BIG WIN IN HOLLYWOOD Theatre Arts wins top honors at Jerry Herman Awards
PASSION IN PURPOSE
Micah Behrend ('99) impacts students on and off the court
APG SERVICE TRIP
VCS Families Connect to their Armenian Roots
HONORING RETIREES
Reflecting on the contributions of Margie Chespak and Chuck Gott
WELCOME NEW VCS ALUMNI
Celebrating the Class of 2024
Every issue of Village Christian School’s magazine aims to capture empowering stories and exciting opportunities for our students and community, all of which are built on the shoulders of generations of Crusaders before them.
We are thankful for the way God has used VCS through the decades, and as we are set to begin our milestone 75 th year, He continues to bless this special community.
From new programs and Christ-centered leaders to life-changing experiences and inspired accomplishments, Village’s heart remains fixed on demonstrating God's love – and you’re about to see how.
If you have an idea for a story or person to be featured in the Village Voice, please email connect@villagechristian.org.
Read more about The
Cover photo: Members of the Costa Rica Eco Trip snorkel at Manuel Antonio National Park during The Experience in January.
Experience, our impactful new immersive learning program through Concentrations®, on Page 8.
VCS
Editor | Paul Putignano
Design | Fontaina Funk
Photographers
Matt Farias, Dean Lagasse, Silviya Karapetian, Hripsime Moskovian, Blanca Schnobrich, Harry Tom
Special
Angela De Moura, Lindsay Gunn, Carrie Post
Upcoming Events
BACK TO SCHOOL | AUGUST 20 (MS/HS) AND AUGUST 21 (ES), 2024
Our milestone 75 th school year officially begins Tuesday, August 20 as we welcome back our Middle and High School students, while Elementary starts on Wednesday, August 21.
75 TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION | FAMILY FAIR | SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
Join us as we celebrate all the ways the Lord has richly blessed the VCS community for 75 years! This special day will begin with a service at Village Church. A car show and Family Fair will follow at VCS. Save the date, and be on the lookout for additional information as well as fun throwback content on Village Christian’s social media!
HOMECOMING WEEK | OCTOBER 14-19, 2024
This year’s spirit week kicks off on Monday, October 14 and will once again feature our beloved “Nonfire” on Thursday, October 17 at VCS. Then, make sure to join us for the Homecoming football game at Glendale College on Friday, October 18, when the Crusaders host Valley Christian. Finally, HSPTF will once again host the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 19.
CRUSADER GOLF CLASSIC | NOVEMBER 8, 2024
It’s one of our favorite annual events. Get your group together and join us at DeBell Golf Club for our 26 th annual golf tournament hosted by the VCS Booster Club. Register now at birdease.com/crusader
GRANDPARENTS DAY | NOVEMBER 22, 2024
VCS grandparents are the best and we can’t wait to welcome them back to campus for this special day with our Elementary students.
THANKSGIVING BREAK | NOVEMBER 25-29, 2024
We are thankful for this week-long break, and hope you have a restful time with friends and family.
CHRISTMAS BREAK | DECEMBER 23, 2024 – JANUARY 7, 2025
It’s the end of the first semester, and truly the most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy this magical season celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A NOTE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL | TOM KONJOYAN
The 2023-2024 school year was memorable for many reasons. As you will read in the pages of the Village Voice, our students, faculty, coaches, directors and leaders achieved many honors and accolades. Their accomplishments reflect the words written on our chapel beams: “Attempt Great Things for God, Expect Great Things from God.” I was taken by the thought that our school founders, who wrote that quote on our chapel beams, would be very proud of this class of students.
I was taken by the thought that our school founders... would be very proud of this class of students.
The school saw the launch of a new signature program called “The Experience,” another impactful component of our nationally recognized
Concentrations® program. Every high school student participated in a week of experiential learning outside of the classroom this past January. Students learned first-hand about biology in Costa Rica, STEM in Germany, the tech industry in the Silicon Valley, sports medicine from professional teams in Southern California, and the musical theater profession on Broadway in New York City. They also served at orphanages in Mexico and food ministries in Central California. Some learned about outdoor survival on the Donner Pass in Lake Tahoe and others about the wide array of museums and world-class collections of art here in Los Angeles. Our incredible faculty and administration led these experiences, sharing their career passions and interests with our students, helping them, perhaps, to come one step closer to finding their calling in this life.
As our school year came to an end, we celebrated the retirement of one of our long-time employees Chuck Gott. Chuck epitomized the spirit of the Village employee having served in a wide variety of roles at the school from driving a bus to coaching, teaching, and eventually leading our technology department over his 43-year tenure of excellent service. I am asked by many how VCS achieves so many innovative and celebrated student-focused initiatives. My reply is because our entire team of people, like Chuck, pour their wisdom, faith, and love into our students and our school.
Thank you, our VCS Supporters, for all of your partnership this year and every year!
Ministry Mindset
Spiritual Life is at the core of our mission at Village Christian School.
From its founding under Rev. Phil Gibson to Bible classes to chapels and retreats, Christ-centered spiritual development remains a hallmark of the VCS education.
While many people and positions fostered this spiritual focus since 1949, it was in 1989 that Dave Wilson became the school’s first formal Spiritual Life Director.
Heading into the 2024-2025 school year, that person is DJ Jenkins.
“We are thrilled to have Mr. Jenkins leading our Spiritual Life programs and ensuring that VCS stays committed to its Christian mission,” said Head of School Tom Konjoyan. “He has inspired our students to grow in their faith in the classroom, in chapel, and on retreats.”
Jenkins is entering his third year at VCS, where he has taught Bible, coached girls soccer, worked on the Chapel Planning Committee, and frequently spoke at chapels.
In addition to his experience at the school, he has also served as the lead pastor of Anthology Church of Studio City since 2012 and in a variety of roles with Campus Crusade for Christ at the University
LONGTIME PASTOR, YOUTH MINISTRY
VETERAN, AND VCS
BIBLE TEACHER
DJ JENKINS TO BECOME
NEW SPIRITUAL LIFE DIRECTOR
of Arizona, Cal Poly Pomona, and as a summer project director for the organization.
“It almost feels like I can’t count the number of ways God has prepared me for this role,” Jenkins said. “I put my faith in Jesus my freshman year of college at Cal Poly Pomona, and the Lord used so many men and women who invested in me as a student, spoke language that I could understand, and helped answer the questions I carried as a young person. Then God brought me into a career in ministry where I’ve had countless opportunities to help people just like me when I was a teenager. The last decade of living and ministering in Los Angeles has given me vast experience in the unique challenges related to getting the good news of Jesus to people in our great city. Now, by God’s grace, I get to employ those gifts for the students of Village Christian in the strategic time and place God has us in.”
He takes over for Paul Pitts III, who accepted an associate pastor position at Bethany Bible Church in Thousand Oaks after three years as Village’s Spiritual Life Director.
In the role, Jenkins will take the helm on retreats, chapels, and other efforts aimed at shepherding students to Christ.
“I want to build on the foundation that the school and previous Village Christian Spiritual Life Directors have laid,” he said. “I want to continue to
see ret reats, Bible studies, and campus life as a whole with the good news of Jesus and His kingdom. I want Spiritual Life to connect what can feel like chaotic times as a student in 2024 with the steady anchor that is Jesus, in a way that our students can understand for their own lives. I want Spiritual Life to be a service not just in the activities we lead, but in Athletics, in Fine Arts, and in Academics for students JK-12. And I particularly want our students who come to Village from backgrounds outside of Christianity to feel welcome in this school and have a chance to hear and experience the good news of Jesus for themselves.”
Jenkins graduated summa cum laude from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Biology and holds his Master of Divinity from Gateway Seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention.
However, it’s his heart for the students that truly stands out.
“Being a kid is hard. Being a student isn’t easy. Living in our modern day in a great city like Los Angeles is tough. Understanding who you are and who you should be is challenging for everyone to navigate,” Jenkins said. “How can you make good friends? Good choices? What does it mean to be a good student? What about a good athlete? What does God want for you in all these roles? Does He even care? Is Christianity relevant for today and our modern world? How can you make a difference with your life that counts not just now, but for eternity? These are all the questions we’ll seek to address in chapels, retreats, service, and more. We think these Spiritual Life activities can make a huge difference in the lives of every student if they take advantage of the opportunities.”
He's already hard at work on the new school year.
And it’s the students who will reap the benefits of the ministry and spiritual formation efforts that VCS has held dear for generations.
“The greatest story ever told is the God of the universe sending His Son to explain life and His kingdom, and then give His life to save ours,” he said. “Jesus' life, death, and resurrection not only changed the world, but it is the news and story that can make life make sense for a sixth grader. It’s the story that explains why life can be so frustrating for a tenth grader. It’s the story that contains endless joy and wonder for a second grader. And it’s the story that can give a graduating senior passion and purpose for the rest of their lives. It’s my heart for every Village Christian student to know that story and the God who did it all.”
DJ Jenkins speaks at chapel during the 2023-2024 school year. Jenkins is set to take over as Spiritual Life Director heading into the 2024-2025 school year.
Photo: Matt Farias
EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT
Photo: Georgia Behrend
VCS DEBUTS WEEK-LONG SERIES OF IMMERSIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE
From the beaches of Costa Rica to the tech giants of Silicon Valley to the Broadway stage, Village Christian High School students traveled near and far this year for immersive learning opportunities through an exciting new Concentrations® initiative called The Experience.
This groundbreaking week in January gave the entire High School the ability to participate in one of 21 “experiences” ranging from local and regional opportunities to national and international educational and service trips.
“Launching The Experience was a major step in enhancing our trademark-protected signature Concentrations® program,” said Head of School Tom Konjoyan. “Students and faculty pursued their areas of passion and interest around the globe, learning new things in unique and immersive environments. We can't wait for our second year of The Experience as we add more trips and improve the previous ones.”
The debut of The Experience included the following experiences:
Bay Area College Tour; Broadway Bound; Costa Rica Eco Trip; Culinary Arts and Science; Elementary Sports Field Day; Fathoms Below; Gleanings for the Hungry; Lights, Camera, Action; Local College Tour; Los Angeles Business Plunge; Los Angeles Museum Essentials; Mexico Outreach; Tahoe Outdoor Leadership School; Peaks and Parables; Science In Motion; Silicon Valley Business Plunge; Sitcom Camp; Songwriting Camp; STEM in Germany/Switzerland; Teachers In Training; and Team Behind the Team.
WATCH MORE: Dive Deeper into the First Year of The Experience
“As an important extension of our Concentrations® program, we had four key outcomes we wanted from The Experience,” said Concentrations® Provost and Associate Head of School Ray Endacott. “First, we wanted students to be able to deeply explore their interests. Secondly, we wanted them to have an opportunity to practice and apply what they’re learning in experiential settings. Thirdly, we wanted them to develop skills that they could use in the service of others. Finally, we wanted them to be able to think about their future and develop a sense of hope for what that future might bring.
“In reading the students' reflections, where we asked them to think about how well they met those expectations, I was very pleased with the degree of impact The Experience seemed to have on our students' lives and future plans,” he added.
The Experience ambitiously took the entire High School out of the traditional learning environment for the week of January 15-19, and the results were tremendous.
“It influenced my understanding of the environment and my interest in the ocean and animals,” said Kristine Min in her reflection on the 2024 trip to Costa Rica. “When we explored the rainforests and ocean range I got to see wildlife that we are not able to see in America, giving me a memorable experience and eye opening to the nature we can find around the world. I got to touch different sea creatures like starfish, pufferfish, fish as well as land animals, kinkajou, and monkeys surrounding us.”
A trip to the Central Valley saw VCS students helping provide food for people in need at Gleanings for the Hungry alongside fellow VCS alumni Andy Rotunno (1998) and Jesse Correll (2006), while others traveled to Mexico to serve in Puente de Amistad.
“This experience helped me to realize how important serving is. That may sound cliche but I realized that just because I was helping those little kids or helping clean up food after meals, I was learning from those
kids and from the people who lived there,” said Nicole Wedel of her time in Mexico. “I learned from their culture and how loving and helpful everyone is. Although I came to impact people on this, I feel even more impacted. I learned to jump out of my comfort and pray in front of 40 people or teach a whole lesson with only one other person helping me. I learned how to take leadership and ownership for my actions and what I did with them.”
Other students toured colleges and local museums, including The Getty, The Broad, LACMA and the
Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room at the Broad Museum was a popular stop for students on the LA Museum Essentials experience
Students on the Silicon Valley Business Plunge toured industry leaders including Microsoft, where they interacted with cutting-edge technology.
The STEM in Germany/Switzerland experience took students to historical nd innovative sites in Europe.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, while groups visited Silicon Valley tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Texas Instruments, and Tesla as well as businesses right here in Los Angeles.
Students saw shows on Broadway and trained with professionals in New York City.
A large team even dove into the world of athletics, touring facilities and connecting with support staff for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, USA Volleyball, and at SoFi Stadium.
“This experience definitely opened my eyes to different jobs in the sports industries,” said Teams Behind the Teams participant Gavin Everett. “It helped me think about my purpose, because these people who work in these fields mostly help behind the scenes, and it showed me that you don’t have to always be in front of the screen and your work will be important.”
“Learning how to conserve energy as well as enhance our technology to protect the environment was interesting to learn on the trip,” said Mabyn Kim of the trip to Europe. “I enjoyed learning about how proton machines and particle accelerators are helpful to understanding how we can do things such as reduce harmful gases in the environment.”
On campus, students gained experience teaching inside VCS Elementary classrooms, put on a field event for Elementary, and even gained valuable cooking skills.
And they discovered more about themselves.
The Teachers in Training experience put students into VCS classrooms.
“I learned how to open up and be freer with myself, ultimately, really pushing my limits,” said now-graduated senior Kayla Squires, who spent the week on the Tahoe Leadership School trip. “Every night after we went to the mountains learning about how to hike, build forts, ice axes, and learn how to save people from avalanches, I felt very accomplished, and I learned a lot. I learned how to push all of my past precedents and fears to the side to take leadership in these activities and truly have fun.”
This is just the beginning.
In 2025, experiences are expected to expand to Belize, China, and Honduras, with additional locations across the Greater Los Angeles area.
Students built foundational STEM skills in robotics, while others visited engineering museums and facilities in Germany and Switzerland.
We are so excited for the opportunities that await.
Dodger Stadium was one of the venues visited by Team Behind the Team.
Students visited UCLA as part of the Local College Tour.
BIG WIN IN HOLLYWOOD
CAST AND CREW OF DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WIN TOP AWARD AT PRESTIGIOUS JERRY HERMAN AWARDS
HOLLYWOOD
FINE
ARTS FEATURE
At a venue that has hosted theatrical performances from Hamilton to Wicked to Chicago, you couldn’t write a better script for Village Christian Theatre Arts.
For the second time in school history, VCS performed live on the legendary Hollywood Pantages Theatre stage, this time taking home the top award for Best Production for “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” at the prestigious Jerry Herman Awards on May 5.
During the production’s run in March, adjudicators from the Jerry Herman Awards attended VCS shows by both Rose and Mirror casts, making the Best Production honor a fully encompassing achievement of everyone involved.
“That award goes to every individual involved in this show—every student on stage, the directors, stage crew, and adult production team,” said Director of Theatre Arts Natalie Taylor. “We are so honored and thankful to be recognized for our hard work.”
In 2016, VCS Theatre Arts performed a medley from Mary Poppins at the Pantages, earning Best Live Performance from the Jerry Herman Awards, which annually honors the best shows in Southern California.
Photo: Matt Farias
Photos: Matt Farias
According to the organization’s website, “The Jerry Herman Awards is a local celebration dedicated to recognizing, encouraging, and rewarding achievements and excellence in high school musical theatre. It is the local award ceremony for The National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as The Jimmy’s, which take place annually at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway in New York City.”
VCS received four total nominations for this year’s awards, including Best Production, Best Costume Design, Best Musical Direction, and Best Supporting Actress (Juliette Walz).
At the ceremony, Village’s 45-member cast brought the house down with “Be Our Guest,” garnering widespread praise from the judges, rival schools, and attendees across the theatre.
“The audience was packed with 2,700 people and they gave us a standing ovation at the end of the number,” Taylor said. “The energy in the room was epic. Our students shined bright for Christ.”
Said Director of Theatre Arts Kendall Lloyd: “It was such a rewarding experience for our students to perform on the historic Pantages stage, and to see the audience leap to their feet in response to our performance was lovely. It’s one thing for our students’ parents, teachers, and friends to leap to their feet, but that kind of response from complete strangers is incredibly moving. More importantly, I am proud of the way the VCS students conducted themselves on stage and off. They represented Village and Jesus to all we encountered.”
The moment was just as monumental for the students.
“Goosebumps,” said senior Hawkins Meek. “Even when we would do it in the Kendall, we knew we had something special. Every single time we did it, you could feel the energy of every person on stage. So doing it on the Pantages and looking out and seeing everyone standing up – standing up for us, Village Christian’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – it was crazy. It was like a 30-second applause and standing ovation. There was nothing like it. It was the proudest
moment possible knowing all our hard work got us here and got us that response from those people.”
Meek was also honored at the show with an on-site nomination as a finalist for Best Actor, which included an impromptu live solo performance of “It Don’t Make Sense” from Parade.
“For me, that whole experience was like ‘I can do this. I’m capable. I can do this,’” Meek said. “Coming off the college audition process, you face a lot of rejection, and rejection can be hard and it can be tough, but just having that experience of just like ‘you’re meant to be there and it’s all meant to happen,’ that was so cool. God has a plan and everything that was meant to happen, happened. It was really reaffirming for me.”
Meek was also part of the show’s opening number with fellow VCS senior Maya Ponce. The two attended two days of rehearsals and auditioned in front of such judges as the renowned Kenny Ortega, Cathy Rigby, Jeff Loeb, Sharline Liu, and Lewis Wilkenfeld.
Before the ceremony began, the cast had one short rehearsal on the Pantages stage to go over final blocking in the historic venue. During breaks and prior to their performance, students prepared and warmed up in the same hallways as the top travelling productions in the nation.
“When I was 10, I stood outside the Pantages for hours on a Saturday, and I won the lottery to see Wicked,” said Ponce. “It was my first time going into the theatre, and I will never forget it. I walked
Hawkins Meek performs as Lumiere at the Jerry Herman Awards at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.
into the theatre, I looked up at the ceiling and the stage and everything, and I started crying. It was so beautiful to me. … Performing on that stage and thinking from an audience perspective, it was kind of out-of-body. It was really cool to be there and get that experience after aspiring to be on the stage for so long. There was something so surreal almost about it.”
The event spanned three hours, and was punctuated by the special honor, which was presented by 104.3MYfm hosts Sean Valentine and Jillian Escoto, a VCS lifer from the Class of 2002.
“I was beaming with Crusader pride when I saw Village had received multiple Jerry Herman nominations. Then my jaw was on the floor as I watched ‘Be Our Guest’ from the Pantages wings,” Escoto said. “But the ultimate joy took over as I watched these amazing and incredibly talented students take the stage to accept their award. I felt like a very proud older sister that night.”
When Village Christian was announced, the entire cast rushed back on stage to share in the special moment.
I am proud of the way the VCS students conducted themselves on stage and off. They represented Village and Jesus to all we encountered.
“VCS performed Mary Poppins the year before I came to Village. My whole entire time being in the theatre community, I’ve heard stories of the kids going to the Pantages and performing,” Meek said. “Seeing everyone be up there for that recognition, it was crazy... Just knowing that out of every single one of the shows they saw, they were like, ‘That one.’ It says so much about our theatre program and the quality of work that we do and that we can do it.”
VCS graduate Jillian Escoto (2002) from 104.3 MYfm co-hosted the Jerry Herman Awards alongside Sean Valentine.
The cast and crew backstage at the Pantages Theatre prior to performing.
Photo: Matt Farias
This school year marks Village Christian’s milestone 75th anniversary, and we are so excited to celebrate all year long. Here’s a snapshot of some of the great things in the works.
DAY OF CELEBRATION
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 28, 2024, when we will have a full day of activities that honor and celebrate the history of Village Christian School.
Special Service at Village Church | 10:00 a.m.
A special gathering back where it all began – Village Church in Burbank. We are looking forward to this time to honor VCS luminaries, reflect, and worship together on Saturday morning. Ticketed event; RSVP required.
Car Show and Family Fair at VCS | 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (The car show ends at 3 p.m.)
Let’s have some old-school fun. Family Fairs have been a long-standing tradition at Village, and we are excited to bring them back for the occasion. Join us for games, rides, and a fantastic car show with that hallmark VCS community feel. PLUS, we will have an extremely fun raffle opportunity, so be on the lookout for additional details soon!
BLASTS
FROM THE PAST
Expect throwback content all year long! Events, group photos, candids. We can’t wait to post it all. Have more photos? We would love to see them! Email connect@villagechristian.org or scan the QR code below.
TRIBUTES
AND TESTIMONIALS
We want to hear from you! Please email videos and written testimonials from your time at Village and the impact the school has had on your life to connect@villagechristian.org or scan the QR code below. Make sure to include your full name (including maiden name if applicable) and graduation year.
HISTORY OF VCS
DISPLAY
Have something that represents your time at Village? We are putting together a special display honoring the history of the school. If you have an item you would like to donate to the school for possible inclusion, please mail it to:
Village Christian School | Alumni Relations
8930 Village Avenue | Sun Valley, CA 91352
We can’t wait to celebrate this landmark year with you!
VCS MEMORIES AND TRIBUTES: Scan to submit
Voice
Photo: Harry Tom
VCS ALUM, TEACHER, AND COACH MICAH BEHREND (1999) IS IMPACTING STUDENT-ATHLETES
ON AND OFF THE COURT WITH GROUND-BREAKING
RESULTS
It’s like something out of Hoosiers or Field of Dreams . This time, however, it was a family farm outside of Chino.
His aunt and uncle grew alfalfa and raised dairy cows, and when the weather was right, they would mow out a court, and the Behrends would play family volleyball games.
“Volleyball has been in the family a long time,” he says with a laugh.
That passion is now extending to the next generation of Village Christian volleyball players in the same way it was to Behrend, and the results have been title-worthy.
The 1999 VCS alum led both the girls and the boys teams to Olympic League championships this season, one year after becoming the first person in school history to win league as a player (1999) and a coach at Village.
All things considered, he’s become the de facto “Mr. Volleyball” as he prepares for another year at the helm of both programs.
“He’s an absolute work horse,” says former coach and current Director of Volleyball Bill Schnobrich. “He pours himself into it. I love the fact that he just keeps developing and wants to get better. I appreciate that. He’s not satisfied.”
It’s been a long journey, and what was sparked in the alfalfa fields was fanned into an inferno when he started watching games at VCS.
At the time, the boys program was a work in progress under the leadership of Steve and Lisa Levoe and Debbie Ludwig.
Within just a few years, VCS had gone from a brand-new team in 1992 teaching athletes the basics, to a dogfight in the CIF Southern Section finals against an absolutely loaded Santa Ynez team that featured future NCAA All-Americans and Olympians.
Behrend was in love.
By the time he got onto the court himself, the outside hitter-turned-setter was all-in.
He took that passion to Point Loma Nazarene, where he played club until a broken wrist forced him to look at alternative volleyball paths.
Naturally, that became coaching.
After graduating with his degree in 2003, Behrend began teaching and coaching at Glendale High School in Arizona.
Ten years later, he was back at VCS, looking to save the boys program from being cut altogether.
enthusiasm and energy. Once he started doing it, he was going to do it all the way, talk to as many kids as possible to play club, try to do summer practices and open gyms, all to give more opportunities to play.”
He has a heart for the kids. And volleyball is a great way for him to work with the kids outside the classroom.
It would take that unbounding enthusiasm to keep the program afloat.
In 2015, following numerous coaching changes and waning student interest, the program was not going to be renewed.
The Crusaders fielded a team entirely on the back of Behrend’s heart and fundraising efforts, running the team as a club just to keep it going.
He never gave up, and he convinced student-athletes to buy in.
The passion was there. He just needed the athletes.
“The culture of volleyball is different than most sports,” says Steve Levoe, who led VCS boys volleyball to the school’s first-ever CIF-SS championship in any sport in 2003. “In one way, it’s laid back, and in another way, it’s intense. A lot of kids are really drawn to that culture that maybe play other sports or maybe just switch over to volleyball or do it along with other sports. I credit Micah 100-percent with his unbounding
Four years later, he was a CIF-SS champion, when VCS beat Rio Hondo Prep 3-2 in the Division 6 finals.
Outside hitter Quentin Roberts was instrumental in the title run. He, like so many student-athletes before him, was a converted basketball player.
“My favorite volleyball memory. That title meant – and still means – the world to me,” says Roberts,
The 2024 VCS Boys Volleyball Team on Senior Night.
who was named the CIF-SS D6 Player of the Year after the championship run. “The environment he creates is great. The way he talked to his players made you want to play for him as a coach. I’ve been a part of teams where it felt like I had to play and that often led to me slacking off. He kept me level-headed as a player, and I just wanted to keep getting better and better. And he was there to help me whether I had a question or if I wanted to get in the gym. He would find time for me. He also creates an environment where everyone feels involved and part of a family, which is the main reason I decided to come back and coach— especially with him.”
Roberts went on to play collegiately at Thomas More University in Kentucky before returning to be an assistant coach under Behrend and play for Hope International.
Just like that, Behrend’s coaching tree took off, like Levoe and Schnobrich before him. It's a moving reality given the reverence with which he holds Schnobrich, the Levoes, and fellow VCS volleyball luminary Dave Denham as coaches and mentors.
Before long, the success he had sustained on the boys' side would be needed in the girls' program.
Heading into the 2023 season, Behrend became the interim head coach of the girls team, leading VCS to its eighth league title in 10 years. It was a dramatically different experience than fighting to keep the boys program afloat.
After all, with three CIF-SS championships, 16 league titles, state and regional crowns, and a consistent stream of NCAA Division I signees, one could argue it is the premier athletic program at VCS.
Demands are great, and the expectations can be even greater.
“Mr. Behrend, the guy who can do it all. He stepped into the role as girls varsity head coach my senior year, and I could not be happier that he did,” said Southern Arkansas University-bound McKenna Edwards, who was named All-CIF-SS this last
season as a senior. “He pushed us and drove us to work harder and always try our best. He knew how each of us worked and used that to pull the greatness out of each and every one of us.
“Specifically, he retrained me from my typical position as a setter to be an outside hitter for the season, and as much as I was originally against it, he took the time to help me succeed in that position, and I will forever be grateful as he taught me a new aspect of the game,” Edwards added. “That’s who Mr. Behrend is; he’s the person who will take the time to make sure you understand and can succeed whether it’s on the court for boys or girls volleyball or in his AP classes. He has forever changed my life and my volleyball game.”
Under Behrend, the Crusaders finished the season 27-9 overall, 8-0 in league, and advanced to the Division 3 quarterfinals, only falling to eventual champion Beckman.
And as the girls’ season was ending, the boys were ramping up.
“You are working both programs all year round,” Behrend said. “It makes both programs support each other. The girls will work the boys games and the boys will work the girls games. It creates a family feel across both programs. It’s helpful and necessary to do that.”
This time, however, he had reinforcements as Steve
The 1999 VCS Boys Volleyball Team won the league championship with Bill Schnobrich as head coach and Micah Behrend (4) in the starting lineup.
Levoe joined him back on the bench.
Volleyball – and family – was coming full circle.
The boys finished 21-9 overall as undefeated Olympic League champs.
“In practice, whenever he would need it, he would play – total reckless abandon throwing his body around and having fun with the kids,” Levoe says of Behrend. “Part of what was so fun for me this year is we were able to work on a lot of the details of volleyball, not just how you pass and serve, the simple mechanics of it all, but the strategy and details of technique.”
Numbers continue to grow, and two years ago, Behrend was the driving force in bringing back the boys Middle School team.
“That’s the determining factor of a coach—getting the buy-in of your players and letting them know you care,” he says. “There will be times when you yell at them and get on them to get every ounce out of them. But they need to know you care.
If that relationship isn’t built, it can crumble an athlete.”
All of this is on top of teaching a full load of AP courses, serving as the Social Science Department Chair and Senior Council Advisor, coaching club volleyball, and working as an AP Exam grader.
The grind never stops for the 2020 VCS Teacher of the Year.
But with that grind comes results.
“Volleyball is a tool for him to work with kids – his passion, his optimism, the respect he treats kids with,” Lisa Levoe says. “This last year’s team was the most cohesive, caring, respectful, great culture I’ve ever been around – including the parents. I’ll give credit to the kids, but bottom line, it’s the coach that sets that. He has a heart for the kids. And volleyball is a great way for him to work with the kids outside the classroom.”
He keeps building, and the students keep coming.
“I’ve always loved the sport, and when you love something, like teaching history, when you love it, you don’t want to let it go,” he says.
He’s come a long way from the alfalfa fields.
And every year, his family extends bit by bit to include more and more volleyball players.
“I take a lot of pride in that,” Schnobrich says. “I’m really proud of him. I obviously love the volleyball program, and to have Micah, who as a player was totally and completely invested, to see him totally and completely invested as a coach is really special.”
VCS Boys Volleyball celebrates the 2019 CIF Southern Section Division 6 Championship. The Crusaders beat Rio Hondo Prep 3-2.
Photo: Harry Tom
Photos: Armenian Parent Group
BACK to our ROOTS
THE ARMENIAN PARENT GROUP REFLECTS ON AN IMPACTFUL SERVICE TRIP IN JUNE 2023 THAT SENT 56 PEOPLE TO ARMENIA.
By Silviya Karapetian | Armenian Parent Group and Hripsme Moskovian | English Teacher
What better way to give from our hearts than on a service trip with Village Christian School? When the VCS Armenian Parent Group was formed back in August of 2020, its nine founding board members decided to plan a service trip to Armenia for members of the Village Christian community.
It wasn’t until 2023 that this vision became a reality. In June of that year, 56 students and family members from VCS set out on a life-changing service trip to Armenia. There were a total of 15 families traveling, ranging from the ages of 3 and 63, including Head of School Tom Konjoyan. Some travelers had been to Armenia before, some having been born in the country themselves, while others were visiting for the very first time. We prayed together and asked for God to protect us as we went on this journey to give back and to discover our roots.
The 10-day trip included three service projects throughout different regions of Armenia, all focusing on impacting young children in need, impoverished families, and servicing a church in a rural, mountaintop town.
For our first service project, we traveled to the “House of Light” (“Luysi Tun”) located in Vedi, Armenia. “House of Light” is a non-profit organization that was formed by Nvard Mansurian, our VCS after-school Armenian Teacher. The “House of Light” serves as a daytime care facility for children in need in
the town of Vedi and its outskirts. It provides a warm space, meals, bathing facilities, clothing, and the support of loving adults for children who might not otherwise receive these privileges elsewhere.
The 18 children at “House of Light” were matched with 18 VCS students. Each VCS student took with them from the US a backpack filled with school supplies for the children. On the day of our service trip, the VCS students met the child they were partnered with and were able to give them their backpacks and school supplies to be used during the school year. Needless to say, it was an emotional experience for all. The smiles on the faces of the children were unforgettable. Additionally, kids from both VCS and the “House of Light” spent time together as they played and got to know one another throughout the afternoon.
The smiles on the faces of the children were unforgettable.
Our second service project took place in the cultural capital of Armenia—Gyumri. After the devastating earthquake of 1988, there remain almost 2,000 families in and around Gyumri living in temporary container homes. They are supported by the Paros Foundation with monthly rations of basic necessities like flour, sugar, rice, soap, beans, etc. Between our 15 families, we sponsored more than 50 bags of necessities and were able to deliver more than 20 of those to families in need.
Upon arriving at the Paros Foundation headquarters in Gyumri, our group organized tables to be able to package the bags with all of the items for the families in need. It was
“BACK IN 1993, I was working for the international humanitarian organization World Vision. One of my first projects was to get donations of clothing from high-end clothing companies to send to Armenia for those still recovering from the earthquake five years earlier. At the time, I was hoping to travel to Armenia, but it did not work out. Fast forward thirty years, and I finally had an opportunity to visit the country of my grandparents. In addition to being overwhelmed with the beauty and rich Christian history of the country, I was so grateful to see the ongoing work of the organizations we visited, who are still helping the families in Armenia that have never recovered. Jesus' heart of compassion was very present in our students and families as we served alongside those faithful people who are determined to help those in need.”
TOM KONJOYAN | HEAD OF SCHOOL
wonderful to see all of our kids use their hands to organize the bags and then to be able to hand them to the families directly. Getting to visit the homes of the families was so very humbling for everyone, young and old. Additionally, we prayed with many of them and asked the Lord to bless and provide for these families, who are in such dire need.
Our final service project took place at the Holy Mother of God Church (“Soorb Astvatsatsin Church”) in the village of Odzun in northern Armenia. This was a beautification project to clean the weeds that had grown around the gravestones on the grounds of this beautiful church, which dates back to the 5th century.
Upon arrival, we were met by the Priest of the Church, Father Ararat, and over a dozen local youth. The VCS students got to know the local youth as we all worked to clean up the beautiful yard of the Holy Mother of God Church in Odzun. After we finished the clean-up efforts, we prayed together and the children taught us some traditional dances and games. We were filled with the energy and love of the church and community. This was probably the most memorable day of the entire trip for many of us there.
In fact, the most memorable experiences were the ones which allowed us to interact with the locals and share a small part of their lives. Whether we broke bread together, sang traditional songs, or played a game of
soccer, there is no doubt that the heart of Armenia and the spirit of its people is still alive.
We are blessed to have been given the opportunity to embark on such a trip with families at VCS. Not only were we able to foster community amongst our own families, students, and teachers, but, most importantly, we were able to contribute, even in a small way, to the people of Armenia. To our roots. A place rooted in Christianity, hospitality, resilience, and hope.
Set to Soar
2024 VALEDICTORIAN RHIANA M C KEE REFLECTS ON A LIFETIME AT VCS
The sky’s the limit, and for the Class of 2024’s Rhiana McKee, even that may not be enough for the aspiring rocket scientist.
This year’s valedictorian is a Village lifer, whose journey from kindergarten to a full scholarship at UCLA to study aeronautical engineering has been lined with valuable opportunities, caring faculty and staff, and a personal drive to capitalize on everything the school had to offer.
“It was so validating,” McKee said of being named valedictorian. “All the work you’ve done, it totally paid off.”
And it certainly was a lot of work.
McKee graduated with honors from the STEM Concentration, boasting a grade point average well above 4.0. She was a long-time National Honors Society Member, three-time College Board National Indigenous Recognition Scholar, and College Board AP Scholar.
The gifted athlete won a host of team and school awards in volleyball, cross country, and track and field, even being named one of this year’s CIF Southern Section All-Academic Student-Athletes of the Year.
Artistically, she shined through years of Dance Company, theatre arts, and as a member of V-Cappella.
Additionally, she’s been involved in Math Club, Engineering Club, Women in STEM Club, Hearts for Hospitals Club, and Korean Club, serving as president and/vice president in most of them.
That’s just a snapshot.
Through it all, her passion and positive attitude have always shined through.
“Being involved in so many things, a lot of times it gets really, really overwhelming,” she said. “I try to be positive in spite of everything else. I want to be the person that is able to do all of these things. I
want to achieve and still have fun.”
AS M C KEE LAUNCHES INTO AN EXCITING NEXT CHAPTER, SHE SHARED MORE ABOUT HER YEARS HERE AT VCS:
Reflecting on my journey at Village Christian is essentially the same as reflecting on my life and how blessed I have been to be part of the Village community. Like my sister before me, I have been at Village since Kindergarten. A simple trip across campus lets me visit the most formative people and places in my life.
During the Servant Leadership Kindergarten Volunteer Day, I watched the kindergarteners studiously pasting their artwork and couldn’t help but remember how the support that my elementary school teachers gave a nervous little girl on her first day of school built my confidence for Middle School.
As I walked back to class, I passed Mrs. Mikels and the Middle School Office and remembered the many times they let me leave piles of bags from theater, sports, dance, and classrooms in the office. My visits were never without an encouraging talk, and every once in a while, a shoulder to cry on.
As I climbed the stairs towards the gym, I saw leftover sawdust from where my mom and dad built a community with other parents helping with theater sets and productions. I remembered the hours of rehearsals and work that went into it and realized how all of that time on stage sharpened my presentation skills, presence, and poise.
I passed the weight room where Coach Kohl helped me build physical strength and develop the confidence to push the boys around and own my space. I cut through the Black Box and saw Ms. Kim patiently helping a little girl learn a pli’e. I waved back at her big smile and felt so blessed to have her as a teacher, mentor, and guide since Kindergarten.
As I climbed the stairs back to High School, I could hear Behrend’s booming voice in the distance as he pushed his students to excel. I glanced at the STEM
classrooms and thought about how wild it is that, after all of the experiences that I have had at Village, the physics, computer science, and academic rigor of AP classes have ignited my passion and led me to pursue engineering as a college major.
When I re-joined my friends and saw the array of college sweatshirts and listened to them all buzzing about their plans, I realized how amazing it is that, while we have all been at the same place, we’ve all had such unique journeys.
Many of my teachers have used a path analogy to explain how God’s will has an impact on your journey, but my short walk across campus helped me get a literal view of how God’s will has influenced my life. Village has blessed me with a community of amazing people, who have touched my life exactly when I needed them. And to me, it’s no coincidence.
One of my coaches once told me that “luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” and I feel like the teachers, coaches, and administrators have prepared me, and a Christian education at Village has given me the opportunity. So, while I do feel lucky, I believe that it’s the combination of people and opportunity that Village has provided me throughout my life that has allowed me to grow into the best version of myself that I can be.
Looking ahead, I am confident that my Village Christian experience will continue to influence my future endeavors in profound ways. As I pursue higher education and eventually enter the workforce, I intend to carry with me the values of love, compassion, integrity, and service that have been ingrained in me during my time at Village Christian.
Village has been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today and has provided me with a strong foundation of faith, knowledge, and character that will guide me throughout my life. As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I am grateful for the blessings of a Christian education and excited to see how it will continue to shape my future for the glory of God.
I know being a lifer at Village extends far beyond my time from Kindergarten through 12 th grade; it establishes me as part of the Village Christian family truly throughout my life.
I am confident that my Village experience will continue to influence my future endeavors in profound ways.
WATCH MORE: 2024 Fifth Grade Culmination Recap
THE CLASS OF 2024 RECEIVED 443 TOTAL ACCEPTANCES TO MORE THAN 165 SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, EARNING MORE THAN $15.5 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS.
WATCH MORE: 2024 Middle School Graduation
Recap WATCH MORE: 2024 High School Commencement Recap
The Field of Dreams shines brightest in May, when for the fourth year, Village Christian hosted Fifth Grade Culmination, Middle School Graduation, and High School Commencement right here in the foothills. We were blessed to hear student performances, enjoy speeches and tributes, and celebrate our students as they reached pivotal milestones. Please join us in congratulating the following students’ special recognition and achievement:
SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATION WINNERS
Taylor Bertman | VFAME
Joshua Popjes | MSJ
Manuel Gonzalez | HE
Winston Peterson | EGL
Brianna Brennan | STEM
Nicole Wedel | PFAME
SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATION HONORABLE MENTIONS
Luca Ordonez | EGL
Ethan Bookasta | EGL
Andres Meneses | STEM
Savannah Nieber | VFAME
Hana Rakicevic | HE
Christina Constantinou | HE
2024 PROVOST AWARD
Sasha Ovalle | EGL
2024 PRACTICUM POINT LEADER
Christina Constantinou | HE
CSF SEALBEARERS
Taylor Bertman
Ethan Bookasta
Brianna Brennan
Ayden Byrnes
Adrienne Choi
Christine Constantinou
Benjamin Donnelly
Robert Harward
Andrew Huezo
Sophia Hughes
Braddock Kendrick
Cora Kendrick
Mabyn Kim
Dreeon Lewis
Rhianna McKee
Andres Meneses
Wyatt Mikels
Luca Ordonez
Winston Peterson
Nicole Wedel
CSF SCHOLARSHIPS
Regina Cecilia
Gianna De Lurgio
Shua Lee
Riley Mikels
VALEDICTORIAN
Rhiana McKee
SALUTATORIAN
Ian Kim
HIGH SCHOOL GPA OF 4.0 OR HIGHER
Alexis Azarian
Loren Bangloy
Taylor Bertman
Ethan Bookasta
Brianna Brennan
Destin Brown
Regina Cecilia
Adrienne Choi
Christina Constantinou
Benjamin Donnelly
Sam Fink
Manuel Gonzalez
Olivia Higbee
Sophia Hughes
George Kechian
Braddock Kendrick
Cora Kendrick
Andrew Kim
Ian Kim
Mabyn Kim
Kaiden Ko
Dalila Krieg
Eliott Lanz
Shua Lee
Lauren Liotopoulos
Rhiana McKee
Moriah Mosley
Sasha Ovalle
Winston Peterson
Joshua Popjes
Markela Psihalopoulos
Hana Rakicevic
Brinly Ram
Anthony Sfeir
Gwynneth Swanson
Ethan Tibert
Claira Titman
Wyatt Mikels
CHRISTOPHER OLIVER
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Christina Constantinou
Benjmin Donnelly
ILENE HENRY
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Cora Kendrick
ELIZABETH CARLETTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Sophia Hughes
JACK FORSCH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Mabyn Kim Taylor Bertman
MATTHEW PAVELKA
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Braddock and Cora Kendrick
PTF CRUNITED SCHOLARSHIP
Hana Rakicevic Rhiana McKee
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY AWARDS
Alexis Azarian
Loren Bangloy
Taylor Bertman
Ethan Bookasta
Christina Constantinou
Olivia Higbee
Mabyn Kim
Ian Kim
Kaiden Ko
Shua Lee
Dreeon Lewis
Rhiana McKee
Andy Meneses
Sasha Ovalle
Markela Psihalopoulos
Hana Rakicevic
Nelle Reason
Anthony Sfeir
Nicole Wedel
Xinyan Xie
DAVE WILSON
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Sophia Hughes
BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS
Mabyn Kim Luca Ordonez
A PERFECT SCORE OF 36 ON ONE OR MORE ACT SUBSECTIONS
Winston Peterson
CRUSADER OF THE YEAR
Wyatt Mikels
SENIOR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Braddock Kendrick Rhiana McKee
CIF-SS ALL-ACADEMIC STUDENT ATHLETE
Winston Peterson Rhiana McKee
VCS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Jaden Karuletwa
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS OF THE YEAR
Virginia Morton (6)
Collin Loffredo (6)
Ashley Tibert (7)
Cody Norton (7)
Iris Kim (8)
Michael Khazhakyan (8)
MIDDLE SCHOOL CRUSADERS OF THE YEAR
Leena Nazarian (6)
Joshua Bean (6)
Channing Kracker (7)
Joshua Mancia (7)
Emma Christopher (8)
Gabriel Bagasao (8)
FIFTH GRADE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Tatum Worthen
Jude Murphy
Ellie Sorowice
FIFTH GRADE CRUSADER OF THE YEAR
Connor Kim
Lily Newton
Greg Bazilian
AFTER NINE YEARS AT VCS, ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL MARGIE CHESPAK HEADS INTO RETIREMENT
WATCH MORE:
Assistant Principal
Honors
Margie Chespak
When it comes to science, you can’t ignore the data.
The intricacy with which systems function is astounding, creating awe-inspiring results that can’t help but capture your attention.
That’s exactly what brought retiring Elementary Principal Margie to Village Christian School nine years ago.
God had orchestrated everything, putting the pieces together in a uniquely ordained way that made VCS the perfect fit.
“I always felt like I was exactly where God wanted me at the time God wanted me to be here,” said Chespak, whose background in science initially inspired her to teach and empower young women to go into the field. “I was 100-percent sure this was where I belonged, and I was able to step into the role knowing I was doing God’s work and was in God’s will. That was humbling.”
After 10 years as a science teacher and three years as an administrator, Chespak was looking for a change.
The Lord put a name on her heart. It was someone she knew as a parent when her children were in school: Tom Konjoyan.
Lo and behold, VCS was looking for a new Elementary Principal with a science background.
“Mrs. Chespak was an outstanding leader of our Elementary, navigating us through the stormy seas of the pandemic, bringing our STEAM academic focus into being, and caring for our students and faculty,” said Head of School Tom Konjoyan.
Quick to give other teachers and administrators credit for new programs, school-wide successes, and innovative new ideas, Elementary thrived under Chespak’s watch.
The Makerspace was built and launched in 2016, the new Elementary Library/WOW Learning Center opened in 2021, and Science Nights
became a fun and educational fixture each semester.
Flex seating was implemented across all grade levels and Marvelous Mornings took off.
She worked to increase rigor and foster collaboration.
Most of all, she invested in her teachers, becoming an advocate, mentor, and friend.
“What I’m most proud of is that my teachers believe they can conquer the world,” she said. “I wanted them to succeed and find their strengths. I wanted them to realize how good they were at what they did. I hope that’s the legacy I have left for them, that they understand how incredibly special they are and how incredibly loved they are by their students and parents – and deservedly so.”
It was a culture of care, support, and love, intentionally and systematically pouring into those who poured into students each and every day.
And the data shows it.
Heading into retirement, Chespak took some time to reflect on her time at VCS:
WHEN YOU LOOK BACK ON YOUR TIME HERE AT VILLAGE, WHAT STANDS OUT THE MOST?
When I look back on my time here at Village, so many things stand out. Our families are the very best. They truly are a Village for our students. Our families care about each other, watch out for each other, support each other and love on our school together. Our students grow each year knowing they are loved and cared for by their teachers, aides, and administrators. They know there are adults in their lives who care about what type of people they are becoming and who are willing to step up to help and guide them. Our teachers are extraordinary. They work incredibly hard, spend countless hours here at school and always, always have a kind word, a smile, and a promise to pray for any child or family that needs it.
I think the people I have had the honor of working alongside have truly stood out the most during my time here at Village. From the faculty and staff, to the facilities team, to the Central Office folks and everybody in between, I have found a group of people with a common goal and a common heart for Jesus. Being part of this team has been the biggest blessing of my time here.
HOW HAS VCS IMPACTED YOU OVER THE LAST NINE YEARS?
Being part of the Village family has changed me. I have been invited into the lives of so many people. Students’ families have shared their joys and challenges with me. We have talked together, laughed and cried together, brainstormed together, and prayed together. My faculty has become a second family. We know each other’s struggles and successes. We talk about how we can improve the school and how we can get better at what we do. But also, we hold each other up in prayer. We each know there is a group of people here who deeply care about each other and will bend over backwards to help in any way needed. I frequently brag on the generosity and hard work of our
PTF, on the skill and love that my teachers show, on the good humor and caring our Aides show to students, on the fun, caring, loving atmosphere of the Elementary Office. Each and every one has left a mark on my heart.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO MISS THE MOST AS YOU HEAD INTO RETIREMENT?
As I head into retirement, I am going to miss being part of this incredible team of educators. To work in a place where I am challenged and engaged, have people I can easily turn to for advice and help, and have colleagues that have become friends who provide so many joyful times has been an amazing blessing. I will miss the joy of a student sharing their victories, questions of parents needing guidance, the heavy discussions, the hard decisions, the silly times, and the happy experiences shared. But I think what I will miss the most are the devotion times, worship times and prayer times we share weekly as a staff. The Elementary team has truly become my Village.
ARE THERE ANY PARTING WORDS YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?
While I know that change can be hard, it can also be very exciting. I would hope that our school community would welcome our new Elementary Principal, Mr. Jeff Maljian, with the same joy and grace with which they welcomed me nine years ago. I am confident God’s hand will remain on this place, as it has for the last 75 years, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. What a mighty God we serve.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU?
We are expecting grandbaby No. 8 in July and can’t wait to meet our newest little angel. We are looking forward to some traveling, some volunteering, some babysitting, and to simply slowing down a bit from the sometimes frantic pace we keep. Mostly we are excited to see what God has for us in this new season as we wait with open hands and hearts to see how He will use us.
But rest assured that Village will remain in my thoughts and prayers for years to come.
READ MORE: VCS Welcomes Jeff Maljian as New Elementary Principal
Eighth Grade Marches On
LEARNING
ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR
THROUGH CIVIL RIGHTS
In April, Village Christian eighth graders once again took an empowering journey from the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement.
“The March,” our annual trip to close out Middle School, took students through Memphis, Tennessee; Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama; and Atlanta, Georgia to see battlefields, tour museums, visit landmark churches, and become immersed in pivotal moments and locations in our nation’s history.
“We take ‘The March’ to journey through 100 years of history from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement asking the questions like ‘What do you see?’ ‘How does it make you feel?’ ‘What can I do about it?’” said Middle School Principal Dana Mikels. “Our heart is for students to wrestle with stories of people who asked these same questions and took action. We want students to see that they can impact their world. They have a voice, and we want them to see the beauty of Christ's love throughout history – even the hardest parts.”
We asked a few students about their experience, their favorite sites, and major takeaways from this powerful week away:
One of my favorite sites was the Shiloh Battlefield. It was really cool to learn about these people and how they risked their lives for their country. [The March] made me think a lot about the things I complain about and they don’t really matter. These people were suffering and were being treated horribly. It was really inspiring that they kept going even when it was so hard. - Hannah Bean
For me, the most interesting places that I visited were the Tuskegee Airmen Museum and the Shiloh Battlefield. The Tuskegee Museum was my No. 1 because I’m really into aviation, and I admire the courage that the Tuskegee Airmen had to fight for a country that didn’t like them back. I was thinking how much bravery and courage that must have taken to perform that act of service for our country. I learned over the course of The March that even though it may take a long time, the right things are going to eventually happen if we keep pursuing them. - Heath Cho
I think my favorite place was the Lorraine Hotel, because we got to see the room where [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.] was in. That was really impactful. We saw where the bullet was and where he was shot – that he was just living a normal life when he was killed. The March showed me how our life is so much better now and that we are privileged and not to take advantage of it. I also liked Buc-ee’s and the World of Coke because it was a break from learning all day, and we just got to have fun with our friends. - Ella Echeverry
My favorite place was the march on Selma – the Edmund Pettus bridge. It showed how they took something horrible and used to come together and really accomplished something. - Michael Khazhakyan
Fifth Grade Goes to Washington
VCS STUDENTS REFLECT ON THEIR TRIP
TO OUR NATION'S CAPITAL
Few experiences bring textbooks to life like the fifth grade’s annual trip to Washington,D.C.
This impactful week on the east coast includes visits to Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Gettysburg, and a plethora of museums, monuments, and government buildings in the nation’s capital.
In March, this year’s group of students, parents, and chaperones once again made the memorable trek.
“The Washington, D.C. trip brings history lessons to life and provides a framework for interacting with the curriculum in the upper grades,” said Elementary Assistant Principal Judy Mandl. “Our fifth-grade students are given the opportunity to witness the legacy that was left by men and women in our nation’s past who were dedicated to causes greater than themselves and it challenges them to consider how they can strategically impact their own world, both now and in the future.”
A few of our fifth graders shared their thoughts on the trip, favorite sites, and what they learned:
The D.C. trip was so fun and was a great experience. I found it very enjoyable to get to stay in a room with my friends and spend time with Mr. Myer (my teacher). One memorable site we visited was the Museum of the Bible because it told us Bible stories, while using amazing special effects. Finally, it was astonishing to see how many Bible verses were written on the walls all over D.C. I think the Washington, D.C. trip was a fascinating trip, and if you ever get to go with VCS, you should. - Aydin Poli
In D.C., we got to see so many amazing things like Jefferson Memorial, the Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Gettysburg, and so much more. This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it is something I will never forget. One of my favorite parts was getting to walk with my friends and see the cherry blossoms. Another one of my favorite parts was getting to go to the Museum of the Bible; it was very fun. - Ellie Sorowice
The Washington, D.C. trip was extremely fun. Waking up in the mornings and knowing you’re about to see historical sites is really exciting, especially knowing that you’re going to do it with friends makes it even more exciting. I enjoyed sharing a room with my friends and talking to each about school and our hobbies. - David-Beg Nazarian
In D.C., when I was in my chaperone group, I really enjoyed talking to all of my friends and getting to know their parents, and my chaperone, Mrs. Beth. I really learned a variety of things in D.C., but one that really stood out to me was Gettysburg. It was such a historical time when we got to visit the site of the battle, where all the soldiers fought, and it was one of the most important battles in the Civil War. This trip will definitely be one of the most memorable trips for me. - Caselyn Liang
Please join us in congratulating the 13 student-athletes from the Class of 2024 who have signed on to continue their athletic careers at the next level.
BREE BRENNAN
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Softball
LAYLA DAVIS
Cal State Fullerton
Women’s Basketball
M c KENNA EDWARDS
Southern Arkansas University
Women’s Volleyball
COLIN FAHRBERGER
Glendale Community College Football
ZAVONTAE
FLOURNOY-TRICE
Glendale Community College Football
OZ FUNK
Wheaton College Football
ROLAND HEALY
Sonoma State University
Men's Lacrosse
JADEN KARULETWA
University of Arkansas
Men’s Basketball
MATTHEW KELLER
California Lutheran University
Football
BRADDOCK KENDRICK
Concordia
Men's Lacrosse
HUDSON NICHOLS
Glendale Community College Baseball
ZOE OLOLADE
Benedictine College Football
WINSTON PETERSON
Pepperdine University
Baseball
WALK-ON ATHLETES
Ethan Tibert, Point Loma University, Baseball
Josh Popjes, Azusa Pacific University, Baseball
VILLAGE CHRISTIAN BASEBALL ADVANCED TO THE CIF SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION 6 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME THIS SPRING. IT WAS THE CRUSADERS THIRD TRIP TO THE TITLE GAME IN PROGRAM HISTORY (1990 AND 2014).
(Pictured)
VCS celebrates Ethan Tibert's two-run, walk-off home run against Diamond Bar in the CIF-SS semifinals. Village finished the season 19-9-1, falling to Colony in the title game.
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY
CHUCK GOTT RETIRES AFTER 43 YEARS AT VCS
Following God's Lead
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY CHUCK GOTT RETIRES AFTER 43 YEARS AT VILLAGE CHRISTIAN
The Technology Department is located on the second floor of the Kendall Pavilion. Up the stairs and through an unassuming wooden door, you’ll find an office overlooking The Shield.
The walls are adorned with old baseball hats worn by generations of Crusaders and the shelves are decorated with old drives, floppy discs, and other items of technology from days gone by.
At the desk sits Chuck Gott, a former coach, teacher, administrator, pioneer, and soon-to-be retiree after 43 years of servant leadership at Village Christian School.
“Chuck is the quintessential VCS employee, having worn many different hats to do whatever it took to help students and families,” said Head of School Tom Konjoyan. “His foresight prepared our school to go online over a weekend in 2020 and has helped us transition into the digital world.”
Originally hired by Dave Wilson as teacher in 1981, Gott has served in numerous roles, including teaching, coaching, Vice Principal, and developing Village Christian’s Technology Department.
He nearly didn’t apply to VCS, however, it was that initial meeting with Wilson that sold him.
“Within an hour, I knew this is where I wanted to be,” Gott said. “I never really thought about going anywhere else.”
The timing was perfect and set the course for what he calls the “Dave Wilson Plan.” Like Wilson, Gott’s long-term career at Village embodied a heart of service and passion for the community.
He taught drafting, civics, and world history.
He coached soccer, cross country, baseball, and football.
He worked administratively during the school
year and coordinated summer day camp.
He even drove buses.
As the first and only Director of Technology in school history, he was able to make an indescribable difference on the community behind the scenes as well.
Gott's long-term career at Village embodied a heart of service.
“He took us out of the typewriter age,” said Associate Head of School Ray Endacott, who has worked alongside Gott for more than 40 years. “Chuck has been the person driving everything since we started with typewriters and ditto machines. All the things that have happened from no network to wired network to wireless network, all that was under his leadership.”
In recent years, he transitioned VCS to a variety of cloud-based services, which enabled the school to shift to online learning over the course of a weekend at the onset of COVID. This transition also helped get students back in the classroom faster than most other schools across the Greater Los Angeles area.
The timing was once again perfect. As it always is with God. No matter how many hats He asks you to wear.
“It’s just neat how God shows you what to do when the time is to do it,” Gott said. “And that’s the way He worked with me.”
Chuck Gott and Ray Endacott worked together for over 40 years.
WATCH MORE: Associate Head of School for Academic Life
Ray Endacott honors Chuck Gott
FAITHFUL THROUGH THE YEARS
Friend, Retired VCS Teacher and Coach Dean Lagasse Reflects on Gott’s Legacy
Chuck, where do I start?
You were one of the first people that I met on my first day on campus as a new, wet behind the ears, teacher. You became one of my best friends. We played racquetball together, softball, golf, cheered on our favorite teams, coached baseball together, and soccer and the list goes on. Then you became my best man at my wedding.
Our relationship changed a bit after that because I had a wife and kids, but you never changed in the way you welcomed me into your classroom to do "early computer" work because you were the only teacher with a computer in your room! Even then you were looking out for your colleagues, serving them, and your students as well.
I think somewhere along the way, you talked me into getting my bus driver’s license, and here I am 40 years later still driving the bus. God used you in my life way back then because He had a plan that He was starting in my life because of your encouragement.
Then when you moved out of the classroom and into the world of technology, it was a great loss, but at the same time, a great gain for the techno world of VCS. You responded to God's calling in your life to change your path to serve the teachers at VCS in a way that only you could.
It always amazes me how the Lord takes us and uses us in ways that we never dreamed and that's what you responded to. You followed His plan, and changed the atmosphere of VCS by bringing in the tools that were needed to not only keep pace, but in some cases, be ahead of the technology in the classroom world.
You provided opportunities for us to learn, to grow, and to put into practice this new technology, and as we strove to be successful, you never once gave anyone a hard time when this learning was stressful.
If someone called for help, you came running. If someone called with questions, you always had answers. You were looked up to because of your attitude of service, a gift that God gave you and you used it to your best ability every time.
And now, as you leave VC and go on to serve your family, your legacy will continue because of what you started and carried on throughout the last 40+ years.
Chuck, you will stand before the Lord one day and He will say, "Well done my good and faithful servant," because that's exactly what you have been – faithful.
With all my love and respect, your friend, DEAN S. LAGASSE
FIELD OF DREAMS RE-TURF
THE FIELD OF DREAMS has served as a primary hub of activity for all grades since its renovation in 2013 for athletes of all grade levels, community events, recess, P.E. classes, and everything in between. This summer, we are excited to replace and upgrade this heavily trafficked turf, elevating safety, performance, and durability for our students.
For this important Annual Fund initiative, we have contacted Act Global. The company has been hard at work tearing up the old turf, and laying down the new product, which is lined for football, soccer, boys lacrosse, and girls lacrosse.
Work began at the beginning of June and will be completed before the new school year begins.
Act Global is the first company to obtain scientific data comparing natural grass for American Football, football (soccer), and baseball fields with FIFA and Synthetic Turf Council (STC) guidelines. Testing has taken place at the New York Yankees’
and Houston Astros’ spring training facilities, top European natural grass football stadiums, NFL natural grass fields, and Kyle Field at Texas A&M. Results confirm the synthetic turf manufactured by Act Global is comparable in performance, quality, and safety to natural grass at top stadiums in pristine condition.
XtremeTurf™ has been installed in more than 2,000 facilities across 90 countries for multipurpose sports-performance training, football, baseball, rugby, soccer, softball, and lacrosse applications.
Re-turfing the Field of Dreams will take approximately 70,000 square feet of cutting-edge XtremeTurf™ DX product, and you can have a stake in upgrading this invaluable facility.
Please consider a donation either by the dollar amount or by the square footage. Partner with us today to impact every student’s experience here at VCS.
IN ADDITION TO THE FIELD OF DREAMS RE-TURFING PROJECT, A VARIETY OF CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS ARE UPGRADING VILLAGE CHRISTIAN FACILITIES THIS SUMMER.
Below are two major projects that will be ready for VCS students in the 2024-2025 school year:
DAVE WILSON COURT REFINISHING
Thanks to the incredible support of the VCS Booster Club and participation in this year’s Crusader Golf Classic, Dave Wilson Court inside the Kendall Pavilion was refinished this summer, updating the look and providing valuable repairs to the floor.
Work on the court spanned three weeks across May and June. Upon completion, the facility was immediately put to use by volleyball and basketball as well as for summer camps.
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SCIENCE LAB REMODELS
The Science Labs in C-5, 276, and 277 are currently being remodeled. Work on the three rooms began May 31 and includes top-to-bottom enhancements – new flooring, upgraded lighting, cabinetry, equipment, and more.
Funding for the remodels was generously provided by the Korean Parent Group, the Armenian Parent Group, Middle School PTF, and through donations to the Annual Fund.
Crusaders for Life
DALE CHRISTOPHER | CLASS OF 1974
Dale graduated from Azusa Pacific College in 1979. He has been married to his wife Sandra Christopher for 43 years, and they have six children and six grandchildren. Dale has worked for his family business (Scientific Cutting Tools) for the last 40+ years and is a member of Grace Church in Simi Valley. They are looking forward to serving God, traveling, and enjoying life in retirement.
BRUCE FREEMAN | CLASS OF 1975
Bruce still resides at his home in Sunland, CA, which is around the corner from his parents’ home. In 2016, he retired from his 36-year employment with ACCO Engineered Systems and Sunbelt Controls. Since retiring, he and his wife Brenda have been traveling around the western United States. “I still enjoy camping and fishing, so long as the Lord and weather permit. Fortunately, the Lord has graced me with good health and the resources to pursue my hobbies,” he said.
BRENDILEE (BUHTZ) DESOTO | CLASS OF 1981
Brendilee has been living in the mountains of Arizona with her husband David since April 2015. For the past 7.5 years now, she has been the secretary at her church, and she loves it. Her three adult kids are still in California – one in Northern California and the other two in Southern California. Brendilee has two grandsons.
GALE (LANCE) VAN NORMAN | CLASS OF 1982
Gale is married to Kevin and living in Chicagoland. After a career in marketing, the Lord led her into teaching 22 years ago. “It’s been a blast!”
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
ISABELLA FLORES (CLASS OF 2020)
SANG THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ON APRIL 22 AT THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS HOME GAME AGAINST THE NEW YORK METS AS PART OF USF NIGHT AT ORACLE PARK.
MONICA (BENTLEY) JENNINGS | CLASS OF 1998
Monica has been married for 20 years in September 2024 to Douglas. They have a 9-year-old son and a 15-year-old son. Monica is working at her family-owned furniture company, D&J Custom Benchworks, located in downtown Los Angeles and is loving life.
AMBER (ARNOLD) RAMOS | CLASS OF 2000
Amber and her husband, Steven, live in San Diego, and she’s been lucky enough to work for the Navy’s Marine Mammal Program for the last 17 years. She is wrapping up a PhD this summer,which focuses on marine mammal behavior, welfare, and cognition. “I had a blast at Village and am thankful to be able to remain in touch with some of my old VCS friends,” she said.
LONDON BECK | CLASS OF 2019
One year after graduating from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health Science and Social Work, London is now employed as a Victim Advocate. She is helping victims of crime through navigating the court process, crisis intervention, and assisting in applying to the California Victim Compensation Board. “I am grateful that Village Christian gave me opportunities, such as the first mission trip to the Dominican Republic, to explore my passion of making services available to those in need,” she said.
Please send us your updates! 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.
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