2025 Graduation Commencement Ceremony Program

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Commencement SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 | 10:00AM | HOPE CHAPEL

FIFTEENTH GRADUATING CLASS

Our Mission GLORIFY GOD BY SERVING CHRISTIAN PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN WHILE PROVIDING A HIGH-QUALITY, CHRIST-CENTERED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM MARKED BY ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW & STRONG CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patrick Berch Chairman

Mike Preston Vice President Sandra De Stigter

What We Believe

Dan Eekhoff Eric Krikke Lynn Salzman John Thong

1. We believe in the Trinity : God exists in three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is the Creator, King, Ruler, and Sustainer of all things. 2. We believe in the authority and inerrancy of Scripture : The Bible is the supreme authority over every area of our lives as individuals and as a church. In all its parts and teachings, the Bible is divinely inspired, inerrant, and infallible. 3. We believe in the spiritual rebellion of the human race : Man and woman, as created in the image of God, in high dignity, are now under God's condemnation for their rebellion against His good and just authority. Since the Fall, we are both guilty of and polluted by sin, which has affected us spiritually, intellectually, psychologically, socially, and physically. 4. We believe in the full deity and humanity of Jesus Christ : Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who became fully human in order to live a sinless life and die a painful death in our place. Through His life, death, and bodily resurrection, He accomplished a decisive victory over sin and established His Kingdom among us. 5. We believe in the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit : Humanity needs the work of the Holy Spirit to make the work of Christ effective in the life of His elect. The Spirit grants us repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. 6. We believe in salvation by faith alone in Christ alone : The only way we can escape the penalty and power of sin is through faith in Christ alone and not through any goodness or moral effort of our own. 7. We believe in the physical return of Christ : We anticipate the bodily resurrection and the personal and triumphant return of Jesus Christ to earth for final judgment and the consummation of His kingdom.

ROOTED IN CHRIST EQUIPPED FOR LIFE

Dear Class of 2025,

As you prepare to walk across the stage and step into a new chapter of life, I want to pause and tell you how deeply proud I am of each one of you. This moment is the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and perseverance —not just in academics, but in character, faith, and community. You have been a class marked by resilience and unity. You’ve led with humility, served with joy, and encouraged one another in ways that reflect the heart of Christ. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, or in quiet moments of influence, you have left a legacy that matters. As you leave Heritage Christian Academy, I pray you do so rooted in this truth: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Your identity is not in your achievements or your plans, but in the unchanging truth that you are a child of God—created for His glory and called to His purpose. The world will offer many paths, but only one leads to life. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). Walk closely with Jesus, and you will never lose your way. As you go, may you live boldly for the Kingdom. Be faithful in the small things. Love well. Stand for truth. And never underestimate the impact of a life surrendered to Christ. It has been a great honor to serve as your Head of School. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey. Grace and peace,

Ben Hummel Dr. Ben Hummel HCA Head of School

JONATHAN NEBEL, PHD Commencement Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jonathan Nebel is a passionate educator, deep thinker, and faithful follower of Christ who has served on the Humanities faculty at Heritage Christian Academy for the past four years. In his time at HCA, Dr. Nebel has guided students through courses in philosophy, history, ethics, and economics, helping them wrestle with big questions and anchor their understanding in biblical truth. Additionally, he has served on the Biblical Integration Team. He earned two Bachelor of Science degrees from Kansas State University in Economics and Philosophy. He continued his education first at Kansas State, earning a Master of Arts in Economics, and second at Saint Louis University, earning a Doctorate in Philosophy. His dissertation sought to give an account of how two people could be united in love. He has been married to his wife, Michelle, for eight years. They have three sons: Aaron, Levi, and Isaac. This graduating class has a special connection to Dr. Nebel, as they were his first group of freshmen when he joined the faculty at HCA. He reports, “Starting everyday of my first year with these students helped me grow in joy and confidence in doing this job in this place. I owe much to their love and generosity in welcoming me into the HCA family.” We are honored to welcome Dr. Nebel as our 2025 Commencement Keynote Speaker. His wisdom, humility, and heart for students have made a lasting impact on the HCA community. As our graduates prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives, we are confident that Dr. Nebel’s words will encourage them to walk boldly, think deeply, and live faithfully.

GRADUATION HONORS AND CORDS

OMEGA AWARD .................................................................. MAROON & WHITE CORD Awarded to students who have attended HCA from Kindergarten to 12 grade. th

GOVERNOR’S SCHOLAR AWARD ........................................................... CERTIFICATE

Recognizes the top 1% of HCA’s graduating class.

VALEDICTORIAN ......................................................................................................... MEDAL

Recognizes the top 4-year cumulative GPA in the graduating class.

HERITAGE SCHOLARS AWARD ........................................ SCHOLARS MEDALLION Recognizes the top 10% of students based on their 4-year cumulative GPA.

PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL ...................................................................... GOLD CORD

Recipients earned a 4-year cumulative GPA of 4.0 and above.

HIGH HONOR ROLL .................................................................................. SILVER CORD

Recipients earned a 4-year cumulative GPA of 3.85 - 3.99.

HONOR ROLL ................................................................................................ GREEN CORD

Recipients earned a 4-year cumulative GPA of 3.70 - 3.84.

SCHOLARS DIPLOMA .................................................... RED, WHITE, & BLUE CORD Recognizes completion of extended academic coursework with honors distinction.

S.T.E.M. ENDORSEMENT ................................................................................ TEAL CORD

Recognizes completion of advanced coursework in STEM disciplines.

Hail our Alma Mater. We stand with Chargers pride. We walk by faith and not by sight. We stand here side by side. Nothing can destroy us. Our God is on the throne. With loyalty and honor, HCA’s our home. Building our foundation, by God’s grace, we won’t stray. We stand true to our mission and what our God proclaims. We serve Christ our Savior, who died for all our sins. We are Charger Nation. Go! Fight! Win! HCA ALMA MATER Written by Octavius Womack and Arranged by Jason Parr

Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 17, 2025

PROCESSIONAL MARCH High School Band, directed by Mr. Brant Challacombe

HCA Alma Mater High School Choir, directed by Mr. Brant Challacombe

Welcome and Invocation Dr. Ben Hummel, Head of School

Scripture Reading Mrs. Kathy Sievert, Elementary Principal

Student Addresses Kayla Hekman, NHS President

Jacob Huelson, Student Council President Julia Besch, Class of 2025 Valedictorian

Rose Ceremony Presented by the Class of 2025

Presentation of Speaker Rev. Stephen Sprague, Upper School Associate Principal

Keynote Speaker Dr. Jonathan Nebel, Upper School Faculty Member

Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Hope Chapel, Olathe, KS 66062

Student Video Presentation Graduates Claire Parker & Sydney Anderson

Presentation of Awards Mrs. Marsha Parr, Dean of Curriculum

Presentation of Diplomas Mrs. Marsha Parr, Dean of Curriculum Rev. Stephen Sprague, Upper School Associate Principal Dr. Ben Hummel, Head of School

Presentation of Graduates Rev. Stephen Sprague, Upper School Associate Principal

Benediction Dr. Ben Hummel, Head of School

Recessional

Dismissal We kindly ask that you remain seated until the recessional is complete and you are dismissed.

Class of 2025 Graduates

Sophie Edris Abrey Daughter of David & Tracy Abrey Omega Award | Principal’s Honor Roll Visual Arts Fashion Design | Parsons School of Design at The New School

Henry Montague Anderson Son of Clint & Ingrid Anderson Omega Award | Principal’s Honor Roll Student Athlete Construction Management & Electrical Technology | Johnson County Community College

Milo Campbell Anderson Son of Keith & Emily Anderson Honor Roll Student Athlete Business & Sports Management | Abilene Christian University

Sydney Ellen Anderson Daughter of Steve & Amy Anderson High Honor Roll

National Honor Society | Visual Arts | Yearbook Editor Visual Design & Communication | University of Kansas

Victoria Ann Anderson Daughter of Jeremy & Cathleen Anderson High Honor Roll National Honor Society | Student Athlete Business | MidAmerica Nazarene University

Class of 2025 Graduates

Zaera Rene Barber Daughter of Shawn & Nicole Barber Mentor | Visual Arts Food & Nutrition and Dance | University of Alabama

Julia Claire Besch Daughter of Doug & Sarah Besch

Lucas James Besch Son of Doug & Sarah Besch Honor Roll National Honor Society Finance | Kansas State University

Signe Marie Boan Daughter of Scott & Krista Boan Heritage Scholar | Principal’s Honor Roll National Honor Society Architecture | Kansas State University

Ella Grace Boote Daughter of Nicholas & Kim Boote Principal’s Honor Roll | Scholars Diploma Mentor | Visual Arts Biology (Pre-Dental) | University of Missouri-Kansas City Aiden James Buter Son of Andrew & Jana Buter Robotics Team Captain | Yearbook Editor Computer Science | Missouri University of Science & Technology

Class of 2025 Graduates

Biruk John Dietz Son of Travis & Shonda Dietz Omega Award Mentor | Student Athlete Business | Friends University

Taryn Marie Eekhoff Daughter of Dan & Rebekah Eekhoff High Honor Roll | Omega Award Mentor | National Honor Society | Student Athlete Nursing | Dordt University

Amaya Noel Estes Daughter of Jeremiah & Christina Estes Honor Roll Choir | Theater History | MidAmerica Nazarene University

Class of 2025 Graduates

Kelsee Elizabeth Gambill Daughter of Jon & Kandace Gambill High Honor Roll National Honor Society | Student Athlete | Yearbook Business Management | Oral Roberts University

Braeden R. Haworth Son of Jason & Sara Haworth High Honor Roll | Omega Award Mentor | National Honor Society | Student Athlete Finance | Olivet Nazarene University

Jacob Lloyd Huelson Son of Donald & Carolyn Huelson Principal’s Honor Roll Mentor | National Honor Society | Student Athlete | Student Council President | Theater undecided

Class of 2025 Graduates

Lucas Alexander Prado Son of Gerardo & Shellie Prado Honor Roll Mentor | Student Athlete Sports Management | University of Kansas Megan Elise Regier Daughter of Matt & Joanna Regier Principal’s Honor Roll | Scholars Diploma National Honor Society | Scholars Bowl | Theater Biology | Truman State University Gideon Hughes Rinck Son of Lance & Cindy Rinck Student Athlete | Yearbook Construction Management | Pittsburg State University

Class of 2025 Graduates

Fiona Elizabeth Rose Daughter of Joshua & Candice Rose Honor Roll National Honor Society International Relations | Samford University Taggart Roethle Son of Alana Zimmer & Scott Roethle Principal’s Honor Roll | Scholars Diploma National Honor Society | Student Athlete Mechanical Engineering | University of Alabama

Brynley Salts Daughter of Joel & Mindy Salts Mentor | Visual Arts Nursing | Cedarville University

Elise Grace Thong Daughter of John & Lara Thong Honor Roll National Honor Society | Student Athlete Social Work | Dordt University

Class of 2025 Graduates

Allyson Marie Wheeler Daughter of Shannon & Rebekah Wheeler Principal’s Honor Roll National Honor Society | Student Athlete | Visual Arts Food & Nutrition | Northwest Missouri State

Brayden Christopher Woody Son of Chris & Debbie Woody Omega Award Theater Sound Engineering | Kansas City Kansas Community College

HCA Vision Statement

Our vision is to see the world profoundly impacted by the gospel of Jesus Christ through generations of Heritage graduates. In partnership with Christian families and churches, we are trusting the Lord to raise up thousands of students who have found life in Jesus and been equipped to discern and follow His call wherever He leads them.

2024-25 High School Faculty

Tracy Abrey, MA English

Whitney Endres Spanish

Jonathan Nebel, PhD Humanities

Steve Adams, MSE S.T.E.M.

James Hoskins, MA Bible

Ashton Nelson Fine Arts

Brian Albert, PhD Humanities

Kristin Howard Fine Arts Amy Koci, MS English Yaoli Lin, M.Ed Chinese

Jessica Ortbals, MA, MFA English

Jessica Berch, MAT Mathematics

Starr Peterson Fine Arts

Anthony Brenchley, M.Ed Mathematics

Jason Schoff, MDiv, MSE Spanish

Mark Brown, PhD Mathematics

Floyd Mashek Physical Education Jered Miller, MDiv Bible

Nichole Werbin S.T.E.M.

Brant Challacombe Fine Arts

Ashleigh Winkler S.T.E.M. Octavius Womack Fine Arts

Olivia Chrisman Fine Arts

Keith Miller, MA History

2024-25 HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

Steve Adams, MSE S.T.E.M. Director

Jennifer Foster, Ed.S Counselor

Marsha Parr, M.Ed Dean of Curriculum

Bart Briley Athletic Director

James Hoskins, MA Biblical Integration Chair

Rev. Stephen Sprague, MDiv Upper School Associate Principal

Rachel Conner, Ed.D Director of College Guidance

Ben Hummel, Ed.D HCA Head of School

Octavius Womack Fine Arts Director

or everything that was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through encouragement of the Scriptures WE MIGHT HAVE HOPE.

ROMANS 15:4

Page i Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15

hcakc.org

Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease