Heritage Christian School Alumni Publicaion - Connections
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Anonlinepublication forall Hillcrest,L.A.B.,andHeritageAlumni,family,andfriends.
Vol. 1 Issue 1
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ALUMNI
Connections
Welcome to all Alumni, Family, and Friends
In this issue:
~A commitment to all Alumni ~Alumni ease the transition
~A welcome from Heritage ~Eagles, Warriors, Knights, Oh MY!
~Dustin Green- JV Champs ~Homecoming 2012 spread
~Brittany Espinoza- MS Champs ~Nick Pappas- Transitions
~Alumni At the Christmas Concert ~Alumni Sightings
~Alumni Events - Past, Present, Future ~Calling all Alumni!
~Alumni Contact Information ~We want Alumni Feedback!
2. “One picture is worth ten thousand words.”
Chinese Proverb
Dear Alumni,
Pictures often present visual messages that speak far clearer than words. That is why the Heritage Corporate Seal
caught my attention when I first saw it. The image portrays the essential components God used in His plan to forge
Heritage Christian School. The ‘eagle’ and ‘knight’ mascot on the seal reflect the 86 years of Christian Education
provided by Hillcrest and Los Angeles Baptist Christian Schools, and it honors and acknowledges this rich legacy. This
very same legacy has become the vital foundation of Heritage Christian, all to the Glory of God!
My name is Ronald Jones and I currently have the privilege of overseeing and coordinating the Alumni activities at
Heritage Christian School. Whether you were birthed and raised at the Knight’s Round table wearing purple and gold
diapers or spent your adolescence perched on an eagle’s nest with a blue and white blanket, we feel honored to embrace
you as our alumni. At the end of May, approximately 190 students will become the first graduating class of Heritage
Christian School, yet they will enter into an alumni fellowship that was established many years ago. Hopefully, you will
be part of the group welcoming them into the fold. The focus of the Heritage Alumni Association is not to strip away
unique school memories from former L.A.B. or Hillcrest graduates, but rather to continue serving each of you in the
most effective means possible. We want to connect, communicate, and serve each and every former graduate of the
merged schools, as well as those future students that will one day walk across the platform.
It would be our pleasure to have you stop by the school, get acquainted, and take in the past, present, and future of
Heritage. We consider each of our former graduates as part of the family, and we hope you will do the same.
Blessings,
Ronald Jones
Ronald W. Jones
Student Support Staff
Alumni Coordinator
A - Association
L - Lifetime Friends
U - Unity
M - Memories
N - Networking, News
I - Investment
3. 41 Hillcrest and L.A.B. Alumni
make for a smooth transition!
Merging two established Christian schools into one well-oiled machine can be challenging. Different work cultures,
policies, procedures, and personnel reflect just a part of the transition dilemma. One of the great blessings and
contributing factors to a successful Heritage transition has been the support it derives from its former Hillcrest
and L.A.B. partners. Presently, there are 41 Alumni serving in various capacities on the three Heritage campuses:
administrators, teachers, board members, coaches, support staff, and volunteers that keep us mindful of the past
legacy, while moving ahead to continue the Lord’s future work at this school. There is always room for one more!
Hannah Ascencio
Josh Augur
Robert Avalos
Cassie Beyleu
Natalie Bodle
Michael Camarena
Kelsey Campbell
William Corcoran
Kevin Crowell
Jeremy Dougherty
Brittany Espinoza
Ray Flores
Jason French
Abbianne George
Dustin Greene
Shannon Hubbard
T. J. Frost
Cash Kelley
Irene Kendrick
Rebecca Kendrick
Mike Kim
Melissa Laughton
Jason Leverton
Carianne Long
Andy Madjid
Loree Marcoe
Laurie Minter
Randy Moffatt
Cindy Noblitt
Bailee Northrup
Nick Pappas
Kirsten Payne
Heather Chouinard Schuler
Jamie Schuster
Sheldon Sheehy
Philip Struyk
Stacey Sturzenacker
Chris Tripoli
Amy Van Paddenburg
Bonnie Weatherman
Jacob Zecena
This is a list of former students/Alumni from Hillcrest and L.A.B.
that are currently serving at Heritage Christian School.
4. Dear Alumni,
I am grateful for this opportunity to communicate with the hundreds of alumni of Los Angeles Baptist School
and Hillcrest Christian School. Although our campuses are now collectively Heritage Christian School, we are
striving to preserve the legacy of each great school. Soon you will be able to visit a “history wall” at each campus,
commemorating the impressive spiritual, academic, athletic, and performing arts accomplishments. We would be
honored to have you visit or tour the campuses.
What an amazing work God is doing! Heritage Christian School continues to grow, even as six Christian schools
in the Valley closed this past summer. In addition to our North Campus (Hillcrest) and our South Campus (LAB),
we have opened a West Campus (Granada Hills Baptist); to nurture our children in a Christian environment and to
provide a quality Christian education. Our three campuses have approximately 1300 students and 140 staff members.
You, as our alumni, have made our school unique. Your class and your achievements have generated an outstanding reputation. While
our students graduate every year, much of our staff remain here, faithfully serving the next generation of students; they honor and
preserve excellence in the traditions and accomplishments of this school. Many of our current staff members served as your heroes and role
models when you attended.
Alumni, we ask you to continue a partnership with us, investing and supporting the cause of Christian education. Pray for us and our
mission to provide the best Christian education in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. Pray for our staff to impart a Christian worldview
in their given areas of expertise at every opportunity. Pray for our students to know Jesus and walk with the Savior. For those of you who
God has financially blessed, we ask that you prayerfully consider a financial contribution toward our mission. There is no more important
investment than our Christian children. As we move into the new year, we thank you again for your past contributions to our rich heritage.
May this ministry continue to provide fond memories for you and your children. For some of you, we look forward to your children
walking the same campuses as you once walked!
Blessings unto you,
David Kendrick
Superintendent
Greetings!
Who could have possibly predicted what has transpired! Eighty Six years of combined expertise and service
in Christian Education coming together. Two separate Christian schools, taking root in their respective
communities long ago, being grafted together to become a new expression of God’s grace and goodness
- Heritage Christian School! Though it may seem as though this transformation occurred overnight, we
can trust that this plan was known by God all along. The effective prayers of many community members,
alumni, and present school families have helped to confirm God’s amazing plan. Our sincere desire is to
continue the work God began at Hillcrest and L.A.B., long into the future – all to the glory of God!
This new Alumni publication is named ‘Connections’, which reflects our intention and aim to solidify and strengthen our
Alumni relationships. We want to honor those who contributed to the school’s foundation, while moving forward to nurture
and develop the next generation of Warriors for the Lord! The ‘Eagle’ and the ‘Knight’ on the Heritage Seal represent the years
of labor, sacrifice, and commitment that have forged and established the solid foundation on which Heritage Christian is built.
The Bible and the Cross on the school’s shield declare our commitment to excellence in education through the lens of a clear
Christian Worldview.
This is your publication and we solicit your ideas and feedback on what you would like to see and how well we are meeting your
expectations. One thought I leave with you as we ‘go to press’. You have not been forgotten! You are an important part of
our family and even when circumstances hinder our communications sometimes, there is still a deep Connection we have that
warms our hearts when we think of you.
Blessings and Grace,
Walter J. Clarke
Operations Administrator
5. Alumni in Action at Heritage
Dustin Greene
“As a senior at LAB I was on the last football team to win the Bible Bowl, capture the league championship and
advance deep into the playoffs. I returned to coach three years ago wanting to invest and build into the school’s pride
and winning tradition. When the schools merged, I stayed because I realized L.A.B. was more than a name or logo, but
rather the staff and friends that attended that made it special. It brought me a great sense of accomplishment that in
three years the Junior Varsity I helped coach were the league champions with an 8-2 record. The future is bright for
these Warriors. I am truly blessed by God to have coached them!”
Top Left: Dustin congratulating team
after game.
Middle Right: Junior Varsity Team and
coaches celebrating Championship!
Bottom Left: L.A.B. hoists the 2005 Bible
Bowl Trophy after defeating Village to
win league championship!
Bottom Right: Dustin in his days as a
Knight!
6. Heritage Christian Homecoming...
under the Lights!
This year’s Homecoming game took place at Granada Hills Charter School. Alumni from Hillcrest and Los Angeles
Baptist High School came out to enjoy the Homecoming under the Lights! This year, in light of the school merger
between Hillcrest and L.A.B., Heritage Christian selected a queen and court from both schools. The alumni that
came out to the game were able to catch up on old news, greet former faculty and staff members, and use their special
Alumni voucher at the Granada Snack bar. The Heritage JV team started the evening with a resounding victory over
the the team from Big Bear. The Varsity game matched two previously unbeaten teams, both coming into the contest
at 3-0. The Warriors and Grizzlies battled throughout the game, with each team showcasing its talent and tenacity.
Though Heritage battled valiantly, the Grizzlies of Big Bear were eventually able to secure the hard fought victory.
7. Alumni in Action at Heritage
Brittany Espinoza
Alumni in Action at Heritage
Nick Pappas
Brittany Espinoza, an alumni from Hillcrest,
coached the Middle School Girls’ basketball
team this year, capturing the league
championship. When she was first offered
the job of MS head coach, Brittany’s love for
basketball and for her alma mater made the
decision to accept the coaching position easy.
“After graduating from Hillcrest in 2010, I
returned to help Coach Haliday with the high
school team, which led to the Middle School
head coaching opportunity. I am extremely
proud of how well the girls worked together,
despite coming from different campuses. Once
practices began, there was no real sense of
being from Hillcrest or L.A.B. They all wore
the same ‘Heritage Warrior’ basketball uniform
and that was all that mattered to them. I started
out at Hillcrest when I was 5 years old and
stayed through graduation. I developed some
dynamic relationships with the teachers and
staff throughout those years, which transcend
far beyond school names, colors, or mascots.
Making the transition with Hillcrest to Heritage
was a no brainer.”
Top Left: Brittany’s championship team during her Hillcrest playing days.
Bottom Left: Heritage Middle School Championship Team
Top Right - Bottom Right: The “Heritage Huddle” is where the x’s and o’s of
the game are discussed. Additionally, the coaches emphasize the importance of
having the right attitude and execution at all times.
Nick Pappas knows about school change, coming to L.A.B. when his
former school closed down at the end of his 10th grade year.
“When I first came to L.A.B., I had all kinds of emotions and questions
running through my mind. Would I like it? Would I fit in and make
friends? But after the first day of school I knew the next two years
were going to be fun and beneficial.”
After graduation, Nick got the opportunity to serve as an assistant
line coach for the JV football team.
“I fell in love with coaching. When people ask me why I continue
to help out, I tell them that I love what I’m doing and these past 5
years here have been great. Though the name of the school is now
different, and there are new students to coach, I want to carry on the
legacy of L. A. B. by serving at Heritage Christian. The teachers have
had a big impact on my life and I will always be grateful for that. I
feel blessed to get the opportunity to continue coaching at Heritage
Christian. I can’t wait for what the future holds for myself, this school,
and the community.”
8. Alumni return for Heritage Christian
Christmas Choral Concert!
The 2012 Christmas Choral Concert was held at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch and featured
the middle school and high school choirs, in addition to a tremendous performance by ‘Rendered’, the Heritage
Christian performance choir. The highlight of the evening came as ‘Rendered’ and the high school choir were joined
by 16 Alumni Choir members, in addition to a 15 member string orchestral group complete with a harpist. They
brought the audience to their feet as they masterfully performed the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from Handel’s ‘Messiah’.
The following Alumni returned to make the evening incredibly special.
Cash Kelley Steven Tanory
Jason Bock Connor Ogburn
Christina Grace Wiseman Kodi Rein Atkins
Adrianna Lizett Cervantes Jeremy S Rondon
Jeremy Wiczek Natalie Hightower
Grace Piangerelli Christian Alexander Villasenr
Cory Darrow Brittany Bednar
Jennifer Meyer Tyler Wright
9. Alumni Sightings...
Airman First Class
Casey Mowatt (HCS ‘09)
Stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base
in Witchita Falls, Texas. Casey is an
Environmental Engineer Technician in
the 2nd year of his 6 year commitment.
Doug Breuninger (LAB ‘03)
Doug is a rising talent in the field of design/
concept artistry. He is currently involved in car
design and styling, working exclusively with
Galpin Auto Sports.
Jessica Laughton (LAB ‘08)
(APU Comm. Major - Jr.)
Jessica is an L.A.B Alumni that is part of the
Azusa Pacific’s Acrobatics and Tumbling
Team. This sport is one of the fastest growing
NCAA women’s competitive sports. Jessica is
a flyer on the APU Cougars!
Jon Hilliger (LAB ‘10)
Braves Football - Ottawa University
Jon had a record setting season for the Braves.
He compiled 93 receptions for 1115 yds. and
14 TD’s. He was named 1st team ALL-KCAC
and 2nd team in the National BSN ALL-
AMERICAN poll. Additionally, Jon maintained
a 4.0 G.P.A. this past fall as an Accounting
Major.
10. Alumni Sightings...
Greg Alonso (HCS ‘09)
Forrester Football
Greg attends Lake Forest College in
Illinois where the 6’ 3” - 235lb. student-
athlete plays TE for his college. Greg is
currently a Junior Economics major.
Emily Flavin (HCS ‘10)
Emily is currently at Cal Lutheran as a
Political Science major, and performs
in their choir. She loves to travel and
experience other cultures. Emily hopes to
soon get a DC internship and eventually
get into government work.
Lloyd Tunstill (LAB ‘11)
TCU Horned Frogs
On Feb. 6th, Lloyd received a full
ride football scholarship from Texas
Christian University. The 6’-3”, 330
lbs OT from LAB played 2 years at
COC in Valencia.
Chris Woznicki (LAB ’06)
College Life Group Director at the
Church at Rocky Peak.
Chris recently accepted the position
of adjunct professor at Eternity Bible
College. He will also receive his M.A. in
Theology from Fuller Seminary in June
of this year.
11. Alumni Sightings...
Allyson Felix (LAB ‘03)
The 2012 Female Athlete of the Year, as selected by the IAAF. At the London Olympics, Allyson
captured 3 Gold Medals in the 200M, 4x100M, and 4x400M Relay.
Daniel Nuño (HCS ‘12)
United States Navy
Dan is currently stationed in Japan.
John Gilbertson (LAB ‘09)
(Master’s College)
Last Sept., John won the elite Stanford
Invitational, completing the 8-kilometer
course in 24 minutes and 7 seconds. He
was also awarded the NAIA National XC
Championship Title.
Tyler Robertson (LAB ‘06)
Showing his LSU spirit!
Tyler is currently studying Bio-chemistry
while attending LSU.
Robert Sherman (HCS ‘05)
Graduated from CSUN with a
Degree in Business Marketing.
Robert is entering his 3rd year
of employment with Equity
Residential, one of the largest
U.S. property management
firms. He presently manages a
sizable apartment community
in the Woodland Hills area.
12. 2012 Alumni Events in Review!
2013 Alumni Events to come...
Set these dates aside and plan to join us!
Over 200 alumni came out to watch the annual Heritage
Homecoming Day. L.A.B. and Hillcrest students enjoyed
fellowship, food, and a special alumni photo booth. We love
our Alumni and we are looking forward to next year’s game on
our field!!
The Heritage Christian Alumni came together Dec.
31st for their annual Soccer game. In the Mens’ game,
the older alums came out on top 4-2 over the younger
alums. (and a few varsity players) As alum Dave Flaig
stated, “It was a good day and the old guys still have
it! (though we will take 5 days to recover...LOL)”
Heritage Christian Girls’ Alumni game featured
current Heritage players and 13 former graduates.
The current Heritage team played well and gave the
alumni a run for their money, but came up short. The
final score was 2-1.
The Girls’ Alumni game was
held on Nov. 1st
as part of
a Volleyball fundraiser. The
teams (yung-ins) vs. (oldsters)
battled back and forth, while
enjoying the opportunity to get
together one more time!
Sixteen alumni returned to be
a part of the Heritage Choral
Christmas Concert at Shepherd of
the Hills, where they performed the
Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s
Messiah.
Be certain to save this date!
October 12, 2013
1st heritage school
Annual Celebration!
(Details To Follow!)
We will have an Alumni Breakfast or
lunch to kick-off the Homecoming
celebration.... STAY TUNED!
13. A - Association, Allegiance
L - Lifelong community, loyalty
U - Undivided by Differences; United in Spirit
m - Memory Makers; Past, Present, Future
N - Network & Support; In Celebration and Sorrow
I - Investing in school vision; time, Talent, Resource
Alumni News and Address Update Form
LA Baptist Middle School /High School
9825 Woodley Avenue
North Hills, CA 91343-1999
(818) 894-5742 FAX: (818)892-5018
www.Heritage-schools.org
Click on the box below to update, communicate, get involved, inquire, or
send us your prayer requests. We want to keep all Alumni informed and
‘Connected’ with the school’s mission and with one another!
Please keep in mind the ‘merging’ of two schools presents certain challenges in addition to many new
opportunities waiting to be embraced. Our Alumni Association is certainly unique, with three distinct
student groups that will share the same Alumni covering. We want to carefully and respectfully honor and
fully embrace our former students from Hillcrest and Los Angeles Baptist as well as the Heritage Christian
graduates to come. Our goal is to achieve a wonderfully diverse, yet very unified Alumi group. It will require
patience, acceptance, willingness, and the Lord’s Spirit of unity and bond of peace!
At this time, the school plans to submit all pertinent Alumni information through the Hillcrest and L.A.B.
Alumni FB pages. There is currently no timetable to change that, however the ultimate goal will be to
create a central site for correspondance and networking providing better communication, efficiency, and
networking capacity. Heritage has no intention of closing down any current site and hopefully we will be
able to get some of your ideas and input throughout the transformation.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN
UPDATE, COMMUNICATE, GET
INVOLVED, REQUEST A HARD
COPY OF CONNECTIONS,
INQUIRE, FOR PRAYER, ETC.