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An online publication for all Hillcrest, L.A.B., and Heritage Alumni, family, and friends.

Vol. 1 Issue 1

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ALUMNI

Connections

Welcome to all Alumni, Family, and FriendsIn 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!

“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 JonesRonald W. JonesStudent Support StaffAlumni Coordinator

A - AssociationL - Lifetime FriendsU - Unity M - MemoriesN - Networking, News I - Investment

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 AscencioJosh AugurRobert AvalosCassie BeyleuNatalie BodleMichael CamarenaKelsey CampbellWilliam CorcoranKevin CrowellJeremy Dougherty

Brittany EspinozaRay FloresJason FrenchAbbianne GeorgeDustin GreeneShannon HubbardT. J. FrostCash KelleyIrene KendrickRebecca Kendrick

Mike KimMelissa LaughtonJason LevertonCarianne LongAndy MadjidLoree Marcoe Laurie MinterRandy MoffattCindy NoblittBailee Northrup

Nick PappasKirsten PayneHeather Chouinard SchulerJamie SchusterSheldon SheehyPhilip StruykStacey SturzenackerChris TripoliAmy Van PaddenburgBonnie WeathermanJacob Zecena

This is a list of former students/Alumni from Hillcrest and L.A.B. that are currently serving at Heritage Christian School.

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 KendrickSuperintendent

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. ClarkeOperations Administrator

Alumni in Action at HeritageDustin 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!

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.

Alumni in Action at HeritageBrittany Espinoza

Alumni in Action at HeritageNick 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 TeamTop 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.”

Alumni return for Heritage ChristianChristmas 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

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.

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.

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.

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 schoolAnnual Celebration!

(Details To Follow!)

We will have an Alumni Breakfast or lunch to kick-off the Homecomingcelebration.... STAY TUNED!

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 School9825 Woodley AvenueNorth Hills, CA 91343-1999(818) 894-5742 FAX: (818)892-5018www.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.