Eagles Eye 2016

The Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Magazine

2016 Edition

Cover story: A Monumental Groundbreaking Lighting the Way to Highly Engaged Learning at CHCA

2016 Eagle’s Eye Volume 20

Editor: Jennifer Murphy

Promise Statement Centered in the shared love of Christ, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy is the college-preparatory, preschool through grade 12 independent school that inspires and challenges students to discover, hone, and steward their one-of-a-kind gifts as they come to know themselves as distinct and unconditionally loved creations of God. CHCA’s vibrant, multi-denominational family of learners creates a sheltering—but not sheltered— environment where, supporting each other and guided by expert Christian teachers, students wrestle with increasingly complex, timeless, essential questions in order to strengthen their minds and their faith.

Beginning with the end in mind, CHCA graduates

Lead Photographer: Judi Alvarado Contributors: Judi Alvarado Parker Bach ’16 Tiffany Clayton Matt Coleman Karen Hordinski Susanne Kloster Ellie Koutny Dan Ledbetter (photography) Phil Ochs ’16 Ben Panzeca ’16 Chazz Powell ’16 Casey (Sutherly) Purnhagen ’00 Tammy Rosenfeldt Connor Sheehy ’16 Mona Summers Emma Treadway ’18 Eagle’s Eye Magazine Eagle’s Eye is published annually by Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Please send address changes to Rebecca.Sequeira@chca-oh.org or 513.247.0900 Visit us on the web at chca-oh.org On the cover: CHCA student Aubrey Butrum volunteers during “Light the Way” kick off week!

young adults fully prepared to succeed in college and beyond; to engage effectively and lovingly with different cultures, viewpoints, and ideas; and to achieve significant impact and influence with discerning wisdom, courageous curiosity, and resilient Christian faith— where others pull back, they lean into life.

Follow CHCA on Facebook facebook.com/cincinnatihillschristianacademy Follow CHCA on Twitter @GoCHCA Follow CHCA on Instagram @GoCHCA Follow CHCA on PinterestCinciHillsCA

From the Head of School An Adventure Awaits*!

This past year has marked the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. This past chapter was an amazing journey of not only seeing God’s provision, but also one that allowed us to peek under the tent regarding the more profound things God does when He sets us out on great adventures. This indeed has been a great adventure.

This closing chapter really began in the winter of 2011 over five years ago. We were coming out of the recession and enrollment was growing. It was time to begin the process of setting a new strategic course for CHCA. What was envisioned to be a fairly short build up to an actionable plan extended considerably as we ebbed and flowed with God’s direction. During this time, two scriptures became my best friends.

I love these scriptures because in essence, they are the guiding principles for any great endeavor we attempt as Christ followers. The first is out of Luke, verse 14:28.

For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?

Randy Brunk, Head of School

Table of Contents Dynamically engaged

Lighting the Way to Highly Engaged Learning at CHCA 2 The Power of Community 4 Achieving High Honors and Leaving a Lasting Impact 6 Fifty-four CHCA Students Earn the Presidential Service Award 9 Thriving Inside and Outside of the Classroom 10 Campus Highlights 12

Refreshingly insightful

Engagement Through Essential Questions 14 Embracing Our World 16

Boldly determined

CHCA Athletics Highlights from Our Outstanding 2015-16 Season CHCA Senior Athletes CHCA Armleder Students Expand Their Education with Squash Academy

Exuberantly creative ArtBeat A Voice Like No Other Fine Arts Accolades

Fully prepared & boundlessly hopeful

Class of 2016 Staying True to Who You Are Q&A with our Val and Sal Class of 2016 Recognitions Graduation Reflections Knowing No Boundaries

Inspiringly benevolent

Armleder Hosts Artist in Residence Armleder...15 Years a Light in the City

Resiliently faithful

Alumni News Alumni Notes Alumni “Coming Home” to CHCA

18 19 20 22 23 24 25

27 28 29 30 32 33 35 36 37 38 45

Every great story of human endeavor seems to begin with what we bring to the table as His people.

In other words, we begin counting the cost. What is the problem or opportunity? What does research tell us about the changing environment in which we do business? What ultimately should be done? What resources do we have to bring to the table? What other resources can we muster? These are questions we must strive to answer to the fullest of our capacity. Our work and effort is the starting point of any great adventure. But that is where the second scripture is vitally important.

Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Ps 127:1 God wants to partner with us in our adventures. He first wants to know we are serious about the adventure...enough to invest in it deeply...but then he quickly makes it clear that His wisdom is critical to any successful venture. With only our own human wisdom, we are subject to error, falling short, or ultimate failure. Only His wisdom can guide us through the myriad of ideas and options. It is His epiphanies that reveal true wisdom and give us hope in something truly great coming about. It is those epiphanies that ultimately guide our endeavors and bring success.

Over these last five years, we have seen much of our human wisdom eventually falter when put to the test. We have seen moments of “Yes” but not yet. We have seen frustration and endless readjustments.

But in the end, we found a plan that revealed the clear hand of God saying, “Okay, now you have it... move forward”.

This process led me to understand in a whole new way the saying, “God is much more interested in the journey than the destination.” Yes, in a short time, we will see buildings and programs anew here at CHCA, as you will read in our Eagle’s Eye feature cover story. But I have become convinced that God never wastes a good adventure. Adventure by definition involves doing something that we have never done before. It involves risk. It involves new relationships. It involves new thinking. It all adds up to new opportunities for God to speak afresh His love, wisdom and hope into our lives and into the lives of the great crowd of witnesses who observe the adventure. This publication represents, and CHCA is filled, with, examples of our very own students, faculty, and staff living out these adventures each and every day, both within and outside of the classroom walls. And it is our desire to continue to offer the best opportunities of this type of engagement for our CHCA learning community for decades to come.

We have embarked on a journey that has brought new thinking and breathed new life into our community. People are excited and engaged. Our community is as unified as it has been in my 13 years here at CHCA. This chapter has indeed been a fruitful and successful adventure.

And now we launch into the next chapter of this great adventure. And if the journey is as important as the destination, we can expect God to do miraculous things along the way. I pray we see true life change in the coming years, as we complete what God has laid on our hearts to do. I pray God’s Spirit will touch the lives of the workers, bankers, donors, parents, students, teachers, neighbors, and others who we don’t even yet know through the work being done here. I pray that the journey bears fruit for His kingdom and I personally encourage us all to pray that as well. Let’s see life change in abundance as we begin this next great chapter in the life of CHCA. Blessings,

Randy Brunk, Head of School *Letter inspired from CHCA’s “Light the Way” Groundbreaking Ceremony Speech

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A Monumental Groundbreaking

Lighting the Way to Highly Engaged Learning at CHCA Just as it was 28 years ago at the original groundbreaking for the Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy in 1988, the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Light the Way Capital Campaign took place indoors at the Founders’ Campus with vibrant lightning streaks and rumbling thunder outside. Our next chapter here at CHCA was blessed and celebrated by many in attendance. In spite of the weather, the crowd of founding families, current families, alumni, friends, and faculty were welcomed by music featuring the talented students in our Upper School 9-12 Concert Choir and Armleder Choir. Inspiring words and prayers were shared from Ron & Mary Beshear (Founding Family), Brian & AudrieAna Gardner (Light the Way Committee Chairs), Randy Brunk (Head of School), Andy Espenshade (CHCA’s Board of Trustees President), and Dan & Melissa Hillis (Light the Way Committee Chairs).

“We are here to celebrate a groundbreaking. We have our bulldozer, shovels, and hard hats. But today really isn’t about constructing buildings, it’s about building a generation of Christian leaders that the world desperately needs….today is a day of celebration...of the groundbreaking, of the generosity of our community, and of the Holy Spirit working through all of us for the future of our school and our children.”

– Current CHCA Board President Andy Espenshade

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The Light the Way Initiative kicked off this past year, and with nearly $9 million raised, is now fully underway as evident by the several construction sites we’re seeing throughout our North Campuses. This important fundraising effort was strategically designed to support updated and renovated spaces in our North Campus schools, and additional resources and re-imagined programming to reach exciting new levels of engagement for our students, teachers, and community.

Building on the vision of our founders, these initiatives will take CHCA to new levels of student, faculty, and community engagement. “As individuals, and as a collective CHCA family, we want to further the Kingdom by discovering and fulfilling God’s purpose for us,” shares Head of School Randy Brunk.

Light the Way brought our community together this past year in such incredible ways.

“May this school continue to be that light in a dark world. May You protect us through this next phase and may You continue to bless us and guide us in Your ways.”

- Light the Way Committee Co-Chair Melissa Hillis

For regular campaign updates, visit chca-lighttheway.com

“The campaign would not have been possible without the countless volunteer hours from pre-launch all the way through to the groundbreaking,” shares Anne Venters. “We prayed together, worked together, and gave together. We shared in a vision that will affect the learning of generations to come.”

Then:

Founding Parent, Ron Beshear, with daughter, Robin ‘04, circa 1989

Now:

Ron Beshear with Robin and granddaughter at Groundbreaking Event May 26, 2016 3

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The Power of Community This past spring, the students were given the opportunity to skype with several children in Rwanda.

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CHCA’s first grade students partnered with Sustainable Medical Missions (SMM) to send new and/or gently used shoes to Rwanda. And oh how they rose to the challenge! Dozens of shoes were swifty collected by our students, and sent to SMM. SMM was thrilled to collect and send the shoes with their team over to Rwanda - just in time for the holidays. This past spring, the students were given the exciting opportunity to skype with several children in Rwanda. It was at that time that they were actually able to see and communicate with the children who received some of the shoes that were collected before Christmas. Students rejoiced as they recognized some of their shoes that were sent over!

The children in Rwanda were immensely grateful, and our students were so touched, as they each received a personal “Thank You” letter and gift from a child who received their shoes. Their new friends in Rwanda shared they were also praying for shoes for other children who had none. This put our first graders on mission again as they joined them in prayer and continued to collect shoes.

SMM is in ongoing partnership with CHCA, as it is run by former CHCA Board of Trustees President Mark Snyder, and his son, CHCA alum David Snyder ‘97. David Snyder visits CHCA often and was recently seen delivering a message of Determination at our Lower School chapel. How fitting, as his mission clearly led to the fierce determination of an entire class coming together to help children halfway across the world! Grade 1 teacher, Mrs. Suzanne Kloster, led the charge for our first graders, and joyfully shared, “What a powerful testimony to the power of community in our school!”

Having a Kingdom impact at such a young age is what CHCA is all about. And in turn, these students will forever be impacted by the choice they made to give of something we take for granted, and witnessing the life change they provided for their new friends in Rwanda.

“What a powerful testimony to the power of community in our school!�

- Grade 1 teacher Mrs. Suzanne Kloster

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Achieving High Honors and Leaving a Lasting Impact

by Emma Treadway ’18

Not only are students committing to a life of service through CHCA’s Student Organized Service (S.O.S.) and mission trips, many have also chosen to make an impact on their community as scouts. Maintaining the scout values and completing the extensive badge-work is no easy feat. In Boy Scouts, for example, only about five percent are able to master the skills and complete the requirements needed to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. American Heritage Girls have even fewer Stars and Stripes Award winners; only close to 200 girls have ever achieved this recognition. The Eagle Scout Award and the American Heritage Girl Stars and Stripes Award are both prestigious accomplishments.

They entail such feats as earning a plethora of merit badges, holding leadership positions, and completing a project that benefits the community. And a few students at CHCA have actually achieved these goals: Eagle Scouts Kirk Easterday ’16 and Joe Zabbatino ’16, and American Heritage Girl Laura Dykstra ’17.

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Here is a more in-depth look with Joe and Kirk into what it really means to be such an accomplished Boy Scout, followed by an impressive summary of Laura Dykstra’s American Heritage Girls honors.

How long have you been a part of Boy Scouts?

Kirk: Seven years this summer with Boy Scouts, and two years

prior to that with Cub Scouts.

Joe: Eleven years total in scouts.

Describe a time when your skills and work as a Boy Scout have been most useful to you.

K: My experience in Boy Scouts is useful to me all the time,

from applying to a job, to backpacking with my friends, to doing construction during Intersession. Communications to basic outdoor skills come in handy all the time. One of my most memorable experiences as a scout was backpacking in Cimarron, New Mexico, where scouts from all over the country go to hike and camp at the Philmont Scout Ranch. I was chosen to be the crew leader for a bunch of guys older than me as we traveled 120 miles and crested five mountains over the course of 10 days. I had to use the skills I had learned in scouts to keep my crew efficient and safe.

that’s just part of the construction. Everybody deals with their problems in different ways, and in my case, we had to take the deck apart and put support beams under the face because it wasn’t going to be sturdy enough. We went a little overkill on the structure the second time around, but I’m glad because I know it’ll last for a long time!

What is one of the most memorable, exciting, dangerous, etc. situations you have been in as a Boy Scout?

J: Scouting has given me an adventurous and thrill-seeking

side. My most memorable event is free diving 25 feet to pull the anchor from our sailboat out of some rocks at the Florida Sea Base high adventure.

What makes the Eagle Scout rank so important, in general and for you personally?

K: The Eagle Scout rank is awarded to scouts who continually

progress through each of the ranks of scouts (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle) between the ages of 11 and 18. In order to earn the Eagle rank, Scouts have to complete at least 21 merit badges, participate in scout activities, hold leadership positions, and complete a large service project of which they are completely in charge. As the highest rank a scout can reach, it’s not an easy task. For me, it was a huge opportunity to grow in all aspects of my life. I don’t think I’d be nearly the person I am today if I hadn’t pursued the Eagle Scout rank!

J: The Eagle Scout rank is important to me because it shows

that I can personally accomplish anything if I put my mind to it. It has also taught me so much about various aspects of life outside of school/CHCA.

Explain your project: what it is, why you chose it, whom it benefits, etc. Did you have any difficulties during the project? How did you overcome them?

K: My project was to build a set of tumbling compost bins

for the CHCA organic garden. The land on which I built is on a hill, so I also crafted an 8’ x 16’ deck into the hill to keep the bins level. The compost bin will aid the organic learning center in teaching CHCA students environmental science as well as growing fresh produce that can be donated to families in Cincinnati. They say it isn’t an Eagle Scout project unless you run into some problems or mistakes along the way, but

J: My project is a trail for environmental study in honor of Jim

Brunk who passed away earlier this year. The goal of the project is to provide students with more opportunity and space to get out of the classroom. This type of environmental learning will expose students to nature with the hopes that they might realize they can help our earth by reducing waste.

Earning your Eagle Scout award is definitely not an easy accomplishment that just anyone can complete. What motivated you to finish the project and requirements to earn the rank?

K: The real motivation for me to reach the Eagle Scout rank

kicked in around this time last year. I was seventeen, so if I didn’t get my act together I’d age out before completing the rank. I took it upon myself to find and meet with merit badge counselors outside of scout meetings and complete the remaining badges I still needed as well as plan and execute my project. I pretty much poured my heart and soul into scouts for half a year and ended up completing my entire project and four merit badges with very little time to spare before I turned 18. I also couldn’t have done it without support from my parents and my best friend, who is also an Eagle Scout.

How have the Eagle Scout Award and your experience as a Boy Scout defined you?

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K: I’ve said it before – I wouldn’t nearly be the man I am today if I hadn’t achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Boy Scouts is truly one of the most holistic experiences a boy can have and by the time you reach the rank of Eagle, you’ll be a well-rounded and seasoned person. I have a confidence and fire in me that will never leave as a result of putting in the work and seeing it all pay off.

J: Boy Scouts has taught me almost 90% of my applicable

world-knowledge, and I can’t imagine what my life would be without it. Through scouting I have become more intelligent, aware, and resourceful.

What advice would you give to prospective Boy Scouts who are considering working towards this award?

K: The advice I’d give to prospective Boy Scouts is to not give

up. There were plenty of times when I doubted myself, my ability to reach Eagle rank, and my relationships with others along the way. Part of what makes you an Eagle Scout is understanding and dealing with those challenges, and I’m a better man for sticking with it. Also, you don’t have as much time as you think you do. Be super aggressive with setting and following up on your goals. I remember thinking that I had plenty of time to make Eagle when I turned fifteen, right after earning my Life rank. I walked out of my board of review as an Eagle Scout two days before my eighteenth birthday.

J: Stick to it no matter how bad you want to quit. You will

carry these experiences for your whole life, and the time spent outdoors with your friends is the best kind of fun you can have. I highly recommend that students at least try it.

American Heritage Girl, Laura Dysktra, has also achieved the highest recognition possible within her program: the Stars and Stripes Award. Again, this award was not easily earned. Laura is only the 214th girl in the country to have ever earned it. In order to receive this award, Laura had to live out the AHG Creed and Oath, plus complete a number of requirements, including:

• Earning 16 merit badges • Earning the P.R.A.Y. religious award • Holding a leadership position in her troop for a minimum of six months

• Planning, developing, and providing a leadership to others in a 100+ hour service project

• Writing an essay and mini-resume • Receiving at least three letters of reference • Passing a board of review For her project, Laura built a nature trail behind CHCA’s EBL and Founders Campus buildings. This trail was built to be a valuable asset for outdoor, hands-on education in science and other classes, and also to provide a peaceful place for students and others to observe and enjoy God’s creation. The trail runs through mature woods and along the creek for about 250 meters. It showcases native trees, numerous fossils, fish, birds, and invertebrates that are found in Ohio’s forests and creeks.

Laura and her team logged over 200 hours during the first week of work, cutting and hauling out invasive honeysuckle shrubs, chipping them, and spreading wood chips. They also removed many pounds of trash, including an abundance of shingles that were torn from the 11300 Snider Rd roof during the April 1999 tornado.

Laura, Joe, and Kirk, along with earning high prestige and recognition for their work, have also left a lasting impact on CHCA campuses and its students: tumbling compost bins and two trails to raise environmental awareness and to create a place for students and teachers to enjoy. These scouts have not only left their mark but also are serving as a great inspiration for future scouts.

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Fifty-four CHCA Students Earn the Presidential Service Award The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is the premier volunteer awards program in our country, encouraging citizens to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition.

Service hours are measured over a 12-month period and awards are designated based on cumulative hours.

The awards are offered in multiple levels and are designed to recognize each milestone of your service achievement. Levels include bronze, silver, gold, and the highest honor, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.

We are thrilled that CHCA recognized an unprecedented 54 students across grades 5-12 this past year.

The following students earned the Bronze Award, which requires 26-174 service hours, depending on age: Grade 5-6-Mycah Droege, Grade 9-12-Andrew Breeze-Stringfellow, Tessa Doan, Chelsea Feeney, Maggie Harrison, Emily Kabalin, Mack Pairan, Madyson Shank, Rhian Solomon, and Maya Yates.

The following students earned the Silver Award, which requires 50-249 service hours, depending on age: Grade 5-6-Keona Mulcahy, Grade 9-12-Kristopher Carnes, Laura Dykstra, Adele Enns, Karissa Lewis, Johnathan Sequeira, Corinne Vanderwoude, Malcolm Vanderwoude, and Savannah Weber.

The following students earned the Gold Award, which requires 75-250 service hours, depending on age: Grade 7-8-Katelyn Bruns, Suzanna Bruns, Mackenzie Carnes, Ainsley Droege, Grade 9-12-Peyton Bach, Leon Bao, Kennedy Bontrager, Morgan Bowen, Patrick Bruns, Sarah Bruns, Ana Burk, Trevor Cebulskie, Emma Conway,

Michael Deines, Wyatt Droege, Madeline Dykstra, Jessica Gruber, Jason Humphrey, Abby Jutt, Colin Keenan, Charlotte Lee, Carolyn Moon, Hannah Odom, Tegan Osborne, Bruno Schardong, Emma Shank, Alicia Slouffman, Shannon Sturm, David Taylor, Devin Taylor, Sidhu Thunga, Grace Vanderwoude, Erica Wuennemann, Leanna Yuan, and Joseph Zabbatino.

CHCA Student Outreach Coordinator, Karen Hordinski, says, “Having fifty-four people in our school community receive the Presidential Service Award is a telling reflection of who we are: people who actively care about our communities and our world; we don’t just talk about it. There are so many more in our school who are eligible! Typically, we have 2​ 5 Grade 9-12 students receive the award. This year we had ​48 grade 9-12 students receive this prestigious award, including 23 freshmen! I’m extremely impressed with all of our award winners, and especially with the class of 2019what great role models they are to all of us. This is phenomenal! Their dedication to service reminds me of a quote from Teresa of Avila: ‘Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours, Yours are the eyes through which to look out Christ’s compassion to the world Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good; Yours are the hands with which he will bless others now.’”

Along with the ultimate honor of presidential recognition, recipients will receive a personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion or coin, and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States. Congratulations to all students!

“Having fifty-four people in our school community receive the Presidential Service Award is a telling reflection of who we are: people who actively care about our communities and our world.”

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Thriving Inside and Outside of the Classroom: CHCA’s Annual Learn, Lead, & Serve Scholarship Recipients

“We are thrilled to have these gifted students on the MSL campus next year. Based on their scholarship, leadership, and hearts for service, we know they will make an immediate impact on our community!”

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On Friday, January 29th, several grade 8 students were recognized as this year’s Learn, Lead & Serve Scholarship recipients. In order to be considered for one of these awards, students must be rising freshmen, either currently enrolled as a student at CHCA or as a prospective student pursuing admission at CHCA. Students must also demonstrate strong academic performance in the classroom.

Introduced in 2007, the Learn, Lead & Serve Scholarships are designed to reward student achievement. “Our vision is to unleash in each student a passion to learn, lead, and serve. We want to recognize and reward students who are living out those values in their daily lives,” says Head of School Randy Brunk. “These scholarships provide a meaningful way to do that, and will hopefully inspire other students to work hard, serve, and lead in a similar way.” Scholarship awards are paid out over four years, assuming current enrollment and approval of renewal request. Upper School Principal Dr. Dean Nicholas awarded each student with their honor(s).

The students recognized for this year’s Lead & Serve Scholarships were: Jacqueline Clayton, Lillian McNutt, Ainsley Droege, and Cole Fisher.

These students have spent their time and served in many amazing ways. Jacqueline Clayton raised money for Back2Back Ministries to send books to orphans in Monterrey, Mexico. She also volunteers at her church, and initiated multiple Bible studies, one of which she led. Ainsley Droege has volunteered with Matthew 25 Ministries at their annual 5k run and their Christmas event. In addition, Ainsley has worked at Hands and Feet Ministry, as well as her church’s Vacation Bible School, Music Camp, and clothing exchange.

Cole Fisher has spent much of his time as a volunteer at a local assisted living community, where he socializes with the residents. He is also the leader of the CHCA Spanish Club, and uses this knowledge to tutor Hispanic students at Lord of Life Church. Cole is also the Vice President of both NJHS and the Spiritual Life Committee.

Lillian McNutt has raised money for breast cancer research, as well as funds to build a house for a family in Nicaragua through 1mission. Lillian plays in the worship band at her church and leads the chapel band at CHCA. She was elected Spiritual Life Representative and Head of the Service Committee. And these are just a small handful of the notable accomplishments of these young students!

Students competing for a Learn Scholarship took the Independent Schools Entrance Exam (ISEE), our High School Entrance Exam, and the students with the top ISEE scores were awarded. These students were: Cade Reinberger, Jack Sonne, Jonathan Edgington, and Ricky Martin. They each excel both within and outside of the classrooms walls. They are also athletes, artists, volunteers, and so much more.

CHCA is proud to award Cum Laude Scholarships to academically gifted students with proven achievement.

These awards are made at the Distinguished Scholar and Commended Scholar levels to recognize elite students scoring exceptionally high among peers enrolled at or pursuing selective admission at independent schools.

These scholarships are renewable annually throughout upper school enrollment. To be considered for this award, students must be entering grade 9, either currently enrolled as a student at CHCA or a prospective student pursuing admission at CHCA, students must take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and submit their score report to CHCA for scholarship consideration, and demonstrate strong academic performance in the classroom. The CHCA Scholarship Committee, comprised of at least five school officials, selects the merit scholarship winners based upon the eligibility and award criteria outlined.

Distinguished honors went to Cade Reinberger.

Commended recipients were Jack Sonne and Lillian McNutt. “CHCA has established a superb reputation for academic excellence, and the Cum Laude Scholarships are a way for us to highlight the achievements of our outstanding scholars,” says Head of School Randy Brunk.

“These scholarships will also enable some of the Cincinnati area’s most talented students to take advantage of our high quality academic programming, arts, athletics, Christian studies, service learning, Intersession experiences here and around the globe, integrated technology, and leadership training.”

Upper School Principal Dr. Dean Nicholas states “We are thrilled to have these gifted students on the MSL campus next year. Based on their scholarship, leadership, and hearts for service, we know they will make an immediate impact on our community!” Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!

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Campus Highlights

Refreshingly insightful

Teacher Profile:

Engagement Through Essential Questions

by Ben Panzeca ’16 The dynamic between teacher and student is one that is as impactful as it is unique. A weak relationship with

a teacher can send a student careening into a world of stress, while a positive one can truly change their life. I can personally attest that my teachers have had a significant positive effect on my life academically, socially, and spiritually. I am happy to say that for me, CHCA became a place of positive educational reinforcement very quickly, widely due to the faculty. I give a lot of credit to many of my teachers for the positive impact they had on my school years, each step of the way.

One of the many CHCA teachers doing wonderful work in the classroom is Grade 8 Christian Studies teacher, Mr. Jared Treadway. For the past nine years, he has been a shining example of what makes CHCA such a special place to learn. While being at a school that strives to be Christ-centered in every way, Jared has established his classroom as a home for challenging thoughts and ideas. He arrived in 2007, as he was finishing his degree at Hebrew Union College. I spent some time asking Mr. Treadway about his work at CHCA, classroom philosophy, and the “essential questions” that have made a lasting impression on his students.

B: How/when did you become employed at CHCA? J: I was finishing up my degree at Hebrew Union College

when Suella Slemmons, a former teacher at CHCA, recommended that I apply. This was in 2007.

B: What were your initial impressions of the school?

J: I loved it. I enjoyed the professionalism of my co-

workers, the high caliber of the students, and the Christcentered focus of the school in general. I feel I discovered my calling in life when I found CHCA.

B: What was your classroom philosophy coming into CHCA? J: Most of my teaching experience had been as a youth

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pastor or as a graduate assistant, so I had to formulate a

philosophy as I went along. I started with a desire for my students to know God better, to become more spiritually grounded, and to have a better understanding of orthodox Christian doctrine. These are all still goals of mine each year.

B: How has it changed since?

J: As I gained more experience, I discovered that many

students lacked a basic ability to think through their beliefs. They most simply parroted without conviction what their parents, church, or former teachers had told them to believe. These were usually “good” beliefs, but they weren’t owned by the students themselves. Many knew what to think, but how to think was something that eluded them. Since most 8th graders are at an age where they are questioning everything anyway (including authority), I attempted to harness this adolescent momentum and channel it into analytical thinking.

This is precisely what Socrates did in Athens 400 years

before Christ. Jesus himself helped his potential followers to understand that the legalistic rut many had fallen into needed to be rethought and understood from a more compassionate point of view. In my class, we take a step back from indoctrination and look at the bigger context of reality and how our faith fits into real life. Students really dig, being able to discuss “deep” questions without being chastised, preached at, or otherwise made to feel small. My class is a safe place to explore big questions, and I encourage them to do the same thing at home with their parents.

B: What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you try to teach to your students?

J: Following the example of Jesus is what will truly save the world. Love, humility, and compassion are often overlooked as the primary elements of what it means to be a Christian.

When we read Carl Sagan’s essay, “The Pale Blue Dot”, we see our smallness in the universe, the fragility of the earth, how we are all stuck here with each other, and how hatred, pride, and war are not viable options if we want to survive. When we learn to listen to each other, we understand that we may not always be right, and when we put ourselves in the other person’s shoes (empathy), we see how much our thinking is egocentric (“I am always right”) or sociocentric (“my group is always right”). Being aware of these tendencies in our thought-processes is the first step to critical thinking, and critical thinking tempered by love, empathy, and compassion is what will ultimately alleviate human suffering in the world.

This is what Christians should be best at.

B: What is the importance of the essential questions that you and your class create and examine?

J: God is not afraid of our questions. In fact, just like many

parents, He probably gets irritated when we don’t use our minds to their fullest potential! We are, after all, made in his image. The quality of our answers is determined by the quality of our questions. Answers are great, but they all too frequently lead to complacency and non-thinking. However, when we continually question our conclusions and ask better questions the next time around, we can make our understanding of the truth even better. If Copernicus and Galileo had simply accepted the status quo of Ptolemaic astronomy, how much longer would we have believed in a geocentric universe?

If Martin Luther hadn’t questioned the abuses of certain theological ideas, how much longer would the poor peasants have been exploited economically and spiritually? If Paul had not questioned the prevailing notion that only Jews could be children of God, how many Gentiles would have perished? Reexamining and rethinking our ideas is vital to our understanding of the truth. So, to answer your question, I encourage students to practice asking essential questions by examining the ideas found in famous aphorisms. We look at these quotes from as many different angles as we can. No author gets a free pass. No student gets a free pass. I don’t even get a free pass! We learn to listen to each other, question each other, question our preconceptions, and formulate important essential questions. The dignity of our neighbor— and the value of the truth—demand at least as much. In this respect, I frequently learn as much from my students as they do from me.

B: Have there been any memorable experiences that stand out here at CHCA? J: Too many to count. Whenever I see a student’s eyes light

up when they finally understand an idea or process, I get a thrill. When I see them putting together a worldview based upon the example of Jesus, I feel the hours of work have been truly worth it. When they come back to me years later talking about the ideas we discussed in Pale Blue Dot, Flatland, or Plato, I occasionally get chills. Most of the specific memorable experiences are of a non-academic nature, usually involving creative ways of waking up sleepy students, or seeing the bizarre abilities many of them have and are proud to display to their classmates. It makes our time together sweeter!

This year, Mr. Treadway’s students were tasked with an exercise to create essential questions to be used in some school communications. Below is a sampling of some of those questions. Engage in a healthy discussion with family or friends around the dinner table tonight!

• How much evidence is needed for it to be compelling?

• Why do the people who have more knowledge need more humility?

• Why are ignorant people more confident?

• What shapes how we see reality?

• Do our biases shape our beliefs or do our beliefs shape our biases?

• Why is the way we see reality important?

• Should you still believe in something if there is nothing to back it up?

• Why do we need to learn the truth through failure and not success?

• Why do people sometimes see reality differently than you? Will we ever all see it the same way?

• Do we have to develop a world perspective in order to have peace on Earth?

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Refreshingly insightful

Embracing Our World

by Connor Sheehy ’16

The CHCA Intersession Swim Australia trip was an example of how beautiful it can be to abandon our fear of other people, and to simply embrace the rest of the world.

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The greatest irony of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries is that globalization and social media have given people the ability to be more connected than ever, yet our collective fear of people themselves seems to be more dangerous than ever. We are increasingly interlinked yet increasingly isolated with and from each other; we have the ability to unite with others yet we are more afraid than ever of people of different races and religions.

However, I feel that CHCA’s Intersession Swim Australia trip briefly showed me something antithetical to the irony described above. To explain, our swim team spent six days in Sydney, plus a week each with host families in the Central Coast and Wollongong. Thanks to the work of Gary and Suzy Toner, during this time my teammates and I experienced one of the most modern and culturally diverse cities in the world and made potentially lifelong connections with other swimmers and world citizens. My time in Australia gave me two specific experiences that I will not soon forget: the Sydney New Year’s Fireworks and the chance to live with two host families.

Both of these experiences are counter to our developing fear of people, as they are both examples of people gaining a connection that would have otherwise not existed.

On New Year’s Eve, we were at a venue on Sydney Harbour, with thousands of people crowding around each other in celebration when the first fireworks show began. The sky soon gave way to an awe inspiring crescendo of sound and sight that illuminated both the sky and ourselves. In that moment, what caught my eye more than the beautiful colors and explosions was how there were five or six identical firework shows in my field of vision, realizing that the entire city of millions was watching the same show that my friends and I were watching. I remembered what I saw during my time in the city: a very diverse population with tourists, immigrants, and citizens all interacting, all extremely kind and glad to interact with us when they noticed our accents. I began to see these fireworks as a metaphor for the city itself, an extension of the city’s global unity. On that

night, we were all celebrating, partying, and dancing as one.

Furthermore, I was extremely grateful to stay with host families for two weeks. Both of my families were very nice people and I loved talking to them about life in Australia, and observing differences in government, colloquial language, overall lifestyle, and breakfast preferences-they eat a lot more toast because they only buy fresh bread and their bacon is way better. I appreciated learning about the Australian health care system and I almost fell over laughing at my Central Coast host mom’s reaction when I finished explaining how easy it is to purchase a gun in the United States. I loved the opportunity that my swim team had. Many of us will remain in contact with our host families for years to come and may one day host them should they come to the United States. I find it incredible that the entire connection was initially founded on something as arbitrary as swimming; yet through swimming, my teammates and I had a rare opportunity and now have friends on another continent.

My greatest concern for the world is that instead of embracing what my teammates and I saw in Sydney, we allow ourselves to remain afraid of other people; afraid of immigrants and refugees; afraid of different religions and different pigmentations. As our global economy and society bring us closer both figuratively and literally, we must abolish our fear of people. If we want to overcome our collective prejudice and paranoia, end global poverty, and quell the sectarian violence in the Middle East, all persons must come to some simple conclusions: that all people-regardless of socioeconomic status, religion, race, creed, or sexual orientation-have the same inherent value. Additionally, we are inevitably bound together as the world’s mounting problems will affect all nations in time. People must stop viewing themselves with a particular label like religion, political affiliation, or income, and should instead seek and act to benefit humanity as a whole. The CHCA Intersession Swim Australia trip was an example of how beautiful it can be to abandon our fear of other people, and to simply embrace the rest of the world. I feel that the most important thing we must do as a global population is to view each other as people, not labels or affiliations.

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Boldly determined

CHCA Athletics

It seems as though the school year began just yesterday; the time has flown!

The year started with the Hall of Excellence Induction of Kaci Kust, Andrew Wallace and Cliff Hern, and continued as Rachel Haslem broke cross country records, won the District Championship, and qualified for the State Finals.

We got to see our boys’ varsity golf team qualify for Districts and the State Finals, and watch as two of our girl golfers, Morgan Bowen and Bree Wilson, qualified for Districts. You could say the school year started off with a bang!

Between the Coach and Player of the Year Awards, the many Miami Valley All-Conference selections, and post-season awards our student-athletes have received, there is no doubt that we have had another successful year of CHCA athletics.

Along the way, we have been able to partner with the other school departments in order to enrich the lives of our students spiritually, socially, and morally, while enhancing their physical capabilities and producing a competitive athletic program that we can all be proud of.

Thank you parents for your support of our athletic program, and for being a part of our wonderful athletic booster club. Without you, our success wouldn’t be possible. I want to also thank my athletic office staff, as well as our coaches, for the many hours they put in, and for the difference they make in our athletic program! As we close out this year and plan for a new school year, we can always say, “It’s a Great Day to be a CHCA Eagle”.

Hall of Excellence Inductees: Kaci Kust

First team MVC 2007, 2008 MVC Player of the Year 2007, 2008 All-State Honorable Mention 2007 First Team All-District 2007, 2008 First Team All-City 2007, 2008 All-State Second Team 2008 All-City Player of the Year 2008

Andrew Wallace

First Team All-MVC/Regional Qualifier 2007 State Champion 4X800 Relay 2008 Regional Champion 4X800 Relay 2008 District Champion 4X400 Relay 2008 District Champion 1600 2009, 2010 All-MVC 800/1600/4X400 Relay 2010 Regional Champion 800 2010 4th Place 800 2010

Cliff Hern

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Cliff Hern began his career at CHCA in 1991 as a science teacher for grades 6 through 9. In 1995 he coached track, and along with former varsity football coach, Mike Gims, put together CHCA’s first junior high football team. By 1997, the football program had grown to include a high school team and Cliff was named the first head football coach. He remained in that position until 2002 when he moved into the role of Director of Athletics. Cliff Hern was instrumental in adding football to CHCA’s athletic program and helping to build the athletic program that has become not only one of the best athletic programs in the Cincinnati area, but in the state.

Highlights from Our Outstanding 2015-16 Season Baseball

Chase Murray, MVC Athlete of the Year John Edelman, MVC 1st Team Nick Harker, MVC 1st Team Chase Murray, MVC 1st Team Johnny Noyen, MVC 2nd Team Jack Vezdos, MVC 2nd Team David Jung, MVC Honorable Mention Bernie Tippen, MVC Honorable Mention

Basketball-Boys

Erik Kohlan, 1st Team All MVC Blake Southerland, 2nd Team All MVC Cody Shiver, MVC Honorable Mention Tanner Southerland, MVC Honorable Mention

Basketball-Girls

Kat Williams, 2nd Team All MVC Tegan Osborne, 2nd Team All MVC Kennedi Toney, MVC Honorable Mention Emma Parker, MVC Honorable Mention

Cross Country-Girls

Rachel Haslem, MVC Runner of the Year, 1st Team All MVC Maria Pancioli, 1st Team All MVC Laura Dykstra, 2nd Team All MVC

Football

Team, Scarlet Division MVC Champions Eric Taylor, Scarlet Division MVC Coach of the Year Johnny Noyen, MVC Offensive Player of the Year Prince Sammons, MVC Defensive Player of the Year Nick Noyen, MVC 1st Team Offensive Ryan Wichmann, MVC 1st Team Offensive Johnny Noyen, MVC 1st Team Offensive Adam Baker, MVC 1st Team Offensive Prince Sammons, MVC 1st Team Defensive Ben Collado, MVC 1st Team Defensive Kesean Gamble, MVC 1st Team Defensive James Deaton, MVC 2nd Team Offensive Chris Carnes, MVC 2nd Team Offensive

Brady Pfister, MVC 2nd Team Defensive Kyle Renners, MVC 2nd Team Defensive Will Siman, MVC Honorable Mention Dan Stacy, MVC Honorable Mention

Abby Blink, MVC Honorable Mention Erica Wuenemann, MVC Honorable Mention

Golf-Boys

Anna VanJura, 1st Place - MVC 100 Breast Stroke

Sean Eslick, 1st Team All MVC Connor Olson, 2nd Team All MVC Jack Lindgren, 2nd Team All MVC

Golf-Girls

Morgan Bowen, SWGGA All 1st Team Bree Wilson, SWGGA All 1st Team

Lacrosse-Girls

Chazz Powell, MVC 1st Team Claire Drosos, MVC 2nd Team Ariel McWhorter, MVC 2nd Team Megan Owens, MVC 2nd Team Emma Vanderkolk, MVC Honorable Mention Lily Venerable, MVC Honorable Mention

Lacrosse-Boys

Kyle Renners, MVC 1st Team Mitch Kennedy, MVC 2nd Team Nate Merten, MVC 2nd Team Owen Van Den, MVC 2nd Team Heuvel Ryan Hunt, MVC Honorable Mention Tyler Sikkema, MVC Honorable Mention

Soccer-Boys

Mark Smith, 1st Team All MVC Ben Phillips, 1st Team All MVC Erik Kohlan, 2nd Team All MVC Phil Ochs, 2nd Team All MVC Martin Gravely, MVC Honorable Mention Zach Bell, MVC Honorable Mention

Soccer-Girls

Tara Koob, 1st Team All MVC Laney Huber, 1st Team All MVC Sam Houtchens, 2nd Team All MVC Amanda Donahue, 2nd Team All MVC Maria Ranieri, MVC Honorable Mention Madison Robinson, MVC Honorable Mention

Softball

Diane Barghini, MVC Coach of the Year Camryn Olson, MVC 1st Team Mady Shank, MVC 1st Team Cassidy Yeomans, MVC 1st Team Emma Shank, MVC 2nd Team Moriah Tome, MVC 2nd Team

Swimming-Girls

Tennis-Girls

Emily Kabalin, 2nd Team All MVC - Singles Ella Hipsley, 2nd Team All MVC - Doubles Candace Pfister, 2nd Team All MVC Doubles Elena Rempe, 2nd Team All MVC Doubles Sydney Day, 2nd Team All MVC - Doubles Anna Abunku, MVC Honorable Mention Mady Shank, MVC Honorable Mention

Tennis-Boys

Andrew Breeze-Stringfellow, MVC 2nd Team Singles Stefone Broaders, MVC 2nd Team Singles Drew Springer, MVC Honorable Mention Luke Springer, MVC Honorable Mention

Boys Track & Field

MVC 1st Team 1600 Meter Relay Adam Baker Alex Barnard Kris Carnes Zach Stiles

Girls Track & Field

Rachel Haslem, MVC 1st Team 3200 Meter Run MVC 1st Team 3200 Meter Relay Laura Dykstra Rachel Haslem Maria Pancioli Hannah Price Sydney Sauer, MVC 1st Team Shotput

Volleyball

Alison Jenkins, Dick Snyder Sportsmanship Award Megan Kissel, 1st Team All MVC Allison Jenkins, 1st Team All MVC Julianna Collado, MVC Honorable Mention Delaney Poore, MVC Honorable Mention

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CHCA Senior Athletes CHCA Athletics could not be prouder of the performance of its athletic teams, athletes, coaches, parents and supporters.

Our teams competed in 20 sports that are recognized by the Miami Valley Conference (MVC) and excelled in nearly every one of them! Our athletes were recognized for sportsmanship, excellence and courageous spirit and several teams and athletes advanced to district, regional and state level competition.

Character and academic achievement awards presented to highly deserving athletes

Scholar Athlete Award

Claire Droses Zach Stiles (photo not shown)

Courageous Student Award

Archie Griffin Award Morgan Bowen Johnny Noyen

Dan Stacy

Dick Snyder Award Chazz Powell

2015-16 College Signings

Cassidy Yeomans, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology

Baseball

Football

Baseball

Football

Basketball

Soccer

Football

Soccer

Golf

David Jung, Hanover College

Johnny Noyen, University of Dayton 20

Softball

Blake Southerland, College of Wooster

Basketball

James Deaton, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology

Mark Smith, Gordon College (Massachusetts)

Chase Murray, Georgia Tech

Katherine Williams, Denison University

Morgan Bowen, Methodist University

Prince Sammons, Auburn University

Emma Conway, Cedarville University

Keziah Barker 2015 Fall Girls Soccer Kennedy Bates 2015/2016 Winter Girls Basketball Alec Bednar 2015/2016 Winter Coed Swimming 2016 Spring Boys Tennis Zachary Bell 2015 Fall Boys Soccer 2015/2016 Winter Boys Basketball MVC Honorable Mention Morgan Bowen 2015 Fall Girls Golf Enquirer All-Star Division II 1st team Methodist University - Golf Andrew Breeze-Stringfellow 2015 Fall Coed Cross Country 2016 Spring Boys Tennis Vince Colyer 2015 Fall Coed Cross Country Cory Combs 2015/2016 Winter Boys Basketball Claire Comer 2016 Spring Girls Softball James Deaton II 2015 Fall Boys Football 2nd Team All MVC DePauw University - Football Jeremy Devin 2015 Fall Coed Cross Country 2016 Spring Boys Tennis Emma Dierkers 2015 Fall Girls Cheer 2016 Spring Girls Softball Layne Downey 2015 Fall Girls Soccer 2016 Spring Coed Track & Field Claire Drosos 2016 Spring Girls Lacrosse Christian Duborg 2015 Fall Coed Cross Country 2015/2016 Winter Coed Swimming 2016 Spring Boys Tennis Kirk Easterday 2015 Fall Coed Cross Country 2015/2016 Winter Coed Swimming Jonathan Edelmann 2016 Spring Boys Baseball Sean Eslick 2015 Fall Boys Golf 2016 Spring Boys Baseball Equirer All-Star Division II 1st Team, 2nd Team All State, 1st Team All-MVC Guillermo Farfan 2016 Spring Boys Lacrosse Olivia Fette 2015 Fall Girls Soccer Robert Floyd 2015 Fall Boys Soccer 2016 Spring Boys Lacrosse Noah Gardner 2015 Fall Boys Soccer

Mark Ghastine 2015 Fall Boys Soccer 2016 Spring Boys Lacrosse Keaton Glaser 2015 Fall Boys Soccer Martin Gravely 2015 Fall Boys Soccer MVC Honorable Mention Sarah Gruber 2016 Spring Girls Lacrosse Grace Hall 2016 Spring Girls Softball Nick Harker 2016 Spring Boys Baseball Gretchen Holthaus 2015 Fall Girls Cheer Samantha Houtchens 2015 Fall Girls Soccer 2016 Spring Girls Lacrosse 2nd Team All MVC Nicholas Jackson 2015 Fall Boys Football 2015/2016 Winter Coed Indoor Track and Field, 2016 Spring Coed Track & Field

Caleb Metzcar 2015 Fall Boys Golf

Riley Scott 2016 Spring Girls Softball

Chase Murray 2016 Spring Boys Baseball Georgia Tech - Baseball

Connor Sheehy 2015/2016 Winter Coed Swimming

Johnny Noyen 2015 Fall Boys Football 2016 Spring Boys Baseball Enquirer All Star Division V Player of the Year, 1st Team All-State, SW District Offensive Player of the Year, MVC Offensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All MVC Dayton - Football

Will Siman 2015 Fall Boys Football

Phil Ochs 2015 Fall Boys Soccer 2nd Team All MVC Connor Olson 2015 Fall Boys Golf 2nd Team All MVC, Enquirer All Star Division II 1st Team Tegan Osborne 2015/2016 Winter Girls Basketball 2nd Team All MVC Megan Owens 2015 Fall Girls Tennis 2016 Spring Girls Lacrosse

Allison Jenkins 2015 Fall Girls Volleyball 2016 Spring Girls Lacrosse Enquirer All-Star Division III Honorable Mention, 1st Team All MVC

Mackenzie Pairan 2016 Spring Boys Lacrosse

Emily Jones 2015/2016 Winter Coed Swimming 2016 Spring Girls Softball

Benjamin Panzeca 2015 Fall Boys Soccer

David Jung 2016 Spring Boys Baseball Hanover College - Baseball

JP Pancioli 2015 Fall Coed Cross Country 2015/2016 Winter Coed Swimming

Emma Parker 2015/2016 Winter Girls Basketball 2016 Spring Girls Lacrosse MVC Honorable Mention

Mark Smith 2015 Fall Boys Soccer All-District, 1st Team All-MVC, Enquirer All-Star Division II 1st Team Gordon College - Soccer William Blake Southerland 2015/2016 Winter Boys Basketball 2nd Team All MVC Suzanne Alison Southerland 2015/2016 Winter Girls Basketball Drew Springer 2016 Spring Boys Tennis Daniel Stacy 2015 Fall Boys Football Zach Stiles 2015 Fall Boys Soccer 2015/2016 Winter Coed Indoor Track and Field 2016 Spring Coed Track & Field Justin Stone 2016 Spring Boys Baseball Bernard Tippen 2016 Spring Boys Baseball Moriah Tome 2016 Spring Girls Softball Georgia Toner 2015/2016 Winter Coed Swimming

Emily Kabalin 2015 Fall Girls Tennis 2nd Team All MVC

Ben Phillips 2015 Fall Boys Soccer 1st Team All-MVC, Enquirer All-Star Division II 2nd Team

Ronny Keating 2015 Fall Boys Golf

Chazz Powell 2016 Spring Girls Lacrosse

Owen VanDenHeuvel 2015 Fall Boys Soccer 2016 Spring Boys Lacrosse

Erik Kohlan 2015 Fall Boys Soccer 2015/2016 Winter Boys Basketball Enquirer All-Star Division II Honorable Mention Soccer, 2nd Team All MVC Soccer, 1st Team All MVC Basketball

Coleman Reaves 2015 Fall Boys Golf

Emma Vanderkolk 2016 Spring Girls Lacrosse

Tara Koob 2015 Fall Girls Soccer Enquirer All-Star Division III 2nd Team, 1st Team All-MVC

James Rootring 2016 Spring Boys Tennis

Avery Kreul 2016 Spring Girls Lacrosse Haoming Lang 2015 Fall Boys Soccer Ariel McWhorter 2016 Spring Girls Lacrosse Ethan Merten 2015 Fall Boys Football 2016 Spring Boys Lacrosse

Jack Reifenberg 2015 Fall Boys Soccer Madison Robinson 2015 Fall Girls Soccer 2015/2016 Winter Girls Basketball MVC Honorable Mention

Dominic Rottman 2015 Fall Coed Cross Country 2015/2016 Winter Coed Swimming Andrew Samaan 2016 Spring Boys Lacrosse Prince Sammons 2015 Fall Boys Football Enquirer All-Star Division V Player of the Year, AP Division V State Defensive Player of the Year SW District Player of the Year, MVC Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All MVC Auburn - Football

Kennedi Toney 2015/2016 Winter Girls Basketball MVC Honorable Mention

Gretchen Weisbrodt 2015 Fall Girls Cheer 2016 Spring Girls Softball Katherine Williams 2015/2016 Winter Girls Basketball 2nd Team All MVC Denison University - Basketball Cassidy Yeomans 2016 Spring Girls Softball Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology - Softball Joseph Zabbatino 2015/2016 Winter Coed Swimming

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CHCA Armleder Students Expand Their Education with Squash Academy Some of CHCA’s Armleder students have been participating with the Cincinnati Squash Academy (CSA). CSA is an urban squash program operating out of the Emmanuel Community Center in Over-the-Rhine where there are three brand new courts and a learning center. Their goal is to use squash as a motivation tool to keep students accelerating their education.

“Cincinnati Squash Academy (CSA) uses the disciplined game of squash to help transform our Armleder students into scholar-athletes, productive citizens, and future leaders with character.”

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CSA is the only urban squash program in Cincinnati and they recruit from four schools, including Armleder. They have extensive try-outs that can take several months in order for the accepted students to succeed in the program. The students who make it show that they are serious about the program and that it is not just a temporary fad.

Students come in three times a week and their time is divided between the court and learning center. They also pursue their personal interests through different classroom projects and field trips, including the Cincinnati Art Museum and gardening on Earth Day. Armleder staff member, Donna Furtwengler, shares, “CHCA Armleder is very blessed to partner with Cincinnati Squash Academy.

CSA is located just minutes away from our

school. Our students are provided with transportation to and from practices every week so they can participate in Cincinnati’s only urban squash organization. CSA uses the disciplined game of squash to help transform our students into scholar-athletes, productive citizens, and future leaders with character.”

Armleder sends approximately 18 students to CSA every Monday and Wednesday. They compete in tournaments and everything is paid for by CSA. Executive Director of CSA, Austin Schiff, says about Armleder, “Cincinnati Squash Academy has been very fortunate to find such a successful and dedicated partner in CHCA’s Armleder School. Some of our brightest and most talented student-athletes hail from Armleder, which is no doubt a result of their amazing schooling. The past two years working with their teachers, administration, and student-body has been effortless and full of joy. We are eternally grateful for the time and investment the school and student body make to partner with our program and we hope for many more years of continued and united success!”

Exuberantly creative

ArtBeat 2014

Over 2,300 attendees Close to 700 student

performers on three stages;

including CHCA ensembles and 234 students who were selected from auditions held over 3 days and 16 hours.

ArtBeat marked CHCA’s 18th Annual Fine Arts Festival. Unlike any other school arts festival in the city, it is a fun-filled and entertaining event for the entire family.

ArtBeat was led by outstanding Volunteer Chair Lauri Goodwin, Assistant Chair Becki Droege and the ArtBeat Committee, and we recognized some very special contributions of parents in our community.

CHCA alumni parent and ArtBeat Performance Chair Michael Kuremsky celebrated his 15th straight year being involved in ArtBeat. He was ArtBeat Chair for two years – 2002 and 2003 and since 2004 has been the Performance Chair and has also directed the Lindner Theater performances. He has been an integral part of the arts at CHCA for many years. In addition, ArtBeat was made possible by over 300 volunteers and great sponsors including Friends of Fine Arts as the presenting sponsor and the Max family as the event sponsor.

ArtBeat began as a concept 18 years by a dedicated CHCA parent who thought the amazing talents of students needed a venue to celebrate and display their gifts. That parent is Mona Summers, who has since become CHCA’s Director of Fine Arts, and it is through her committed tutelage that this festival has become unlike anything in the Cincinnati area. “The ArtBeat Committee and the Fine Arts faculty and students worked hard to prepare for this great day of celebrating the visual and performing arts,” and ArtBeat Chair Lauri Goodwin added, “The God-given gifts and talents of the children on display at ArtBeat are amazing. They inspire all of us to slow down and enjoy the beauty of art as it is expressed in so many different ways.”

8 interactive Hands-On Art stations.

Together the Hang Your Art Out and grades 9-12 Juried Art competition included over

1,000 pieces of art.

The 14th Annual Juried Art competition included 20 cash prizes and awards, presented in 7 different categories. Five judges included community artists, art educators and a gallery owner.

Demonstrating artists included

6 local artists and 6 CHCA student artists.

The ArtBeat poster featured

8 students’ artwork.

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Exuberantly creative

A Voice Like No Other

by Ben Panzeca ’16

As a student at CHCA, I have grown accustomed to being surrounded by uniquely talented individuals. Whether it be from in the classroom, on the field, or behind the curtain, I have witnessed my peers accomplish truly remarkable things. James Rootring, a recently graduated senior, is someone who found ways to regularly amaze his peers and teachers with his ability to sing. James is not simply a singer, though, he is an opera singer. A rare breed in the music world - especially in suburban Ohio – and James opened the door for many of us to witness the unique art of opera for the first time. His voice is one of exciting vibrancy that resonates with opera aficionados and amateurs alike.

As his friends can attest, there is never a dull moment around James. Even when he was nowhere in sight, one could hear James belting operatic notes in a way that only he can. This habit of spontaneously gracing those around him with his voice is nothing out of the ordinary for those who have known James the longest. He says, “I’ve had a passion for music as long as I can remember. I would always be singing no matter where I went.” As soon as James began taking music lessons, he developed a desire to make his voice heard.

“It will be exciting to see the amazing things that God will accomplish through James, as he leaves a lasting memory at CHCA and goes on to be a great influence in the music world.”

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Undoubtedly, James has experienced extraordinary success for someone his age. He is the youngest member to ever be a part of the Cincinnati Opera’s chorus, and was admitted into every school at which he auditioned, receiving scholarships from all of them. Through all of these accomplishments, James has exhibited remarkable humility and often diverts attention away from his own personal achievements. He attributes much of this success to his inspirations and mentors. Karl Resnik, James’ instructor, suffered an injury that kept him from performing earlier in his life. He has since dedicated his time to training younger voices, and James describes him as “one of the kindest, most caring people” he’s ever met.

Another key influence in James’ life has been Dr. Dan Grantham, one of CHCA’s musical arts instructors. Dr. Grantham allowed James to sing operatic literature with the orchestra, and James feels that this gave him an outlet for his passion in an environment where opera is a unique style of art to be shared.

This fall, James will be attending The Juilliard School of Music in Manhattan, one of the most prestigious performing arts schools in the world. An individual could count on two hands the percentage of students who are accepted into the school, with even fewer being accepted into the voice program. It will be exciting to see the amazing things that God will accomplish through James, as he leaves a lasting memory at CHCA and goes on to be a great influence in the music world.

Fine Arts Accolades

Fine Arts at CHCA continues to be recognized as one of the strongest programs in our region. This year was no exception.

The talent of our students, faculty and staff continues to shine.

Upper School Theater Recognitions

CHCA’s theater department honored with 13 Cappies nominations and three wins for “Anything Goes”. CHCA belongs to the local chapter of The Cappies, which is a national critics and awards program for high school theatre. The Cappies organization gives students the opportunity to review and critique plays and musicals presented by member schools.

Orchestra - WON Stage Management & Crew - Maggie Hicks, Bri Lewis, Georgia Toner & Crew Ensemble in a Musical – Reno’s Angels: Caroline Beverly, Chelsea Feeney, Lauren Slouffman, Morganne Venters Featured Actress in a Musical – Kaitlyn Campbell Featured Actor in a Musical – Carter Jackson Male Dancer – Doug Hansford Comic Actress in a Musical – Caroline Rakestraw Comic Actor in a Musical – Jonny Mize - WON Supporting Actress in a Musical – Grace Packer Supporting Actor in a Musical – Joe Zabbatino - WON Lead Actor in a Musical – Parker Bach Song – “Anything Goes” Musical – “Anything Goes”

and Doug Hansford took time out of their summer to take part in the OCDA Honor Choirs. The students prepared music ahead of time on their own, then spent an entire day rehearsing with other students from around the state under the direction of excellent collegiate clinicians before an outstanding performance at Westerville North High School.

7th Annual AP Art Gallery Show and Reception

The AP Art Gallery show and reception was held in November at Gallery Veronique in The Shops at Harper’s Point. The show featured AP Art students Hannah Donovan, Maggie Hicks, Rachel Kolar and Riley Scott.

Encore Choir Performed in Concert to Honor Veterans

Encore was invited to perform in a Veteran’s Day concert at Sycamore Presbyterian in November to honor veterans.

Encore and Concert Choir Outreach

In October, Concert Choir and Encore students enjoyed a day singing at Our Daily Bread, the OTR Senior Center, the brand new Shelterhouse building and the Academy of World Languages.

Cincinnati Art Association’s Overture Awards

Congratulations to the students who were selected to represent CHCA at the regional competition: Lauren Slouffman – dance, Grace Wesson – theater, Hannah Donovan – visual art, Katherine Abel, Adele Enns, Doug Hansford and Samuel Hoyer – vocal music. Also competing and advancing to the semifinals were junior Bryson Karrer in instrumental music (violin) and senior James Rootring, who advanced to the finals in vocal music. James won the vocal music award his sophomore and junior years. The Overture Awards is a program that recognizes, encourages, and rewards excellence in the arts among Greater Cincinnati students in grades 9-12.

Scholastic Art Awards

Congratulations to our several students who received regional Scholastic Art Awards.

Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) District 14 Honor Choir

Ana Burk, Kyra Frankowski, Doug Hansford, Sam Hoyer, Jake Koopman, Sarah Koopman, Jonny Mize and Joe Zabbatino participated in the OMEA District 14 Honor Choir. They were selected to sing with 60 other singers from area high schools under the expert direction of James Bagwell, who also conducts the May Festival Youth Chorus.

Ohio Choral Directors Association (OCDA) Men’s And Women’s Honor Choirs In June, Grace Packer, Caroline Rakestraw, Carter Jackson

Artists Teamed Up With City Barbeque

ArtBeat Sponsor Steve Fritz from City Barbecue invited Tim Hilderbrand’s art students to design and paint ten stools for his Blue Ash restaurant. Patrons love the stools and are always asking who painted them. The talented student artists included: Collin Jung, Rachel Kolar (painted two), Kendall Matsey, Kate Sanderson, Sidhu Thunga, Grace Vanderwoude, Payne Vanderwoude, David Woods and Maya Yates. This fall, City Barbecue plans to invite Mr. Hilderbrand and the students back for a buffet as a thank you.

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Bruno Schardong Performed in CCM Opera

Sophomore Bruno Schardong was one of 12 students from the Cincinnati Children’s Choir who performed in the ensemble of CCM’s performance of The Cunning Little Vixen in April.

Founders’ Campus: Anthony Frederickson had National Television and Regional Theater Appearances:

Anthony Frederickson gained a lot of performance experience this year on the stage in his role as Colin in “The Secret Garden” both in Cincinnati’s Playhouse In The Park, and then in Baltimore. Anthony was also chosen to appear in a Christmas movie that Mariah Carey produced called “A Christmas Melody”, which was filmed in Cincinnati.

Campus Collaborations: Armleder Celebration Choir & Melody Makers Sing The National Anthem

On May 7, the Armleder Celebration Choir and the EBL Melody Makers sang The National Anthem at Great American Ballpark prior to the Reds-Brewers game.

Founder’s Campus And Armleder Sixth Grade Students Christmas Caroling Outreach

All CHCA sixth grade students went caroling together in December to share the everlasting hope and light of Christ to our city. They sang at the new women’s homeless center in Mt. Auburn and then in the business/restaurant district on Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine. Music is such a powerful tool of ministering healing, spreading joy, and exalting our Savior!

Five Upper School Students Performed In The YAPP Opera Scenes Showcase Music Ensembles Six-Day Branson Tour

Music Directors Dan Grantham, Abbie (Marosi) Aprile ’09, and Jose Mangual led a group of 28 students on a summer tour in June. Students representing the Electric Jazz Orchestra (EJO), Symphony Orchestra, Lab Band and Steel Drum Band combined to make a unique performing ensemble. The fun-filled trip combined performing at The Haygoods Show – Branson’s most popular show and on the landing in downtown Branson. The production company for The Haygoods Show, Branson On Stage Live, has repeatedly said that CHCA “is one of the best groups they have seen”. They have been so impressed by CHCA groups who have performed for them during summer tours, that they paid CHCA to record a demo for other prospective groups. Besides performing, the group enjoyed Silver Dollar City Amusement Park, boating, canoeing, cliff jumping, go carts, camping, bonfires and cookouts.

Bryson Karrer Selected to Perform a Solo with the Cincinnati Pops

Junior Bryson Karrer was selected by John Morris Russell, Cincinnati Pop’s Conductor, to perform as a violin soloist with the Cincinnati Pops at a Lollipop Concert in February.

Bryson Karrer - The Belew Young Artist

Junior Bryson Karrer was selected as the Belew Young Artist and awarded $1,000 to further his music education. As the Belew Young Artist, Bryson was a featured soloist performing at the Tillmann Memorial Concert with the Hamilton Fairfield Symphony Orchestra in October.

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Katherine Abel, Adele Enns, Doug Hansford, Sarah Koopman, and James Rootring performed with an ensemble of other talented and hardworking teens in The 2016 YAPP Opera Scenes Showcase in June. YAPP is offered through the Musical Arts Center.

CHCA Dance Academy

Students enrolled in the Dance Academy were very successful throughout the year at competitions. The competition season culminated with the JamFest Dance Super Nationals in February. Congratulations to our ensembles and soloists who placed in the top ten: Mini Soloists: Kayla Calkins – 2nd place, Elise Kaufman – 8th place, Angelina Benza – 9th place Youth Soloists: Tori Behrman – 6th place Senior Soloists: Teresa Hoyer – 6th place Junior Duets/Trios: Lexi Achterberg and Olivia Himes – 3rd place Peyton Bach, Audrey Byington, and Teresa Hoyer – 8th place The 2015-16 season ended with the Dance Academy Showcase in May. The CHCA Dance Academy program was awarded many trophies throughout the year, culminating at Jamfest Supernationals in Northern Kentucky in the spring when they brought home six trophies.

Class of 2016

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

– 1 Timothy 4:12 (Class of 2016 Verse)

Fully prepared & boundlessly hopeful CHCA Celebrates the Accomplishments of the Class of 2016 •

83% Completed Advanced Placement (College Level) Classes

• 14 Countries Visited During Four Years of Intersession, CHCA’s Annual Experiential Learning Program •

$15 Million in Merit Scholarships

•

93% Participated in Athletics and/or Fine Arts

•

100% Completed 7 Semesters of Christian Studies Coursework

• Contributed to 20 Athletic Championship Wins •

121 Graduates from 4 Countries, 8 International Cities, and 27 Zip Codes

•

88% Received Merit Scholarships

•

28,000 Hours of Service Averaging 230/Student

• Will Attend 68 Universities in 19 States and 4 Countries •

9 Students Earned National Merit Recognition

•

42% Recognized with High Honors

“In my four years at CHCA, the breadth of experiences I have had is incomparable.

I have formulated an Israel-Palestine peace plan, designed and constructed a miniature golf hole, and connected with teachers on meaningful levels; and that’s just inside the classroom. Outside the classroom, I performed stand-up comedy, played on the Ultimate Frisbee team, opened for world famous performers with my choir, built homes for families in Mexico, and competed in survival challenges on a desert island. I’ve learned that whatever you want to do at CHCA, you can. That is invaluable in exploring who you are and finding your place in the world in college and beyond.”

— Parker Bach, Class of 2016 Valedictorian (Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia)

“It is vital to stay true to who God has called you to be, and thus fulfill the plan He has for you.”

-Dr. Carlos Campo

Fully prepared & boundlessly hopeful

Staying True to Who You Are Graduation Day for the Class of 2016 was not merely one of celebration, but also of reflection. There was ample insight shared with our graduates – insights from fellow peers, faculty, administration, and this year’s Commencement Speaker Dr. Carlos Campo.

As the “bubble” is about to “pop”, Parker encouraged his classmates to stick with their friendships and stay true to themselves. And to ask themselves, “Do I like who I am becoming?” and “Am I who I am supposed to be?” He also reminded everyone to follow the things that make each of us whole, regardless of the pressures or expectations of society.

Class of 2016 Salutatorian Claire Drosos shared that graduation is a paradox - both an ending and a beginning. Graduation Day was marking the final moments of their time at CHCA, but also the beginning of a new journey. She eloquently spoke of how the class is a mosaic of individuals; everyone is a different tile bringing something unique to create a larger beautiful picture. The class of 2016 has learned how to work together, leverage each other’s strengths, and be bigger than each of themselves. Claire concluded her speech by reminding her fellow classmates to not forget their values and roots, with a quote from To Kill a Mockingbird - “The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”

Dr. Campo challenged students to think about two questions: “Who are you?” and “What does God say about who you are?” He challenged the students to not be distilled by anyone or anything, and to know that they are more than just a name on a diploma. He cautioned them that in today’s society, everyone has an agenda and many people will try to lead you to a different path. “It is vital to stay true to who God has called you to be, and thus fulfill the plan He has for you.”

Class of 2016 Valedictorian Parker Bach spoke provocatively about the CHCA “bubble”. While others outside of the community may think the “bubble” is sheltering, he spoke about the benefits of being in the “bubble”. The bubble is nurturing, with teachers who care about their students. It is special and a place to call home. Yet, it is expansive, giving students room to grow. Parker reminded his fellow peers that they can now stride confidently away from the children they once were into the adults they will become.

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Dr. Carlos Campo, President of Ashland University, delivered the Commencement Address to this year’s Class of 2016. Dr. Campo challenged the students to think about two questions: “Who are you?” and “What does God say about who you are?” He challenged the students to not be distilled by anyone or anything, and emphasized that they are more than just a name on a diploma. He went on to affirm them, “Your identity is who God says you are. If you fall into any other category, then you fall short of all that God has for you.” He cautioned that in today’s society, everyone has an agenda and many people will try to lead you to a different path. “It is vital to stay true to who God has called you to be, and thus fulfill the plan He has for you.”

He reminded them to not let what they do define who they are, and that they should “hold true to the names that God has given them: Redeemed, Friend of God, Light of the World”.

Q&A

with our Val and Sal Interview with the Class of 2016’s Valedictorian Parker Bach and Salutatorian Claire Drosos What was your most memorable or impactful experience at CHCA? Parker: My most memorable experience was the J-term trip

to the desert island of Cayo Costa, where I competed in survival challenges, bonded with my classmates, and gained a reprieve from day-to-day life unlike any I have experienced before.

Claire: My most memorable experience was going to a refugee camp in Budapest over intersession. Seeing the plight of those people made me realize that I needed to do whatever I could to help them, and educate others about their hardships.

How would you describe the relationships you’ve made at CHCA?

P: The relationships I have formed with other students through shared experiences are meaningful, and I have connected with teachers on a meaningful level that no other school I have seen can provide.

C: At CHCA I’ve found people that I will always want to keep in touch with. My teachers cared about me enough to help me grow not only as a student but also as a person, and my friends helped encourage me to follow a path that I am proud of.

In what ways do you feel CHCA has prepared you?

P: CHCA has prepared me to work hard, to taste all the places and experiences the world has to offer, and to think critically about and defend my faith rather than simply adhering to it blindly.

C: CHCA has not only given me the necessary academic tools to succeed; it has allowed me to grow in my values and feel comfortable in my own skin. I know that I have a strong foundation that I can build upon in the future.

What are your plans for the future?

P: I will be attending the University of Virginia as a Jefferson Scholar, and I intend to study some combination of

English, Media Studies, and Political Policy. I am not sure what profession I will take up, but I have looked at becoming a journalist, lawyer, professor, and screenwriter so far.

C: In college, I plan to double major in finance and political science, and be heavily involved in service. Through my education, I hope to be able to find new business-minded solutions to address the problem of poverty in new ways.

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400 Service Hours

200 Service Hours

Fully prepared & boundlessly hopeful

Class of 2016 Recognitions

600 Service Hours

500 Service Hours

1000 Service Hours

700 Service Hours

SOS Excellence in Leadership & Service & Neyer Award Silver 30

Gold

Meyerson Service Leadership

Academic Signing Class of 2016

200 Service Hours:Â (Back L-R) Kirk Easterday, Vince Colyer, Andrew Samaan, Connor Sheehy, Jack Reifenberg, Martin Gravely, J.P. Pancioli, Phil Ochs, Noah Gardner (Middle L-R) Will Siman, Mark Ghastine, Emily Jones, Caroline Beverly, Kerri Talaber, Lauren Slouffman, Erik Kohlan, Mark Smith, Guillermo Farfan (Front L-R) Madisyn Driller, Kes Kindle, Alison Southerland, Gretchen Weisbrodt, Cassidy Yeomans. Missing from picture: K.J. Durham, Haidan Hu, Yuqing Ma, Ariel McWhorter, Riley Scott.

400 Service Hours: (Back L-R) James Deaton, Jeremy Devin, Emma Parker, Madison Robinson, Turner Shrout, Evan Oyster, Mack Pairan (Front L-R) Claire Comer, Hope Hansee, Morgan Bowen, Aislinn Wilson 500 Service Hours: Grace Hall, Haley Jones, Emma Vanderkolk

600 Service Hours: (L-R) Emma Conway, Savannah Weber

700 Service Hours: Joe Zabbatino 1000 Service Hours: Tegan Osborne (1,164 hours) SOS Senior Leadership Award: Haley Jones, Chelsea

Feeney

SOS Excellence in Leadership & Service & Neyer Award: Emma Vanderkolk Meyerson Service Leadership:Â Emma Vanderkolk Silver (50-249 hours): Savannah Weber Gold (75-250 hours): (L-R) Tegan Osborne, Emma Conway, Joe Zabbatino, Morgan Bowen. Missing from picture: Peyton Bach, Andrew Breeze-Stringfellow

Lifers 2016

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Graduation Reflections It was a special night at Diaspeiro for the CHCA Class of 2016 and their families. As one of the last events of their high school lives, the students were able to reflect upon the last four years at this school. A couple students took the time to share some of these memories with us and below are a couple of short, meaningful excerpts from what they shared: to go to this school so I could learn from each and every one of you what it means to celebrate being unique. And I am forever grateful to my peers for teaching me that.

Now I will end with a verse from Psalms 139:14. It says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” My soul knows very well how blessed I am to have known the 121 of you. You all are fearfully and wonderfully made. Never forget.

It’s been an honor to call you my peers.

by Chazz Powell ’16 “CHCA high school has been such an instrumental part of our coming of age journey. Not only did CHCA teach us the importance of making our own mark, this school itself is so unique. Where else can students go from being on stage in a musical to playing a championship baseball game the next day? Where else can students go to places like Italy, Kenya or Peru during high school with their classmates? Where else can students go to their teachers and get school advice but also spiritual advice? Pigeonholing us into one activity was not CHCA’s plan. CHCA encouraged us to be involved in multiple activities. Through CHCA, we found that there was no need for high school stereotypes. We didn’t have jocks, nerds or band geeks because we were involved in every activity. Our time in this high school has been one of a kind. CHCA helped shape the way we see the world. We don’t see nationality but background. We don’t see race but culture. We don’t see groups of people but individuals.

Goodbye to CHCA. Thank you for your familiar hallways that always felt like arms wrapping me up in a hug. I’ll never forget the faces that I saw every day that were gentle reminders of the family we have become here. We’ve encouraged each other to push the boundaries and showcase our talents. That is what makes this place so special; it’s collaborative, not competitive. Our next journey will be going into a new, bigger environment and I want to remind my fellow peers to never forget the qualities that make you unique. Never forget the things that separate you from the crowd. As a graduate of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, never forget your time at this special place. Don’t waste the life God has given you trying to be someone else. We were put on this Earth for a reason. Go out and use your talents to help and inspire others. If you aren’t yourself, who else will be?

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I started at CHCA in kindergarten and then left for 2 years during 6th grade and moved to China. When we moved back the summer before freshmen year, I could have gone to any other school in the city but I came back here. Not for the academics or the athletics but for the way the school made me feel. And I’m so glad I came back.

I’ve gone from being the girl who wanted to stick in the background on the first day of high school to the girl who is on stage before you today. Being at this school has given me the courage and platform to do that. I’ve found my uniqueness through CHCA. I know without a doubt that everything happens for a reason. God intended for me

by Phil Ochs ’16 George Elliot once said: “A friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that gentle hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.” This is exactly what my friends [have shown] me. Their friendship is the reason I can stand at this podium today. It set me on a completely different track four years ago. The reason I am able to speak today is because I have grown into someone my school and I are proud to have represent the Class of 2016. Four years later, I want to thank my friends and their families… for their stunning support and encouragement. It… means the world to me, and I wouldn’t be up here without you. …If you take one thing away from this, know this: you have to make quality friends, and to make quality friends, you have to be a quality friend. You have to have somewhere to fall, and you have to be a safety net for others. You have to know what is worth keeping, and to be willing to blow the rest away—trusting that your friends will do the same for you.

Life outside of CHCA is not going to be easy. You are going to make mistakes… and you’re going to have to get back on your feet without your family holding your hand. Who you surround yourself with shapes who you are. We have been blessed enough to be shaped by the Class of 2016. I would not have wanted to be shaped by any other group of people. Thank you all for being such amazing individuals and for cultivating the best class community I have seen over the years at this school. But now we are moving on… So I encourage you: be intentional about who you surround yourself with. Focus on friendship. I promise, it makes all the difference.

Fully prepared & Boundlessly hopeful

Knowing No Boundaries

by Parker Bach ’16

Show Christian Duborg the flag of any nation and he will identify its country of origin without hesitation. Ask him the capital and his response is immediate. Keep on the topic and you will undoubtedly glean tidbits about the country’s current leaders or perhaps its recent actions on the world stage. In short, Christian Duborg, a recent graduate of CHCA in the class of 2016, is substantially better informed on issues of state and politics than most adults twice his age. What is more, Christian is unendingly humble, not only about his vast hordes of political knowledge, but about his plans for the future. When asked where he will attend college next year, Christian most often merely replies, “New York University.” Only upon further prodding does he reveal that he will attend NYU’s campus in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. There he will be one of only 300 students in the seventh ever graduating class of a program that annually churns out four times more Rhodes Scholars than the already respectable New York campus of the university.

Christian has been fascinated by history from a young age, but traces his interest in the Middle East specifically to his sixth grade year at CHCA, where he ambitiously took on the topic of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for a research paper. Purely out of interest he began to read about the Yom Kippur War and other such major events in the conflict, and would often share related news in then Mr.

McCullum’s class for weekly current events write-ups. In the Upper School, Christian dove deeper into the conflict in the Holy Land for his Research and Leadership project with Dr. Everson. Perhaps more meaningfully, as a leader for the SOS group working with Catholic Charities, he aided refugees in the Cincinnati area and garnered personal experiences with families disturbed by conflicts in the Middle East. In his years at CHCA, Christian pursued his fledgling interest in one issue until it became a full-fledged passion - and now even a future - for him in Abu Dhabi.

NYU Abu Dhabi may seem like a perfect fit for Christian now, but when he applied to NYU he was not even aware of the existence of this campus in the UAE. Abruptly, this Spring, the university offered to fly him out to Abu Dhabi to participate in a finalist weekend for the program. Surprised, he accepted the proposal tentatively, but soon returned to Cincinnati aglow – not only from the copious amounts of sun in Abu Dhabi, but with excitement and stories to tell.

Accepted into the program, Christian was able to take a college path aligned with his longtime passion - something he could never have foreseen.

Now Christian is off to Abu Dhabi, where he is living in a suite-style dorm with roommates from Egypt, Korea, and Vietnam. No matter where they’re from, Christian claims all of the students at NYU Abu Dhabi have one thing in common: everybody there “wants to change the world for good.” This can come in many forms: some, like Christian,

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tend to focus more on issues of state and policy, whereas others currently at the university are building drones to go into the desert surrounding the campus to survey wildlife. As diverse as these interests may be, Christian reports that the faculty is training their pupils not just to be diplomats or engineers, but individuals who contribute to the world.

Christian’s program offers plenty of opportunities for these contributions to happen. As somebody who thrived at CHCA, finding countless friends and participating in diverse activities – including SOS, band, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and six different sports – Christian is excited by the close-knit atmosphere of NYU’s program in Abu Dhabi, where he says it is as easy to drop into an engineering lab as it is a music room here at CHCA. And as if regularly attending class in the United Arab Emirates was not enough, Christian will also have two semesters to study abroad (or perhaps just “further abroad”), and he is considering the campuses in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he could continue his research into the conflict in Israel; Florence, Italy, where he recently visited on his Best of Italy Intersession trip; and Accra, Ghana, where many NYU Abu Dhabi students interested in political science travel, as it is the heart of political happenings in Africa.

Excited though it is, studying in the Middle East will not be quite so easy as doing so at an American university. Christian says he is most nervous about the time difference – a change of thirteen hours from Cincinnati – which will make communicating with his many friends and family back home much more difficult, not to mention that the games played by Christian’s beloved San Diego Chargers will largely occur in early hours of the morning for him. Many of Christian’s friends have expressed concern about his being an American in the Middle East, but luckily the UAE is generally considered the safest part of the region, so Christian is not too worried about being affected by the turmoil in surrounding nations.

The Emirates do grant freedom of religion to those in their country, but upon further inspection Christian has found that both proselytizing and apostasy are considered criminal offenses, so caution is of the utmost importance. When asked about the prospect of being a member of his namesake religion in Abu Dhabi, however, Christian’s thoughts are markedly defined by optimism: “On campus – all over the place – as nervous as I was – I was also excited for it because here it’s the norm & it becomes going through the motions. I actually had to stop and think about it a few times and not take it for granted. I’m thrilled there will be people of all religions – it’s interesting because it’s good to learn from others and not be self-righteous.”

From his humble beginnings in the sixth grade, Christian’s passions for politics and the Middle East are in the process of reaching their fruition thanks to the unexpected boon of four years studying at NYU in Abu Dhabi. Following this, Christian wishes to work for the United States Department of State, and is already looking into ways to obtain such an internship in the coming few years. Keep an eye on Christian; with his friendly and humble demeanor, his troves of knowledge about geopolitics, his experience as a world-traveler through CHCA Intersession and mission trips and now NYU, and a familiarity with languages including Arabic, Latin, and Italian, Christian Duborg may just achieve his dream of becoming our Secretary of State.

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Inspiringly benevolent

Armleder Hosts Artist in Residence For the past 16 years, CHCA’s Armleder campus has been the host and recipient of several Artist in Residence projects. This year, the school was proud to once again support nationally renowned artist, Annie Ruth*, as she created the “Communi-tree”.

Ruth is known for creating visual art that enlightens her viewers by celebrating the human spirit, the family, and our world. She has much experience with creating and facilitating projects that benefit museums, organizations, and schools across the country. Creating the Communi-tree for Armleder was an inspired project that became a wonderful learning experience for the students and staff.

“Students learned what it means to work together as a community while creating our ‘Communi-tree’ that teaches the seven habits,” says Armleder Art Teacher, Gail Varner, referring to The 7 Habits of Healthy Kids by Sean Covey. Varner explains, “Each grade level created a different type of leaf made from different types of art mediums. When placed together, the leaves created a bold and colorful tree that greets each person as they enter Armleder. We hope that it also serves as a reminder to the students that we value and implement the seven habits each day here at school.”

You can read more about artist Annie Ruth at her website http://annieruth.com 35

Dynamically engaged

Armleder...15 Years a Light in the City CHCA Armleder has been a blessing and a light in the heart of the city of Cincinnati for 15 years. We have a racially and economically diverse student population, commuting from over 16 different communities in the greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas.

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In 1996, leaders at CHCA recognized a need for families living within and near downtown Cincinnati to have access to the same kind of exceptional education found in suburban private academies. It was soon proposed that CHCA open a downtown campus, citing the desire for a learning program that would bring CHCA’s unique blend of academic excellence and focus on Christian faith to children in downtown Cincinnati.

The Armleder Trust awarded $7.3 million to purchase and renovate the historic Crosley Square Building on the corner of 9th and Elm streets. In addition, the Carl Lindner Family established a scholarship fund in the amount of $5 million to supplement tuition income during the start-up years for students at the Armleder School.

In August of 2000, CHCA’s Otto Armleder Memorial Education Center opened its doors to 102 students, serving students Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4. Today it serves 107 students through Grade 6, within a beautiful historic building that includes classrooms, a cafeteria, a gym, art and music studios, a library, science and STEM labs, a broadcast studio, and computer labs.

Armleder students have the unique opportunities to experience downtown culture, engage in relationships with local business leaders, collaborate with students across all campuses, witness artists in residence, lead through serving, and so much more.

According to Armleder’s Principal, Cammie Montgomery, CHCA Armleder has been a blessing and a light in the heart of the city of Cincinnati for 15 years.

Armleder is a unique college preparatory PK - grade 6 school in many ways. We have a racially and economically diverse student population, commuting from over 16 different communities in the greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas. Our shared love of Christ is our tie that binds us together as one family with one mission, to learn, lead, and serve.

Students, faculty, and staff celebrated Armleder’s 15th anniversary this past year, hosting several special events, chapels, performances and more. Cincinnati’s Light in the City has a very bright and exciting future!

Resiliently faithful

Alumni News It has been a great year for CHCA alumni! With

You are valuable. Our alumni network has grown signifi-

cantly this year, and with nearly 800 alumni connected, the impact has been significant. Jobs, internships, service opportunities (and even spouses!) have been found in our network.

nearly 2000 graduates around the world, we are making an impact in our homes, in our business-

Your story is important. We want to know what you’ve been doing since CHCA. Whether you are raising kiddos or trading stock or earning a degree or running a business, you are having an impact, and we want to hear about it. Please update us at chca-oh.org/UpdateUs

es, in our communities, and in the world.

This year, we’ve heard from alumni who are embracing entrepreneurship, taking risks, investing in social justice missions around the globe and making Kingdom impact in the process. We’ve grown our connection to our alumni this year with the creation of the Alumni Board. Formerly known as the Alumni Committee (and later the Alumni Council), this group spans graduates from 1997 – 2008 and meets monthly to plan and execute how we best connect with and engage alumni. We enjoy meeting together to pray for alumni, plan events and communications, and envision the future of what our community can do together.

When it comes to connecting with alumni, there are three things we want you to know:

This spring our team has been really excited about all the changes coming to CHCA via the Light the Way Campaign. We were already proud to be CHCA alumni, but these updates take things to a whole new level. We’ll be keeping you updated about progress in the coming months, so stay connected for those updates and visit CHCA-LightTheWay.com.

Getting engaged in our alumni community is simple:

You are welcome. Seriously, you can come back any time.

Pop in at the upper school for a quick hello or join us for an alumni event – we’d love to see you. Distant alumni are welcome too! E-mail us at alumni@chca-oh.org if you’re interested in getting involved at a distance – we’d love to connect you with other alumni near you!

Tell us how to reach you by updating us.

Join us on social media: Facebook for all updates and LinkedIn for business networking.

Read the newsletter.

Events for the 2016-2017 School Year 2016

October 15

August 26

First Home Football Game Induction of Athletic Hall of Excellence

October 27

March 10-12:

November 17

Fall Play “Epic Story”

September 30-October 1 Alumni Weekend

Alumni Date Night – “Off the Cuff” Improv Show

November 18

AP Art Gallery Show and Reception

September 30

December 4

Homecoming Festival at MSL Campus

October 1

Alumni Happy Hour

October 7-9

Celebration Dinner and Auction

Orchestra and Choral Concert

September 9-11

Fall Play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

February 25

Cintered Electric Strings & Steel Drum Band Concert

Spring Musical “Fiddler on the Roof”

April 8

19th Annual ArtBeat

April 21-22

Academy Night Live

April 29

Sacred Music Concert

Orchestra Concert

2017

Choral Concert

February 11 EJO Concert

May 16

May 19-20

Genesis Jazz / Steel Drum / Lab Band / EJO Concert

*check CHCA calendar on the web for updated venue details 37

alumni

Class notes Class of 1995

Hills, KY with her three children - Essex (8 yrs.), Harper (6 yrs.), and Kensington (6 yrs.).

Ben Gann, serves as the Director of Legislative Affairs for Smith Bucklin in Washington DC. He has a 4-year-old son, Hudson.

Brent Walker and his wife Lauren live in Cincinnati with their three children Marissa (8yrs), Caleb (3 yrs.), and Farrah (2yrs).

Brent is the President of Walker Homes and a current parent at CHCA.

Micah Dennison is now residing in West Chester, Ohio.

Michael Forston and his wife Kara live in Lexington, KY with their two children, Leslie (10 yrs.) and Lucy (8 yrs.). Michael is Physical Therapist at Baptist Health Lexington.

Lita Hitchcock Holeman and husband Ryan live in Cincinnati with their three children, Grace (7 yrs.), Noah (5 yrs.), and Andrew (3 yrs.). Lita is a designer for BoCo Gear.

Class of 1999

Will Stogner resides in Loveland, OH.

Kurtis Heimbold, his wife Sara, and their three children are headed for warmer weather in Florida after 35 years in the Buckeye state. Their children are Anastastia (13 yrs.), Hailie (12 yrs.), and Garrison (5 yrs.). Kurtis is the General Manager of Steak ‘n Shake on International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL.

Class of 1996

Ryan Marmion graduated from the University of Cincinnati / University of Louisville with a BA in Psychology and a BS in Electrical Engineering. In March of 2009, he married Dr. Shernaz Marmion, M.D. and they just had a baby girl, Madison Ryan, late December of 2015. They currently reside in Louisville, KY. Jessica Burk VanHook and her husband Jason live in Cincinnati with their son Nathaniel (7 yrs.). Jessica works at Union Central Life Insurance.

Nicole Martin Quillen married Brandon on May 7 this past year, and lives in Cincinnati. Alumni Molly (Brennecke) Martin ‘01, Nicole’s sister-in-law, was part of the bridal party. Nicole works as a stylist manager at Saks Fifth Avenue and Brandon is a worship minister.

Class of 2000

Andrew and Nicci (Beelen) Conn live in Cincinnati with their three children, Andrew (10 yrs.), Isabella (8 yrs.), and Jack (6 yrs.).

Nicci is owner of Pilates Center of Cincinnati in Montgomery.

Gretchen Cook was nominated and rose to a finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year.

She was celebrated for this tremendous honor at the White House by the President of the United States!

Jason Duncan-Wilson and his wife Michelle live in Redwood Shores, CA, where Jason is a Software Architect for Oracle Corp. They have three children, Kali Alexander (17 yrs.), Solon (8 yrs.), and Stone (4 yrs.).

Class of 1997

Class of 1998 38

Krista Stull Adams is working at Be Ohio Proud/My State Threads and lives in Park

Allison Van Sickle McGee is continuing to love living in Seattle and she spent this past year taking advantage of the mountains hiking, backpacking, and enjoying all it has to offer. She is expecting her first child, a girl, this August and couldn’t be more excited!

Katie Lewis Slater Katie’s family just opened a new strength training facility, Alabama Strength, in February. Business is great and getting better every week! She is still baking/decorating cakes on the side (Custom Designs by Cate Slater) which she loves. Their little man, Mason, starts second grade in the fall. They are currently living in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Nick Collins is married to Jennifer and they live in Dayton with their five children Ashton (12 yrs.), Ava (11 yrs.), Gavin (9 yrs.), Zoey (5 yrs.), and Jude (1 yr.). Nick is the Marketing Director at Ritz Safety in Dayton.

Tamara Mrusek Fladung and her family recently relocated to Cincinnati after spending 13 years in Minneapolis, MN. They are thrilled to live in town near family and so thankful for the Lord’s provision in their transition. Soon after their move, they welcomed their 6th child, Harvey Christopher!

Kristina Kelpe, her husband Anthony Viggiano, and step-son TJ are in love with their new addition - Aria Dolce Viggiano - born on February 17th, 2016.

Erin Dowd Fish and her husband welcomed a little boy, Declan David Fish, on July 25, 2015. Erin and family are loving the summer weather and new adventures with Declan.

Lots of days exploring the PNW beaches and mountains with a little one are in their future.

Ashley Ohlmansiek Wudel and her husband Jim live in Winston Salem, NC with their son, Drew (9 yrs.).

Resiliently faithful

’00

A Passion for Learning Ignited at CHCA as told by Gretchen Cook ’00

Growing up in a family of educators, becoming a teacher was the last choice on my list of future career paths. Education had a great deal of importance in my household, but I never appreciated it or developed a love for learning. That was until my junior year at CHCA in Christian Thought and Philosophy class with Dr. Nicholas and Advanced Placement English class with Ms. Barron.

Prior to this point, I was a good writer and student, but did not particularly enjoy school or understand where it would lead me. However, these teachers made learning real-world applicable, differentiated assignments, and infused me with a thirst for knowledge. To this day, I remember everything I learned in those classes and try to model my own professional practices on those teachers, because they gave me an incredible gift—a passion for learning.

I teach 6th grade reading at Tennessee’s The Soulsville Charter School (one of the top charter schools in the state with 100% college acceptance of students). This year one of my favorite students, Knowledge, read at a second grade reading level and now he is reading at a 9th grade level. For Knowledge, his family, and his future, this is a life-changing accomplishment.

This year the Leading Educators organization nominated me as Tennessee’s teacher of the year and I was invited to the National Teacher of the Year event at the White House. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I truly wish I could have shared with my students.

I was overwhelmed with the open range I had in the White House, the ceremony itself featuring the band Fun, inspirational words from amazing educators, and an address from the President who said he would be proud if his daughters went into the teaching industry.

He also set forth his plan to bring more minority teachers into the field, which I know is vitally important for the majority of our youth.

I recently was promoted to be the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. When I broke the news to one of my students that I would be out of the classroom, he asked why I would become a teacher when I could have continued working in movies and television. I paused, then I told him that I realized the people who had the greatest impact on me were my teachers and I wanted to have that same impact on others. I told him that the teachers I had at CHCA were the first people to help me understand that it was okay to be different, learning was an escape, and that I could trust adults. My student then replied “Oh, just like how you are for me.” It hit me really hard when he said that, and I’m incredibly grateful to CHCA for first infusing me with a passion for learning but also allowing me to pass that gift on to another.

CHCA congratulates Gretchen on her honors and accomplishments!

Class of 2001

Justin Beadle lives in San Francisco with his wife Maggie and their one-year-old daughter Cora. Last year he founded the architecture firm, Thing One (thing-one.com), in pursuit of powerful architecture through human-centered design. Maggie works for Young Life Capernaum and together they enjoy serving the special needs community as well as their church.

Patrick Healy is a litigation attorney with Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith. He and wife Yasmin, who is an account manager with W. W. Grainger, are proud parents to Patrick Vanover “Van” Healy, who celebrated his first birthday on May 10, 2016.

Rory Hodous lives in Cincinnati and is currently the Newscast Director for Local 12 WKRC-TV. Karah Jones Mueller After graduating from the University of Cincinnati in 2005, Karah stayed downtown for another eight years. She married Bill Mueller in April of 2014 and moved to Milford.

They just welcomed a baby boy, Garren William, in January 2016. Karah is now a stay-at-home-mom and plans events as a side job. She also sings on the worship team at River Hills Christian Church.

Leah Myers Parr and her husband David live in Geneva, IL with their two children, Hailey (5 yrs.) and Alex (4 yrs.).

Class of 2002

Chad Riley married Chelsea Riley on March 12, 2016 and they live in Austin, TX. After graduating in 2006 from Miami University with a degree in Finance and then completing his MBA in 2014 at Texas A&M University, Chad is now the Director of Growth and Strategy at Wayside Schools.

Robbie Presley & Daniel Wilson are living in Loveland with their two sons, Avery & Keaton. Exciting news of their adoption of Tate should be finalized this year as well. Robbie

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alumni Class Notes

is the Product Manager/Analyst at Prasco.

He had the awesome privilege to be the drummer for the album “Follow Jesus” by Jeff & Tianmarie Arnold released on June 2 @Apple Music.

Class of 2003

Nick Furtwengler changed firms in July of 2015 and is currently a tax litigator at McDermott Will & Emery in Chicago.

Class of 2004

Chad Neichter and his wife Sara welcomed sweet Cora May into the world on December 8, 2015. Everyone is doing great and their daughter Faith was very excited to have baby here in person. They live in Columbus, OH where Chad is the Vice President, Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments.

Kevin Simowitz is the National Political Director at Caring Across Generations. He lives in Portland, ME.

Class of 2006

Dr. Jennifer Powel graduated in 2015 from St. George’s University School of Medicine with her Doctor of Medicine. She is currently living in New Jersey.

Jason Taylor married Dr. Rosalie Yan on May 28 in Bridgewater, NJ. They met while both were students at Duke University.

Jonathan Wallace and his wife Danielle Wallace are new parents. William David Wallace was born March 12, and he and his parents are doing well. Jonathan has his own Medicare insurance business, and works from home, so he looks forward to spending lots of time with William!

Class of 2007

Kathryn Polzin Abels and her husband Ryan live in Englewood, OH where she is a Language Arts Teacher at Northmont High School. They have two children, Lorelai (5 yrs.) and Luke (3 yrs.).

Megan Dinkelacker Hendy and her family welcomed their third daughter, Aria Laurel, this past June! Adalie (6yrs.) and Alina (3 yrs.) are really excited! Megan recently completed her 9th year of teaching and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Instruction and Design. Her husband is working on completing his PhD in Biology at the University of Tennessee.

Nicole Nelson is living in San Diego, CA where she is an Application Sales Representative for Oracle.

Rachel Eresman Rupe After graduating from Elon University in 2007, Rachel married Jamie Rupe in December of 2014. In 2015, Rachel graduated from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in Applied Geography. She currently is the GIS Programmer Analyst for the City of Danville in Virginia. She and Jamie are looking to be homeowners in the near future!

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Grace Schuler married Jonathan Bruce Spencer on July 11, 2015. His family flew over from South Africa to celebrate the big day!

They are now settled in Wheaton, IL where she is continuing to pursue her PsyD degree and working on her dissertation, which is a study of the role of forgiveness in women survivors of sex trafficking. Jonathan is working hard on his Masters in Government and International Relations through Regent University while also working full-time in capital markets and business development in the natural resources industry.

Class of 2005

Charity Chaney graduated in 2009 with a Psychology BA from Taylor University, and then went on to achieve a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2011 from the University of Cincinnati. She is currently living in Massachusetts where she is a therapist for South Bay Community Services.

Aubrey Edwards-Luce and her husband Daniel live in Silver Spring, MD, where Aubrey is a Staff Attorney at Children’s Law Center. “I was admitted into the DC Bar in July. I had the honor of helping to legally create multiple families via adoption. My clients are the most amazing children in the world, but I am biased.”

Matt Stamp lives in Delray Beach, FL with wife Katie. They were married last October.

Matt is working as an Account Executive at Beacon Hill Staffing Group.

Ryan Atkins graduated from the University of Cincinnati in December with a business degree and looks forward to a career in real estate. Last fall a group of guys from the classes of 2017 and 2015 helped him propose to former CHCA student Stephanie Perry and they’re getting married this fall.

This year Ryan also transitioned his website to www.FlatOnMyFeet.com and he and Stephanie teamed up to launch a YouTube channel (www.YouRube.com/AtkinsRy) chronicling their special journey.

Ted Nicholson and Quinn McIhargey were married in Grand Rapids, MI in July of 2015. They currently work and live in Cincinnati.

Loren Dearth Trotman and Harrie live in Los Angeles, CA with their children - Yashayahu (2 yrs.) and newest member - daughter Amathyah, born March 11, 2016.

Resiliently faithful Nathan Wallace and his wife Claire will be moving to Columbus in August. Claire will be interning at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to finish her PhD work in child psychology. Nathan is a computer software developer with LeanDog in Cleveland. They both look forward to moving southward, and hopefully to some warmer winter weather!

Kyrie Eisenhauer got married in 2013 to Billy Coon and they just had a baby boy, Liam, November 26, 2015. They reside in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Class of 2008

Christopher Powers graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine University in 2013 with a BA in Integrated Marketing Communication. In November of 2014, he graduated with merit from Imperial College London with a MSc in Strategic Marketing. He plans to move to London in the fall.

Allison Ballard is living in Cincinnati and has returned to CHCA as a current parent with her two children enrolled at CHCA’s Armleder Campus.

Alivia Johnson is living in Cincinnati and is currently the Corporate Office Manager for Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment.

Dr. Kristin Philip graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and will be continuing her residency training in Internal Medicine at OSU. Todd Simmons is a 2017 MD candidate and came back to CHCA as a featured speaker in the first of a “Lunch and Learn” series designed to help grade 7-8 students explore career possibilities.

Class of 2009

Lindsey Evans Connors married Philip

Connors in Nashville, TN in March, 2016.

They are currently living in Johnson City, TN where Philip grew up. Lindsey is an RN in the emergency department of Johnson City Medical Center. Philip graduated from Lee University and is currently enrolled in Nursing School at East Tennessee State University.

Ensign Sean Smith is currently in Naval Aviation studying to become a Naval Pilot.

Austin Zekoff After working at Ernst & Young NYC for 4 years as a consultant, Austin relocated to Connecticut six months ago to restore a 1890’s colonial home to its former glory. He is residing in Washington, Connecticut (the inspiration for the show Gilmore Girls) with his fiancé, Stella, and miniature goldendoodle. (You can follow her on Instagram at @adaisyday and see all of the rural adventures she encounters daily to the amusement of her 20k+

followers.) Austin is an internal consultant with Deloitte and a broker for Sotheby’s International Real Estate on the weekends with Stella. Their real estate team focuses on NYC buyers looking to escape from the city to the rolling hills of Litchfield County.

The wedding website for their upcoming wedding is www.austinandstella.com.

Class of 2010

Morgan Feeney recently finished her twoyear commitment with Teach For America in Metro Atlanta. She will continue to teach Special Education in Atlanta Public Schools at a charter school. This summer she taught English at Back2back’s campus in Hyderabad, India. The 30 students at the children’s home ended up teaching her so much about the vibrant culture, history of the country, and displayed their incredible work ethic and determination to get a good education.

Billy Kissel After graduating from Xavier University in 2014 with a degree in Marketing, Billy is now working in the Global Marketing & Business Development at GYRO.

Maria Richart is currently teaching Preschool at Armleder. While at Miami University, she met Sam Thurstone and they were married July 1.

Andrew Wallace graduated with his Masters in Professional Accounting from Butler University in 2015. He passed the CPA exam last summer and is currently working as an auditor out of the Cincinnati office of CPA firm BKD. Last fall, Andrew was inducted into the CHCA Athletic Hall of Excellence and he plans to help coach the CHCA Cross Country Team next year.

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Class Notes

CHCA Sweethearts…

Nearly 20 Years Later!

- as told by Alison (Bortz) O’Keefe ’98 I always knew that CHCA was a special place.

I have stayed close friends with so many people with who I shared my middle school and high school experiences, and if their friendship alone wasn’t enough, it also led to the happiest day of my life.

In August of 2014, unbeknownst to me, my friends Rebekah (Sjogren) Osypian ’98, Jon ’98 & Jessica (Martin) ’98 Snyder, and Jamin Peters ’97 were working together on a secret plan. They began by asking me what I thought of Patrick O’Keefe ’97, who graduated from CHCA a year ahead of me. I definitely thought he was handsome, and while we had a ton of mutual friends and crossed paths in both high school and college, we didn’t know each other very well. Rebekah and Jessica then proceeded to tell me that he had seen me on Facebook and wanted to ask me out. (Little did I know, they were also telling Patrick the same thing!)

Their plan manifested, and we had our first date on October 18, 2014. Our shared past, friendships, and common interests made the transition to a relationship effortless. We fell in love. By June 6, 2015, we were engaged, and on November 1, 2015 we were married. We joke that our wedding looked like a high school reunion with all of our friends coming together to celebrate with us.

This story is just one of many CHCA Sweethearts: Charles ’07 & Stephanie ‘06 Pratt, Phil ’02 & Liz ’02 Glotfelty, Brian ’01 & Christy ’00 Leland, Alex ’04 & Kelsie ’06 Hunter, Andrew ’00 & Nicci ’00 Conn, Jeremy ’95 & Erin ’97 Conn, Brian ’06 & Christina ’07 Painter, Robbie ’04, & Danielle ’02 Wilson, Travis ’00 & Erin ’01 Murray, Erik ’97 & Marianne ’98 Ernette, Scott ’07 & Leanne ’07 Cacchiotti, Cam ’00 & Blaire ’00 Warren, Andrew ’03 & Jennifer ’04 Carroll, Ray ’99 & Carrie ’00 Swallen, Ryan ’09 & Jennifer ’08 Wilber, Andy ’05 & Ashley ’05 Dahmus, Daniel ’05 & Kelley ’04 Edelmann, Wes ’02 & Dori ’02 Edmonson, Ted ’00 & Katie ’00 Dostal, Stephen ’10 & Alicia ’10 Koch, Alex ’03 & Janelle ’03 Haus, Jon ’98 & Jessica ’98 Snyder, Kyle ’07 & Rachael ’09 Smith, Michael ’07 & Alex ’07 Chacksfield, Noel ’00 & Amanda ’02 Gauthier, Alex ’04 and Kelsie ’06 Hunter.

Did you find your sweetheart at CHCA? Let us know! alumni@chca-oh.org.

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Rachael Williams graduated from Furman University in 2014 with a degree in Asian Studies. She is currently living in China working as an English teacher training executives and business people in English and Western business etiquette. She is a teacher of younger students in grammar and essay writing skills as well, and she is studying marketing and copywriting in Dalian, China.

Heather Zinser married Corey in 2014 and they now reside in Hamilton, OH.

Class of 2011

Meredith Hughes graduated with degrees in creative writing & literature from Miami University, where she studied Shakespeare in London & created a campus literary magazine. She just finished her first semester of MU’s new MFA program.

She also works as a freelance editor.

Heather Owens recently graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2015 Summa Cum Laude with two bachelors of arts degrees in English Literature and Spanish Language, and received a full Dean’s Scholarship to attend Florida International University to study Law in Miami, Florida.

USMC Seargeant Jeremy Smith is a U.S. Marine stationed San Diego, CA. Rachel Talaber graduated with a BA in Art from Harding University in 2015. She is currently an Adjunct Faculty at Harding University in the Writing Center. She was engaged to Jeffrey Molina and they married on August 6, 2016.

Jessica Wilhite graduated this April from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.

The December prior to graduation, she acquired a full-time job as a PLM Consultant in the Data Migration group at International TechneGroup Inc.

Class of 2012

Ted Andrews is now a Division 1 student athlete playing baseball and a candidate for Master of Business Management at Tulane University.

Kate Bohanan recently graduated Cum Laude from Otterbein University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Business, a minor in Management, and a concentration in Audio Production. During her time at Otterbein, Kate studied voice in private lessons and had extensive training in music, including being a member of Otterbein’s top choral ensemble, Concert Choir, where she was a section leader, leading rehearsals and assisting the director for a year and during the choir’s tour abroad in Ireland. Kate was also in Otterbein’s auditioned vocal jazz/pop ensemble, Opus One, and was the vocalist and lyricist for one of the school’s jazz combos. Outside of her music, Kate was a Resident Assistant for the university. Kate also interned at Columbus Jazz Arts Group, assisting in the success of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and later spent a semester as a full-time production intern at Rebel Pilgrim Productions/Creative Agency, a film company in Cincinnati. Since graduating, Kate has landed her first job at iHeartMedia Inc. as a Production Technician, dubbing audio for radio commercials nationwide.

Resiliently faithful Courtney Myers graduated this year from Furman University with BA in Business Administration. She is currently working for Lockheed Martin as a Financial Analyst in Greenville, SC. Amanda Pritchard graduated this year from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Chemical Engineering and is working as an Associate Scientist for Pfizer in Chesterfield, MO. Elizabeth Atkins Gress

Michelle Khoury Fude was married in 2012 to Brandon Fude. Both are graduates of Ohio University where they met.

Four years later, Michelle is a mom to 1 1/2 year-old-son Brogan, and black lab Bosco. Michelle works in real estate at Colliers International. They reside in Columbus and love it.

AnnMarie Kadnar earned her masters at UK in Integrated Plant and Soil Science.

Her thesis will be on improving horse pasture quality. She will continue to work for the UK Pasture quality program as a grad student. She has been published twice and her research has been presented to the USDA, American Grassland and Forage Council, and many others.

Stephanie Schlosser is finishing up her Masters in Occupational Therapy at EMU. She finished rowing at EMU in the top varsity boat placing 3rd at the CAA conference championships while earning First Team All-Conference and All- Academic team honors.

Meredith Stutz graduated Magna Cum Laude from Elon University in May with a degree in broadcast journalism. In July, she starts her reporting career as a multimedia journalist at WSAV in beautiful Savannah, GA. If you find yourself in the Savannah/Hilton Head Island area, tune in to NBC Channel 3!

Brian Taylor graduated with Distinction from Duke University on May 15, 2016, with a BS in Biology, a BA in Public Policy, and a minor in Chemistry. He has been accepted into

Duke’s Nicholas School for the Environment, where he will pursue a Masters Degree in Coastal Environmental Management.

Class of 2013

Tori Bechtold is entering her last year at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she will earn a BS Biology major and Chemistry and Spanish for the Professions minors.

Abby Bowman is studying Anthropology with a minor in Spanish and certificate in Human Needs and Global Resources (HNGR) at Wheaton College. She was inducted into the Lambda Alpha Honors Society for Anthropology this past year.

She will be in Peru from May-December, through the HNGR program, researching the effect of intergenerational violence on childhood development. This past year, Abby competed in WheatonImprov at Windy City Regionals and completed the Trailbreaker Marathon.

Anna Myers Brown is living in Medina, OH with her husband and two beautiful girls Audrey and Ashley. She is currently performing and working with CAMEO theatre company.

Heather Morrison is attending Vanderbilt University studying English Literature and Economics. She is currently working at IBM in Worldwide Sales Enablement and Communications.

Kaitlin Shields is attending Auburn University.

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alumni Class Notes

Passions at CHCA Ignite a Legacy Beyond…

Joe Kabalin ’13 is a senior at Alabama University where he will be the overall Team Lead for Alabama’s Astrobotics team. He has been a member of this team for the past two years, but his love for robotics started with the Beak Squad at CHCA, where he was one of the co-founders. Flash forward three years and Joe is in a competition with Alabama Astrobotics for a $1.5 million prize.

Alabama’s Astrobotics team competes each year in NASA’s competitions at the Kennedy Space Center and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The NASA Robotic Mining Competition is a university-level competition where teams design, build, and operate a robot to mine in a simulated Martian environment.

The challenge is for students to design and build a remote controlled or autonomous excavator that can collect and deposit a minimum of 10 kilograms of Martian simulant within 10 minutes.

Alabama Astrobotics won the overall 2016 Robotic Mining Competition National Championship Trophy this May, which marked the third overall National Championship victory in the seven-year history of the competition and also the first time that a team has won the National Championship in consecutive years.

In June, Alabama Astrobotics successfully completed Level 1 of the Sample Return Competition becoming the first team in the history of competition to complete the task in their rookie year. Alabama Astrobotics will travel back to Massachusetts in September to compete against six other teams for a shot to win $1.5 million in prize money. Roll Tide! And go Joe!

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Kaity Venters is studying Global Studies with a concentration in Business Administration at Saint Mary’s College.

This summer she will interning at ACCO Brands in Lake Zurich, IL, learning about Global Product Development.

Class of 2014

Jonah Gardner is currently a student at Cleveland Institute of Art. On Saturday, August 13, Jonah, in conjunction with an engineer, designed and built a prototype for an E-cycle. The design was revealed to the public at the Cleveland Cyclewerks Open House where Jonah held his summer internship.

Evan Glaser is currently earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati.

Michael Nelson is attending Kent State but this past summer he had a paid internship with Simplify 3D. He worked with their software, interfaced with colleges, and helped to make 3-D printing more available to all.

Rory Crabbe is studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kentucky.

Rory was seen playing on Campus a few times this past year.

Class of 2015

Matthew Painter finished his first year at Hillsdale College where he is studying economics.

Ally Wallace is studying Early Education at UK and was on the Dean’s list this past semester. She is also a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was thrilled to be a member of the nationally ranked UK Dance Team this past year, and is looking forward to dancing at the football and basketball games again next year.

Resiliently faithful

Alumni “Coming Home” to CHCA The class of 2016 has left the building, raising the total of CHCA alumni to just under 2,000 - all graduates who are making an impact in their schools, homes, businesses, cities, the world, and beyond - using their CHCA knowledge and experiences to further the Kingdom of God. While it is always exciting to send them off, it is more amazing when they return to CHCA to serve and reconnect back here at “home”. This past year numerous alumni came “home” to give back with their time and gifts.

Coaching:

Chad Leland ’00, Whitney (Dubbs) Kallgren ’05, Adam Atallah ’07, Andrew Wallace ’10, Blake Avery ’11

On the Stage:

Lindsay (Trucksis) Combs ’09, Brett Fields ’10, Molly Packer ’10, Kristen Zabbatino ’10, Ellen Packer ’12, Ben Stevens ’12, Lauren Zabbatino ’12, Charlie Andrews ’14, Beth Hansford ’14, Sam Hayes ’14, Elise Jackson ’14, Casey Ochs ’14, Samantha Stacy ’14, Alex Stevens ’14, Stephanie Taylor ’14, Anna Clark ’15, Rory Crabbe ’15, Merrie Drees ’15, Will Ellis ’15, Nathaniel Hipsley ’15, Gabe Hoyer ’15, Zach Hoyer ’15, David Humphrey ’15, Savanah Mary ’15, Tyler Swedes ’15

In the Classroom and in Clubs:

Jon Snyder ’98, Joey Ashbrook ’00, Todd Simmons ’08, Eric Weller ’08, Lindsey (Trucksis) Combs ’09, Kristin Zabbatino ’10, Anne Maria van den Berg ’10, Tyler Vonderhaar ’12, Gabe Sequeira ’13, Rory Crabbe ’15, Michael Nelson ’15

In Chapels:

Isaac Gould ’95, David Snyder ’97, Chris Mullen ’98, Josh Metzger ’03, Kurt Kersey ’08, Abbie (Marosi) Aprile ’11, Rebecca Richart ’15

Intersession “J Term” Chaperoning:

Erin (Tate) Schmerr ’02, Zach Stanfield ’03, Adam Atallah ’07, Sam Becker ’12, Abby Bowman ’13, Katie Koopman ’15

Serving on CHCA boards:

Jon Adams ’95, Ben Beshear ’97, David Blessing ’97, Erin (Metzger) Conn ’97, Jon Snyder ’98, Jessica Snyder ’98, Casey (Sutherly) Purnhagen ’00, Amy Ramsey ’00, Robbie Wilson ’04, Matt Chacksfield ’05, Grant Cooper ’05, Kate (Kersey) David ’05, Kurt Kersey ’08, Kristen Zabbatino ’10

Volunteering:

Adam Atallah ’07, Austin Wilson ’08, Kristen Zabbatino ’10, Dejah Siplin ’13, Beth Hansford ’14, Trevor Kirbabas ’14, Ellie Parker ’14, Nathaniel Hipsley ’15, Shannon Kelly ’15, Delaney Kirbabas ’15, Chandler Meador ’15, Hannah Rhoads ’15, and more, are regularly reengaging with us!

Teaching / CHCA Staff:

Erin (Metzger) Conn ’97, Casey (Sutherly) Purnhagen ’00, Adam Cool ’01, Erin (Tate) Schmerr ’02, Adam Atallah ’07, Victor Byrum ’07, Maria Richart ’10, Scott Ferguson ’10, Abbie (Marosi) Aprile ’11, Lauren Zabbatino ’12, Kelsey Vice ’13, Nathalie van den Berg ’14, Morgan Avery ’15, Ally Wallace ’15, Sarah (Eslick) Robinson ’09

Sending their children to CHCA:

Jon Adams ’95, Jeremy ’95 & Erin (Metzger) Conn ’97, Ben Beshear ’97, Jon ’98 & Jessica (Martin) ’98 Snyder, Brent Walker ’98, Betsy Croswell ’99, Joey Ashbrook ’00, Amy Ramsey ’00, Joni (Foister) Brandyberry ’01, Adam Cool ’01, Jennifer (Lawless) Kaufman ’01, Anna Broun ’02, Kya Bowden Cannon ’04, Kate (Kersey) David ’05, Allison Ballard ’08

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11525 Snider Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249