Horizon Christian Stories

Spencer will be attending the University of the Incarnate Word, with both a merit scholarship and a D1 fencing scholarship, where he will be studying graphic design.

Spencer has always liked to draw and paint and through extensive art classes at Horizon and with the encouragement of teacher, Tiffany Redwing, Spencer as grown in this passion and plans to use what he has learned in his future career.

When asked what his favorite memories are of Horizon Christian School, he mentions both Color Wars and our annual high school retreat. The two great events are designed to draw the students together in community, comradery, and competition. They often get mentioned as favorite activities for the kids. Let’s see which grade level wins Color Wars this year!

Spencer’s encouragement to younger students is to work academically to earn good grades and get immersed in school as much as possible as he knows that school is more fun and a greater experience when you are involved.

We are so thankful for our students like Spencer Dillree, who attended Kindergarten through 12th Grade, and for the legacy they are leaving behind.

Congrats, Spencer! #HCHSClassof2021

Noah plans on attending Grand Canyon University where he plans to study either digital arts or sports nutrition and/or physical training.

Photography and P.E. have been his two favorite classes and set the stage for his future plans. He developed an interest in digital arts through his yearbook and photography classes with Ms. Redwing, who opened up this exciting world to him. Through his P.E. classes, and several years on the track and cross-country teams with Coach Josh Platt, he has grown a passion for the physical and nutritional aspects of these sports.

Two of Noah’s most memorable moments have been when he got a 215 pounds bench max in P.E. and the other is the fun of being a part of the track team and the incredible feelings he gets running the 4 x 400 relay with other teammates are depending on him and cheering him on.

When asked what his advice is for younger students at Horizon, Noah said, “Stay true to yourself, don’t give up and always work as hard as you can.”

We are so thankful for our students like Noah Tinnin, who attended Horizon Christian School Kindergarten through 12th Grade, and for the legacy they are leaving behind.

Congrats, Noah! #HCHSClassof2021

Alyssa plans on attending Grand Canyon University where she will be studying Nursing.

Her two favorite classes were Mr. Burgess’ History classes and Mr. Custis’ Bible class. Alyssa explains, “Both Bible and History were taught in a way I had never been taught before and I thoroughly enjoyed them and learned a ton!”

Her most memorable moments were the All Nighters and Color Wars which Alyssa described as an absolute blast, “But nothing beats the feeling of my sophomore year when our volleyball team walked into that gym at state and practically our whole school was there. We broke the state attendance record and even canceled school for that first state game. The support and excitement from that game is unmatched.”

When asked what advice she would share with younger students at Horizon, Alyssa said, “Don’t settle. Horizon is the perfect environment to challenge and push yourself because everyone, teachers, staff, and students are rooting for you and are there to help. Whether it be going out for a sport or club you never had before or taking an advance class, do not settle. Some of my favorite memories come from areas where I tried something new or something that made me nervous, and I am so glad I did these things. I would also emphasize to be involved: go to events, participate in class activities because you will never get these four years again. Do not waste them!”

We are so thankful for our students like Alyssa Smith, who attended Kindergarten through 12th Grade, and for the legacy they are leaving behind.

Congrats, Alyssa! #HCHSClassof2021

Justin plans on attending George Fox University with Summit and Academic Scholarships to receive a bachelor’s in biology and then go into their Physician Assistant program to receive his masters.

Justin’s favorite class at Horizon Christian was Calculus because of moments beyond just the subject matter. Justin explains that what made it special was “acting out random scenes from Star Wars with the seniors, going to “Calculus the Musical” at OSU, suffering through the midterms and finals together, having a bunch of inside jokes, and having me re-explain to the class the last class’s lesson after having read about it for hours the night before.”

His most memorable moment was when the Cross Country team went to Idaho his sophomore year. “I enjoyed the camaraderie we gained with each other because of Becca and her baby, the gallons of chocolate milk, the love notes we made each other, being out in the freezing weather, and the long bus rides with each other. It perfectly describes Horizon as a place where we have the opportunity to build close relationships with one another.”

When asked what advice he would share with younger students, Justin said, “to put yourself out there and try all the different clubs, sports, and activities the school has to offer because you only get this experience once and the opportunities to meet new people and make new friends is something you don't want to regret.”

Justin’s family would like to add, “We have loved the teachers and programs at Horizon. It has given our kids the Christian education we wanted to set them up for life. The track program has been so great for my boys and their physical fitness. They have had success because of the teachers and coaches and community at Horizon Christian School and our family can’t thank you enough!”

We are so thankful for our students like Justin Panaitescu, who attended Kindergarten through 12th Grade, and for the legacy they are leaving behind.

Congrats, Justin! #HCHSClassof2021