfire” celebration on September 15, and culminates with the Homecoming football game (with alumni reception) on September 16. Plus, HSPTF will be hosting the Homecoming Dance on September 17!
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Our laser focus was on attheyandrelationships,tostudentshelpingreturntheactivities,traditionslovehereVCS.
A NOTE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
The extended VCS family of alumni and their families is incredibly important to the ongoing success of our school. We continue to provide a light in the darkness here in Los Angeles and at a very affordable tuition. Thank you for your continued support of our school.
Finally, I was personally moved by the article on the Rodas brothers. I still remember touring these long-time friends of our family around VCS and encouraging their parents to make the long drive from Simi Valley to our school. Their arrival at the beginning of our lacrosse program helped our team to become very good, very fast, but it was their contributions to student life that made the largest impact. It is thrilling to watch them continue to excel on the field and in their academics and career pursuits.
It was not easy to manage our way through the ever changing COVID mandates, but our entire faculty and staff worked tirelessly to ensure that students could thrive. I will never forget their deep faith, courage, and commitment to sharing the Love of Christ with all of our students. As you will read, there are many highlights and celebrations listed in this edition. As I reflect, I think what I am most proud of are the smiles on students faces as they walked across campus; listening to the cheering of the crowd at performances, games, and graduations; hearing the stories from students of their trips to Washington, D.C., The March exploring the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement, the freshman and senior retreat, and our return to Mexico to learn and serve. These are the memories that many of you cherish from your time here at VCS, and I am so grateful that we were once again able to provide those to our students. This edition also commemorates the retirement of faculty members who left a profound and lasting legacy at our school. Lisa Adamson was a favorite of generations of students and parents here in our elementary school. I will never forget her taking my daughter to lunch to help her adjust to her new school, and I know many of you have similarly fond memories. Thom Babbes directed our Theatre Arts program to unprecedented levels, winning awards amidst the top theater high schools in Southern California. His trademark challenge to his students to find the Biblical truth in the secular works that they performed will be a lasting charge to our performing arts students. We are thrilled that he helped us to find his replacement in Dan Roche and believe that Dan will carry the torch of excellence in the arts forward.
Go TomCrusaders!Konjoyan | Head of School
I trust that you will enjoy catching up on your school and your classmates in this edition of the Village Voice. Last school year was celebrated as a “return to normal” after we battled through the many obstacles of the pandemic. Our laser focus was on helping students return to the activities, relationships, and traditions they love here at VCS.
The first message actually served as a prelude to these seven “I Am” statements, entitled, “I Am not the Christ.” It provided an opportunity for me to share my testimony testifying to the saving work of the Lord Jesus in my life, bearing witness to the truth that I am a sinner in need of the only sufficient Savior—the Lord Jesus Christ. In short, I am not the Christ, and I need the Christ with all of His glorious grace. As Christians, we are saved sinners, redeemed children of God, and ambassadors for the good news of Jesus Christ. But we are not the savior, we are pointers and the Lord Jesus is the one we point people toward. This proper perspective is exemplified in John the Baptist, who in John 1:20 confessed “I am not the Christ.” Then finally when John
BASED ON JESUS’ “I AM” STATEMENTS IN THE BOOK OF JOHN SPIRITUAL
By Paul Pitts III, Spiritual Life Director
I AM.
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The people of Jesus’ day said numerous things about his identity, much like today, saying He was a prophet, a reincarnation of a prophet, and so forth. But then Jesus in the next verse then asked, “But who do you say that I am?”
LIFE UPDATE
There is no greater question with more eternal implications than, "Who is Jesus Christ?" How you answer that question is at the center of your eternal destiny. But eternal life is not merely about getting a question right, rather, eternal life is received from trusting and knowing Jesus Christ rightly. In Matthew 16:13, Jesus asked His disciples the question, 1“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
SPIRITUAL LIFE DIRECTOR PAUL PITTS III TAKES A DEEP DIVE
RECAPPING LAST SCHOOL YEAR’S CHAPEL SERIES
Peter rightly confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God and this blessed confession is the rock on which the church is built. Yet this question, concerning the believed identity of Jesus, needs to be asked again and again, personally to every person throughout every generation. So, that is the question we primarily focused upon in our chapels this year at Village Christian School with the series titled I Am: Meeting Jesus Again. With this Christ-centered focus, we opened up the Word of God to the Gospel of John. In this Gospel, we receive seven “I Am” statements from Jesus Himself, where He proclaims in His own words exactly who He is and what He came to do for fallen people like us.
The second message in this series focused on the first “I Am” statement in the Gospel of John, namely Jesus’ claim that He is the Bread of Life. We all know bread is a staple food for our existence and even more so 2,000 years ago. We daily concern ourselves with feeding our stomachs, when oftentimes live with hungry souls. In John 6:35, when Jesus says “I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE,” He introduces Himself as what our souls’ hunger for at the deepest eternal level and bids us to come to Him so that we may no longer hunger or thirst. Jesus Christ is the bread of life, so He alone can save and satisfy our soul, even in the years of adolescence. The students were encouraged to feast on Jesus by coming to Him in faith and trusting in Him for salvation and solace. Trying to find salvation from sin or satisfaction for your soul in this world apart from Jesus is like digging into ice to find a warm fire. We were made to find our all in all in Jesus, He came as all that we need, and He wants us to come. The good news being whoever comes to Jesus, He will never cast out (John 6:37).
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The third message in this series focused on the second “I Am” statement in the Gospel of John, namely Jesus’ claim that He is the Light of the World. There is a real sense in which as humans we are strangers to the darkness and always drawn to the light. Darkness is not only scary but blinding, only in the light can we truly see and live. But spiritually speaking, we live in a fallen dark world and the darkness of sin is within our very nature. So, in the midst of such deep darkness, Jesus sets Himself forward as the light of the world. In saying this, Jesus means the brilliance of God shines forth in Him. He is this dark world’s only light, which cannot be turned off, extinguished, or overcome by darkness. Jesus is the light that aids us to see clearly, the light of salvation over judgment, the light of truth in a world full of lies, the light of joy over sorrow, the light of the nations, and the light of the gospel bringing hope to all people. This world is a blessing in so many ways, but these kids understand the sin, suffering, depression, disasters, gossip, bullying, broken families, and death that exists making this world dark. But they heard that they don’t have to stumble in the darkness, nor be defined by it. For the light of the world has come, His name is Jesus, and He has offered to us the light of life. They were encouraged to come to the light in coming to Jesus, to walk in the light in following Jesus, and to be the light by shining with the light of Christ in their sphere of influence.
finally sees Jesus, he exclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The hope in this chapel was to encourage our students that we beauti fully make sense of our own stories when we come to Jesus. The encouragement was for them to look away from themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, for only through Him can we be saved, forgiven, transformed, and assured that eternal life is ours. Furthermore, we ought to point others to look to Christ with trusting faith, for we are not the answer because we are not the Christ. We are a needy people, but thank God we have such a great Savior for our needs. Jesus is the point.
The fourth message in this series focused on the third and fourth “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John, namely when Jesus claims “I am the door of the sheep” along with “I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD FOR THE SHEEP." This sermon was preached by FunkFontainaPhoto:
High School Pastor Josh Petras from Grace Community Church, a local church not far from the school. 2 Josh Petras taught that as the door, “it is not just that Jesus is the only way, but that He is the way to heaven. If you trust in Jesus, you will get to heaven. How do you know you can trust Him? Because He is the good shepherd. Jesus cares for His people to such a degree that His people can trust He will shepherd them all the way to glory.” We learned that Jesus is trustworthy as the only entrance into salvation and the pasture of God (John 10:9). He is trustworthy as the door, because He is also the good shepherd (John 10:1014). As the good shepherd, Jesus knows, leads, protects, feeds, and lays down His life for the sheep. Jesus cares for His sheep, He knows us and we know Him as believers. He lays down His life for us as our substitute taking upon Himself divine wrath due against our sin. But as the good shepherd, after laying His life down, He takes it back up again in resurrection. The students were encouraged to see that our good shepherd is undefeated even against the foe of death. Moreover, He isn’t a hired hand careless over His sheep or an unfaithful shepherd who will leave the sheep in danger. The students were encouraged by this chapel to behold Christ as the doo to eternal life and the good shepherd who will lead us home through His own sacrificial love. Jesus is trustworthy, strong, and kind. Wherever the students find themselves, even as wayward sheep, the good shepherd is ready to receive them and change their lives.
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The sixth message in this series focused on the sixth “I Am” statement, where Jesus claims, “I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE, NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME” (John 14:6). The context of this verse was amazing for us to think about because this was the last night of Jesus’ earthly life before His crucifixion and resurrection. Yet, the Lord isn’t doing His own thing, rather He is serving, teaching, comforting, and encouraging His disciples. The disciples in this teaching time tell Jesus they don’t know the way to where He is going with the Father (John 14:3-5). So, Jesus doesn’t just give an answer, He gives Himself because He is the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to get to the Father is through Him. This chapel helped students to consider the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to salvation and eternal life. He is the only way, singular and exclusive, no other religion, rituals, or good works can get you to salvation and eternal life. He is the only truth, Jesus taught the truth, lived the truth, and revealed the true God, who can never lie. If people are looking for the truth, their search should end with Jesus. Against the teaching of the culture, it was made clear that the truth is subjective and to be spoken of as “my truth” or
The fifth message in this series wasn’t actually a sermon but a poetic presentation by one of our beloved teachers, Ms. Sophia Case. The Servant Leadership class, with adult supervision and guidance, planned and led this chapel focused on the fifth “I Am” statement, where Jesus claims, “I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE.” The context of this passage is Jesus is with a family of disciples who have just lost their brother to death. But Jesus comes to them after four days boldly proclaiming His power over death and His power for resurrection. Ms. Case has a wonderful testimony testifying to how the Lord Jesus saved her from a life of sin and decades of atheism. With great eloquence and powerful presentation, she explained how she was spiritually dead in her sins (Ephesians 2:1), which deeply impacted how she lived, along with how she understood the world, herself, and God. But the Lord Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, gave her new life and she came to saving faith in Him. Through poetry, she set forth Christ as the resurrection and life, who saves sinners from spiritual and eternal death. Students were encouraged to cease writing their own story without the Lord Jesus in it and without giving Him the pen. For Christ Jesus is good and the giver of life anew.
PAUL PITTS III IS JOINED BY NEW ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT CARRIE POST, WHO BEGAN WORKING AT VILLAGE CHRISTIAN IN THE FALL.
The seventh and final message in this series focused on the last “I Am” statement, where Jesus proclaims, “I AM THE TRUE VINE” (John 15:1-5). As image-bearers of the Triune God, we are all relational beings. So, we need to be connected to others and we do so in person, through social media, calls, texts, etc. In John 15:1-11, Jesus sets Himself forth as the true vine, since Israel was a vine that often failed to produce fruit in the Old Testament. But he also claims that His disciples are like branches connected to Him, the true vine. This message was a call to receive and remain connected to Christ the true vine. As the true vine, Jesus is the life-giving source of God. Disciples of Christ are branches, whose existence is not independent, but dependent upon Christ. Branches cannot live without being connected to the vine, likewise we cannot live apart from vital connection to Jesus. We are connected to Him, not by repeating some facts or a prayer but by trusting in Christ as a living person in the deepest dependent relational sense and the Holy Spirit. Branches
If people are looking for the truth, their search should end with Jesus.
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“your truth.” Truth is revealed by God, defined by God, the self-expression of God, truth is reality itself, and truth is personified in Jesus Christ. Jesus also said that He is the life. Jesus eternally has life, creates life, sustains life, and gives eternal life to those who trust Him. No one comes to the Father except through Him. This means Jesus is the only road, path, and way to God, forgiveness, heaven, and salvation. There is no other mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5). The students were encouraged to grasp the exclusive message that Jesus is the only way, but to receive the inclusive offer to all people to repent and believe upon Christ Jesus as the way to everlasting rest. It is amazing that Jesus as the only way came down for us to make a way. It was made clear to the students that this isn't a message that should simply make them uncomfortable or be received as something that is unfair. God didn’t have to provide a way, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). We have all broken his law intentionally in rebellion and it would have been justice for all of humanity to perish eternally. But the exclusive gospel of Jesus Christ is a reality because of the great love, mercy, wisdom, and grace of God. The students were helped to see that we shouldn’t be mad that the gate is narrow through Christ alone, we should be grateful that the gate is open to all people. Only Jesus fulfilled the law of God perfectly as the Second and Better Adam. Only Jesus laid down His life as a substitute for sinners on the cross bearing the all divine wrath for sins He didn’t commit. Only Jesus rose from the grave and ascended unto heaven, where He currently sits at the right hand of God saving those who trust in Him. Only Jesus is the eternal Son sent from the Father to accomplish redemption, so only Jesus is the way back to the Father and life eternal. This has nothing to do with unfairness, but everything to do with amazing grace. In light of this, students were encouraged to remember that their eternal soul matters and will go on forever. Second, that the only way to salvation and eternal life is Christ, who is willing and able to save all who come to Him. Third, they were encouraged to rest in Christ, not their religious efforts or good behavior but in the finished work of Jesus the all-sufficient Savior. Fourth, they were encouraged to recognize the loveliness of Christ who offers assurance, comfort, and confidence as the way, the truth, and the life for all who come to Him.
1 The “Son of Man” was a favorite title of Jesus that refers to an Old Testament prophecy foreseeing Jesus as the Divine-King, truly God and truly man (Daniel 7:13).
2 Local church partnership is essential and important to the Spiritual Life Department of VCS. Our goal is not to be the sole source of spiritual care for our students but to be a supplementary source of spiritual care along with biblical local churches and families committed to discipling their children. One of the ways this value is shown is through having local church pastors serve us in our chapels. Along with Grace Community Church, we’ve had pastors preach from Village Church, SaddleBack LA, Bel Air Church, Christian Assembly and others.
10 the Village Voice Sixth Grade HUME SO. CAL Tenth Grade DODGER STADIUM October 5-7 March 27, 2023 November 14 February 13, 2023 August 28-30 March 29-31, 2023* * Dates subject to change Seventh Grade DAVE AND BUSTERS Eleventh Grade DAVE AND BUSTERS Ninth Grade THOUSAND PINES CAMP Twelfth Grade THOUSAND PINES CAMP that are not connected to Jesus have no true spiritual life. But the offer for life is always available through the gospel. The primary encouragement from Jesus in this text was for the students to abide with Jesus, not just receiving but remaining with Him. The students were encouraged to abide with the Lord Jesus, whether that was connecting to Christ through the gospel in trusting and believing. Or for the Christian to depend on Christ, to read His Word, to pray to Him, to rest in His love, and obey His commands. This abiding leads to the fullness of joy (John 15:11). I hope and pray these chapel messages were impactful for the souls and lives of our students. We truly sought to set forth Jesus Christ in all His glory in hopes that some would come to Christ for the first time and that others would be encouraged to keep treasuring Jesus. We sincerely desire that they would live Christ-centered for life, because only in Jesus do we find true life at all. We love our students, so we labored to point them to the King of love, the Lord Jesus and His Word. May it be to their eternal good and the glory of our King.
SPIRITUAL LIFE RETREATS
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FOR FIRST
SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY MISSIONS RETURNS TO MEXICO TIME SINCE 2019
VCS
three years of COVID cancelation and the elimination of the program by missions host Azusa Pacific University could not stop VCS from bringing back this special service opportunity – albeit a bit different.
LIFE MISSIONS
After decades of outreach to Mexicali , a mainstay of the Village Christian experience, the future of missions in Mexico looked However,bleak.
Village kicked off its new Mexico Outreach in April by sending a team of approximately 40 students, staff, and parents to Puente de Amistad, Mexico, in partnership with MOVE Ministries. Over Easter Break, the group worked on construction projects, ministered, partnered with the local church, and dug deeper into God’s word. This impactful time outside of Tijuana built on the legacy established by Dean Lagasse, Ignacio Brache, and everyone who made the Mexicali experience so special. We look forward to what God will accomplish through Mexico Outreach in the years ahead.
12 the Village Voice COMMUNITY FEATURE Photos: Harry Tom
In addition to teacher bonuses, the event raises money for tuition assistance through the Legacy Campaign, our current multi-year fundraising effort.
WATCH MORE: The Crusader Club Recap Video
The 2022 Annual Auction and Gala was held on April 30 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.
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The Crusader Club broke event records for gross revenue; net revenue; Stand Up For Teachers, which provides an additional summer bonus for VCS teachers; and live auction – all thanks to the incredible support of the Village “Thecommunity.response to this year’s gala was extraordinary,” said Head of School Tom Konjoyan. “We are so blessed by the generosity of families and friends of Village Christian School, and we can’t wait to see the impact on our students and teachers.”
This milestone tenth event was Village Christian’s first in-person gala since 2019, and as guests danced, fellowshipped, and enjoyed entertainment from renowned recording artist Crystal Lewis, attendees also supported VCS students and teachers in record fashion.
THE CRUSADER CLUB WAS ONE NIGHT ONLY, BUT ITS IMPACT WILL BE LONG-LASTING.
The gorgeous ballroom’s art deco styling was complemented by show-stopping décor, jazz music, and a vibrant array of festive dresses and suits – all building upon the 1920s theme. “The Crusader Club gala and auction was well worth the wait after prior years of COVID delays,” said Foundation Board Member, VCS parent, and alum Jeff Culbertson (Class of 2002). “The Roaring 20s theme made for a fun-filled evening that only could be compared to a Great Gatsby-like experience. Excellent food and drinks, a photo booth, dancing and a breadth of silent and live auction items rounded out a night that went by way too fast. Can’t wait to see what next year’s theme will be.”
Photos: Harry Tom
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This year also featured an online auction and special raffle, which gave families an opportunity to support the event even if they couldn’t attend in person.
The night exceeded expectations, and we cannot wait to build upon the fun and philanthropy next year when the event moves to Castaway in Burbank on May 6, 2023.
“The annual auction and gala really has transformed into a full ‘Gala Week’ and gives people so many ways to get involved,” said Vice President Tracy Nightingale. “The way this community rallies around the school and opportunities to bless our faculty and students is really spectacular.”
A History
Since that inaugural evening, annual auction and gala events have been hosted at The Globe Theatre in Los Angeles, the Kendall Pavilion at VCS, The Rose in Pasadena, Calamigos Equestrian Los Angeles, and even online.
Building on a legacy of community and support, the first annual auction and gala was held in 2011 with “Under the Stars” at the Sheraton Universal Hotel. Under the direction of Tom Konjoyan and Tracy Nightingale, with the foundational assistance of Mitch Mroz; such families as the Sponslers, Sauers, and Yoders; and countless parent volunteers, a new tradition was born. The volunteer auction committee solicited donations and packaged auction items. Venues were booked. Hosts and performers dazzled audiences. And the community rallied behind this special event.
Thanks to funds raised at this “Loyalty Dinner,” ground broke on our current location shortly thereafter.
andCommunityofSupport
It was a special evening in 1956. Families poured into the community room of the Burbank Armory with an exciting vision for the future of Village Christian School. With classes held at Village Church in Burbank, the school dreamed of expanding to a dedicated property.
Together, we have raised more than $1.4 million to provide student tuition assistance and special summer bonuses for our teachers. And as we return to where it all began 11 years ago, we also reaffirm the heart established in the community room of the Burbank Armory in the 1950s – this community is special and strongest when we rally Thanktogether.you for supporting VCS students and teachers through ten annual auctions and galas. We can’t wait to see what God does next through VCS families.
The following article appeared in the event program for the 2022 Annual Auction and Gala, The Crusader Club, highlighting this critical event’s history.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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For decades, Loyalty Dinners were interwoven into the VCS community, but they were about to receive an infusion of energy, excitement, and performance that would take this gathering to an entirely new level.
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“He really was my only choice,” said Babbes of his pursuit of Roche. Roche is a long-time theatre veteran, whose education stems back to Syracuse University with classmates such as Aaron Sorkin and Vanessa Williams, before earning his degree from Wheaton College. FUTURE OF VILLAGE THEATRE ARTS IS IN GREAT HANDS
After 11 years and more than 30 productions, Thom Babbes has retired as the Village Christian Theatre Arts Director, but not before hand-selecting his successor – Dan Roche.
THE
BABBESROCHEHANDPICKEDTOTAKEOVERFOR
Said Babbes in a special sit-down with Roche: “I know for a fact that you are the guy. You are the guy that needs to be here. I know God has His hand in this, and I believe without a doubt that you are going to take this place to a whole new level. And I can’t wait to see it.”
To ease the transition, Roche was on campus this spring co-directing VCS Theatre Arts’ production of Newsies in the Kendall Pavilion. “From the moment Roche stepped onto our campus, he fit right into our Village family,” Taylor said. “He is a teamplayer, excellent in his craft, and has an authentic way of connecting with students. I'm excited to see what God will do through Roche and how our students' lives will be changed. Welcome to our family.” The results were tremendous. The students took to Roche immediately, Babbes said, and the production itself was astounding. Not only did every performance sell out, the cast and crew were recognized within the local theatre community with a school-record six John Raitt Awards for Youth from 15 nominations.
“What’s here is so wonderful, that I feel like the starting place for me is to uphold and nurture what’s here,” he said. “By who the students are, who I am, and what God has in mind, there will be growth.
“When I first met Dan over Zoom, I knew I was going to like him a lot,” said Director of Fine Arts Natalie Taylor. “He is warm, energetic, tells amazing stories, and has deep integrity.”
Most recently, Roche has taught theatre at Dominion Christian in Reston, Virginia and been an adjunct professor at Trinity International University and Wheaton College. “Most of my work has been in professional theater, but I love teaching,” Roche said. “It’s actually secretly my favorite thing to do. I felt bored in the professional world. I know that sounds awful because I loved what I was doing. But something didn’t fulfill, something wasn’t there.”
READ MORE: VCS Theatre Arts Wins Six JRAYs for ‘Newsies’
WATCH MORE: Thom Babbes Sits Down With New Head of HS Theatre Arts, Dan Roche
FINE ARTS FEATURE
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In terms of local competitions, I think this place can shine—the talent we have here, the potential, the production, the classes, the conservatory style Intraining.”August, Roche will officially take over as High School Theatre Arts Director for the upcoming season that will feature “The Crucible” and “Singing in the Rain,” while also teaching theatre “I’mfull-time.more interested in [students] thinking of themselves as storytellers,” Roche said. “’Actors,’ sometimes has the ‘I’m an actor,’ [sentiment].
‘Storytellers’ has ‘I’ve picked this passion, I want to tell stories, and I want to change the world.’ We live in unusual times. The world is so different than when I was in high school. It’s so different. And it’s going to keep changing. So I feel like part of our mission is to nurture the storytellers the world so desperately needs.”
18 the Village Voice Thom Babbes, from the moment you first stepped foot on campus 11 years ago, you poured your heart and soul into our students and our school. You built a program that has and will continue to make a lasting impact in our community and in our hearts and minds. Thank you for showing our students how to find “biblical truth in secular work,” and most importantly, teaching them who their creator is and how He desires to have a personal relationship with them. You are loved, and you will be deeply missed. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
NATALIE TAYLOR | DIRECTOR OF FINE ARTS Babbes is one-of-a-kind. I wouldn’t be who I am today, and that’s a fact. From meeting him at the “Lost in Yonkers” audition to graduation, he has shown me time and time again what it means to be a thoughtful, genuine, and loving person. The work that he has put into Village is immense and it makes me proud to have been on that journey with him. Love you, Babbes. Your legend lives on in all the lives that you have inspired.
THEATRE ARTS | BABBES TRIBUTE
TIAGO SANTOS | CLASS OF 2016
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Babbes made VCS Theatre a special place for all people. His constant support and love helped push me to be a better performer and showed me my true passion for theater. I am pursuing what I love because of him. I will forever be grateful to him.
As soon as I joined theatre, I realized there was a place for me, where I actually felt recognized and appreciated. I think of Babbes as a second father, and I tell everyone in my life about how influential he has been regarding my world views—in all the best ways. I carry myself with more confidence and poise because of him, and we have had endless talks about everything that has genuinely made me into the person I am. In a lot of ways, he raised me, accepted me for better or worse, and I will ALWAYS hold a huge place in my heart for that little Greek man.
The stage is quiet but the audience is restless with anticipation. The curtains are closed and the lights are positioned. Soon, students will walk up the side stairs inside the Kendall Pavilion and take their Thomplaces. Babbes walks through the crack in the curtain as the spotlight hits.
For 11 years, Babbes has shared a vision for elite artistry and drawing out “Biblical truth from secular works.” He doesn’t have to say a word as the crowd falls Hissilent.presence commands attention – no matter the age – and his energy is contagious. His magnetism drew people to theatre arts, giving them a place to belong and a goal for growth. The result is more than 30 stellar productions on the VCS mainstage and in the Black Box Theatre.
Honors have poured in: National Youth Arts Awards, John Raitt Awards for Youth, and prestigious Jerry Herman Awards. The hard work and passion even took VCS students to the Pantages Stage, where they performed an award-winning medley from the 2016 production of Mary Poppins. In short, what Babbes has accomplished was extraordinary. He’s helped students find their voice and confidence. He’s established a bar for excellence that challenges and develops character. He’s created life-shaping memories. He’s helped students thrive. And we are incredibly thankful for the way he has poured into this community. Though Babbes has taken his final bow here at Village, his voice will be heard long into his retirement and felt in the heart of each and every person he’s impacted. Thank you, Babbes. Enjoy your next chapter. The mic is Workingyours: at Village Christian School took my life on a whole new journey. God had a plan, and I didn’t know what it was. During the past 11 years, He surrounded me with some amazing and talented people, and we built a theatre department second to none. If you build it they will come…and they did. Kids came to Village to follow their dream of learning and training and performing in a safe environment that pushed them to be their best because God deserves nothing less. I cannot tell you how many students and parents have come to me over the years and said that I have changed their lives and inspired them through theatre. Well, I’m thankful for that, but the truth is my students and all the wonderful families that I have encountered have inspired me and blessed me. I leave this happy place with wonderful memories and a lot of new friends. Thank you for everything!
XANDER CANDIB | CLASS OF 2021
JANNA JAMISON | CLASS OF 2018
A metric for this can be seen in our students’ performances in April and May.
Through the challenges presented over the last two years, VCS artists hit the ground running, earning top ratings across the board in their first festivals back in front of judges. “When we saw them all able to come back together again for the first time, we didn’t lose two years, we actually witnessed growth despite the challenges,” said Fine Arts Director Natalie Taylor.
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First came the Forum Music Festival in April, where MS/HS Band, MS/HS Strings, MS Choir, and HS Choir each received Gold Ratings, putting them in the top 10 percent in the country, according to national standards.
It was the first time students could compete in the festival since 2019. They never missed a beat. Then in May, Village Voices (choir grades 3-5), Elementary Beginning Strings, and Elementary Intermediate Strings earned Superior Ratings from judges at the Music in the Parks competition, while Elementary Band took home an Excellent rating.
MISSDOESN'TArtSPerformingABEAT
VILLAGE CHRISTIAN PERFORMING ARTS NEVER STOPPED. THE STUDENTS NEVER STOPPED PLAYING, AND THE TEACHERS NEVER STOPPED TEACHING.
And that’s not even counting the numerous concerts, pep rallies, and game/school-culturebased events that saw our musicians shine.
How was this all possible? “It was very rough at first, but I think we all realized the kids were even more so displaced than we were, and we doubled-down on reaching them,” said Drumline Teacher Tyler Smith of his classes. “We worked a lot through video content I would make, and I made the class a very fun atmosphere and promoted growth through weekly practice videos. We created virtual projects with everyone recording their parts at home. “We really took things day-by-day and took into account the skills that our students needed in the moment,” he added. “We taught our subjects, but we also leaned into the social aspects of class that helped bring the students together virtually and encouraged them to continue to grow.”
Teachers found ways to keep instruments in students’ hands through virtual concerts, videos, outdoor concerts, special recording sessions, and more. “They were all-in with it, giving their best, putting out really beautiful work from their own rooms, they were resilient, they were creative. Dedicated,” Taylor added. “I think having these projects gave them motivation. They were just super positive.”
Meanwhile, Band and Drumline traveled with Cheer to the National High School Cheerleading Competition for the first time, helping the entire group place third in the Game Day Live Division. In December, our Middle and High School Dance Company groups were invited to perform Christmas medleys at Universal Studios CityWalk as part of a special holiday event.
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Students learned new harmonies, self-taping skills, and Theysong-writing.grew.They developed. And they found new Asrhythms.thesaying goes, “necessity is the mother of invention,” and while it didn’t look how anyone expected, VCS performing artists re-emerged stronger than ever with skills they may not have obtained otherwise. “They were troopers; they turned up and they would give their all,” said Vocal Arts Director David Das. “It was really great to see. For all the good and bad things that came out of the pandemic, there’s definitely a resiliency and creativity—it forced kids to dig Beforedeeper.”long,students were back on campus honing their craft and competing. “At the end of the school year, there was just an added sweetness about being together,” Das said. Through it all, music was an outlet. “It gave them hope,” Taylor said. “It gave them a sense of purpose. It gave them a goal – something to reach for. A sense of family and community. It kept them engaged. And it kept them interacting.”
Added Das: “There was a lot of pride in the ensembles and doing things together, and going to competition and getting superior ratings. The kids really dug into that. The morale, I would say, is really high right now, and that’s really encouraging to see.”
22 the Village Voice VCS ATHLETICS FILLED THE TROPHY CASE THIS YEAR, WRAPPING UP FIRST FULL SEASON OF ATHLETICS SINCE THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR ATHLETICS UPDATE CLIMBCRUSADERSTOPTO BACK THE
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Following a fall season that featured girls volleyball’s national ranking and football reclaiming the Bible Bowl win and its best playoff run since 2012, Village’s second-semester was highlighted by boys basketball’s CIF-SS Division 2AA title won inside the Kendall Pavilion. The opportunity to host the championship game was once-in-a-lifetime and a final extension of CIF-wide COVID protocols (the championship game is traditionally held at a neutral site)—and the VCS community reaped the benefits.
A total of 14 student-athletes also signed on to play collegiate athletics—13 to four-year institutions and one in community college.
TomHarryPhoto:
The Crusaders made the postseason in 13 High School sports and in six Middle School sports, earning four league titles, one CIF-Southern Section championship, and a host of All-CIF and League Most Valuable Player awards.
“The stars were aligned,” said Boys Basketball Head Coach Julian Andrade, who notched his 200 th career win with the championship-game victory. “This was Village Christian’s year. We were so blessed with all the things that
“Having so many teams make the postseason this year was incredibly rewarding,” said Athletic Director Diana Putignano. “God's hand was protecting our student-athletes and coaches allowing them to be successful. We are so grateful and we give Him all the glory.”
Having a full crowd made a big difference ...
League titles were won by girls volleyball, boys basketball, girls basketball, and girls lacrosse.
High School programs that advanced to postseason this school year included, girls volleyball, football, boys basketball, girls basketball, boys soccer, baseball, boys volleyball, softball, girls lacrosse, tennis, swim (individual), and track and field (individual). Middle schoolers also made the playoffs in girls volleyball, boys soccer, wrestling (individual), boys lacrosse, softball, and track and field (individual).
24 the Village Voice happened along this journey. The support we got from the school made the atmosphere incredibly exciting. Having a full crowd made a big difference, and it was electrifying for us.”
Cheer, Band, and Drumline placed third at the National High School Cheerleading Competition in the Game Day Live Division in Orlando, Florida, and High School boys soccer’s trip to the playoffs was its first since 2013.
Additionally, tennis’ return to CIF competition was incredible with the co-ed team advancing to the D5 quarterfinals, and wrestling debuted
“I am so proud of what our athletic programs accomplished this year,” Putignano said. “Our student-athletes and coaches came out of the pandemic resilient and determined and it showed on and off the court and field. It was a joy seeing them doing their best in the sports they love.”
League MVPs included Campbell Jensen (girls volleyball, defensive), Noordermeer (girls volleyball), Madison Hodges (girls basketball, defensive), Madison Mulligan (girls basketball), Taylor (boys basketball), Moore (boys occer), Delaney Konjoyan (girls lacrosse), and Alec Niemczyk (boys volleyball).
Spring/Summer 2022 | 25 with Dylan and Dominic Simon competing as individual representatives in Middle School and High School, respectively.
All-CIF-SS honors went to Nate Bennett (football), Kyle McCollum (football), Morris Moore (boys soccer), Sienna Noordermeer (girls volleyball), Julius Oliver (football), and Noah Williams (boys basketball), with Immanuel Taylor winning boys basketball D2AA Player of the Year and Andrade winning Coach of the Year.
Photo: Harry Tom
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS ALSO MADE THE PLAYOFFS IN GIRLS VOLLEYBALL, BOYS SOCCER, WRESTLING (INDIVIDUAL), BOYS LACROSSE, SOFTBALL, AND TRACK AND FIELD (INDIVIDUAL).
26 the Village Voice HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS THAT ADVANCED TO POSTSEASON THIS SCHOOL YEAR INCLUDED, GIRLS VOLLEYBALL, FOOTBALL, BOYS BASKETBALL, GIRLS BASKETBALL, BOYS SOCCER, BASEBALL, BOYS VOLLEYBALL, SOFTBALL, GIRLS LACROSSE, TENNIS, SWIM (INDIVIDUAL), AND TRACK AND FIELD (INDIVIDUAL).
Spring/Summer 2022 | 27 CHRISSANTO DIRECTO Pasadena City College Football MIKAELA DODD Olivet College Swimming SAM FAULKNER Iowa Wesleyan University Football ALEX FREUND Cal Poly Pomona Baseball PAYTON GEORGE Loyola Marymount University Women’s Volleyball CAMPBELL JENSEN UC Irvine Women’s Volleyball EVAN KANG Macalester College Baseball ELIJAH LEE Iowa Wesleyan University Football ELIZABETH MILLER UC Irvine Women’s Volleyball EMMA NAPOLEON UC Irvine Women’s Volleyball SIENNA NOORDERMEER Northwestern Women’s Volleyball JULIUS OLIVER University of Utah Football DESHAUN WARREN Molloy College Basketball MASON WOO Seton Hall Women’s Volleyball CLASS OF 2022 COLLEGIATE SIGNEES Please join us in congratulating the student-athletes from the Class of 2022 who have signed on to continue their athletic careers at the next level. READ MORE: VCS HannahHiresTedrow as Head VolleyballGirlsCoach READ MORE: Delgado, DAT, ATC, Returns to VCS as Head Athletic Trainer, Teacher
CHERI VEGAS, CATHY LUKESH, AND LISA ADAMSON CHERISH THEIR VCS MEMORIES.
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One morning after school ended, Adamson was alone in her classroom packing up decorations and personal items as she prepared to discuss her upcoming retirement. Though the walls were missing their usual posters and hanging artwork, her joyful and welcoming presence still reverberated. As we began to chat, the door to Room 2 flew open. In walked Elementary luminaries and fellow retirees Cathy Lukesh and Cheri Vegas. Their collective smiles, laughter, and reminiscing was infectious, just as their passion for teaching was for generations of students. After all, the three women represent more than 80 years collectively of teaching at Village Christian. They joked about passing items to each other through the walls, outfits over the years, and staff meetings. Their stories reflected decades of care and love for teaching, for their students, and for each other. “She is a really good friend and such a team player,” Lukesh said. “We all got along so well, and we all had the same goal of being the best teachers we could be and doing the best we could for our kids. And we all shared ideas. She was an unbelievable team player. … We had a love for each other and an absolute love for the kids.”
Added Vegas: “I think you are amazingly adaptable. I’ll tell you what, girl, you just rolled with the Thispunches.”wastheir time to connect, but when our turn came later on, Adamson had this to say about her time at Village:
PutignanoPaulPhoto:
AFTER 23 YEARS, BELOVED ELEMENTARY TEACHER ADAMSONLISARETIRES
A Career
WHAT STANDS OUT THE MOST FROM YOUR TIME HERE AT VCS?
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU? A little R & R. Maui here we come! Please join us in thanking Lisa Adamson for her immeasurable contributions to the VCS community.
in Kindness
I love the family atmosphere at Village and the relationships that I have built with students, former students, parents and colleagues. I've loved watching my former Kindy kids and third graders grow into amazing young adults. Being able to cheer them on, give a friendly wave or check in on them has been one of my favorite things to do.
WATCH MORE: Mrs. Bowen provides special tribute to Mrs. Adamson ADAMSON
WHAT HAS VCS MEANT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? My husband and I are very grateful for the education that both of our daughters received and for the many activities that Village had to offer. We are also thankful for how the staff poured into and supported them throughout their years at VCS.
The sense of responsibility that I felt to parents who entrusted me to take care of and educate their most precious treasure both academically and spiritually. I took that very seriously and tried my best every day. ARE THERE ANY PARTING WORDS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? I pray that God's work would continue to be carried on at Village, and God would continue to bless the school abundantly.
The one thing I hope that I imparted to my students and colleagues throughout the years is kindness. I’ve found that kindness is the foundation to building teamwork and trust. It's easy to do and goes a long way to build a positive community.
WHAT HAS IMPACTED YOU THE MOST OVER THE YEARS?
RETIREMENT
WHAT HAVE YOU WORKED TO IMPART THE MOST UPON YOUR STUDENTS AND COLLEAGUES?
STUDENTS LIKE SENIOR SIENNA NOORDERMEER ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE.
30 the Village Voice REIGNITINGCONCENTRATIONS® NICKY YOUSSEF DEMONSTRATES HIS CLASS’ STEM PROJECT, A ROBOT CALLED CYBER TRUCK, DURING THE 2022 SPARK SYMPOSIUM, OUR FIRST SPARK EVENT SINCE 2019.
CONCENTRATIONS ® UPDATE CONCENTRATIONS ® RE-EMERGED DURING
Photo: Harry Tom
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This past school year, we essentially restarted Concentrations®, our signature High School academic program, after a year and a half of virtual meetings for seminars and Spark. In the fall and winter, we used the virtual meeting tools we mastered during distance learning to bring in a wide variety of guest speakers from around the country and even the world. Throughout the winter and spring, we prepared for the Spark Symposium, our high school open house. We experienced student projects, presentations, performances, and pitches from all six of our Concentrations. At Illuminate in May, we recognized 39 students for earning their Concentration cords by completing 100 points of Practicum reflections. Practicum encompasses out-of-class experiences like volunteering, internships, and attending events—all of which were greatly restricted throughout most of the class of 2022’s high school years. Additionally, 27 students were recognized for completing a senior project which consisted of a project of at least 20 hours, a paper, a portfolio, and a presentation. We eagerly anticipate continued growth and exciting new opportunities in 2022-2023. By Ray Endacott, Concentrations ® Provost THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR
HISTORY
HISTORY CONCENTRATIONSOF®
Total Practicum Points Completed by VCS Graduates: 73,500 Total Senior Projects: 270 Total Cords Presented: 393 Cords In fall 2010, Head of School Tom Konjoyan came up with an idea that reimaged the educational experience at VCS. That idea would help students identify a career-interest spark, distinguish them on college applications, and connect with industry Concentrations®leaders. was born, and a team was organized to develop the idea. We spent that rest of that year in research and development, and In the 2011-2012 school year, we worked with the freshmen in the Class of 2015 to pick their Concentration. In the fall of 2012, the first Concentration seminars met, focusing on the now sophomore class. In those early years, a few older students completed senior projects and even fewer completed enough practicum reflections to earn their cords. During the spring of 2015, we hosted the first Ignite with the freshmen in the Class of When2018. the Class of 2015 made its way to graduation, 32 members earned their cords at the first Illuminate. In the spring of 2017, we hosted the first Spark Symposium—the Concentrations version of the high school open house. Our signature High School academic program, based on the Harvard College model, was fully in motion and beginning to accomplish the goal initially laid out 12 years ago – help VCS students thrive. READ MORE: EGL SpectrumhonoredSiennaGraduateNoordermeerbyNews
Spring 2012—First time students select their Concentration in their freshman Bible class. Fall 2012—First Concentration Seminars meet Spring 2015—First Ignite, a formal event to welcome students to their chosen Concentration and to activate their 1:5® Circle of Care.
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BY THE NUMBERS
KEY MOMENTS CONCENTRATIONIN
Late Spring 2015—First Illuminate (Senior Awards) and first graduates with the entire four-year Concentration experience Spring 2017—First Spark Symposium
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AFTER A TWO-YEAR HIATUS, “THE MARCH” RETURNS FOR EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS
As we traveled, American Christian Tours provided amazing tour leaders, who helped piece together Memphis, Shiloh, Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery, and Atlanta. They worked to provide the stories, the weaving of “The March,” which allowed students to live history. We walked through museums, answering questions and hearing students talk amongst themselves about these events, which is valuable in them framing their world view. Watching students enjoy time away from their normal routines, engaging with history, and building relationships with others is always a highlight. Many students commented that they were so thankful for the trip, thankful for the time, energy, and effort that goes into a trip – they were happy to be able to have something back. As we stood outside the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee –the chaperones read Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Mountaintop speech – as we read the powerful words, we as a group were challenged to think differently, to see who our neighbor is and show love. Asking the question, “What do I believe in enough to take action about?” That is the goal of “The March”—seeking ways for students to know that their voices matter, they can be an avenue of change, and they can choose to walk the way of Jesus.
By Dana Mikels, Middle School Principal
34 the Village Voice A Challenge to Think God-givenourselves;theirtheirtolivedreallyingevenoftomorningOurandaskconsideredandtherealitiesMemphis,themexperiencefeltfeltThisopportunityandWednesdayMeetingDifferentlyeveryoneatLAXonanearlymorningmadethisrealitysinkin,weweresoblessedtohavethisimpactfulagain.journeyof“CivilWartoCivilRights”primedforthisyear’sstudents,whoasthoughtheywerehungrytoseeandpartofthecountrythatmanyofhadneverseen.Whetheritwaswalkingineatinggoodfood,orwrestlingwiththeofhistory,thisclasswasreadytostepintohardconversations.Historyisnotalwaysneattidy–therearehardquestionsthatmustbe–anditwasamazingtowatchstudentsquestions,workthroughtheirownthoughts,bechallengedtoconsiderJesusinallofit.SpiritualLifeDirector,PaulPittsIII,diddevotionalstosetthestagefortheday,challengestudentstoalwaysconsiderthewayJesus,thewayoflove,andthewayoflight—inthedarknessthatweencountered.Askstudentstoseebeyondthephotographs,andlookatthefacesofpeople,realpeoplewhothesestories—evenas8thgradestudents,challengethemselvestomakeadifferenceinworld,theirfamilies,classes,teams,andwithfriends,andtoconsiderothersbetterthantoseeothersascreatedintheirvalue.
Learning from History
This was my 15 th time organizing the fifth-grade trip. Every time I go, I learn something new, and I never get tired of it. My prayer for our students is that as they get to learn about the men and women who God used in our nation’s history, they will see that God is also actively involved in writing their story.
MORE THAN 90 FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS TRAVELED TO WASHINGTON, D.C., WILLIAMSBURG, AND GETTYSBURG By Judy Mandl, Elementary Assistant Principal
EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT
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This trip beautifully supplements our fifth-grade curriculum and gives students an interactive experience with our nation’s past. We had a tremendous time together learning about the history of our country, visiting museums, monuments, and memorials, and deepening our sense of community. After two years of not taking trips to D.C., it was wonderful to once again experience the student’s excitement as they got their first glimpse of places like the Washington Monument, the Capitol building, and Colonial Williamsburg. Their enthusiasm is palpable as they see in person the things they have been studying in class. Our students received compliments everywhere we went. They were commended on their behavior, their knowledge, and the depth of their questions. They represented themselves, their families, and our school very well. Many of the parents who went on the trip expressed what a wonderful experience it was and how much they enjoyed getting to know other parents.
RODAS BROTHERS REDEFINE SUPPORT SYSTEM ON AND OFF THE FIELD FAMILY Photo: Grand Canyon University
A team jersey is a powerful symbol. Though just a garment, the jersey can represent purpose, belonging, and teamwork.
Themoment.”Rodas brothers have taken their lacrosse careers from club to Village Christian to Grand Canyon University and even to the international stage, where they represented The Philippines at the Men’s Heritage Cup in May. It’s an incredible climb for any one athlete let alone three brothers. “It’s an experience and feeling that’s hard to describe,” Donovan says. “We haven’t met anyone else who has experienced what we have experienced side-by-side.”
“Every time we wear our jersey, it’s just a really great resemblance of who we are,” says Phoenix. “Knowing we have each other on the field, knowing I have their back, when I score or when they score, it’s a priceless
Most recently, it was the Heritage Cup, where the Rodas brothers helped the team to a 4-1 record with wins over Greece (twice), Puerto Rico, and Sweden. The Philippines lost to eventual champion Israel 9-7 in the Griffinquarterfinals.(VCSClass of 2018) scored nine goals to go along with nine assists; Phoenix (2019) tallied two goals and three assists; and Donovan (2021) had one goal and two assists.
The three Village Christian School graduates’ dedication to each other and the game they love has taken them from club lacrosse fields to international competition—remarkably playing side-by-side all the way and redefining “support system” in the process.
FEATURE
For the Rodas brothers, it also represents family.
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ALUMNI
Phoenix says. “We play very fast, and with all of our speed, we can play really well together. We keep pushing, especially in transition. We break out very fast.”
At Grand Canyon, Griffin wore No. 6.
“It was a really great opportunity playing with my little brothers one more time,” Griffin says. “I know where they’re at and their style of play.”
“It has been a pleasant experience being able to coach the three Rodas brothers in my lacrosse program,” says GCU Head Coach Jeff Guy. “They all possess a high amount of enthusiasm, love for the game, and a strong work ethic. Griffin in particular has made a lasting impact on the program. Over the last four years, Griffin has been the complete team player.”
That “Verystyle?fast-paced,”
Hours of training plus extensive time in the film room—not to mention classes. “After committing to GCU to play, it was right from jump pedal to the floor,” Donovan says. “Strength and conditioning over the summer and fall ball. It was like a punch in the face, a wake-up call how serious it was at the college level. But it was also everything I hoped for. It was a challenge every day.”
Some of that challenge comes from each other.
“Expectation was always high, but especially the highest from my two brothers,” Donovan adds. Adds Griffin with a laugh: “We’ll call it character development when we are all up in each other’s faces on the field.” Until the call came from the Heritage Cup, they thought that on-field character development would end at GCU on Senior Night.
Photo: Grand Canyon University
It also paid dividends at Grand Canyon University, where they all played together this year, helping the Lopes advance to the National Tournament for the first time since 2018, the Conference Championship game for the first time since 2017, and a national No. 12 ranking. Griffin himself earned First Team All-Conference honors.
Phoenix is No. 3. And Donovan, No. 36 – each player represented in the others’ game. But the transition to the college level wasn’t easy.
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But with the oldest Rodas now graduated, it will just look a bit different. “We hope Griffin has fun watching on the sideline, because he’s old,” Donovan adds with a smile.
The others laugh in the background. Brothers first; teammates second. It’s their proven formula.
THE RODAS FAMILY STANDS TOGETHER AFTER A HERITAGE CUP GAME EARLIER THIS YEAR, WHEN ALL THREE BROTHERS PLAYED FOR THE PHILIPPINES.
“That year was just amazing,” Phoenix says. “We were beating teams by 10-15 goals. It was a lot of fun. Village was a lot of fun and a very tight-knit Thecommunity.”Crusaders finished the season 13-3 with foundational wins over Sierra Canyon, Damien, and Brentwood, also advancing to the playoffs for the first time in program history. It was the beginning of something great at Village, which also grew into a girls program and more incredible opportunities for VCS student-athletes. At each stop, the Rodas brothers haven’t just grown as athletes themselves or as brothers, they’ve helped grow those around them, leaving programs better than they found them. “It’s super special to be able to look back on all the special memories we’ve had on the field together,” Donovan says. “We’ve been growing side-by-side for all these years. It just continues and as time goes on it gets more special.”
It’s super special to be able to look back on all the special memories we’ve had on the field together.
Spring/Summer 2022 | 39
“I think that was where it highlighted it the most,” Griffin recalls. “Understanding this my last home game and putting on the same jersey as my brothers one last time was one of the most heart-touching moments; that’s where it hit home the most. Many mixed emotions.”
The Lopes beat Arizona State 10-5. It had been a long journey up to that point, including years with LA Heat and Goon Lacrosse club ball, to Village, where they helped build the lacrosse program alongside such friends and teammates Kyler Konjoyan, Harrison Woo, and many others. Their time with the Crusaders was also highlighted by an incredible 2018 season. Again, all three brothers were on the field.
40 the Village Voice GRADUATION RECAP GRADUATES RECEIVED 350 TOTAL ACCEPTANCES TO MORE THAN 100 SCHOOLS ACROSS 30 STATES AND ABROAD, EARNING MORE THAN $10 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS.
Spring/Summer 2022 | 41 Fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students all crossed on the stage on the Field of Dreams this May, launching into their next respective chapters from uniquely beautiful and heart-felt ceremonies tucked into the foothills surrounding VCS. Please join us in congratulating our incredible graduates and the following award-winners: SENIOR WINNERPROJECT Kyle Podgorski | EGL SENIOR RUNNER-UPPROJECT Calla Yoon | HE SENIOR FINALISTSPROJECT Daniella Dasher | PFAME Amanda Hernandez | MSJ Joshua Oh | VGAME Randy Ortiz | STEM Emily Silah | MSJ PRACTICUM POINT LEADER Calla Yoon | HE PROVOST AWARD Sienna Noordermeer | EGL CSF SEALBEARERS Alexander Adams Cassandra Castellon Lauren CallaJoshuaMasonCharlotteIsabellaIsabelaKyleCalvinJoshuaAlyssaSiennaKellyElizabethCamrynMatthewGabrielleMunyoungEvanJoshuaEmilyMadisonGraceSophiaThaliaCarlyAlexanderChunFreundGarnerGuruleHarveyHigbeeHodgesIsakulyanIveyKangLeeLindseyMarinMikelsMillerNewtonNoordermeerObregonOhPetersonPodgorskiSandoval-DuranSantiagoWalzWooYenYoon CHRISTOPHER OLIVER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Andrew GabrielleAlmazanLindsey ILENE SCHOLARSHIPMEMORIALHENRY James Cho ELIZABETH CARLETTA SCHOLARSHIPMEMORIAL Grace JoshuaHigbeeIvey PTF SCHOLARSHIPVOCATIONAL Lily Hamel NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY AWARDS Calla SiennaGraceKellyThaliaCamrynCarlyGabrielleLaurenJaesungYoonLeeChunLindseyGarnerMikelsGuruleNewtonHigbeeNoordermeer BOOSTER SCHOLARSHIPSCLUB Payton Hudspeth Evan Kang SCHOLARSHIPSCRUSADER Sophia IsabellaHarveySantiago DAVE LEADERSHIPWILSONAWARD Camryn Mikels A PERFECT SCORE OF 800 ON ONE OR MORE SAT SUBSECTIONS James CallaJoshuaChoOhYoon A PERFECT SCORE OF 36 ON ONE OR MORE ACT SUBSECTIONS Sienna Noordermeer Joshua Oh NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPMERITFINALIST Joshua Oh CRUSADER ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Samuel Faulkner Mason Woo VCS ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Campbell Jensen Powel Mousaian MIDDLE STUDENTSSCHOOLOFTHE YEAR Taylor Larsen (8) Ryan Girgis (8) Anika Lee-Miller (7) Rawleigh Barron (7) Hannah Lee (6) Charlie Newton (6) MIDDLE CRUSADERSSCHOOLOFTHE YEAR Sarah Popjes (8) Cash Brett-Margarit (8) Emajean Behrend (7) Izaiah Girmay (7) Peighton Mikels (6) Joshua Das (6) FIFTH ACADEMICGRADESCHOLARSHIPS Asher Lee Cody AlyssaNortonAlmario FIFTH CRUSADERGRADESCHOLARSHIPS Joy JillianErinBennettReynoldsCulbertson VALEDICTORIAN Calla Yoon SALUTATORIAN Kelly Newton CSF SCHOLARSHIPS Madison Hodges Matthew Marin Camryn Mikels Calla Yoon HIGH SCHOOL GPA OF 4.0 OR HIGHER Alexander Adams Cassandra Castellon James CallaJoshuaMasonCharlotteHaochengTylerIsabellaIsabelaBenjaminKyleCalvinJoshuaSiennaKellyPowelElizabethCamrynMaricellaMatthewGabrielleWeiHaileyJaesungEmilyCalebGraceThaliaMiaCarlyAlexanderDaniellaLaurenChoChunDasherFreundGarnerGuerreroGuruleHigbeeHughesIsakulyanLeeLeivaLiLindseyMarinMarsiliiMikelsMillerMousaianNewtonNoordermeerOhPetersonPodgorskiRobelSandoval-DuranSantiagoSquiresSunWalzWooYenYoon
Santiago will bring voices together, and through her heart for people, she can change the world. SANTIAGO TIME AT VCS
REFLECTS ON HER
“Coming into Village, it was such an amazing community, I never felt shut out by people or excluded,” she says. “Wherever I went, I knew I would have a community there that would value what I have to say and a safe environment to be Andmyself.”from that strong foundation, she discovered her path to create positive change. Her method? It starts in Matthew 5:9. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (NIV)
In a world full of voices, Isabella Santiago wants to be a force for change. A lifer, athlete, ASB chaplain, servant leader, and founder of multiple student groups, including the Latino Club, Santiago is Ivy League-bound, where she will study politics at the University of AndPennsylvania.while
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“I just see how people are either far left or far right on the political spectrum and as a result are never able to meet in the middle,” she says. “Polarization. There’s a lot of political polarization. I try to see both sides and figure out how to meet in the middle. What we need are people that are willing to fight for each other as a whole and what is best for humanity—to find peace and healing in the world.”
Village Christian School has provided a foundation, her roots go much deeper. The daughter of a Mexican immigrant and with relatives hailing from Spain, Santiago (Class of 2022) has experienced first-hand the importance of representation and the value of a strong support system. She says her confidence and heart for people comes from God and from hearing the stories of what her family has overcome. The opportunities her family fought for were nurtured and cultivated right here at VCS, launching her toward her desired future in politics.
SENIOR REFLECTION LIFER AND 2022 GRADUATE BELLA
Spring/Summer 2022 | 43 ABOUT SANTIAGO College/University: University of Pennsylvania Area of Study: Political Science Years at VCS: 13 (Lifer) Activities in HS: ASB Chaplain Girls Lacrosse Girls LatinoServantVolleyballLeadershipClub(President and Founder), MedLife Club
The opportunities presented to me throughout my years at Village Christian also encouraged me to be more confident in myself and my abilities. In my junior year I decided to start the VCS Latino Club as a way of not only discussing topics and issues surrounding the Latino community, but to also celebrate other cultures. My ability to start this group on campus not only gave minorities a voice, but also allowed me to become a leader in my community, which is something I never thought I would be able to accomplish. However, the support provided to me at Village helped me to grow into the confident woman in God I am today. It has been an incredible 13 years at Village Christian School, and I could not have asked for a better place to grow up, and to forever call my home.
Photo: Harry Tom SantiagoMoniquePhoto:
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Please enjoy her reflection below on 13 years of spiritual, academic, and personal formation right here at Village Christian School, beginning with the first day she set foot on campus: A tight hug and an “I love you” was how I said goodbye to my parents as I entered the gates of Village Christian School on my first day of kindergarten. I was filled with anxiety and apprehension over starting a new school, and as a 5-year-old girl, seeing how small I was compared to a big campus terrified me. Looking around the playground shyly, I suddenly felt a gentle hand on my shoulder and I turned to see a woman with a kind smile and big glasses looking back at me. She asked me what my name was, and told me hers was Mrs. Lukesh. Then, she asked me if I would like to be the line leader for the day and, honored, I said, “Yes.” As we walked to the classroom together, I felt her squeeze my hand three times. I would later come to know that these three pulses signified the words “I love you.” That’s what Village has been to me for the past 13 years—a place to be loved, a place to learn, a place to grow in my faith, and a place to become the woman God created me to be. Many people do not expect for a school to be able to create such a caring and affectionate environment while being academically challenging. However, in being a student at VCS, I always knew that I had someone to turn to, even in the darkest moments of my life. Not only my friends, but also teachers provided constant support and encouragement throughout my time at Village. Whether it be sitting at my favorite bench to eat lunch with my friends, or dancing the night away at a school dance, Village has always been a place for meaningful experiences that I will cherish. Additionally, every teacher at VCS is genuinely passionate about what they do and what they teach. Mr. Behrend is a perfect example of this. His love for history and politics inspired me and sparked an interest that I was not yet aware of. Now, because of him, I plan on studying political science at the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a career in government.
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PutignanoPaulPhoto:a student at VCS, I always knew that I had someone to turn to, even in the darkest moments of my life.
Being
ROBERT RENGLER | CLASS OF 1978
Mark Caruso is an attorney living in Albuquerque, NM with his wife and family. He and Judy have been married 35 years and have three daughters—two of whom are recent graduates of law school. The Caruso Law Firm represents victims in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Mark is licensed in NM and CA and has been working as an attorney for 40 years. He has served in the NM Legislature as a State Representative and was recently employed as President Donald Trump's retained attorney in NM litigation against the NM Secretary of State. The Caruso Law Firm has offices in both Albuquerque, NM and in Ontario, CA.
Karen is the proud owner of Tallyrand Restaurant in Burbank. Her parents opened the restaurant in 1959, and they’re happy to be entering our 63rd year of business in 2022. Karen married Brett Ross (Class of 1979), and they have two grown kids, who both were lifers of VCS. Matt (Class of 2015) graduated from USC and works in Corporate Business Development and Strategy at Warner Bros. Katie (Class of 2017) graduated from USC in 2022, and works for Union Kitchen in Washington, D.C., where she helps entrepreneurs launch and market food items to “Westores.are all lifers of VCS and Karen continues her involvement as President of the Foundation Board. Village has a long-standing place in our hearts, and we’ve been blessed to share many years of friendships with faculty and classmates,” Karen Ross
CATHY (DE YOUNG) VOS | CLASS OF 1970
Robert has been living in Manchester, TN for more than six years now. He is a Ford mechanic in Murfreesboro, TN. KAREN (THOMAS) ROSS | CLASS OF 1982
On August 18, 2021, Catherine (De Young) Vos, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, left this Earth (after a three-year struggle with ALS) to rest in Heaven with our Almighty Father. Cathy is survived by her husband Steve Vos, her children Stephanie and David, their spouses Jon and Dyana, and grandchildren Colin, Nathan, Evelyn, and Danika.
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ROBERT PATTERSON | CLASS OF 1973
MARK CARUSO | CLASS OF 1975
Crusaderssaid. for Life
The VCS community celebrates the life of Robert Patterson, who passed away June 10, 2022.
ERIN (TRUBEY) DUKE | CLASS OF 1996
KIMBERLY (FORQUER) MCATHY | CLASS OF 2001
ALUMNI UPDATES Please send us your updates. weddings, births, graduations, and everything in between. We want to know what’s happening in your life. Send us your milestones and class note for inclusion in the next issue of the Village Voice.
CARLAN WENDLER | CLASS OF 2000
Kimi and her family moved from Burbank to Wildwood, MO in 2019. She has been married to Todd for 10 years, and is mama to Wyatt (8) and Shelby (6).
Carlan and Michelle (and big sister Gabrielle) welcomed Isaiah into their family in March 2021 and live and serve in rural Burundi (East-Central Africa), where Carlan is a professor of emergency medicine and Michelle teaches music and English.
Matt, his wife Shelby, along with their two kids, Bennick (7) and Riley (5), live outside of Sacramento in the town of Loomis, CA. Matt and Shelby are owners and Realtors for The MORE Real Estate Group with Keller Williams. They attend Bayside Adventure Church, where they are highly involved. Matt is on the national leadership team for a men’s fitness and leadership group called F3 (Fitness, Fellowship & Faith).
Erin (Trubey) Duke, Village alum and Lifer (Class of 1996) married Nathan Duke, fellow Village alum and Lifer (Class of 1998) on June 26, 2021, in Ventura, CA.
ALUMNI UPDATES: Submit your information using the ALUMNI UPDATE FORM.
MATT RYBURN | CLASS OF 1999
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Alumni Return to Support TEACHER APPRECIATION
“I am proud to be a continued part of the VCS family and seeing how these wonderful teachers are celebrated and loved means so much to me,” said Michele (Arnold) Serna (Class of 1996), whose company Poppa Joe’s Kitchen supplied lunches for the Elementary teachers. “There are so many memories after spending over 13 years at the school, and it's an overall feeling of gratitude for the foundation everyone that worked there and still does helped build for me. I am a God-loving person, and I know VCS played a big part in those values I still have today.”
Drawings were held daily for special gift packages and were met with shocked and appreciative smiles. But the icing on the cake was having VCS alumni back to join us in the celebration. “We were honored to be a part of the special event for the teachers at VCS, and very happy to provide them with treats to thank them for all of their hard work,” Gourson said. “I have wonderful memories of all my years attending VCS, and I appreciate all the kindness expressed by all my teachers. I also am grateful for the friendships that I made that are still going strong today.”
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Our teachers are the heart of Village Christian, and it’s a joy to honor them when Teacher Appreciation Week comes around each spring.
Each day of Teacher Appreciation Week included a variety of new gifts, food, and/or drinks hosted in partnership with our incredible Parent Teacher Fellowship groups.
“It meant so much to us that the school we attended from elementary to high school was supporting our small business,” said the Penas. “We even brought our daughter to serve with us so she could see where we went to school. It was such a joy to see our old teachers and serve them ice cream.”
This year was just a little more special, however, thanks to the support of alumni-owned businesses returning to the VCS campus to provide treats and goodies during the week-long faculty celebration.
In addition to Poppa Joe’s, Paleta Please, owned by Jesenia (Jaramillo) Pena (2004) and Christopher Pena (2003) brought ice cream; Aunt Joy's Cakes, owned by Julie Gourson (1995), had delicious cookie boxes; Kelley (Mersola) Faris from the Class of 2004’s Hank's Bagels provided breakfast; and Sarah Spilsbury’s (2005) Party in a Can served as a fantastic distribution venue.
WEEK
PHOTO CAPTION HERE Thank you to our generous VCS Alumni partners:
Three years since our Legacy Campaign journey began by Celebrating 70 years of God’s faithfulness to Village Christian School, we are now entering the final stretch of our ambitious effort to advance and elevate our campus and It’sprograms.timeto finish the race. In doing so, we are excitedly preparing to break new ground. The final major project remaining from our five-year strategic plan, which was crafted using data compiled from surveys and focus groups from across the VCS community, is our South Athletic Field. Construction is on the horizon as we move closer to bringing this critically needed project to Thelife. benefits of this new field are far-reaching— programmatically and strategically long-term. Immediately, the school will see valuable relief on our highly taxed facilities and extensive field-use needs. There will be more space for athletic development and training as well as home softball games, but also more opportunity for community events, Elementary recess availability, and more. In the long-term, relocating the softball field represents a vital domino in the construction of a new classroom/arts/athletics venue in a prime location on campus. For VCS to continue providing an innovative Christ-centered education, this newly available land – which comes at a premium here in the foothills – is essential. We are moving forward in faith that the Lord will provide, and after a long process through planning and permitting, it’s finally time to turn the corner. The road has been long and unpredictable. When life took a hard left-turn in 2020 at the outset of COVID, we knew priorities would change. We were through the first year of the Legacy Campaign, but needs and attention focused to support VCS families and getting kids back in the classroom learning together, when local school districts were still requiring at-home learning. The CARE Relief Fund took precedent, lengthening the duration of the Legacy Campaign. And for the better. Students were back on campus. Families received tuition breaks and benefits. The community rallied at every turn. Now we are back on track and ready to close the book on another successful campaign. Partner with us today. Together we will cross the finish line and propel VCS into an exciting new Visitchapter.www.vcslegacy.com or contact Vice President Tracy Nightingale at tracyn@villagechristian.org to get started. THE FINAL YEAR OF VITAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
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VCS ENTERING
CAMPAIGN UPDATE THE FINAL MAJOR PROJECT REMAINING FROM OUR FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN, WHICH WAS CRAFTED USING DATA COMPILED FROM SURVEYS AND FOCUS GROUPS FROM ACROSS THE VCS COMMUNITY, IS OUR SOUTH ATHLETIC FIELD. CONSTRUCTION IS ON THE HORIZON AS WE MOVE CLOSER TO BRINGING THIS CRITICALLY NEEDED PROJECT TO PARTNERLIFE. WITH US TODAY AT WWW.VCSLEGACY.COM
ALUMNI WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Please send us your updates. weddings, births, graduations, and everything in between, we want to know what’s happening in your life. Send us your milestones and class notes for inclusion in the next issue of the Village Voice. Submit your information using the ALUMNI UPDATE FORM. www.villagechristian.org
