BCHS TODAY Volume 4 Fall/Winter 2009

Bakersfield Christian High School12775 Stockdale HighwayBakersfield, CA 93314

n Applause n

TODAYVolume 4 • Fall/Winter 2009

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit 1199

Bakersfield, CA

BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

A Bakersfield Christian High School Community Publication

What a difference 30 years makesgymnasiums in Kern County, there are three fully equipped science labs and the 30,000-square-foot library has 11 iMac workstations and more than 8,000 books.

“The vision was always smaller than what’s happening today,” says board member Randy Coulter, who taught at the school during its first de-cade. “God’s plan was always a lot bigger than ours.”

BCHS has been through six moves, three name changes and what was essentially an ownership change

in its 30-year history. What hasn’t changed is its focus on God and quality education.

The First Baptist Church, which is now Olive Drive Church, started the school

in 1979. It origi-nally had infant-care, elementary and junior high components to

go along with the high school.Classes met for the first three months

in rented space on Rosedale Highway before moving to the church grounds. Dixon recalls using his Sunday school class for high school classes.

Growth was slow in the early years. Four students made up the first graduating class, and the school only turned out 14 graduates by 1983, according to board member Julia Pelz, who was also the school’s first office manager.

In 1986, the First Baptist Church closed the school, but some parents wanted to keep the high school portion

The version of BCHS that current students Justus and Breonna Dixon know is a much different place

than their father graduated from in 1986.For one thing, it’s no longer called

Omega High School.“The changes have been tremendous,”

says Bret Dixon, a small business owner who roamed the school’s halls during its early years.

Back in ’86, Dixon and the 26 other students he graduated with shared space with the First Baptist Church on Olive Drive. There was no football team, no home basketball court, no dedicated science lab and no library.

This year marks the school’s 30th anniversary, and nearly 120 students are expected to graduate next spring after spending their high school days roaming a 47-acre campus. The football team is coming off back-to-back division championships, the basketball teams play in one of the largest high school See What a difference on page 3

School history full of trials, triumphs

30years

1979

Note: T he first annual homecoming game was 1981-82, but the first annual Mr. and Miss Omega were from 1982-83 (source: 1983 yearbook)

We’re checking in with a few of

our alumni along with a look back

at our historic Eagle Homecoming

Kings and Queens.

of students

1982-83 King & QueenTim Hubble & Angela Calderon

1980 1981 1982 19831984

Paula (Harris) Cowan (1981) attended Westmont College graduating with her bachelor of arts in music followed by her teaching credential in 1987. Cowan completed her master’s degree at CSUB in 1997. She has been an elementary teacher for 23 years and has also taught as adjunct faculty at CSU Fresno and Point Loma Nazarene University. Cowan has spent the last 11 years teaching at Almondale Elementary in the Rosedale Union School District. She and her husband Bruce have a daughter Madison,12 and a son Taylor, 8. Cowan is active in the Laurel Glenn Bible Church music and women’s ministries.

Dan Knight (1983) studied computer engineering at University of the Pacific in Stockton. He is currently owner of Sequoia Tek Corp., a software engineering company. Knight and his wife, Mary Lynch (1983), have two kids currently attending BCHS. Dave is a junior who plays baseball and Josh is a freshman who plays football. The Knights’ youngest, Melissa, is in the second grade at Stockdale Christian School.

1984-85 King & Queen

Tim Schmidt & Melissa Loos

Bakersfield Christian High School is

Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence in Education.


Tom Bittle &Joy Sorci

Students, programs increase through the years

In it’s 30-year history, BCHS has graduated approximately 1,000 students. From the

class of 1980 with four graduates to the class of 2009 with 106, BCHS has experienced tremendous growth since its earlier days and is continuing to expand through programs such as the International Homestay Program,

See Academics, Spiritual Growth on page 3

AcAdemicS, SpirituAl Growth

alive. So, they formed an independent school they called Community Christian High School.

The reformed school continued operating at its founding church until 1990 when it moved to the campus of

Northland Assembly of God Church on Manor Drive.

Five years later it moved to the vacated Richland/Lerdo School site on Lerdo Highway. Pelz says that move was exciting, because

it was the first time the school had its own facility.

The school became BCHS in 1997 to reflect its ties to the city and its grow-ing support from numerous churches in

ViSuAl And performinG ArtS … See pAGe 2

AthleticS … See pAGe 2

See Applause on page 4

The 106 students from the class of 2009 marked the 30th group of BCHS graduates. Each of the graduating classes in the school’s history have developed their own unique personality and left their own unique legacy. The class of 2009 was no different in displaying excellence and leadership during its four years at BCHS. The following list is a sample of the many accomplishments these students realized in their last semester.

2 • FALL/WINTER 2009 • BCHS Today

As BCHS’ Visual and Performing Arts program continues to grow, more and

more students are given the opportunity to express themselves using their God-given musical and artistic abilities.

Choir, band, theater and art programs have been around from the beginning of BCHS in 1979. The combination of these programs in musical performances, such as “The Wiz” in 1986 or “Pirates of Penzance” in 2007, have lead to a strong tradition of excellence in visual and performing arts.

The latest performance, “Meet Me in St. Louis” was held March 27-28 in the BCHS Sports Center with approximately 700 attendees over the course of the three performances. More than 100 students, faculty and parent volunteers pulled their talents together to act, sing, play in the band and help with the set design.

Other spring performances showcasing the talents of BCHS students included an honors art show entitled Wet Paint, and a mixed choir program called Songs that Lift the Heart.

Upcoming performances for the 2009-10 school year include the fall play, “Great Expectations,” on Oct. 23-24 and

In 1979 BCHS began its athletic program with baseball and co-ed soccer teams. Thirty years later a record number of

16 competitive athletic teams represented the Eagles. Adding to more than 70 league championships in

school history, the boys’ tennis team clinched its fifth consecutive Div. V title. Alex Nichols, David Stevens and Jon Wulfekuehler were named to the South Sequoia League first team. Boys’ golf was also named Div. II champions. Chris Underhill was named to the SSL first team.

Athletics has become a big part of high school life, many

BCHS students have continued their participation in sports at a college level.

From BCHS’ most recent graduates, 17 are set to play

the annual Christmas Fine Arts Festival on Dec. 10.

Participation in high school fine arts programs, whether it be music, drama

or art, leads many to pursue such fields in college and as a career.

Benjamin Victor, a renowned sculp-


Brad Hardan & Wendy Lampson


Paul Vermilion & Tracy Lopez

1988-89

King & Queen

Lowell Pollema

& Dristie Griffith

1990-91 King & QueenDavid Coombs & Dianna Martin

1991-92

King & Queen

Shawn Kennemer

& Heidi Lindgren

1992-93 King & QueenDavid Davies & Huong Dinh


Anthony Vasconcellos & Audra Pollem

a

1994-95 King & QueenRussell Wells & Kala Hill

1995-96 King & QueenSteven Good & Alvora Vandyke

David Grijalva (1985) attended BC after graduating high school. He jumped into the air conditioning field after a car accident put school on hold and has worked in that field since that time. Grijalva went into the sheetmetal portion of the business and is now in sales and design. He has designed some of the largest air conditioning systems in Bakersfield such as the Fox Theater and The Bakersfield Californian. Grijalva plays the drums for a couple of bands and invests time into his hobbies, including fast cars, boats, camping and spending time with his wonderful family — his wife Kelley and their two girls, Grace and Olivia. Grijalva says his family is blessed in many ways. He always recalls the fine education, good friends and great teachers he had while at Omega High School. He says he wouldn’t change it for the world.

Jana (Ward) Taylor (1986) studied business, nutrition and dental at BC, graduating in 1989. She also married Dennis Taylor in 1989. They lived in California for three years before moving to Edmond, Okla. She is currently the office administrator at a dentist office. The Taylors have two children, Davis, born in 1994, and Emily, born in 2003, and attend Spring Creek Assembly of God church where Jana is involved with music and sings on the worship team. The rest of the family is also very active in their church.

Robert Huckaby (1987) attended CSUB, graduating in 1992 with a degree in business management. Huckaby lives in Bakersfield, attends the Bridge Bible Church and works for Grimmway Enterprises Inc. He has been married for 16 years and has two daughters, ages 11 and 9, who he hopes will be attending BCHS in a few years. His nephew is currently attending BCHS.

Sheila Eggenberg (1989) is currently living in Bakersfield and working from home on her own business. She is married with four kids.

Mike “Mickey” Niemann (1990) went into the Army after high school. He spent almost three years in Germany and traveled throughout Europe and even Moscow. He took advantage of universities and colleges with satellite campuses in Europe, which allowed him to attend the University of Maryland, USC and South Texas College. He chose a major of graphic design and minor of fine art. Niemann currently exhibits his own brand of surrealistic and landscape art using the computer to paint. Besides working at Riverlakes Golf Course, he runs his own graphic design and print broker business called Psychedlic Sketch Designs. Outside work, he plays golf, enjoys camping and is a member of the Arts Council of Kern. Niemann and his wife Tammy will celebrate their 10th anniversary in November. They have three beautiful children: Harley-Rose Helena, 13; and Alexis Hope and Michael Joseph III, 11-year-old twins.

Tim Vermilion (1990) graduated with a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1995 followed by a master of science in systems engineering from Loyola Marymount University in 2008. Vermillion is currently a space systems engineer working for Scitor Corp. to assist the Air Force in space launch. He and his wife Angela married in 2000 and have three children — Anna, 8; Megan, 4; and Joel, who is 3 months.

Court Fimple (1992) attended BC studying general education. He is currently a correctional officer raising two kids, the newest being a daughter born in April 2009. He and his wife will be celebrating their eight-year wedding anniversary in November.

Melanie (McGraw) Stevenson (1995) graduated with a degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in child development from CSUB in 2000. She married her high school sweetheart, Clint Stevenson, in July 2000. They currently have three children — Sophia born in 2003, Ava born in 2005, and Ezra born in 2007. Stevenson recalls how the Lord sheltered and guided her life, giving her a circle of friends from Community Christian

High School who she has come to adore and cherish. God used the school, the staff and fellow believers to model Christ and plant seeds of hope that led to her salvation.

1989-90 King & QueenBrian Knox & Jaime Brady

1989 1990 1991 1992 19931985 1986 1987 1988

1994 1995

Andria (Brier) Rogers (1992) attended BC immediately after high school and studied livestock and agribusiness. In 2001, Rogers began the pursuit of a bachelor of arts in liberal studies at CSUB, graduating with her degree in 2003, followed by a year at University of LaVerne, where she earned her teaching credentials. She is currently teaching sixth grade at Lincoln Junior High in Taft. Rogers stays busy through her involvement in church activities such as Vacation Bible School or watching her daughter Brier play soccer and softball. Brier is a sophomore at BCHS and will graduate in 2012 — 20 years after her mother.

John Mezzles (1991) began electrical work after high school. In 1994 he married fellow alum Carrie Meadows (1992) and in 1996 they moved to their current home in Atlanta. Mezzles obtained his electrical contractors license for Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. He currently has two electrical companies established. Carrie graduated from Oral Roberts University with a teaching degree which she currently uses to teach their children at home. Their children are Hannah, 10, Haylee, 7, and Haden, 8 weeks. They are actively involved in their church and keep in perspective that their life is good and it is all thanks to Jesus.

Students express themselves through music, myriad mediumtor, attended BCHS his sophomore year of high school (1994-95). He played varsity basketball under the direction of coach Bobby Sharp and met two of his lifelong friends, Rodney Johnson (1998) and the late Nick York. Victor moved to Aberdeen, S.D. where he graduated from Northern State University and met his wife Julie.

He drew and painted in high school but didn’t start sculpting until college. Clay came very naturally for him, accord-ing to Victor. He considers his artistic ability a gift from God and feels very blessed to be doing something for a living that he enjoys and is passionate about.

Victor’s work is displayed in locations The advanced art class showcased their talents in the performance Wet Paint.

such as the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol and in-cludes subjects such as American war heros and Bible heroes, such

as Sampson. He is currently working on a bronze monument to oil workers that will be placed in Taft. It will feature two over-sized oil workers in turn-of-the-century clothing and a 40-foot tall bronze oil derrick, making it the tallest bronze monument in California.

Victor has three children, Caleb, 7, Audry, 5 and Joshua, 2, which he says is fun and keeps him on his toes.

Angela Littlefield and Ashten Smith perform a scene from “Meet Me in St. Louis.”

Benjamin Victor puts the final touches on one of his sculptures.

tradition of championships continuesports at the college level: Kathy Barreto, soccer, Taft College; Ryan Boschma, football, CSU, Fresno; Andrew Bussell, soccer, The Master’s College; Derek Carr, football, CSU, Fresno; Curtis Doyle, football, Bakersfield College; Clare Flood, volleyball, Boston College; Shawn Garrett, football, Bakersfield College; Marcus Hall,

basketball, CSU, Bakersfield; Colby Herron, basketball, CSU, Bakersfield; Tori Hoffmann, softball, Abilene Christian University; Courtney McCormack, softball, Bakersfield College; Demmi Nunn, basketball, CSU, Los Angeles; Jake Peterson, football, San Francisco City College; Justine Schoneveld, volleyball, Biola University; Riley Showers, baseball, Bakersfield College; Christian Taylor, football, Humboldt; and Breanna Wind, soccer, Azusa Pacific University.

Demmi Nunn signs to play basketball at CSULA with the support of her BCHS coach and team.

BCHS boys’ golf 2009 team named Div. II champions.

ViSuAl And performinG ArtS

AthleticS

1987-88

King & Queen

Gary Witcher

& Marci McKay

BCHS Today • FALL/WINTER 2009 • 3

which has brought eight international students from countries, such as China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea to the campus for 2009-10.

Nineteen years after the formation of the school’s first forensics team of

six students, Brice Ezell and forensics coach Dustin Adams traveled to Bur-mingham, Ala., where Ezell competed in the National Forensics League Grand National Tournament. He won eight rounds in the Lincoln-Douglas category and finished stronger than any other competitor from our district, which included Fresno. Ezell is estimated to be in the top third of all U.S. competitors.

Melissa Merrill and Cici Pandol were chosen

to participate in the Dream Builders – Ford Dimension leadership program.

Continuing the long tradi-tion of student-led chapel, the

Bakersfield. BCHS also moved back to its original location on Olive Drive that year.

There were plenty of tough times during the school’s nomadic past, but growth and prestige began accelerating by the turn of the millennium. The school was deep in debt and facing closure again in 1995, Coulter says, but just eight years later it moved onto its current multimillion-dollar campus.

“God was working all the time, even in the tough times when it was small,”

worship team was one of three teams comprising the leadership class. Last year’s leadership class also had spirit and community outreach teams. The class’ was goal to educate students on the principles, character traits and skills required to make a godly leader, then give them the opportunities to put them into practice. BCHS’ leadership class is a unique aspect of students’ academic training.

Twenty-eight students traveled to Jarabacoa, in the Dominican Repub-

Coulter says. “There were times when we didn’t even know if we were going to make payroll.”

Enrollment has more than doubled to about 530 students since moving to the current campus in 2003, supporting Coulter’s assertion that BCHS was a “very late bloomer.”

There is a limit to the blooming, how-ever. Plans call for only three additional facilities – a fine arts center, classrooms and an aquatic center – to be added to

1999-00 King & QueenKeith Munger & Beth Bryant


David Rimestad & Christine Merrill

1996-97King & QueenNick Megazzi & Kami Goldsmith

1997-98 King & QueenAndrew Cuellar & Shawna Kischenmann


Nick McLean & Courtney Mayo


A.J. Dunn & Zeina Abdulla


Jacob Wright & Carrie Hilvers

2002-03 King & QueenJustin Adamson & Jacci Jelletich


Rupert Lara & Laura Camp


Justin Boschma & Rachel Cox

Court Fimple (1992) attended BC studying general education. He is currently a correctional officer raising two kids, the newest being a daughter born in April 2009. He and his wife will be celebrating their eight-year wedding anniversary in November.

Courtney (Kirschenmann) Wright (1994) attended CSUB, graduated with a degree in liberal studies in 2000 and earned her special education cre-dential in 2004. She is currently a stay-at-home mom. She married Coby Wright in 1998. They have two children — Christine, born in 2005, and Koda Chace, born in 2008. Her husband is a Captain with the Kern County Fire Department. They attend Valley Baptist Church, love to travel, read and get together with old schoolmates.

Melanie (McGraw) Stevenson (1995) graduated with a degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in child development from CSUB in 2000. She married her high school sweetheart, Clint Stevenson, in July 2000. They currently have three children — Sophia born in 2003, Ava born in 2005, and Ezra born in 2007. Stevenson recalls how the Lord sheltered and guided her life, giving her a circle of friends from Community Christian

High School who she has come to adore and cherish. God used the school, the staff and fellow believers to model Christ and plant seeds of hope that led to her salvation.

Jon Coulter (1999) graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2004 with a bachelors’ degree in Architecture. He passed the last of his nine state license exams in 2009. In 2004, Jon traveled to Izmir, Turkey, to be a counselor at Space Camp, and there he met a California girl, also a counselor. Her name is Morgan, a Cal Baptist Riverside graduate. Jon and Morgan married in 2005. They became parents in March when their daughter Adelaide was born. Together they have been on two church mission trips to Haiti and they look forward to going on future mission trips. Jon lives and works in Santa Maria.

Sean Cochran (2000) graduated with a bachelor of arts in Linguistics from California State University, Fullerton in 2004 and then spent a year in Asia with Summer Institute of Linguistics, a partner of Wycliffe Bible Translators. Continuing his education at California State University, Fullerton, Cochran graduated with his master of arts in linguistics in 2007, the same year he got married. Cochran is currently a full-time faculty member at California State University, Fullerton teaching English as a second language. He also teaches occasional English classes at a small Christian university in Norwalk. Cochran and his wife hope to start a family soon, and he is also considering pursuing his Ph.D. in the near future.

Anna Camp (2001) graduated from Texas Christian University, Schieffer School of Journalism with a major in news-editorial journalism and a minor in English in 2005. She is currently in her last year of law school at UC Hastings College of the Law. After graduating law school, she plans to work as an attorney in either the San Francisco or Los Angeles area. Camp is involved at the City Church in San Francisco and is currently focusing on her career goals but has been dating fellow BCHS alumnus Robert Austin Smith for more than three years.

Amy Coulter (2001) graduated from CSUB in 2005 with a bachelors’ degree in Liberal Studies. She has been on two church mission trips to Haiti and Rawanda. Coulter lives and works in Santa Maria. She is open to going on more short-term mission trips in the future.

Marc Schmidt (2003) graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in mathematics in December 2007. He is currently an actuarial analyst at Farmers Insurance.

James Witmyer (2004) graduated from California Baptist University with a degree in applied theology in May 2009. He is currently working on a master’s degree at Southern Seminary in Kentucky. Witmyer married Keri Davis in June 2008. They are both involved in youth ministry at Little Flock Church.

1996 1997 19981999 2000 2001 2002 2003

2004 2005

Kristin Coulter (2005) graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2009 with a bachelor of science in nursing. Coulter has passed her board exam and is a registered nurse. She is working at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles in the oncology department. She has been on a mission trip to India. She is living in North Hollywood.

What a difference, continued from page 1

Left: Erin Griepsma is one of 28 students who traveled to the Dominican Republic to share the love of Christ. Right: Students travel to their daily ministry sites.

at Northminster Pres-byterian Church. While he had been pretty sure that his career path lay in teaching, the congre-gation at Northminister saw something else and told Good in some subtle

and not-so-subtle ways, that God was calling him to ministry.

After two years, which he spent teaching English at BCHS, Good began to sense a calling that his congregation had seen all along. This sense of voca-tion was reaffirmed after he completed seminary at Princeton Theological Seminary in 2005 where he received his graduate degree in divinity.

Good and his wife, Jill, moved to Groomsport, Northen Ireland, to serve at Presbyterian parish, where encour-agement from the congregation there again affirmed God’s calling.

In June, Good began a new role as he and his wife welcomed their first child, Graham David Good.

lic, for 18 days and participated in seven different areas of service and ministry. Highlights of the mission trip included community outreach, sports evangelism and prayerwalk-ing in one community. Many other BCHS students participated in mis-sions through their local churches.

The intertwined academic and spiritual elements of Christian

education have produced a slew of alumni with both the intelligence and compassion to serve the Lord in their home, work and world.

Steven Good graduated BCHS in 1996. He is currently the associate pastor of Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Va.

God’s call to ministry came through a rather conventional route, according to Good. During his final year as an undergraduate at CSU, Bakersfield, where he was major-ing in English and philosophy, Good

became the director of youth ministry

Academics, Spiritual Growth, from page 1

Jill, Steven and Graham Good.

campus, and school leaders don’t want to exceed 800 students in order to avoid watering down the quality of academics and student life.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the future of the school,” President Daniel Cole says. “I think we’re just on the edge of seeing the school reach some of the objectives we have for it.”

Less ambitious plans include revamping the lunch program to a food-court concept, building a concession

stand for sporting events and developing curriculum, Cole says.

Pelz recalls joking in the early years that the school would one day have its own office space. “Now they do,” she laughs.

“I’m just totally amazed and sometimes surprised, yet I shouldn’t be surprised,” Pelz says. “God worked, and actually through lots of trials and tribulations and struggles now we have this beautiful facility and wonderful faculty and student body.”

Tami Root, Principal Greg Root and President Dan Cole are among the attendees at last year’s The Key Event.

12775 Stockdale Highway

Bakersfield, CA 93314

(661) 410-7000

Fax (661) 410-7007

www.BakersfieldChristian.com

BCHS Leadership Team Daniel H. ColePresident/Chief Administrator Douglas S. Barnett Jr.Athletic Director Debbie A. CampDirector of Admissions Karen DierksDirector of Advancement Susan L. Hemme CPAChief Business Officer Marcia ManningDean of Academics and Arts J. Gregory RootPrincipal

Board Members Alan Larsen, ChairmanUBS Financial Services Mel AtkinsonM.D. Atkinson Company Don Camp Jr.Western Power Products, Inc. Randy CoulterWest High School Rayburn S. Dezember Bryan HauptASU Associates Julia PelzBCHS Retired Vincent RocheCB Bakersfield Partners

Robert E. SmithSmithTech USA, Inc. Michael StarzerBonanza Creek Energy Company Neil VisserVB Ranch

John WhiteInsect Lore

Board Member EmeritusWilliam BolthouseBolthouse Properties

Attention Alumni:

Please visit

BakersfieldChristian.com

to read more updates and

submit your own personal

story to be shared w

ith

the alumni community

through this newsletter.

Class Valedictorian Chris Underhill was the sole National Merit Scholarship winner from Kern County. Out of an approximately 1.5 million entrants each year, the National Merit Scholarship Program awards only 2,500 to seniors, such as Underhill, nationwide. He also received the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

n n n

More than $1.2 million in first-year scholarships were awarded to the class of 2009. BCHS students were accepted into four-year colleges, such as Boston College, California Institute of Technology, Colorado School of Mines, Duke University, New England Conservatory, Princeton University, University of California Los Angeles and University of Southern California.

n n n

Forty graduates were named Eagle Scholars, which means they maintained a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher all four years. Thirty-five of these Eagle Scholars received

2008-09 King & QueenTaylor Roche &

Justine Schoneveld

You are invited to the 2009-10 BCHS Homecoming and Alumni BBQ Friday, Oct. 9.Alumni receive free admission to the game for you and your family.

Join us for dinner in the football field end zone at 6:00 p.m.Please RSVP to the advancement office at (661) 410-7000 by Oct. 2.

Derek Dallas Carr (2009) is in his second semester at Fresno State University where he is on a football scholarship. After college, Carr plans to play professional football in the NFL but is open to whatever God has planned for his life. He is thankful for the memories and Christian influences he gained from his year at BCHS. He says he will never forget the awesome year he had as a senior, both academically and the great year the team shared on the football field. Carr says he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Mike White (2008) is attending California Baptist University and majoring in theology. After graduating, White plans to attend seminary at either The Southern Baptist Theology Seminary or Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He shares that God has shown him so much since graduating high school and being in college, and he hopes God does the same for fellow alumni.

Michelle Coulter (2008) is a sophomore at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is undecided on her major at this time.

Katie Camp (2007) is attending San Diego State University and majoring in hospitality and tourism management with a concentration in recreation and tourism management. After graduating she plans on working for a wedding/event coordinator or hotel for several years before starting her own business.

Nathan Witmyer (2006) is a senior at the United States Air Force Academy and was selected for a pilot spot. He will begin pilot training after he graduates in May 2010 with a bachelor of science degree in management. Witmyer was one of eight recently selected to visit Al Dhafra Air Base to learn about the life of a pilot.

Casey Ogden (2006) is attending Fresno State University, studying mathematics and working on a single subject credential. After college he plans to teach high school. He currently attends People’s Church in Fresno and is involved in children’s ministry where he teaches 1st grade Bible. Ogden spends his summers at the beautiful Huntington Lake teaching at a Boy Scout camp called Camp Kern where he has been a staff member since 2002. This summer he had the opportunity to teach rifle shooting and rifle safety to more than 100 Boy Scouts. Among scouting, ministry and school, Ogden also works at the front desk for a CPA. He is still walking with the Lord and feeding his spiritual hunger by being involved in his church’s college group.

2007 200820092006


Phil Owens & Chelsie Slegers

Josh King (2006) graduated from BC in December 2008 alongside his mother, who also graduated BC. He is currently attending CSUB, majoring in liberal studies with a concentration in social studies and a subject authorization of mathematics. King plans to teach elementary school or junior high math. Besides school and church, King works at American Elementary as an afternoon daycare aid. King loves his job and says he couldn’t ask for anything better. He says he feels blessed with great friends and family and is really enjoying life. His family went to New York and Philadelphia over the summer.

2007-08 King & QueenRyan Clanton

& Kayla Wedel

highest honors by graduating with a GPA of 3.9 or higher.

n n n

A quarter of the 2009 graduating seniors earned a Scholar’s Diploma indicating they completed BCHS’ most rigorous academic program.

n n n

Forty-one students from the senior class scored higher than 1600 on the Standardized Aptitude Test.

n n n

Micah Nacita and Vincent Oddo were National Honor Society Scholarship Nominees. Nacita and Oddo were two of the seven members of NHS from the graduating class.

n n n

Many other leadership and citizenship awards and scholarships were presented to the class of 2009. Among these were Eagle of the Year awarded to Breanna Wind, Eagle Service awarded to Jessica Carter and Eagle Fine Artist awarded to Courtney McCormack.

would you like to learn more about Bakersfield christian high School? Join us at BCHS’s Visitation Days and the Admissions Open House. For more information, please call (661) 410-7000.

Visitation days: oct. 8 and 29, 2009 • Admissions open house open house: Jan. 24 and feb. 1, 2010

Justine Schoneveld, Breann Goodmon and Breanna Wind help with the event.

n Applause, from page 1 n

BCHS Class of 2009.

Spring event ‘key’ to financial aidBy Karen Dierks, BCHS Director of Advancement

“What should I wear?” and “What will I be doing?” the students asked as they committed to serve at the first annual dinner auction The Key Event. They quickly realized that the evening would be a night to share their love and appreciation for BCHS with the community.

As our guests entered Stockdale Country Club last May they knew it would be a meaningful investment of time. The BCHS jazz quartet filled the air with smooth sounds as everyone enjoyed the evening.

After the fillet minion and crème brule were served there was still a great gift we were able to share with our guests. Senior students shared the impact BCHS made in the lives of them and their families.

Without a commitment to financial aid, one-third of our students would not have the opportunities this unique school offers. Support from our school families and the community are key to continuing the tradition of investing in young promising students.

During the school’s 30-year history there have been many special events to raise funds, and God has so richly blessed our endeavors. We hope through this event God will be pleased and lead us as we plan for the next The Key Event.

Please mark your calendar for this year’s The Key Event on March 20 at Seven Oaks Country Club and together we will accomplish what our motto says: challenge our students today to make a difference tomorrow.

BCHS TODAY Volume 4 Fall/Winter 2009

Documents

Transcript of BCHS TODAY Volume 4 Fall/Winter 2009