Fall/Winter 2025
The Magazine of Village Christan School
PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP Settling into three new leadership positions
A LANDMARK CELEBRATION VCS Commemorates its 75th Anniversary
VCS AT HEART Wrestling a passion for Simon Family
HITTING THE HIGH NOTES High Profile Projects for Fine Arts Faculty and Staff
READY FOR OPENING DAY Ribbon-Cutting for South Athletic Field FAITH IN THE FOUNDATION 75th Anniversary Campaign for New Gymnasium
GRADUATION RECAP Celebrating the Class of 2025
Every issue of Village Christian School’s magazine aims to capture empowering stories and exciting opportunities for our students and community. Last year, we were so blessed to celebrate our landmark 75 th anniversary, and we are humbled by the incredible ways God has worked in and through this community through the generations. Now, we step into the next 75 years with even greater expectations and impactful opportunities for our students to thrive – and a purpose fixed on Him. From inspired leaders to devoted alumni to enduring Christ-centered intentionality, you’re about to see how.
If you have an idea for a story or person to be featured in the Village Voice, please email connect@villagechristian.org.
Cover photo: VCS Class of 2025 graduate Dallas Young embraces now-retired High School Principal Doug Berry after receiving his diploma at the High School Commencement ceremony on May 31, 2025, on the Field of Dreams. 2
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ADMINI STRATION FEATURE
Principal Leadership
CONTENTS
6 C O M M U N I T Y S P OT L I G H T | 75 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y
Landmark Celebration 12
ATHLE TICS FEATURE | SIMON BROTHERS WRESTLIN G
VCS at Heart 18
STUDENT FEATUR E | K ENDRICK AN D N ESMITH
Nation's Best 22
FINE ARTS FEATURE | BOT TS, DAS, AN D TAYLOR
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Hitting the High Notes G R A D U AT I O N R E C A P | C E C I L L I A K I M
Celebrating the Class of 2025 30 EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT
The Experience 35 E D U C AT I O N S P OT L I G H T | T H E M A R C H A N D D C T R I P S
Coast to Coast 36
F U N D R A I S I N G U P D AT E | S O U T H AT H L E T I C F I E L D
Ready for Opening Day 40 C O M M U N I T Y U P D AT E | H O M E C O M I N G 2025
VILLAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GYMNASIUM & PERFORMING ARTS ADDITION
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8930 VILLAGE AVEUE SUN VALLEY, CA 91352
Franco & Associates Inc.
Crusaders Come Home F U N D R A I S I N G U P D AT E | N E X T 75 A N N I V E R S A R Y C A M PA I G N
Faith in the Foundation 50 1
PROPOSED VIEW OF MAIN ENTRANCE FROM WILDWOOD AVENUE
ALU MNI U P DATES
Crusaders for Life 56
the VILLAGE VOICE VCS Marketing Department Editor | Paul Putignano Creative Director | Fontaina Funk
Photographers / Contributors Matt Farias, DJ Jenkins, Collin Schiffli
Special Thanks Lindsay Gunn, Melissa Cherella, Carrie Post, Michele Serna
Upcoming Events CHRISTMAS BREAK | DECEMBER 22, 2025 - JANUARY 6, 2026 Christ our Savior is born! The first semester comes to a close, and we have the special opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus.
“THE EXPERIENCE” | JANUARY 20-23, 2026 Year Three of this exciting and empowering Concentrations® initiative will once again take students across the globe for a week of immersive learning, career path exploration, and personal and spiritual reflection. Some experiences may extend beyond the official January 20-23 timeline.
SPARK SYMPOSIUM | FEBRUARY 19, 2026 Discover the impact of all six VCS Concentrations as students showcase learning from “The Experience.” This event, which now serves as the High School Open House, is a foundational part of our signature academic program, Concentrations®.
WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP | MARCH 24-31, 2026 From Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg to the museums, monuments, and government buildings in the heart of our nation's capital, the annual fifth grade trip to the east coast is full of unforgettable and impactful experiences, including visits to Gettysburg and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When students return, they will have a recovery day on March 31.
EASTER BREAK | APRIL 3-10, 2026 Beginning with Good Friday on April 3, we are so thankful to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus during Easter Break. Classes will resume on Monday, April 11.
“THE MARCH” | APRIL 15-20, 2026 Our distinctive eighth grade trip, “The March: Journey from the Civil War to Civil Rights” will take students to Memphis, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; Montgomery, Alabama; and Atlanta, Georgia. They will experience a riverboat ride on the Mississippi River, walk the Shiloh battlefield and across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, and visit the National Civil Rights Museum/Lorraine Motel, among numerous other influential sites.
ANNUAL AUCTION AND GALA | APRIL 25, 2026 Our hallmark fundraising event, this year’s annual auction and gala will be held at Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank with a special theme celebrating our nation’s Semiquincentennial – 250 years under God – American Bandstand-style. More information, including ticket sales, will be coming soon.
GRADUATIONS | MAY 27-29, 2026 We are blessed to celebrate the Class of 2026 on our very own Field of Dreams right here at VCS. Elementary Culmination is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, followed by Middle School Graduation on Thursday, May 28, and High School Graduation on Friday, May 29.
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A N OT E F R O M T H E H E A D O F S C H O O L | TO M KO N J OYA N
What a year! What a celebration! The whole school community was uplifted through the various events and activities celebrating Village Christian’s 75th anniversary. Personally, I was inspired by the founders and early administrators of our school, who worked tirelessly on weekends, taking out mortgages on their homes, and made many other sacrifices to build this school. Their example gave me extra motivation to work harder, pray more, and have faith that the blessings God poured out on their efforts will continue on our efforts today. As we battled with the city to permit our new South Athletic Field, I remembered the work the founders of the school had to do to build bridges over the storm channel to access the campus. As we struggled with the ever-changing rules of the health department to allow use of our new food trailer, I imagined how hard it must have been to grade the hillsides for the high school buildings and C Lot. Through it all, God made the miracles happen, and our beautiful campus is a testimony to His faithfulness. So, now we are emboldened to continue to build the facilities, like our new gymnasium, which will provide invaluable new spaces for our students to learn and excel in for the next 75 years. If generous school leaders and parents 30 years ago could donate the money to build our current gym, surely, our current leaders and parents can build the new gym. The need for our school has never been more apparent as admission inquiries continue to rise
Through it all, God made the miracles happen, and our beautiful campus is a testimony to His faithfulness. and more and more families express their desire to join the VCS community. Our mission compels us to ensure that we continually improve the programs, curriculum, and experience to help every student thrive in our Christ-centered environment. We remain steadfast in our commitment to Pastor Phil Gibson’s vision of being a light in our city, shining brightly for all to see God’s continued blessings being poured out on the children of Los Angeles. Go Crusaders!
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L E A D E R S H I P U P D AT E
ALL THREE PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AT VCS ARE SETTLING INTO EXCITING NEW LEADERSHIP GOING INTO THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR, A PROCESS THAT BEGAN A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR AGO It’s a time of transition at Village Christian School. Heading into the 2025-2026 school year, school leadership officially completed a transition of principals across all three schools – a process that began a year ago and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter that’s about to begin. “It’s an opportunity to look at how far we’ve come and look at the great work that Margie [Chespak] did and the great work that Doug [Berry] did,” said new High School Principal Dana Mikels (VCS Class of 1993). “It’s an opportunity for a new chapter of academic leadership, a new chapter of having fresh eyes on programs – never forsaking what got us here. They’ve handed it off to us, and we have to take it to the next level and do some exciting things in education, because education is always evolving; it’s always changing.” After eight years as Middle School Principal, Mikels has transitioned into the High School principal role, where she takes over for Doug Berry, who announced his retirement in January. Mikels, the daughter of longtime VCS teacher, administrator, and coach Dave Wilson, holds two Masters degrees from Azusa Pacific University in Curriculum and Instruction as well as Educational Leadership. In 2024, she completed the prestigious Van Lunen Ascending Leaders fellowship through Calvin University. Since being hired full-time at VCS in 1998, Mikels
taught Bible and History and served as the Dean of Students and Assistant Principal before becoming the Middle School principal. In her stead, Robert Sayles, who has been the grades 6-12 Assistant Principal at Village for the past seven years, has been hired as the new Interim Middle School Principal. Prior to his time at VCS, he was the Principal of the Dream Center Academy for 14 years, which he helped build from the ground up, and an English teacher at multiple high schools in the Greater Los Angeles Area. He has distinguished himself in leading Village’s safety and emergency planning efforts, academic intervention strategies, and the instructional coaching of new teachers. “I am honored and excited to continue the work of Mrs. Mikels and the talented Middle School team to help students navigate the Middle School Adventure,” Sayles said. “I look forward to seeing this incredible group of students grow into the young men and women God has called them to be.” He will work closely with Mikels and fellow academic team member Jeff Maljian, who just completed his first year as Elementary Principal. It didn’t take long for Maljian to settle into the role after taking over for Margie Chespak, who served as Elementary Principal for nearly 10 years.
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My calling to education and ministry has been renewed as I have been embraced by the VCS family in serving the students, families and teachers.
Robert and Dana bring such a heart for serving the VCS community and a wealth of knowledge and experience. I am looking forward to how we will support, encourage, and challenge each other in our roles as Principals." Said Head of School Tom Konjoyan: “We are blessed with an extraordinary faculty, all of whom are a direct reflection of the Christ-centered leadership God has put in place here at VCS. Our students are in great hands, and I am proud of the work Mr. Maljian, Mrs. Mikels, and Mr. Sayles have done and will continue to do to ensure every student thrives academically, spiritually, and personally during their time at Village and beyond.”
Prior to coming to Village, he was the Principal of Willard Elementary School in Rosemead and held a variety of developmental and intervention-based positions within the Pasadena Unified School District, including working as an Instructional Coach for Elementary teachers and as an Early Intervention Specialist. He was also a longtime youth pastor in Pasadena, bringing the perfect blend of academic excellence and heart for Jesus to VCS that set the stage for a seamless transition – and rave reviews – in his first year. "In looking back over this past year, I have truly seen God's hand bringing me to VCS. My calling to education and ministry has been renewed as I have been embraced by the VCS family in serving the students, families and teachers. VCS has surrounded me and my family with love this past year and especially as we walked through the loss of our home. VCS is my home and where I belong,” Maljian said. "VCS is a place of partnership and collaboration on so many levels. As administrators, there is so much I have learned from my colleagues, as I did this last year. Fall/Winter 2025 | 9
S P I R I T UA L L I F E U P D AT E
A STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE THAT KEEPS VCS FOCUSED ON BEING CHRIST-CENTERED IN ALL WE DO, NEW BIBLICAL IMMERSION PARTNERSHIP WITH SUMMIT MINISTRIES WILL INFLUENCE INSTRUCTION AND IMPACT STUDENTS By DJ Jenkins, Spiritual Life Director
The mission of Village Christian School is to provide a CAREing Christ-centered education producing students who thrive. That mission presents numerous challenges in our ever-shifting modern world, but the key task is to ensure the entirety of the school is infused and immersed in the Biblical story of the Gospel. It’s a blessing to be able to have chapels and retreats, where we take a spiritual “break” from the rigors of the school day and enjoy special focus on the good news of Jesus. But spiritual realities aren’t limited to “breaks” or spiritual activities during the day. All of life is spiritual, ultimately. As the Psalmist says, “The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord” (Psalm 24:1) Not only is all the earth the Lord’s, including every inch of VCS, but every student,
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teacher, and staff member is an eternal being. The Apostle Paul says this reality should lead us to not look at “anyone from a worldly perspective” (2 Corinthians 5:16a). Village Christian has been entrusted with precious souls. Therefore, we must strive to make every lesson from JK to every discussion in an AP class with seniors saturated in a Biblical worldview that is effective and impactful, and to do so, Village has begun a special partnership with Summit Ministries and their Center for Biblical Worldview Formation. The Center for Biblical Worldview Formation “helps Christian schools and universities to nurture a Biblical worldview in children, youth, and emerging adults,” according to Summit Ministries’ official website, adding that they “provide customized professional development, coaching, and consulting for school leaders and teachers.”
During the school’s most recent accreditation study, one key finding was the need to provide further training and development opportunities for our teachers and staff regarding immersive Biblical worldview. With our rapidly changing culture, training on the latest strategies of how to teach Biblical worldview from third grade social studies to AP Chemistry has never been more important. Work began in the fall of 2024, when the VCS Leadership Team met for multiple days with the leaders from Summit Ministries to garner a personal understanding of our strengths and challenges. Planning continued when Summit Ministries returned to VCS for the first of multiple day-long training sessions and extensive classroom observations across campus, from elementary to high school. Their visits enabled them to get a taste of
what instruction is already like from our wonderful teachers and to better craft a strategic plan to address our needs over the next several years. Coaching sessions have already begun. Though still at the beginning of the partnership, we are confident these efforts will help address the vital need to remain focused on a Biblical worldview. But what does it look like in a practical sense? Allow me to briefly describe what infusing a Biblical worldview into our teaching from JK-12 could look like. The Center for Biblical Worldview Formation uses the gospel framework and metanarrative of CREATION-FALL-REDEMPTION-RESTORATION
as a way to explain the big-picture story of God. This is the Story from the Scriptures that makes sense of all of life. One key task for our school and teachers
will be to continue learning how to effectively express the gospel as CREATION-FALL-REDEMPTION-RESTORATION
in the midst of our ever-changing culture. Then the task will be to immerse every grade level in this context to help the students understand this expression of the gospel in an age-appropriate way. Our goal is for every student who started in JK to enter Middle School at Village confident in what the gospel is and how they can share it themselves as a story. Then, during Middle School they are able to see aspects of CREATION in their science courses; how there is design and beauty and order within the sciences, put there by the Creator of the sciences. Then they think through aspects of the FALL in their history class; they see the sinful destruction people have wrought on each other throughout the ages, peppered with moments of REDEMPTION, where goodness and forgiveness and mercy break through.
As this student graduates into High School, they have already spent years through many subjects seeing the connections the story of the gospel has throughout their education, making sense of their world. This Christ-centered focus on Biblical immersion will impact everything we are already doing to provide a quality, Christian education. It will build upon decades of mission-minded instruction and identify new and impactful ways to frame what we do within the Story we all believe – all for the betterment of our students and the impact they will have on the world around them.
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Photos: Matt Farias
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
VCS COMMEMORATES ITS 75 TH ANNIVERSARY WITH SCHOOL-WIDE FAMILY FAIR, CEREMONY AT VILLAGE CHURCH Of all the ways Village Christian School commemorated its landmark 75th anniversary, few were as transporting as the events on September 28, 2024. Or as engaging, tasty, and historically immersing. Following a special ceremony at Village Church in Burbank, VCS became a one-day-only fairground complete with rides, carnival games, and wafts of funnel cakes and popcorn to fittingly celebrate Village’s 75th anniversary and the hallmark family environment that has been foundational since the school’s beginnings.
“As an alumni and knowing the history of VCS – and the fairs being such a big part of its legacy – we wanted to plan an event for this next generation of Village families, who would look back on these special events with the same nostalgia,” said Event and Volunteer Director Lesli Cates (Class of 1997). “Now seeing these events as a parent, it’s an important part of building community.” Adding to that nostalgia was a special ceremony held before the Fair back where it all began – Village Church in Burbank.
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This impactful time of reflection and remembrance gave attendees a unique opportunity to honor so many people who built VCS into what it is today. Speakers included Chairman of the Board Dave Bethany, Head of School Tom Konjoyan, Village Church Pastor and Board Member Ryan Post, Board Member John Sponsler, longtime former VCS employee Patricia Cran, former Board Member Donn Rediger, Associate Head of School for Academic Life Ray Endacott, Principal and alum Dana (Wilson) Mikels, and members of founder Phil Gibson’s family. “It was an indescribable blessing sharing the room which such profound luminaries from throughout Village Christian’s history,” Konjoyan said. “The time together served as such a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness through the years, which was then underscored in such a tangible way by seeing the community joyfully fellowshipping and celebrating at the Fair.”
students, and friends of the school as a family to celebrate Homecoming at Village,” Woodcock wrote in the yearbook that year, adding that between 3,000 and 4,000 people attended the inaugural event. “It is hoped that the fair will become an annual tradition.” For years, it was, as teams, classes, and programs from all over campus coordinated, decorated, and ran booths. There were special performances and concessions—all adding to the jovial, family feel of the event. In 1987, VCS watched the Earl Marcellus’ International Lumberjack Shows, and in 2000, families gathered to commemorate the school’s 50th anniversary at the Village Family Fair. The Parent-Teacher Fellowship, volunteers, and room parents, and other groups worked to organize the event and eventually, rides were added alongside a silent auction, and even being “locked up in jail.” This year, the campus was transformed with a buzzing fair-like atmosphere thanks to the generous support of event sponsors Magic Jump Rentals, Bertain Escobar Wealth Management, PartyWorks Interactive, JohnHart Real Estate, and Captive Campaigns.
Village Church and Village Christian School founder Rev. Phil Gibson’s daughter, Susan Jacob, presents at the 75th Anniversary Ceremony on September 28, 2024, at Village Church in Burbank.
The community certainly showed up.
“We are so incredibly thankful for our amazing sponsors, who really are partners in making events like the Family Fair possible,” said Vice President Tracy Nightingale. “Their generosity made this day so special. It was great to have the community together celebrating this milestone occasion.”
In total, an estimated 2,000 guests attended the 75th Anniversary Family Fair throughout the day, a fitting callback to the first Family Fair held in 1982. The inaugural event was held before that year’s Homecoming football game and featured 30 different game booths, dunk tank, dog show, and even a skydiver descending on the lower playground. For a mere $0.25, students could try their luck to dunk then-superintendent Jeff Woodcock. The event was a hit, and through the years, the Village Family Fair became a special time for fellowship, special appearances, performances, and celebration. “In its inception, the ‘Fair’ was put together as a new idea to bring together the entire alumni, faculty, 14
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The Field of Dreams was home to carnival games and attractions for the 75th Anniversary Family Fair on September 28, 2024, at VCS.
Rides, including swings, giant slide, mechanical bull, and euro bungee covered the upper softball field, where attendees could also purchase a variety of carnival fare. A Lot became home to the Crusader Car Show, which
was followed by a special parade of the participants’ vehicles through campus. Meanwhile, on the Field Dreams, families enjoyed games and inflatables, while on the Admin Field, our littlest guests visited a petting zoo and played with friends. “Being able to attend the Village Family Fair was such an awesome experience,” said VCS parent and Elementary PTF President Danielle Delgado (Class of 2007). “As a Village alum, getting to see my kids enjoy something that I remember attending growing up was one of this year’s highlights. Seeing the mix of friends and teachers from my time as a student at Village to my current time as a parent, was such a testament to how incredibly special this school is. No detail was overlooked and celebrating our school’s 75th anniversary with such a nostalgic event was amazing. I’m so grateful that traditions like the Fair are being maintained… they truly make Village feel like home.”
Students enjoyed a wide variety of games and activities, including the Super Slide on the softball field (above) and the Crusader Car Show (top) at the 75th Anniversary Family Fair on September 28, 2024, at VCS.
Such a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness through the years, which was then underscored in such a tangible way by seeing the community joyfully fellowshipping and celebrating at the Fair. Fall/Winter 2025 | 15
75th Anniversary Reflections KAREN ROSS | Class of 1982 When I reflect on my time at Village Christian, I have to go way back. I was a VCS lifer (Class of 1982), my husband, Brett, was Class of 1979, and our kids, Matt and Katie, were Classes of 2015 and 2017, respectively. Full-circle moments surround me – from playing Crusader Softball back in the ‘80s to standing on the sidelines 35 years later in 2017 as Katie’s softball team clinched the CIF championship. Brett and I cheered our kids on through football, basketball, golf, and softball – and oh how we miss those days. We treasure the friendships we built with other families at VCS. One special highlight was our time in Mexico, spending spring break together on various mission projects. I especially loved watching all the kids work together, regardless of grade level. The teachers, faculty, and coaches were second to none! Their unwavering love, guidance, and support from elementary through high school were extraordinary. They played a vital role in preparing Matt and Katie for success at USC. I’m also so proud to be part of the VCS Foundation Board, for which I served as President for eight years. It’s enabled me to stay connected with my school years after our kids graduated. Our family is immensely grateful for Village Christian! Congrats on 75 amazing years! Brett, Karen, Matt, and Katie
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AMBER LEE | Class of 1996 My time at VCS laid the foundation of who I am now as a person. I have incredible memories from the classroom to after-school daycare to summer day camps. I still keep in touch with many of my childhood friends that I made here because Village Christian will always hold a special place in my heart. Congrats on 75 years strong!
SCOTT ZIERMAN | Class of 1971 Village Christian School meant so much to our spiritual development. We learned the fundamentals of the faith in order to practice them for the rest of our lives. Several of my classmates and I still meet for a Bible study group to fellowship and share God's Word.
COMMUNITY REFLETIONS
JESSIE (COBLENTZ) DOYLE | Class of 2011 VCS was where I truly found my foundation—in faith, in leadership, and in myself. Being an athletic trainer taught me dedication, patience, and how to care for others behind the scenes. As ASB President, I learned how to lead with purpose, listen well, and serve my school community with heart. And as a theatre kid, I discovered the power of storytelling, confidence, and showing up authentically—on stage and off. Each role shaped me in different but meaningful ways, and, together, they gave me a toolkit I carry into every area of life. Through it all, I was supported by a community that believed in me and challenged me to grow. I made lifelong friends—some of whom have become family— and shared memories I’ll always cherish. My faith was deepened through every success, every challenge, and every quiet moment of reflection. Now, I live in Texas with my husband and our son, and we’re excited to welcome our daughter this December. No matter where life takes me, this school will always hold the most special place in my heart.
DEAN LAGASSE | Retired Teacher and Coach My reflections on VCS are pretty expansive. I know back in 1982, it was God’s will for me to be there, not because I was anything special, but because He had people there who would help mold me into the teacher and coach that I would become. The relationships built with students and teachers will forever be in my heart. The Lord used VC to minister to not only the students on campus, but also to our friends in Mexico. I couldn’t begin to imagine how many students were exposed to missions and other cultures because of the opportunities VC provided. The folks in Mexicali are still reaping the benefits of our many trips there – trips that the Lord orchestrated. I am so grateful to have been able to coach so many student-athletes, and to have worked with Godly men! The lessons learned are life lessons that I will never forget. These are all things that VC and the Lord allowed me to be part of, and my only hope is that I, in my feeble way, was able to represent Him in a way that honored Him.
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AT H L E T I C S F E AT U R E
VCS WRESTLING’S GROWTH AND SUCCESS, LED BY THE SIMON FAMILY, EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF VILLAGE CHRISTIAN It’s 7 p.m. on a December night, and the Sport Court is illuminated by the outside lights behind the Kendall Pavilion. The temperature has dropped significantly since the sun went down, and the rock-hard wrestling mats have to be continually dried because of the dew in the air.
In 2021, Simon became Village’s first High School wrestler, though he competed unattached. His mother, Dianna (de los Santos) Simon (VCS Class of 1998) served as the coach of record, booking meets, ordering gear, and giving instructions on the mats. Meanwhile, Dylan Simon, was Village’s lone Middle School competitor, and Dominic assisting with coaching duties. Both boys came from a long history of club wrestling, which not only provided a solid foundation for the skills, it also honed their competitive spirit. A year later, Benjamin Donnelly (VCS Class of 2024) was competing alongside Dominic for the Crusaders, which had now joined the Rio Hondo League and was practicing on cheer mats.
The VCS Wrestling Team gathers for practice late in the evening on the Sport Court at VCS.
That’s business as usual for the young Village Christian wrestling team that embodies the “whatever it takes” attitude that has grown the program from two wrestlers to 27 across Middle and High School in four years, all led by VCS’s first-ever college-bound league champion. “You’re trying to wrestle and you’re slipping around,” recalls Dominic Simon (Class of 2025). “We were mopping the mat every 10 minutes so that we could actually wrestle and go practice. But it wasn’t like people were complaining. Everyone was happy to do it so that we could just practice as hard as we could and further the team.” Further the team is an understatement – and a family effort.
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On the Middle School side, Dylan saw Jonathan Faller, Austin Vantrease, Cash Trujillo, and Nua Tauzon all join the team – with tremendous success. Dylan and Faller both took first at the league meet, while Vantrease and Trujillo placed second. Richard Broussard officially became the head coach, with Justin Chua, whose experience and wrestling pedigree proved invaluable, joining the staff midway through the season. “While there were challenges early on, the support from the school and community was unwavering. My experience at Poway High, a powerhouse in high school wrestling, instilled in me the values of perseverance and hard work—principles that helped shape the culture of the team,” Chua said. “VCS Wrestling has grown tremendously over these past four years, and Dominic Simon played a large role. His performance both on and off the mat inspired other student-athletes to join and be a part of something special”
VCS AT HEART Photo: Matt Farias
Dominic (2025) and Dylan (2027) Simon
A year later, the High School team grew to six wrestlers as Dylan moved up to compete alongside Dominic, Evan Mesa, Kade Cunningham, Justin Nasfell (VCS Class of 2024), and Matt Keller (VCS Class of 2024). Chua took over as head coach, Broussard assisted, and for the first time, VCS began practicing on actual wrestling mats.
become something else, but he didn’t want to. He wanted to become a wrestler at Village Christian; he wanted to wrestle for Village. And so he did.” And he did so in ground-breaking fashion during the 2024-2025 season, which saw the floodgates open up with both Middle and High School rosters ballooning.
All the while, opposing schools aggressively pursued Dominic, trying to persuade the talented grappler to transfer. He wanted no part of it. “I just thought that Village brought more as far as values and the academic aspect,” he says. “I didn’t really want to transfer.” That was music to Dianna’s ears. After all, she was a lifer at VCS, and having her kids, including her daughter Erica, who graduated in 2023, at Village meant the world to her.
He could have easily walked away ... but he didn’t want to. He wanted to become a wrestler at Village Christian.
The 2024-2025 VCS Wrestling Team at the year-end High School banquet.
The coaching staff even grew to five with Nick Green, Damarius Jefferson, and John Castle helping at both levels. Then on January 29, 2025, Dominic made history once again, capping his high school career as the school’s first-ever league champion, beating Burbank’s Tyler Huo in the 126-pound division at the Rio Hondo League finals. Not long after, he also received an offer to wrestle collegiately at Vanguard University.
“I love seeing them in our colors. I love them graduating as Crusaders,” she says. “Dominic specifically, really clung to it, and really just has such school spirit. He’s just loyal. Once a Crusader, always a Crusader. I love how much he embraced and embodied being a Crusader and having Village pride. I think you see that. He could easily have walked away and Coaches Justin Chua and Richard Broussard pose with Dominic Simon after taking first place at the Thousand Oaks Varsity Tournament in 2023. 20
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“He’s a trailblazer,” Broussard says. “It takes a special type of person to do what he did – pave the way in a society, where people want to be on a super team. We had a bunch of schools trying to poach him for wrestling because he was the only guy out there at all these tournaments, and he’s winning. They’re like, ‘Why don’t you just come here?’ But he wanted to build something at Village. That was his mission from the start. And I would say mission accomplished at this point." And he wasn’t the only one with a strong showing at league finals. Dylan placed second at 150 pounds, Faller took second at 175, and Noah Vartanian finished third at 285. With Edmond Akopian also qualifying as an alternate, VCS sent five wrestlers to the CIF meet. Asa Funk even took first at 157 in the JV bracket in his first year competing, demonstrating the depth and development of the program.
Dylan (left) and Dominic Simon after the Delphic League Tournament in 2022. Dylan placed first in the event as a seventh grader, while Dominic served as his coach.
With interest continuing to grow, athletes consistently improve, there’s no doubt the program will in fact get bigger and better. “Wrestling holds a special place in my heart, and watching the Simon family's passion and investment has been so rewarding on so many levels,” says Athletic Director Diana Putignano. “Building something that provides such an amazing opportunity for so many kids that will come after them is truly special. I am so proud of how far the program has come already, and I can't wait to see it continue to flourish.” Given its foundation, the program is certainly set to do just that, no matter where or when they practice.
Members of VCS Wrestling huddle at the 2024 Rio Hondo League Finals. At the time, the meet marked the largest showing for the program at league finals.
It was a stellar overall performance for VCS Wrestling. It was also extremely personal, particularly for Dylan. “It was special because, obviously, it was my last year with Dom,” Dylan says. “I just felt that made it more special to me. The fact that he built this from the ground up, it was just cool to see how it turned out and that it’s an actual team. I’m excited next year to keep building and make it bigger and better.”
The 2025-2026 VCS Wrestling team poses for a group photo following its dual meet against Monrovia on December 2, 2025, in the Kendall Pavilion. With fans gathered on both sides of the gym and wrestlers competing one-on-one at center court, the event was the first-ever home meet in Village history and was highlighted by Edmond Akopian’s win by pin in the final matchup of the day. Fall/Winter 2025 | 21
S T U D E N T F E AT U R E
The Village Christian Athletic Training Program has become integral in the athletics experience, providing invaluable support for all VCS teams and launching students into healthcare careers. Now VCS Athletic Training can boast another new achievement – an individual national champion. The Crusaders finished Nos. 1 and 2, with seniors Erin Nesmith and Colette Kendrick taking the top two spots, respectively, in the small-school Henry Schein Division of the American Academic Competition Institute Sports Medicine Competition held in May, leading the program to a third place overall team finish. In total, seven students finished in the top 25, with Shant Ter-Oganesyan also placing 12th, Madison Mulligan in 16th, Lauren Hwang and Kristian Olguin both tied for 18th, and Sophia Nazaryan in 25th.
BEST IN THE NATION 22
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Photo: Matt Farias
NESMITH AND KENDRICK FINISHED FIRST AND SECOND, RESPECTIVELY, AT NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING COMPETITION, SETTING A NEW BAR FOR VILLAGE’S PROGRAM
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“The achievement is huge because it shows how much they've worked on their own outside of class to do this,” said Head Athletic Trainer Dr. Dan Delgado, who took the national exam as a student at Village back in 2016. “Even in our division, St. Francis is one of the schools that we are competing against. They have sports med classes during the school day, so all of their sports med students are in class four to five days a week with a teacher learning. We don't have the luxury of having a class, so I try to create a study guide for them for these competitions. "It's huge for all of the hours they do here after school," the VCS alum added. "For all of the AP classes they take, for the extracurriculars, with sports and dance company, and everything else, the fact that they're still spending extra time on top of that to study and to learn and really take advantage of it, is pretty cool.” In 2018, then-senior Mary Basillious took third in the competition, establishing the program's previous high mark. Since, Basillious graduated in 2023 from Dartmouth College, where she has continued her graduate studies in medicine. The national competition began with a 300-question multiple choice test with scores ranking in the top 10 earning an opportunity to compete in the practical exam over Zoom.
Photos: Matt Farias
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The five-part practical exam tested different skills and consisted of one emergency section, two palpations (identifying anatomy), one taping procedure, and one special test to evaluate an injury. Nesmith passed with flying colors. “I was definitely really excited to hear it,” said Nesmith, whose father, Pete graduated from VCS in 1988, of the results. “It was really validating because we had put in so much hard work all year long, spending hours after school each day and taking time to practice our skills and work with other people.” Added Kendrick, who is the daughter of Aaron Kendrick (VCS Class of 1996) and Megan McLeod (VCS Class of 1997): “It kind of gave me an opportunity to test what I know and what I've been learning all year, but also kind of be confident in what I've learned. I think that being on the team has gotten me a lot more interested in the medical field.” The national competition was preceded by a regional event in March at St. Francis, where Nesmith took third in the intermediate division and Hwang placed third in the Medical Terminology Specialty Exam.
However, what Nesmith and Kendrick have also experienced in Athletic Training is a special opportunity to explore potential career paths. “I'm looking at various colleges with sports medicine majors, with the eventual goal to potentially pursue a career in medicine as a physician or even an orthopedic surgeon,” said Nesmith, who is in her second year in the program. “I'd say this has been such a great foundation getting to study the muscular skeletal system, learning about all the different anatomy, and getting to see it in person – and getting to meet a whole bunch of different patients too. It's been a really cool experience.” Said Kendrick: “I think what I like most about the program is that we've formed a team with a really good community. At the same time, we have a lot of opportunities for firsthand experience, like being on the field, being able to run out and actually practice the things that we're learning, which I think is really important to growing and learning in general.” And that’s exactly what the program aimed to accomplish when it was started in 2010 by then-athletic trainer and teacher Diana Putignano.
to all of our programs,” said Putignano, now Athletic Director. “Since Day 1, the vision for VCS Athletic Training has been twofold: to serve our student-athletes and to provide a unique launching point into the medical field. These students’ achievements are a testament to the continued growth of the field and investment into our young athletic trainers – and we are so excited for what the future holds.”
What I like most about the program is that we've formed a team with a really good community.
“We are so proud of this special group, the program, and the incredible value they bring
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FROM HIGH-PROFILE PROJECTS TO A GRAMMY NOMINATION, FINE ARTS FACULTY AND STAFF’S RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS PROVIDE INVALUABLE INSIGHT FOR VCS STUDENTS VCS Vocal Arts Co-Director David Das records with a star-studded choir for the Grammy-nominated "Impossible Dream" album. 26
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F I N E A RTS F E AT U R E
For many aspiring artists, the thought of a Grammy Award, national tour, or recording a high-profile album is a dream come true. But for many of Village Christian School's Fine Arts faculty and staff, it’s a reality they are passing on to students in the classroom and on stage. Over the past year, that list includes Director of Fine Arts Natalie Taylor, Fine Arts Academy instructor and alumna Monique (Donnelly) Botts, and Vocal Arts Co-Director David Das, whose latest exploits have reached the pinnacle of entertainment success and will provide invaluable insight to VCS students pursuing careers in the arts. “I grew up in L.A. This is the hub of where TV and film work is,” says Botts, a member of the VCS Class of 1993. “I got to sing in all these little kid commercials and movies, and because the work is here, I was kind of raised in this industry. So the kids here should be ready for that because they're probably going to get that opportunity, while kids in Idaho won’t, you know? So I want them to feel equipped and not have panic attacks like I did.”
Because of that natural gifting, the longtime Fine Arts Academy piano instructor and daughter of beloved Elementary teacher Loretta Donnelly, wants to be there for young kids to provide them with the foundational knowledge that once eluded her. But that’s not all. “Here's what I love about Village,” Botts says. “I'm not just teaching lines and spaces. Before every lesson, I ask the kid, ‘How can I pray for you?’ Sometimes it's, ‘Oh, I've got a test.’ Sometimes it’s ‘I just found out someone in my family has cancer,’ and they're crying. It's not just music, it's the whole package.” Right alongside her is Taylor, who has helped build the Fine Arts Department over the last 14 years. The two have collaborated many times, including singing for “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good” on the very same stage where “The Wizard of Oz” soundtrack was recorded decades earlier.
Where can that path lead? For Botts, who won a Grammy singing on “A Cappella Kids” from Maranatha! Music alongside her sisters, Gina and Risa, in 1991, it took her to film and TV recording studios, singing in front of the President of the United States, and even to Mexican prisons as part of missions work. Most recently, it led her to a national tour performing with “Weird Al” Yankovic and singing on the soundtracks for the 2024 and 2025 film adaptations of “Wicked." “I can't believe I'm going to be a goofball and do crazy vocals, put on costumes, sing and play, and he's paying me to do that,” she says with a laugh. “Don't tell him, but I would do that for free because I just can't not sing and be crazy and goofy. That's amazing. So it's crazy that God's like, ‘Oh OK, I'll give you the right job.’" Music is engrained in her DNA, having grown up emulating sounds long before she could read notes.
Monique (Donnelly) Botts (left) and Natalie Taylor (center) at the recording studio to sing on Disney’s "Hocus Pocus 2" soundtrack.
“We were singing the score vocals, which is all the in-between stuff. There's little moments all throughout the film where you can hear singing, but it's not the songs from the Broadway musical. It's ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs.’ We do a made-up evil language when she opens the Grimmerie, and then on all the big group numbers. We sang the chorus parts in songs like ‘One Short Day,’ ‘Defying Gravity,’ ‘Dancing Through Life.’ Any time there was a big ensemble, we're singing,” Taylor recalls. “The composer of the film score, John Powell, is the one that was conducting us, and Stephen Schwartz was on speakerphone and Zoom listening in and giving his Fall/Winter 2025 | 27
advice. It was a phenomenal experience.” And a full-circle one, too. Taylor landed the “Wicked” opportunity through a friendship she formed with a former Disney cast member years earlier, when the two were performing in “Voices of Liberty” at Disneyland. She’s also performed on a host of other projects, including Disney’s “Wish,” in which she performed a special duet with Botts, and fulfilled a childhood dream by voicing Snow White in “Once Upon a Studio” in 2023. “Ever since I was a kid, 7 years old, and I saw ‘The Little Mermaid’ in the theaters, I always wanted to be a voice that you didn’t see,” Taylor says. “Who are the people voicing all these animated characters that I’m looking at? I want to do that. I want to sing like that. Twenty years later, I booked the Snow White gig. It was a huge dream come true, but I had to wait a long time and work really hard. I never gave up. I just kept trying, auditioning, putting myself out there and just always thought, ‘I think the Lord has something for me in this.” From August 1-3, she was seen in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” starring Cynthia Erivo, Adam Lambert, Phillipa Soo, Raul Esparza, and Josh Gad live at The Hollywood Bowl. “I have this amazing job at VCS but still continue to pursue my dreams outside of Village,” she continues. “It's the perfect combination of learning and growing in the midst of being in the industry, while continuing to pour into students here who might pursue this in the future or venture into other careers. The foundation is the same. God is at the root and from there we grow and blossom into who He has called us to be. As the Director of Fine Arts, my goal is for every student who participates in our program to know that they are loved, valued and seen regardless of their talent or abilities. I consider it a huge honor to be play a small part in these kids' lives. ”
“With any kind of creative project, there’s never a formula for how these things get started,” Das said. “They come from very random places, and in the creative world, it’s never a linear path.” That’s where God comes in. “In the couple decades since Aaron and I graduated [high school], we've crossed paths many times, we've done recordings together, and we've played live together, that kind of stuff,” Das says. “A couple of years ago, he was diagnosed with ALS and that was obviously a big shock to his life, system, family, everything. He had a random conversation with a friend of his saying he'd really like to record some music. And that started to snowball and develop into this bigger vision for the ‘Impossible Dream’ project, which became tied to his life message in terms of what he believes about himself.” What started as helping a friend evolved into a producing credit and Grammy nomination for the project that featured collaborations with such renowned talents as Josh Groban, Kelli O’Hara, Leslie Odom, Jr., Neil Patrick Harris, Kate Baldwin, Norm Lewis, Loren Allred, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Kristin Chenoweth, and more. Das even played piano and arranged the orchestra for Lazar’s duet with Groban on Sting’s song “Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot.” “It was incredibly complicated to wrangle all the talent, do the recordings, plan the arrangements, crisscross the country, and deal with all the ins
Das also knows a thing or two about pursuing opportunities when not at VCS. For over a year, he worked alongside his childhood friend Aaron Lazar on what would become the Grammy-nominated album, “Impossible Dream.” 28
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David Das plays piano during a recording with Jonathan Estabrooks (left), Josh Groban (center), and Aaron Lazar (right) for “The Impossible Dream” album.
I'm not great because I sang on ‘Wicked.’ I am great because I am a child of God. and outs, both creatively and business-wise,” he says. “It was really a massive, massive project.” While the album eventually lost the Grammy Award to Norah Jones, who Das went to college with, it remains a mountain-top experience.
important to be kind and be inquisitive and build relationships everywhere you go, because some of them will end up leading to, in my case, the biggest opportunities I had in my life.” It takes patience and hard work. And it always takes faith. “If you are excellent in your craft, you’re representing Christ well because you’ve done everything you can to be your very best. You’ve taken the gifts that He’s given you, and you’ve honed them and you’ve learned and you’ve grown,” says Taylor, who emphasized the message of excellence and faith as the keynote speaker at Azusa Pacific University’s Department of Music graduation in May. “Be rooted in your identity in Christ, because if your identity is wrapped up in your talent, you’re going to be very disappointed and depressed when things don’t work out. But if your identity is rooted in Christ and who you are as a person and your character, you can get back up and try again because you know your failures and/or successes do not define you.”
“It's pretty surreal, and overwhelming,” he says of the Grammy ceremonies. “It was really amazing to witness that level of artistry and production and, you know, the whole day was just kind of like a magical, exhausting, I-can’t-believe-this-is-happening kind of day.” However, “Impossible Dream” wasn’t his first project to stem from prior working relationships. He has been able to incorporate special projects into lesson plans that connect to his years in Nashville touring with Rebecca St. James and her brothers, Joel and Luke Smallbone, who would eventually become the Christian pop duo, For King & Country. In years past, VCS Vocal Arts recorded covers of their songs, eliciting a special response from Joel, himself. “Out there in the world, people hire who they want to hang out with,” says Das, who served as the president of the Academy of Scoring Arts, is currently the vice president of the Society of Composers and Lyricists, and also worked as a technical consultant for Marvel’s “Thunderbolts*.” “Yes, you need to have standout skills, but they also want to know that you're a team player and that they're going to get along well with you. It really is
Monique (Donnelly) Botts (left) and Natalie Taylor (center) sing for a Disneyland Tokyo show.
Botts echoes the sentiment. “I'm not great because I sang on ‘Wicked.’ I am great because I'm a child of God,” she says. “I'm not just equipping these kids to be their best, I want them to know you're loved regardless if you're the best or not. God can use you in whatever skill level you're at. That's what I love about Village. We can equip them to be in the industry, but also to have a stable foundation of knowing who they truly are. Everybody needs Jesus, and so my goal is to equip them, not just musically, but spiritually.” Fall/Winter 2025 | 29
2 0 2 5 G R A D UAT I O N R E C A P
WATCH MORE: 2025 Fifth Grade Culmination Recap
THE CLASS OF 2025 RECEIVED 404 TOTAL ACCEPTANCES TO 188 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITIES ACROSS 34 STATES, EARNING A STAGGERING $22.4 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS AND AID.
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WATCH MORE: 2025 Middle School Graduation Recap
WATCH MORE: 2025 High School Commencement Recap
The Field of Dreams shines brightest in May, when for the fifth year in a row, Village Christian hosted Fifth Grade Culmination, Middle School Graduation, and High School Commencement right here in the foothills. We were blessed to hear student performances, enjoy speeches and tributes, and celebrate our students as they reached pivotal milestones. Please join us in congratulating the following students’ special recognition and achievement: VALEDICTORIAN Cecillia Kim SALUTATORIAN Jeremy John NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR Cecillia Kim HIGH SCHOOL GPA OF 4.0 OR HIGHER Audrey Almario Michael Andrade Sophia Beers Isabelah Behrend Anthony Boyadjian SungEun Choi Jacob Curtis Shenalie Delgahagoda Angelina Dellutri Ella Eden-Bloss Sophia Faggioli Miah Faller Ryan French Nicholas Garcia Natalie Grigoryan Crystal Her Kayla Holsey Keegan Hudspeth Lauren Hwang Jeremy John Matthew Joung Ethan Kang Isabella Kao Cecillia Kim Hannah Kim Noah Kim Jacqueline Leano Mark Lee Chae-Geon Lim Kylee Martin Mia Martinez Gavin McCollum Kristine Min Siena Morgan Madison Mulligan Selah Myers Sophia Nazaryan Alina Newman Connor Pak Isaac Park Jonas Raub Gabrielle Robel Keon Sahabi Noah Seung Eun Shin Giulia Shin Nicolette Tawil Shant Ter-Oganesyan Vahag Vartanian Caleb Yen Dallas Young
DAVE WILSON LEADERSHIP AWARD Brandon Reed ELKS MOST VALUABLE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP Jeremy John APPOINTMENT TO THE NAVAL ACADEMY Siena Morgan CHRISTOPHER OLIVER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Isabella Kao Brandon Reed TEAM RODAS CHARACTER SCHOLARSHIP Dominic Simon PTF CRUNITED SCHOLARSHIP Michael Andrade Kristine Min Madison Mulligan Jonas Raub NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY AWARDS Noah Adler Audrey Almario Caden Bagasao SungEun Choi Jacob Curtis Shenalie Delgahagoda Sophia Faggioli Miah Faller Crystal Her Kayla Holsey Lauren Hwang Diego Iglesias Jeremy John Ethan Kang Isabella Kao Cecillia Kim Noah Kim Jacqueline Leano Mark Lee Chae Geon Lim Mia Martinez Kristine Min Madison Mulligan Alina Newman Giselle Obregon Isaac Park Gabrielle Robel Noah Seung Eun Shin Giulia Shin Shant Ter-Oganesyan Caleb Yen
CONCENTRATIONS SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATION WINNERS
A PERFECT SCORE OF 36 ON ONE OR MORE ACT SUBSECTIONS
Jonas Raub | VFAME Miah Faller | MSJ Audrey Almario | HE Jacqueline Leano | EGL Lauren Hwang | STEM Selah Myers | PFAME
Cecillia Kim Jacob Curtis
CONCENTRATIONS SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATION HONORABLE MENTIONS Jacob Curtis | MSJ Giulia Shin | MSJ Caleb Yen | VFAME 2025 PRACTICUM POINT LEADER Jacqueline Leano | EGL CSF SEALBEARERS Noah Adler Audrey Almario Michael Andrade Sophia Beers Jacob Curtis Shenalie Delgahagoda Sophia Faggioli Miah Faller Natalie Grigoryan Kayla Holsey Keegan Hudspeth Lauren Hwang Jeremy John Bella Kao Cecillia Kim Jacqueline Leano Mark Lee Jerren Lizardo Mia Martinez Gavin McCollum Kristine Min Carson Post Jonas Raub Gabrielle Robel Keon Sahabi Giulia Shin Caleb Yen CSF SCHOLARSHIPS Sophia Faggioli Jacqueline Leano Gavin McCollum Mia Martinez Shant Ter-Oganesyan
CRUSADER OF THE YEAR Zarah Ferrer SENIOR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Gavin McCollum Gabrielle Robel CIF-SS ALL-ACADEMIC STUDENT ATHLETE Jacob Curtis Mia Martinez VCS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Keegan Hudspeth MIDDLE SCHOOL CRUSADERS OF THE YEAR Blake Norton (6) Bryce Williams (6) Avison Aust (7) Maximus Lee-Miller (7) Ashley Tibert (8) Asher Lee (8) MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS OF THE YEAR Victoria Kasparian (6) Isaiah Palmer (6) Victoria Ohanganian (7) Ryan Kam (7) Sasha Lehman (8) Jacob Lee (8) FIFTH GRADE CRUSADERS OF THE YEAR Mackenzie Gunn Macey Kracker London Avetyan FIFTH GRADE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Aerin Chung Wynston Sweetman Ayden Deats
BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS Jacob Curtis Keegan Hudspeth
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CECILLIA KIM’S JOURNEY TO THE GRADUATION PODIUM IS EQUAL PARTS INTERESTING AND IMPACTFUL. From missions work overseas and volunteering at her church to involvement in the Speech and Debate and Psychology Clubs and the Ministry and Social Justice Concentration at Village Christian, the Class of 2025 valedictorian’s humanitarian experience and desire to understand people has helped her chart a course to the Supreme Court.
Spain, an interest in criminology, and an ongoing passion for psychology.
“I’ve been interested in criminal law, and I told [Now-retired High School Principal] Mr. Berry that I want to be a Supreme Court Justice,” Kim says. “It’s a very big goal.”
This fall, the National Merit Scholar and UC Regent Scholar will attend the Ivy League’s Brown University, where she plans to major in psychology from the School of Cognitive and Psychological Sciences before pursuing a graduate degree in law.
It’s also a noble one that’s been shaped by outreach to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and
“I will pray for this goal because I want to live in a world where such an incredible person like CeCe, who loves the Lord and wants to serve Jesus, is serving on the highest court in the United States,” Berry said.
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It’s the perfect blend of her interests and experiences, all of which coalesced in a profound way.
practices, rehearsals — the list never ends. So, to have the privilege of calling myself a student in this outstanding class is a badge I wear with great honor.
“[I’ve been volunteering] for as long as I can remember. I followed my mom to church, and my mom would always volunteer. Soon enough that just became me going on my own, and then my family would go during breaks and then I would follow them. By high school I would just go downtown in LA,” Kim says. “Meeting all these people when I was volunteering, I wondered why they acted that way. Then, in my MSJ seminar, I was listening to a guest speaker and we did a debate, and I thought ‘Oh, this is pretty interesting to actually focus on for my career.’”
Like most of my high school projects, I procrastinated writing this speech until an hour before “Grad Nite.” Not because I didn’t care–but because there was just so much to say about this unique, well-rounded class. So, in the middle of my writer’s block, I resorted to asking my peers: What was your favorite part about Village?
From that interest, she started the Psychology Club and the Speech and Debate Club, which also taught her about organization management and leadership. It was second nature. As was her drive to understand people. “People want a connection, and that human connection, to them, is so valuable that they’re willing to risk anything for it,” she says. Add in her servant’s heart, and there is no doubt Kim is bound for great things – no matter where she goes. BELOW IS KIM’S VALEDICTORIAN ADDRESS FROM THE 2025 HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY: Good morning everyone–our teachers, families, and, of course, my fellow graduates and friends. Class of 2025, as I stand here today, I am filled with amazement and humility at how far we’ve come, and I’m also a bit relieved that we actually made it to graduation. When I think of our class, there’s one word that stands out: grit. Our class has gone through some of the most challenging changes and devastating losses, yet we’ve adapted and learned to face each and every one, emerging as an even stronger class than before. We couldn’t go on “The March” but still connected through Zoom calls. We had our senior retreat cut short, yet our class still bonded through senior sunrise, senior sunset, 5 a.m. pranks, and back-to-back Powder Puff victories. We endured fires affecting our area, while simultaneously celebrating college acceptances, scholarships and sports championships. We laughed our way through seemingly never-ending schedules fueled solely by caffeine and willpower. Countless AP classes, extracurriculars, hours of homework, sports
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Other than the chicken tenders at the Cafe, all of your answers were the same: the people. The friends who were with us every nutrition and lunch, the teachers who left their classrooms open to help us, the mentors who guided us towards our futures. And I can’t help but agree. I’ve been to many schools, yet the interpersonal connection at Village is truly something special. Every class, every event, and every activity has invited me to meet new people—both classmates and teachers—who have supported and cared for me like nowhere else. And thanks to these people, I’ve grown exponentially from that timid girl I once was when I first came to Village. Thank you, Miss Moskovian, for always reminding me to not just work hard, but also rest when I need to. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Behrend, for always giving me the extra bit of encouragement I need to try new things and take pride in my accomplishments. Thank you, Mrs. Raub, for helping me grow my heart of service. Thank you, Mr. Koo and my Servant Leadership class, for teaching me to be a Christ-centered leader and friend. And thank you to the Class of 2025–each of you have taught me something valuable and shape my favorite high school memories. Looking into the stands, I see a legacy of passion, unity, and grit that will truly make change in the world. From the beginning of second semester, I’ve been counting down the days with my friends before graduation—four more months... three more months... two more weeks... and now the day has come. Although we’re stepping into a future filled with unknowns, we’ve proven that we can journey through the wilderness while planting seeds for better things to come. We’ve proven that no matter how tough things get, it’s our community at Village—of people who lift us up, make us laugh, and remind us who we are—that makes the difference. Class of 2025, let’s carry these lessons of friendship and perseverance with us wherever we go. As Ms. Case says, let’s “gather ye rosebuds” and keep seeking out opportunities to share our sparks with others as we carry our legacy of grit beyond Village. Always remember: we’re stronger because of what we’ve overcome, and we’re never alone because of the people we have and the friends we will make in the future. Congratulations, everyone. May we never forget the unity and strength we’ve fostered as the people who have made this school a true Village. Thank you.
E D U C AT I O N S P OT L I G HT
The Experience For the second year in a row, Village Christian took all of high school out of the traditional learning environment for a week of immersive and experiential learning through “The Experience.” Students traveled internationally to Belize, China, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Spain, as well as New York, the Central Valley, and locally to impactful businesses, museums, and other locations across the Greater Los Angeles Area. After debuting in 2024, “The Experience,” a Concentrations ® initiative was held once again in January and featured 20 different opportunities that allowed students to explore potential careers in public service, business, education, and medicine; hear from incredible guest speakers like four-time Olympic gold medalist and outspoken Christian, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone; discover world-renowned art; tour innovative facilities like COSM and SoFi Stadium; take performing arts lessons on Broadway; visit a wide variety colleges and universities; dive into STEM and robotics principles; create short films; and much more. And this is only the beginning. VCS is gearing up for a third year of “The Experience” in early 2026, and we can’t wait to see how students’ lives will be changed once again. “We had a great mix of experiences last year, and we’re building on that this year. We’ve added several new experiences that are very closely aligned to some Concentrations and are looking to continue that momentum,” said Associate Head of School Ray Endacott, the Concentrations® Provost. “The outcomes are always to help students explore their interests, apply skills and understanding, think about their futures, and look for opportunities to serve others.”
In 2025, High School students visited such places as Belize, Spain, China, and New York; they served in Mexico; toured innovative facilities such as COSM in Los Angeles, where they heard from decorated Olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone; explored a variety of career paths, including those in public service; and much more.
E D U C AT I O N S P OT L I G HT
Coast to Coast ELEMENTARY’S TRIP TO WASHINGTON, DC HIT A MILESTONE IN 2025, CONTINUING ITS LEGACY AS FIFTH GRADE’S CULMINATING EXPERIENCE In April, Village Christian Elementary once again took its annual fifth grade trip to the east coast to bring our students’ studies to life. Stops included Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Gettysburg, and, of course, Washington, DC to see our nation’s capital, key government buildings, impactful monuments and landmarks, and some of the country’s best museums. It’s not just an amazing opportunity for our students to learn and grow, it’s a profound memory they will carry with them for the rest of their lives – and it has been for decades. Elementary Assistant Principal Judy Mandl reflected on the history of this special trip: Forty years ago, Jeff Woodcock, then VCS Superintendent, met a young man named Grant Jonsson at the ACSI Convention. Jonsson was the owner of a fledgling travel company, American Christian Tours. ACTS’s goal, to provide educational tours of Washington, DC from a Christian perspective, resonated with Woodcock, and within a short time, he had arranged for VCS to take a tour with ACTS. The rest, as they say, is history. This past spring, while on our fifth grade DC trip, the ACTS staff provided our students and parents with an ice cream sundae bar to celebrate 40 years of partnering in travel. Over the last 40 years, thousands of Village students and parents have had the opportunity to travel together to the east coast, and although the trip has changed during that time, the goals remain the same: to build community, to have an interactive educational experience, and to grow deeper in our faith. We want our trip participants to understand that the God who had a hand in writing the history of our country, is the same God who is writing their story. As I’ve led the trip over the last 20 years, it has been exciting to watch students have that, “Wow!” moment as they get their first glimpse of the sites about which they’ve been studying, and it’s been a joy to have parents join us who went on the trip as a fifth grader and now are bringing their own students to share this wonderful experience. It’s a credit to our fifth grade teachers that as we travel around we regularly receive compliments about how well prepared and well behaved our students are, and what great thinkers they are. I’m grateful for the leadership and vision of Mr. Woodcock in getting this trip started 40 years ago, and for the support of the VCS administration in allowing the DC trip to continue to be a hallmark of the Village elementary journey.
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Civil War to Civil Rights ‘THE MARCH’ CONTINUES TO IMPACT EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS YEARS SINCE ITS IMPLEMENTATION OVER A DECADE AGO Village Christian Middle School journeyed through the South this past April for another series of impactful visits to key Civil Rights and Civil War landmarks. Stops included: Atlanta History Center, Civil Rights Memorial, Alabama State Capital, Rosa Parks Museum, Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park and Museum, and the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, National Military Park at Pittsburg Landing, and the Mississippi River. “The focus on Civil War and Civil Rights came out of the eighth grade history curriculum which covers the Civil War and Reconstruction. Then building into what topics the students would be exposed to in high school, the Civil Rights movement,” said High School Principal Dana Mikels, who has been instrumental in the trip since its beginning. “Our desired outcome of The March is to have students see Jesus in history. To wrestle with three questions: What do I see? How does it make me feel? What can I do about it? Challenging students to see their role in history, that they have a voice, and encouraging them to use their voice.” For years, eighth grade’s class trip took students up to Sacramento, giving them a unique opportunity to learn about California history and government. However, with government restrictions changing after 9/11, Village began sending students to San Francisco. “The formation of ‘The March’ started when Tom Konjoyan came to Village,” Mikels recalled. “I was teaching eighth grade history at the time, and Bruce Osgood was the Middle School Principal. We began to talk about where the eighth grade trip went, what options were out there. Mr. Konjoyan had known of a trip that a teacher led with a small group of students throughout the South exploring Civil Rights, and that sparked the trip. We sat down together to dream what a Civil War and Civil Rights trip could look like. It was very exciting to see the trip come together, and as we started to pinpoint places and cities, the trip came to life.” And it continues to bring studies and struggles to life in powerful and impactful ways. “The biggest takeaway of The March is exposing students to some of the harder points of American history in order to learn from them,” Mikels said, “and encouraging them to not shy away, but with Jesus at the center, learn from it and do better when it's their generation’s turn to make decisions.” Fall/Winter 2025 | 37
CL ASS OF 2025 COLLEGIATE SIGNEES
Please join us in congratulating the 14 student-athletes from the Class of 2025 who have signed on to continue their athletic careers at the next level.
DANIEL ADELSON
SYDNEY NATCHE
ANTHONY BOYADJIAN
DAVID O’CONNOR III
ANGELINA DELLUTRI
JOHAN PELAYO
ELLA EDEN-BOSS
GABY ROBEL
BELLA EVERETT
BRAD SAUER
KEEGAN HUDSPETH Lenoir-Rhyne University Women’s Lacrosse
DOMINIC SIMON Vanguard University Wrestling
SIENA MORGAN
NIKKI TAWIL University of Maryland Women’s Volleyball
Cornell College Football
Loyola Marymount University Men’s Soccer
University of California, Irvine Women’s Volleyball
Savannah College of Art and Design Equestrian
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Women’s Lacrosse
United States Naval Academy Women’s Volleyball
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George Fox University Men's Basketball
Whittier College Men’s Lacrosse
The Master’s University Baseball
Claremont McKenna Softball
The Master’s University Track and Field
CIF SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION 6 CHAMPIONS VCS GIRLS TENNIS On November 19, 2025, VCS Girls Tennis won the program’s first-ever CIF Southern Section championship, beating Villa Park 10-8 in the Division 6 title match. Five years after restarting the program following an extended hiatus, the Crusaders surged into the postseason after winning their second of back-to-back Olympic League championships, their first such titles in program history, as well.
2025-2026 GIRLS TENNIS TEAM
Students from all grade levels formed a special send-off line on the Shield to cheer the girls out as they left for the championship match, making for a special start to a milestone day for VCS Girls Tennis.
Merry Huang, Freshman
Said Head Coach Jonathan Ngai:
Presley Michel, Sophomore
Our High School tennis program restarted in 2020 in the midst of the COVID era. We had a handful of families that expressed interest in the tennis program, so in faith, we started a tennis club. After about a year, there was enough interest to start a co-ed team for the 2021 season. Over the last four years, we have seen the program grow in numbers and in strength. We currently have a Middle School girls team that had its best season to date in the tough Delphic League, while the High School girls team won the Olympic League for a second straight season and went on to capture the CIF Southern Section Division 6 championship. The tennis program is on a great trajectory thanks to the tremendous support from the Athletic Department and the tennis families of VCS. We have dreams to be a top flight program in SoCal and bring home more championships to the school. This fall, our High School team started with a very difficult preseason schedule, which included top teams here in SoCal. We struggled and lost many matches, but as a result gained resolve, learned perseverance, and learned the most irreplaceable values: trusting Jesus and uniting together through difficult times. As league play commenced, we drew from these valuable lessons and won our league and carried that momentum into a CIF Championship. We give all the Glory to Jesus for this wonderful season together.
Bella Adamyan, Junior Lucy Garibian, Sophomore Katie Jung, Junior Eva Khazhakyan, Sophomore Jenna Park, Sophomore Kaylah Park, Sophomore Jeweliana Rico, Junior Ella Salzarulo, Senior (Doubles League Champion) Joan Shin, Sophomore Ella Tarverdyan, Senior (Doubles League Champion) Nairi Torosyan, Sophomore HEAD COACH Jonathan Ngai ASSISTANT COACHES Elijah Ngai Natalie Johnson Karen Shin
WATCH MORE: Recap of all-school send-off and championship match
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FUNDRAISING UPDATE
r o f y d a Re Day g n i n e p O
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THE VCS COMMUNITY GATHERED ON OCTOBER 29, 2025, TO CELEBRATE OPENING OF THE SOUTH ATHLETIC FIELD, A VALUABLE NEW FACILITY ON VILLAGE AVENUE JUST BEYOND THE FIELD OF DREAMS — AND SCHOOL’S FIRST FOOTPRINT EXPANSION IN DECADES. Village Christian marked the end of a seven-year journey with community and time on the bases this fall, holding a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the official opening of its new South Athletic Field just beyond the Field of Dreams at the end of Village Avenue.
Donors, supporters, and other members of the VCS community were invited to the celebration, which included speeches, ceremonial pitches, ballgame-themed treats, and a special infield practice by VCS Softball, who will be among the programs to call the new field “home.”
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Speakers addressed the crowd from the gates of the new facility and included VCS Board of Directors President and Alumni Parent Dave Bethany; Head of School Tom Konjoyan; Christian Assembly Lead Pastor Tom Hughes, representing the congregation that generously partnered with VCS to help make the project a reality; and Board Member and Alumni Parent John Sponsler.
Members of the VCS Board of Directors and school leadership (left to right) Tracy Nightingale, Paul Karapetian, John Sponsler, Ryan Post, Misoo Choi, Isaiah Camp, Tom Konjoyan, and Dave Bethany prepare to cut the ceremonial ribbon during a special ceremony on October 29, 2025, officially opening the new South Athletic Field for school activities.
Topics included God’s faithfulness; the long history of the project, which was initiated as part of the Legacy Campaign after the purchase of two properties at the end of Village Avenue in 2018; the twists and turns that occurred during and in the aftermath of COVID; and extensive governmental challenges through the permitting and approval processes. Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees entering the new facility were greeted by additional treats, merchandise, and “first pitch” ceremonies. VCS alum and former Foundation Board President Karen Ross (Class of 1982) was joined by her daughter, Katie (Class of 2017), who won the CIF Southern Section Division VII championship with VCS Softball in 2017, for one first pitch, and Jorge Fernandez, a pastor at Christian Assembly and VCS parent, representing the church, threw to current catcher Elsie Miller for the other.
Catcher Elsie Miller throws the ball to first base during a special infield session with members of the VCS Softball team at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Before families had the opportunity to go onto the new turf field and the children in attendance ran the bases, members of the VCS softball team took infield for the first time, fielding grounders and throwing the ball around the infield – a meaningful launch into an exciting new chapter for Village Athletics and the VCS community as a whole.
WATCH MORE: Recap of South Athletic Field Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
At the end of the South Athletic Field ribbon-cutting ceremony, families were invited onto the field to run the bases and enjoy the new facility.
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PRAYER OF DEDICATION FROM BOARD MEMBER AND ALUMNI PARENT JOHN SPONSLER: Heavenly Father, we come before you in gratitude. You are the giver of every good and perfect gift. Today, we give praise for this beautiful field. You’ve led us through every step of the way. Once again, we declare you are faithful. Lord, we thank you for the land itself. Thank you for the boldness of our leadership team, for their faith to purchase this property and begin the long process of making this dream possible. Thank you for the many who gave so generously of their time and talents, many of them are here today, Lord. Those who studied the soil, guided the architects, graded the property for the concrete, built the wall, shaped this beautiful entryway, and coordinated every detail. As we step back, we’re amazed how each of these gifts bring glory to you. We thank you for every donor, large and small, who gave so generously so this field could come together. We thank you for the amazing generosity of the men and women of Christian Assembly, who gave out of gratitude for the school allowing them to worship on the Field the Dreams during COVID. What a beautiful picture, Lord, of the Kingdom of God coming together. We even give thanks, Lord, for the city officials who eventually supported this project and Tom’s persistence in getting them on board, and for our surrounding neighbors as well. We thank you for the Eagle Scout, who created this beautiful landmark. Thank you for every hard-working employee, who saw this project through from start to finish. They persevered with us every step of the way. Above all, Lord, we thank you. We recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from you, and while you invite some to plant and others to water, Lord, it is you that makes it all grow. So, may this field be a place where students can thrive, where they can excel as athletes, work together as teammates, and celebrate winning with grace and losses with dignity, all while bringing honor to your name. May this field forever remind us, your people working together in faith, when that happens, Lord, all things are possible. We dedicate this field to you, Lord Jesus, the name above all names. Amen.
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COMMUNIT Y UPDATE
CRUSADERS COME HOME Homecoming 2025 had everything you could ask for – a spirit-filled week, charming Nonfire, royalty, a Crusader victory on the football field, and a very special turnout from our alumni.
"Homecoming this year was a success,” said VCS ASB Adviser Megan Deffenbaugh. “Our theme was video games, and the seniors had a blast traveling back in time to some of their favorite childhood games. During Nonfire, we got to see a real-life re-enactment of a Super Mario Kart race, travel into the world of Fortnight, and defend the ‘Village Pillagers’ in a scene from Minecraft. It was so fun seeing each senior going back to their inner-child as they continue on in this next chapter of their lives.” Seniors Presley Mendoza and Luka Burger were crowned Homecoming Queen and King, respectively, and VCS beat Capistrano Valley Christian 44-21 in the big game. The crowd at Glendale Community College was full of alumni spanning generous, including the Class of 1985, which also enjoyed their own dedicated events and tours coordinated by Marla (Baldi) Allen. “The best part was sharing stories of what we each remembered, and that sparking memories that were buried,” said Allen, who began planning the reunion weekend about eight months before Homecoming. “I’m not sure many of us watched the actual game. It was more interesting seeing the team size, band, and cheerleaders and comparing them to our time at the school. Having a small class size made reconnecting with classmates 40 years later so smooth and easy as we all knew each other.” “Without Village, I don’t think I would have the relationship with Jesus that I do now,” she added. “Village poured a firm foundation of faith, scripture, and discipline that has molded who I am today.”
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THE 2025 HOMECOMING QUEEN, PRESLEY MENDOZA (LEFT), WAS CROWNED AT HALFTIME OF THE HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME, WHILE THE KING, LUKA BURGER (RIGHT), WAS CROWNED DURING NONFIRE.
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ALUMNI FOR ATTENDING HOMECOMING AND STOPPING BY THE ALUMNI TABLE: Jill (Pendleton) Alvarado (1984) Fred Alvarado (1984) Marla (Baldi) Allen (1985) Jeanne (Kim) Munoz (1985) April (Nesmith) Privitera (1985) John Ross (1985) Members of the Class of 1985 reunited at the 2025 Homecoming game. Back row: John Ross, Marla (Baldi) Allen, spouse Doug Allen Middle row: Jan (Spendley) Taylor, Kristin Bacon, Karen (Walther) Hermanson, Jeanne (Kim) Munoz, April (Nesmith) Privitera, and Ali (Casilio) Howard Front row: Roger Gorke, and Mike Shaar
Kim (Oddone) Everett (1991) Chad Everett (1992) Fontaina (Damwijk) Funk (1994) Jake Funk (1995) Tina (Rust) Aust (1996) Gilbert Barco (1997) Lesli (Gunn) Cates (1997) Shelly (Anderson) Raub (1997) Jennifer (Nowicki) Donnelly (1998) Ryan Donnelly (1998) Cristina (Alvarado) Peraza (1998) Dianna (De Los Santos) Simon (1998) Kari (Mandl) Bean (2000) Neil Gunn (2001)
VCS Football claimed the 44-21 win over Capistrano Valley Christian at GCC in the Homecoming game. The roster featured numerous children of alumni, including Joshua Donnelly (left), the son of Ryan Donnelly (1998) and Jennifer (Nowicki) Donnelly (1998), and Asa Funk (right), the son of Jake Funk (1995) and Fontaina (Damwijk) Funk (1994).
Karina (Souto) Culbertson (2002) Matt Delgado (2002) Hayley (Young) Norton (2002) Toi (Williams) Rogers (2002) Ani Grigorian (2003) Merly (Barco) Long (2003) Patrick Long (2003) Andrew Bethany (2004) Angela (Geyer) Mitchell (2004) Danielle (Cooper) Delgado (2007) Mariah (Aguirre) Plotkin (2019) Tobias Plotkin (2019) Jadon Del Rosario (2021)
Held on October 10, 2025, this year’s Nonfire theme was “Game Loading…” and featured spirited acting, dance, cheer, and musical performances – all as the community gathered for an evening of fun in celebration of VCS.
Andrew Das (2024) Cameron Simmons (2024) Miah Faller (2025) Kayla Holsey (2025) Jacqueline Leano (2025)
WATCH MORE:
Jonas Raub (2025)
2025 Homecoming and Nonfire Recap
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ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025, VILLAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HOSTED THE 2025 CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION, FEATURING ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL PERFORMANCES, SCRIPTURE READING, COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP,TREE LIGHTING, AND EVEN A CLOSING “SNOW” FOR THE LITTLE ONES. Nearly 2,000 people gathered on the Shield and Admin Field for the outdoor Candlelight program, enjoying food trucks, treats, and special Christmas attractions following ticketed Fine Arts concerts in the Kendall Pavilion. We are so thankful for the opportunity to come together as a schoolfamily for important events like the Candlelight Christmas Celebration, keeping our focus on Christ during this wonderful time of year.
WATCH MORE: Recap of 2025 Candlelight Christmas Celebration
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VILLAGE AIMS TO BUILD NEW GYMNASIUM AS PART OF THE ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN AND TRANSFORM BOTH THE CAMPUS AND STUDENT EXPERIENCE ONCE AGAIN
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From Athletics to Fine Arts to weekly chapels and special events, the Kendall Pavilion is bursting at the seams. And demand for this centerpiece venue isn’t slowing down. It hasn’t since it opened in 1986. The gymnasium’s completion changed the landscape of Village Christian School, and in response to extensive community feedback, and assessing the needs of our thriving programs, the addition of a second high-profile facility – fundraising for which is now underway – will do so again.
F U N D R A I S I N G U P D AT E
When ground broke on the new Sun Valley campus in 1957, it was estimated that only half of the 30-acre property was level. Tucked into the foothills, and with an astounding project cost, it would take a miracle to open up more usable space to expand the campus. A common point of encouragement at the time was Matthew 17:20, where it says that with faith the size of a mustard seed, God can move mountains.
New gymnasium renderings and blueprints subject to change.
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“That’s just what He did in the school’s early years – and that’s exactly where our faith rests once again as we prepare for our most significant new building project in decades – the construction of a new gymnasium on the upper field,” said Head of School Tom Konjoyan. “The transformation won’t be limited to just the campus footprint, but to the student experience as well, and we know God will make a way once again.”
Prior to the gym’s completion, home volleyball and basketball games were often played at Los Angeles Lutheran High School, which is now Woodbury University in Burbank. Meanwhile, Fine Arts was primarily holding concerts and performances in the Auditorium.
Photos: VCS Archives
Mountains began to literally move when CalTrans needed materials to build the Hollywood Freeway in the 1960s. Thousands of tons of hillside were hauled away, paving the way for campus-wide construction. First came the Pavilion, which consisted of an enormous metal awning on top of a centrally located concrete slab. VCS campus in the 1980s after the completion of the C Building, with the Pavilion serving as a central hub for activity until the gymnasium’s completion in 1986.
“The gym operated as the Village Christian School living room,” said VCS alum and current High School Principal Dana (Wilson) Mikels. “Everything happened in that building. Now everyone wanted a piece of the gym.” Prior to the construction of the gym, the metal Pavilion was a fixture at the center of campus, with the locker rooms and classrooms constructed alongside it.
However, it wasn’t until the gymnasium was completed in 1986 that VCS truly had the broad-scale, showpiece event space it needed – including a new home for mainstage Fine Arts productions and an on-campus home venue for court sports. Assemblies, performances, special events, athletic contests, and more immediately filled up the calendar. “All the activities that were held back because of a lack of a gym, it’s like overnight we have a gym and it was packed; the schedule was full,” recalled VCS Teacher Don Frost, who worked to tear down the Pavilion to make room for the new gym. “You were bursting waiting for a little extra room, and as soon as you got that extra room, boom, you filled it immediately. It was badly needed.” 52
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The facility allowed programs to grow and thrive, a theme that took a new and exciting turn in 2011 with the gym’s renovation thanks to a $4 million donation from the Kendall family. The Kendall Performing Arts Center was added to the back of the gym and featured the Black Box Theatre, teaching spaces, and the Performing Arts Room. The sound system and lighting were upgraded, stadium seating was purchased, and acoustical treatments were added. “It opened up the possibility of offering more and doing more, while also upping the level of quality of everything from concerts to theatrical performances,” said Director of Fine Arts Natalie Taylor of the Kendall Pavilion renovation. Since then, Fine Arts continues to grow K-12, winning prestigious awards and attracting notoriety across Southern California. Athletically, every court sport has won at least one CIF Southern Section championship.
offices, athletic training, and more, freeing up venue space to accommodate more teams as well as Fine Arts productions and concerts – all made possible through a new multi-year fundraising campaign.
The Village Christian gymnasium under construction in 1986.
“Our athletic programs have risen to tremendous heights and garner a lot of attention across the area,” said Athletic Director Diana Putignano. “We want to give all of our student-athletes every opportunity to grow and develop – all while remaining Christ-centered inside and out of every program.”
“The 75th Anniversary Campaign was launched quietly last year, and we have already received gifts and pledges of nearly $1.5 million,” Konjoyan said. “Like in decades past, we will need every family to prayerfully and generously give as much as they can to bring this project to reality. Our consultants have projected a three-year timeframe to get city approvals and to build the facility. The clock starts now as we have submitted our plans to the city and have begun the approval process.” The benefits will be widespread, and will include additional enhancements to the Kendall Pavilion meant to complement the Fine Arts upgrades made to the building in 2011.
And that’s just two departments – not counting Spiritual Life’s weekly use of the facility for chapels, or school needs for AP testing, classes, and special events.
It will be a tremendous undertaking logistically and financially, but it will be well worth it – now and in the future, changing the landscape of VCS programs like the new gymnasium did in the 1980s.
The building, with initial cost estimates at $10 million, will include a full slate of athletics facilities,
“The gym has always represented ‘a flourishing’ because it’s not a want, it’s a need,” Frost says.
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$2.5 million VCS Board Commitment
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$1.5 million 2024 - 2025 | YEAR ONE
HELP US REACH OUR
$10 million GOAL
INVEST IN THE NEXT 75 YEARS OF CARING, AFFORDABLE, CHRIST-CENTERED EDUCATION PRODUCING STUDENTS WHO THRIVE.
JOIN US AS WE STEP INTO THE NEXT 75 WITH BOLDNESS AND EXPECTATION, KNOWING THAT GOD’S STORY HERE AT VCS IS NOT FINISHED, NOR HAVE WE REACHED THE BOUNDS OF HOW WE CAN IMPACT FUTURE GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES. Visit villagechristian.org/give to partner with us today – and make an impact for tomorrow.
$6 million REMAINING
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Crusaders for Life DENNIS DEYOUNG | CLASS OF 1982
Dennis is the nephew of Joanne Ross, a beloved former Fifth Grade teacher for many decades at Village. Mrs. Ross passed away in June at the age of 90. Dennis gave the eulogy for Joanne at Bethel Christian Reformed Church on Penrose Avenue near VCS. There were many DeYoungs who attended Village from its early days in Burbank, and Dennis was the Student Body President in a class of 60 graduating seniors in 1982. He is now a grandparent, and for the past 40 years, he has worked as a stockbroker and accountant in Northridge. After Village, Dennis attended Westmont College and CSUN and is a Certified Financial Planner. He volunteers on the Foundation Board at Cal State Northridge, is a Board Member of the California 4-H Foundation, an LAPD volunteer, and the Director of the 4-H Summer Camp. SCOTT STEVENS | CLASS OF 1983
Scott has been married for 33 years and is living in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. He and Lori have two adult children and a daughter-in-law. He works for Solventum (formerly 3M Healthcare) as the leader of the national accounts team and enjoys traveling, sports, and hanging with the family.
ANGELA (LINDSEY) BEDELL | CLASS OF 1993
Angela and her husband became grandparents in February of last year and welcomed grandchild No. 2 in October. Their youngest graduated high school this year with honors.
Please send us your updates! We want to know what’s happening in your life. Send us your milestones and class note for inclusion in the next issue of the Village Voice. ALUMNI UPDATES: Submit your information using this ALUMNI UPDATE FORM.
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A LU M N I U P D AT E S
MICHELE (ARNOLD) SERNA | CLASS OF 1996
Michele is living in La Crescenta with her husband, Joseph, her three daughters—Madilynn, Pennelope, and Jayde—and their loyal pitbull, Cody. Her oldest, Madilynn, graduated from CVHS and started at Glendale Community College this fall. Pennelope is in her senior year at Village, and Jayde is in first grade at Village. Joseph is the chef at John Sparr Tavern in Montrose. “I’ve found my home here at Village, working in the Administrative Building as a receptionist. I truly love my VCS family and feel so grateful that God brought me back home,” she says.
MIKE GALLEGOS | CLASS OF 1996
Mike earned his Bachelor of Arts and Executive Master of Leadership from USC and is an MBA candidate at Brown University. He is a Master of Corporate Real Estate (MCR) Designee, CCIM Designee, and an experienced COO, Managing Director, and coach, with demonstrated success in developing sales/brokerage teams in Commercial Real Estate. “I am energized by transformational change emphasizing strategy, operations, and organizational topics, particularly where there are cross-functional opportunities. Much of my work focuses on strategy and optimizing systems and operations. I work with senior leadership teams across the spectrum of Commercial Real Estate,” he says.
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A LU M N I U P D AT E S
NICHOLAS RIZZO | CLASS OF 1998
Nicholas is working as an intelligence professional in support of U.S. Space Force future combat systems to ensure readiness for a congested and contested space domain. ASHLEE (BETHANY) HARDYMENT | CLASS OF 2006
Ashlee has been married to her husband, Grant, for 13 years. Together, they have 7-year-old twins, Jack and Olivia, who are both in their third year at Village (first grade). They also have a 6-year-old son, James, in his first year at VCS (junior Kindy). Ashlee has been working as a registered nurse at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank for nearly 10 years. CHRISTIAN KANG | CLASS OF 2024
Christian is in his sophomore year at NYU, and "It has been a really good experience," he says. He enjoyed every second of walking around the city and learning new techniques on the violin during his freshman year. Now in his sophomore-year dorm, he can't wait to see what God has planned for him.
CAMERON SIMMONS | CLASS OF 2024
Cameron completed a full year at Grand Canyon University as a music major last year and had an amazing time as part of the GCU pep band. He is currently studying at GCC to figure out if music is his future career, while also serving as an assistant teacher at Village to help out with the band program. ANDREW DAS | CLASS OF 2024
The 2024 VCS graduate is currently at Azusa Pacific University “growing with Christ more than ever, while studying music.” Das said, “I’ve taken so much away from Village, and I’m so grateful for who they formed me to be. KAYLA HOLSEY | CLASS OF 2025
Kayla is a freshman at the University of Southern California and is studying film and television production. For her sophomore year, she plans to study 3D animation and has already begun interning at numerous locations.
2025 VCS ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME: AMJED ABOUL-HOSN This year’s VCS Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place before Senior Night, a 62-14 win over Ontario Christian on October 24, 2025, when we had the pleasure of inducting prolific running back Amjed Aboul-Hosn (Class of 2012). The 2011 Olympic League Player of the Year and All-Time Team member currently holds seven school records and was an essential piece of the school’s famed “Dirty 30” team that stunned the CIF Southern Section Mid-Valley bracket in 2010 with an improbable run to the semifinals, knocking off top-seeded Azusa in the process. 58
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READ MORE: Hall of Fame induction: Amjed Aboul-Hosn (2012)
IN COORDINATION BETWEEN THE SCHOOL, VCS SENIOR AND EAGLE SCOUT MATTHEW HARWARD, AND VCS ALUM AND CURRENT PARENT SHANE MITCHELL OF MITCHELL BROTHERS CONCRETE, A NEW “V” WAS ADDED TO THE MOUNTAINSIDE AT THE END OF VILLAGE AVENUE IN FALL 2025. THE “V” HAS ALREADY BECOME A BELOVED AND SPIRITED BACKDROP FOR GAMES, EVENTS, AND CLASSES.
ALUMNI WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Please send us your updates, weddings, births, graduations, and everything in between. We want to know what’s happening in your life. Send us your milestones and class notes for inclusion in the next issue of the Village Voice. Submit your information using the ALUMNI UPDATE FORM.
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