Valor-Annual-Report-2017

Dear Valor Community,

In September 2007, we began our very first year as a school with a
small group of 155 students. In May we completed our tenth year of
schooling—­­ the first Decade of Valor.

While we have grown annually in numbers and accomplishments, and
while our programs have expanded and new offerings developed, two
things have remained constant. First is that God has provided, protected
and significantly blessed our school. Second, at the center of our efforts
since our inception is our school vision: To prepare tomorrow’s leaders to
transform the world for Christ. We have been diligent to this cause daily,
and we have seen much fruit and much success in our students.

We seek to prepare through three major motivations: Spiritual
Formation, College Preparedness and Cultural Engagement. As a
school, we hold ourselves to some lofty expectations—it has always been
that way. These three primary motivations encompass the attributes and
abilities we desire for our graduates—we call them Student Outcomes.
And, while we take pride in our students’ outcomes and celebrate their
accomplishments, we are not yet satisfied—we never will be. You see,
the pursuit of excellence is not a destination but a journey. Each year as a
school we get a little better. We understand a little deeper. We execute a
little stronger. We refine and we press forward.

As we approach the second Decade of Valor, we stand resolute on our
core values to honor Christ in all we do; to conduct our planning and
make our decisions on what is in the best interest of students; and to
partner with parents as the primary influencers in their children’s lives.
God anointing our efforts, we expect our second decade to be even better
than our first!

Through the following pages of this Annual Report, we desire to
provide a small glimpse of what has taken place in the life of our students
and community in the past decade and past year. The narrative, pictures
and statistics tell only a small portion of the work at Valor because every
student, every faculty member, every coach, mentor, leader, servant, and
every parent has an important story and pursuit that is critical to our
mission.

Finally, and very gratefully, we also use this publication to recognize
and honor the hundreds of committed donors who generously give to
the work of the school. We sincerely thank you for your sacrifice and
generosity in partnering with Valor to advance our vision.

Resolved to Influence through Excellence,

Kurt Unruh,
Head of School

The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

–Psalms 118:23

BOARD OF EDUCATION
John Leede, Chair

Scott Lowery, Vice Chair
Kylee Lourie, Chair Emeritus

Sharna Coors
William Jackson
James Jamison
Shawn McLaughlin
Kevin McVaney
Leigh Ann Nicas
Scott Pomeroy

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Robert & Rennei Coleman John & Diane Leede
John & Sharna Coors Gerry and Kylee Lourie
Barb Dixon Scott & Anne Macdonald
Michael and Jill Farmar Jim & Stacey McDonald
Jim & Jody Goff
Aaron and Sue Graber Bryan & Sarah Ritz
Ken and Shanna Jaeger John & Wendy Seiple
Scot & Keely Sellers
Perry and Lindsay Kamel Chris & Tina Smith
Michael & Kelly Kennedy
Greg & Sandi Vigil

VALOR LEADERSHIP
Kurt Unruh, Head of School, President/CEO
Terry Adams, Director of Discovery and Outreach

Gary Fisher, Director of Academics
Jody Goff, Director of Finance and Operations

Jamie Heiner, Director of Athletics
Donna Heintz, Director of Organizational Development

Jim Kirchner, Campus Chaplain
Arie Ringnalda, Director of Arts and Media
Rod Sherman, Director of Institutional Advancement

2 A Decade of Valor

The Eagle Mascot

Forming a school involves a plethora of details and
decisions, including choosing a mascot. The Valor
mascot was purposely selected to represent distinct
characteristics of the school’s vision and mission, and to
forecast what the future Valor would embody. The majestic
Eagle is the official Valor mascot, chosen for five unique
and identifying qualities: Incredible Vision; Ability to fly
at great heights; Fearless; Mates for life—Committed; and
Nurture their young. These five qualities of the Eagle can be
related to scripture, and give a deeper understanding of the
symbolism of the majestic mascot.

Related Verses

Incredible Vision: Proverbs 29:18
Fly at Great Heights: Isaiah 40:30,31
Fearless: Psalms 27:3, Joshua 1:9
Committed: 2 Timothy 4:7
Nurture their Young: Mark 10:44,45; 1 Peter 4:10

2016–17 Annual Report 3

4 A Decade of Valor

As we glance back on our 2016–17 school year, we
also want to acknowledge that this year represents

the end of the first Decade of Valor. Established
in 2006 with the executive planning team, Valor

opened its doors to the first students in 2007.

2016–17 Annual Report 5

Excellence in Christian

Education: The McVaney Family
On spring break this year, Kevin McVaney
witnessed an unexpected reunion when Colman dropped by with his family. It’s
that could only be described as a “divine hard to say who was more surprised. Memories
appointment.” of their first meeting brought immediate joy to
their second.
Kevin and his family were visiting Rwanda,
where his son Colman works with a nonprofit “She knew Colman by name and came up to
organization. Colman suggested they go see the him with a picture of the two of them,” Kevin
hospital where, two years earlier, he and his Valor says. She’d kept the picture in pristine condition,
classmates had spent a day with young patients and incredibly, she had it with her.
as part of a Discovery trip.
Discovery through Relationships
One of the kids at the hospital that day was
recovering from surgery. She was there by Kevin says the Discovery program “provides so
herself, without family. But the kindness and many Valor students with an opportunity to be
presence of Colman and other students helped in a whole different world—serving, having their
her feel less alone. The students snapped photos minds opened, their education completed, their
as they talked and played, then later sent them to faith strengthened.”
the kids as keepsakes of their brief friendship.
His sister Kylee Lourie calls it “service on
The trip made such a “powerful and steroids.” Her son Josh is another example. “He
formative” impression, Kevin says, that Colman loves God with all of his heart, and he found his
returned to Rwanda after graduation. Even if the place in Discovery,” she says.
story ended there, you would call it good.
Amid the struggles of high school life, one
Nobody anticipated that Colman would see thing Josh could “hang his hat on” was service.
the same little girl again at the same hospital— He’s drawn to “the least of these” Jesus talks
nor that Kevin would be there for the reunion. about in Matthew 25.
The girl had come back for another operation
Josh’s and Colman’s experiences in Discovery
also point to a greater value, Kylee says. “What

6 A Decade of Valor

Family Stories

Valor does is help kids find a passion, and it choice example, you can select all of the above,
provides teachers who share and develop that and then some.
passion through relationships with kids.”
“But it’s not because we have an agenda that
Kylee’s daughter Caroline found a place in the all students need to go to Ivies,” Kylee says. “We
Conservatory and “put her passion into being a want them to develop their talents to the very
songwriter.” best of their abilities. To have influence in this
world for Christ, our kids need to be good at
With supportive teachers, Caroline needed to whatever they do.”
find her own voice—musically and spiritually.
“Valor accepted her where she was spiritually, A Generation at Risk
and they were okay with the fact that she wasn’t
really buying into her mom’s faith.” As of May 2017, Kylee’s daughter, Caroline
Fernalld, joined the ranks of alumni along with
Teachers coming alongside and mentoring her siblings Josh and Victoria, who graduated in
students is the “secret sauce” of Valor, Kylee says. 2013 and 2016. Two of Kevin’s sons, Charlie and
“Many kids have serious friendship problems, Colman McVaney, graduated in 2015 and 2016,
or peer pressure kind of things that happen in soon to be followed by their brother and sister,
high school. I feel like Valor teachers hold them Thomas and Rosemarie, in the classes of 2018
through it.” and 2021.

Entrepreneurs in Education Even as the kids graduate, Kylee says she’s not
finished. “I’m still just as committed to the kids
Besides being the mother of three Valor alumni, we’re going to have here year after year, because
Kylee has brought an entrepreneurial perspective it’s ministry.”
to her service on the school’s founding task force
and Board of Education. She’s been “blessed by a long-term
commitment” and goes so far as to say it “saved”
She caught the original vision from her pastor her from spending time and money on things
at Cherry Hills Community Church, the late Dr. that don’t have lasting significance.
Jim Dixon, who had long been an advocate for a
Christian high school. Kylee says there’s room for more parents who
“want to make Valor one of their primary places
Her brother Kevin wouldn’t call himself a of ministry.” This ministry matters because “all of
founder, but he recalls being at “kitchen table our students, all of our children, are at risk in one
conversations” among McVaney family members way or another.”
back in 2005. He joined the board of education
in 2013. “I feel like when I went to high school, if
you were involved in your youth group and you
“If what you desire is excellent education, loved Jesus, you were going to be okay.” That’s
there are Christian schools that do the not enough for today’s generation. “You will
relationship and the spiritual development well,” get clobbered in college if you have not had
he says. “But unfortunately, they don’t necessarily Christian role models building into you.”
do rigorous education well.” The family sees no
reason these two things should be mutually Teachers at Valor provide the influence of
exclusive. time-intensive relationships in the context of
educational excellence.
Kylee frames the dilemma: “Why should
parents and kids who want a Christian education “Each relationship is based on a passion for
have to compromise on the quality of academics a subject. A passion for football. A passion for
or athletics or arts?” science. A passion for drawing. A passion for
speech and debate. A passion for business. We
The founders set out to fulfill an all- have all these ways in which kids can engage
encompassing vision. “You can get a Christian their passions with teachers who share the same
education. You can get into the Ivy League. You passions.”
can pursue a career in the arts.” In this multiple-

2016–17 Annual Report 7

Willing and Faithful:

Jim and Jody Goff
If a few moments could sum up more than
a decade of his family’s Valor story, Jim Goff double meaning. Valor is firmly founded on
says they would be graduation day snapshots— faith and also welcomes families who may be
Taylor’s, Rudy’s, and Graylen’s. He remembers spiritually exploring or noncommittal.
seeing “their mom turn their tassels.”
Grace and truth can stand for themselves.
Not every mom gets to do that. But Jody has And students from Christian families need
earned the privilege, though she would never freedom to explore faith and doubt too.
claim so herself. She would rather focus on what
every parent can experience at Valor. When you “You never know when stuff takes,” Jim says,
understand that, you’ll know why the tassels are but Valor provides “exposure to the Word of God
so telling. and what being a Christian means.”

“The teaching faculty and the coaches—they That exposure gave Jim and Jody’s kids
truly had a genuine interest in the well-being of room to grow spiritually. Jody says, “They were
our children,” she says. “I honestly felt like I had challenged to really own their faith and not
another set of people who really loved my kids, to just accept it because they were raised in a
who cared about them, who wanted them to Christian home.”
make good choices in their lives.”
She encourages today’s school parents: “We
Jim describes what the school’s caring are committed to instructing students in the
environment meant for their kids. “The stress of truth of the Bible and a relationship with Christ,
going through teenage years is more manageable and how—if they can capture and hang on to
when you know you’re loved and you’ve got some that—it will be the best thing they can do for
strong role models.” their entire life.”

“Everyone here really wants to see these kids Dedicated Pioneers
become all that God has created them to be,”
Jody says. Looking back on their journey with the school,
Jim kindly brags on Jody. She quickly deflects the
She appreciates the school’s approach attention: “It was just through a series of saying
to accountability based on grace and truth, yes at the right time that I even got to do this.”
expressed in relationships more than rules.
Because putting faith into practice is “not just And “do this” means serving the school in
about going through the motions and the things many ways: on the 2005 task force that developed
that you do. It’s really about a relationship with the vision, as a founding board member and,
Christ.” since 2013, as the school’s Director of Finance
and Operations. All that and a Valor mom, too.
The Goffs trusted Valor to provide a Christian Jim serves with her on the Board of Trustees.
education for their children. At the same time,
they respect that it’s openly Christian, with a Jody and Jim enrolled Taylor, their oldest,
“when the campus was just an empty field,” Jim
says. It was a stressful decision, but one with

8 A Decade of Valor

Family Stories

no regrets. They were pioneers who first four-year cohort. Rudy followed in academics, athletics, arts, and so on,
caught the vision for what that field of in 2013, and Graylen in 2015. Every in exchange for being in a faith-based
dirt would become. graduation day—for every student— environment.”
affirms the vision and dedication of
After an anxious and aggressive pioneer families like the Goffs. Why couldn’t a school be excellent
51-week construction schedule, the in all things for the sake of lasting
school’s main academic building Now you know why the tassels influence? The motto was born:
and athletic complex opened on mean so much.
September 7, 2007. The fledgling Influence through excellence.
Valor community assembled outside Lasting Influence For students and alumni, Jim says
for a dedication ceremony. A ribbon
stretched across the entrance, ready Back in 2005, Jody says, “there was a the motto means, “If you’re excellent
to be cut. Then the first 155 students, vision of excellence, but I don’t know in your field and your heart is with
including Taylor, came down the that we could totally articulate it.” God, the two of those things together
staircase from the second floor and put you in a really powerful position
flooded out through the front doors. She calls it a “transformational to have a positive influence on the
moment” when the task force visited world.
Jody remembers: “I just stood there Valley Christian High School in San
watching all of the kids, with tears Jose, California. “When we got there, “I get excited about investing in
streaming down my face, thinking, it was like God just totally blew the top something based on Christ and a
off what we thought our little vision of pursuit of excellence that can last not
Thank you God, they came, they actually excellence was.” only for decades, but for centuries.”
came. There were times in the early days
when we didn’t know if any families and They came home determined to The investment has been and still is
students would want to take a chance on develop a college preparatory school “so worth it,” Jody says.
a brand new high school.” where students could discover “how
God uniquely gifted them.” And “Your kids are going to be given
Taylor graduated in 2011 with Valor’s without “settling for less than the best a great opportunity to pursue their
passions,” Jim says, “and they’re going
to be loved.”

2016–17 Annual Report 9

John and Sharna Coors:

Accepted and Loved for

Who You Are 2007. The family had lived in Evergreen for years,
so they hadn’t heard the local buzz when the
“China, Bulgaria, Japan…” Sharna Coors school was being built in Highlands Ranch.
says, and her husband John overlaps,
“Japan, Kenya, Chicago.” But, John remembers, “We went to Cherry
They often finish each other’s sentences—a Hills for church one Sunday and drove by Valor
conversational sign of a close-knit family that during the construction phase. And Leigha said,
includes their four biological children, native to ‘That’s where I want to go to high school.’ So that
Colorado, and six adopted children from various was it.”
countries.
Leigha, born in China, is the reason five The backstory is complicated, however. Leigha
Coors siblings ultimately came to attend Valor, had been adopted when she was three years old.
starting when the school’s doors first opened in She suffered abuse for the next eight years, until

10 A Decade of Valor

Family Stories

the adoption was dissolved. Then she 2012 and 2014. Noah and Stephanie beyond ourselves. God has entrusted
lived with a series of different families. are in the class of 2018. us with gifts. What are we going to do
with the gifts he’s given us?”
“It was obviously a very difficult A Family Foundation
time—when you’re 11 or 12 years old Discovery combines mission and
and trying to find stability,” Leigha John and Sharna had wanted a relationships, John says, echoing the
says. And yet, “God held me in the Christian education for their family. ties that bind the Coors family. “You
center of His hand.” “Preparing tomorrow’s leaders to can actually have friendships with
transform the world for Christ—we’re people in a foreign country—just
During eighth grade, she was all about that,” Sharna says. “Our interacting with people who come
involved in a church youth group. family is very mission-oriented so that from a completely different life
The pastor “knew that my parents fits really well into who we are.” experience.”
had quite a bit of experience with
adoption, so she called up my mom Their family values came first and The mission resonates close to
one day to ask for guidance on what to were reinforced by the school, not the home, too. Sharna gets “goose bumps”
do—not to ask to adopt me.” other way around, Leigha says. about local families who “come in and
meet Christ” at Valor.
That conversation led to a weekend “We all have our different
visit with the Coors family, and the backgrounds and stories, but what She says it’s “awesome that a
rest is history, Leigha says. makes our family special and unique whole family is being touched” while
are the bonds we have,” she says. “We each student attends Valor. And the
A Family Decision truly are a family.” diversity of faith perspectives among
students has challenged her kids to
When Valor caught her eye, Leigha got Leigha has grown to recognize and interact with those who don’t hold the
excited about a new high school where appreciate the effort her parents put same beliefs.
everyone would be “starting on the into cultivating a close-knit family.
same page.” They make it a priority to spend John appreciates the school as a
time all together and in one-on-one place where students begin the “faith
“We kind of just laughed” Sharna relationships. transfer from your parents’ faith to
says. “You know how far away this is your own faith.” He says, “Valor’s
from Evergreen?” More than 30 miles “We have such a strong foundation been really good for our kids on that
one way. in our family that we feel we can go journey.”
out and succeed in our lives. We’re not
And there were four younger afraid to fail or take the next step.” And Leigha agrees. “I did not
siblings to consider—especially grow up as a Christian, but Christ
Joshua, who was then headed into Inherent in their relationships, really made himself known to me in
eighth grade. But John says Joshua the family has gained something else a very apparent way during all those
eventually gave a “green light for us to too: “We are very diverse, and I think transition years.
at least look” at Valor. it’s given us all a respect for other
cultures,” Sharna says. “Valor was great in the sense
“While I did offhandedly say that that it helped lay the foundation for
I wanted to go to Valor, it really was a A Family on Mission my faith—being part of a Christian
family decision,” Leigha says. “As my community. And not just seeing
parents delved into the school, they Sharna’s “biggest passion” at Valor is how that community works and the
realized it was a place where our whole the school’s international Discovery love and the trust that’s built there,
family could be fostered. They took a program. but also pushing me academically to
holistic look: Does this make sense for understand my own faith.”
where we’re going as a family?” “It’s so good for our kids to get out
of Highlands Ranch and see what the Overall, she says, “Each student
Obviously the answer was yes. After real world looks like, which is pretty is going to get something different
Leigha was accepted as a freshman, shocking. If you think about all the out of their time at Valor. For me, it
the younger four enrolled across the places these kids are going, it’s a night- was a time of stability to be able to
street at Cherry Hills. All of them and-day difference spiritually and explore and to grow into myself in an
went on to Valor. Leigha graduated in economically.” environment that I really trusted.”
2011, followed by Joshua and Laura in
She adds, “We need to reach

2016–17 Annual Report 11

John and Diane Leede:

Partnerships and Community
When Friday night lights hit the
football field, “you felt like you were in struggles students face.
this little hometown,” says Diane Leede. “It was They hit “bumps,” she says. “You’re going
like the chemistry just went bam! … All of a
sudden the whole world shrunk.” to get cut from a team. You’re not going to get
into the project you want. Those things are the
Her husband John fills in the timeline: They character builders.” Not only for students, but for
hadn’t even applied to Valor Christian High parents, too.
School when the family attended their first game.
Their two children were still in middle school. “You’re disappointed for them. It’s not as if
they did something wrong, and they deserve that
The Leedes got hooked on the first taste of consequence. It’s when the world comes at them,”
what John calls “community plus education plus she says. “That hurts more as a parent than it did
ministry all wrapped up into one.” This triple when I was in high school.”
combination has engaged the whole family at
Valor—John and Diane as parents, along with But John says they’ve learned, “You just stick
their son David, class of 2016, and daughter with it and kids learn to stick with it.”
Katharine, class of 2018.
Partnership with Committed Parents
But it hasn’t always been easy.
“High school’s harder the second time And there’s a difference at Valor. “I like that it’s
around,” Diane says. She’s describing how parents part of Valor’s mission statement to welcome
feel when their kids go through the typical parents into every aspect,” Diane says. Though
she and John serve together on the Board of
Trustees, their partnership plays out in everyday

12 A Decade of Valor

Family Stories

ways, too—especially in supporting David and “Grades nine through twelve are a really fun
Katharine as students. part of your life,” he says, and formative, too. “If
we can have a positive influence here, we’ll see
“I think it makes a difference that I can to the yield later.”
go to a teacher and say, ‘You know what? My
kid’s having a tough time,’” says Diane. She and The school’s first students are living out the
John both mention a history teacher who was a value of their years at Valor—whether enrolling
“godsend” to Katharine. at top universities, starting small businesses
and nonprofits, or pursuing careers that apply
Soon they’re listing all kinds of classes and God-given talents in the marketplace. John sees
activities as shorthand for the influence of the potential for their families to reinvest in the
teachers and coaches. Math and science. Music school, and many are.
and debate. Basketball and golf. Discovery trips
to Haiti and the Bahamas. Invested in Community

Oddly, no football—though they still love the The Valor Center for Culture and Influence has
games. already marked a turning point in the number
of families who are donors to the school, says
As John talks about his family’s time at Valor, Diane. She spent three years on the architectural
you sense how his parent perspective informs his committee while John helped lead the capital
leadership on the Board of Education. campaign to raise funds for it.

“One of the really great strengths of Valor Diane recalls the back-to-school energy of the
Christian High School—that some other schools first fall after the Valor Center’s opening. “The
have, but not every school—is the commitment whole building was alive.”
of the teachers. They feel a calling to this high
school. It’s not only a vocation in teaching, but At that moment, she saw signs of a shift from
it’s also a ministry. the “founders who invested so much—not just
their time and their creativity, but also their
“Our kids have benefited a lot from teachers’ resources”—to the families who have come
availability and willingness to talk to them—to to claim Valor as their own. These families
coach them up, as it were, and give them extra understand that the school thrives in community
guidance on how they could do better.” support that is still growing.

Excellence for Every Student The return on investment can be hard to
measure but easy to describe. The benefits of
Diane sees how teachers bring out excellence in Valor extend to parents and students alike.
each student.
“I have some of my strongest friendships from
From the start, “what I loved about Valor is my kids’ high school…faith-based friendships.”
that they do want families,” she says. “If you have Diane says. “I can’t imagine doing life without
a very high-accomplishing A student, that’s great. them.”
But guess what? If you have a brother or sister
that’s a B or C student, we want to make them Relationships at home have grown, too.
excellent.” Bumps and all.

The challenge may be to help a C student “My character is being refined, and my
become a B student, or to guide the exploration children’s character is being refined, and my
of new skills and experiences. “Because then husband’s. If we talk about that around the table
they find that niche, and all of a sudden they’re at home, our family unit is so much stronger. The
excited about what they’re doing. They take off.” four of us can pretty much talk about anything.”

John reinforces the standard of excellence As Diane speaks, John agrees. And to families
from a structural standpoint. The four pillars who are going through the ups and downs of
of Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Discovery high school years, he offers simple words of
provide high-quality opportunities for students. encouragement: “Keep going. Be thankful.”
But excellence isn’t for its own sake.

2016–17 Annual Report 13

Valor Outcomes

The Valor Outcomes link back to, and provide further explanation of, the Valor Vision, Mission and Motto.
Understanding that these outcomes are lofty expectations, the Valor Board, Leadership, Faculty and
Staff commit themselves to accomplish all that is set out herein—fully submitted that only through God’s
protection, provision and anointing can anything be accomplished.

Highlight: Kate Bien Spiritual Formation

“Icould not see Him, so I didn’t believe in Him,” said Kate Bien, Valor • Valor students regularly
junior and international student, to a group of 25 friends who gathered in experience God’s love and know
the training room of the Valor Stadium. Kate’s journey to faith in God started God has a plan and purpose for
with disbelief, but over the course of the spring semester, her heart was softened, their lives.
challenged and encouraged, and she ultimately came to believe in God and
desired to be a follower of Christ. Kate had many questions along the way, • Valor students know, love and
and she sought answers from her host dad, history teacher Loyal Frazier, adult serve God and make Him known
mentors, including Parent Liason, Marci LaMunyon, and teachings offered at to others.
Alpha. On May 24, Kate was baptized by Loyal Frazier and publically professed
her faith in Jesus and God the Father. As Kate emerged from the waters of the • Valor students grow in character
ice bath trough, cheers and tears of joy greeted her as those closest to Kate and spiritual discernment, and
celebrated her salvation and eternal life in Christ. in making wise choices (body,
mind, spirit and friends).

• Valor students experience the
blessings of being involved in
a local Christian community,
beyond the Christian community
found at Valor.

• Valor students regularly read the
Bible and reflect on God’s word
as a valuable guidepost for life.

14 A Decade of Valor

Valor Outcomes

College Preparedness

• Valor students excel in verbal,
written and technological skills
for effective communication.

• Valor students think critically,

research, analyze, investigate

effectively, draw conclusions

Highlight: Reagan Shane and make wise choices.

Dr. Gary Fisher introduced the Class of 2017 Valedictorian as “the • Valor students achieve and
most academically decorated student to graduate from Valor Christian High display competencies that will
School.” And successful Reagan Shane has been. She is a National Merit Finalist, enable them to pursue the
a Boettcher Award Finalist, scored a perfect 36 on the ACT, earned perfect scores college and career goals to
which they aspire.

of five on 10 AP Exams, had a 4.52 weighted GPA, and seven Honors courses. In

the fall, Reagan will attend Pepperdine University on a Seaver scholarship and George Pepperdine Achievement scholarship

and study in the area of either International Business or Economics.

Above all the academic accolades and successes, Reagan is also a Christian young woman with a gentle spirit and a

kind heart. Her message to the audience and her classmates at Commencement was not filled simply with encouragement

to achieve more, learn more or accomplish more; Reagan’s admonishment was “to love others, and by loving others well

we can change the world.” Through her vast knowledge, her appetite to learn and her love for people, Reagan Shane is an

influence of excellence on all those around her.

Cultural Engagement Highlight: Elleon Dobias

• Valor students humbly love Elleon Dobias is a student who needs little introduction on the Valor
campus. She is known to most of the Valor community through her works
and lead others through faith, as an artist, her video documentary of The Valor Center construction process

compassion and service. and as a Discovery student leader. She has been in every arts production since

• Valor students possess the she was a freshman and has accumulated nearly 400 Discovery service hours.

relational intelligence and Her passion for life and the people around her is contagious; she brings joy and

relational maturity needed laughter with her charismatic personality, and Elleon exemplifies a truly humble
to work cooperatively and spirit. For these reasons and more, Elleon received two prestigious awards at this
effectively with others, including year’s Commencement Ceremony. Her artistic giftedness was also recognized
those of other cultures. this spring by the Denver Center for the
Performing Arts’ Bobby G Awards, Kalos
• Valor students understand, Film Festival Judges and the Colorful
engage, challenge or support Colorado Youth Film Festival. She won
the current social, economic and the Bobby G Award for Best Actress in
cultural ideologies of the day. a leading role and went to New York for
the Jimmy’s as one of two representatives
• Valor students are pursuing their from Colorado. The Jimmy’s two-week
unique passions, seeking to
influence the culture for Christ
through excellence in all their

endeavors. intensive workshop culminates with a show

on a Broadway stage. At both the Kalos

Film Festival and the Colorful Colorado

Film Festival, Elleon won the award for Best Documentary. Elleon plans to attend

Roosevelt University in the fall and is a shining example of how Valor students are

reclaiming the arts for Christ in Colorado and beyond.

2016–17 Annual Report 15

Academics

“Valor is not resting on its designation as a National Blue Ribbon School. This year, we welcomed our largest
freshman class and graduated 216 seniors. Along the way, our students continued to amaze us with their
gifts and abilities in the classroom and in all the various academic clubs and competitions. Academically
preparing tomorrow’s leaders to transform the world for Christ!” Dr. Gary Fisher, Director of Academics

Explore Valor nights were a huge success in the as a counselor helps many families find the right fit for their
fall. Middle school students and families filled the student and launch them to the next level of their academic
Performance Hall on two occasions to learn about Valor. pursuits.
Interest remained high as prospective students were
on campus for Shadow Days and All Access Day. The Kurt Muenstermann was named the 2016 Colorado
community eagerly sought to learn about our programming High School Theatre Educator of the Year by the Colorado
and the difference Christian education offers. Enrollment Thespians. He was nominated by a group of Valor parents
started in December and exceeded all previous years and for his work with students and the deep appreciation
projections. families feel for his partnership in arts education.

Teacher Awards Scholarship Winners from Local
Organizations
Matt Cartier, Dean of Academic Development, and Sheila
Beckie, Lead Academic and College Counselor, have Seniors Karli Sugar and Aaron Shultz are two of the
been recognized during the school year as CU-Boulder 2017 Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund
Outstanding Educator Award winners. recipients. The organization seeks to reward students who
demonstrate past academic performance, future potential
Matt’s work with accommodations and academic and participation in their school and community.
support is instrumental in providing college opportunities
for students who would not traditionally be college bound. Senior Mark Worthington was one of ten students
from across the state who won a scholarship for his essay
Sheila’s partnership with students and parents in her role in the Burg Simpson Scholarship Contest. Mark’s 1,500-

16 A Decade of Valor

Academics

Three reasons I am excited and honored to teach here are things you cannot
see from the outside: A humbling and inspiring place to teach; fun and
encouraging relationships with students; and open and honest conversations
about faith. It’s worth looking beyond the accolades—looking for the
thoughtfulness, the relationships and the fun. I hope you can see what I see—­
it’s beautiful.

Lindsay Lumpkin, Instructional Faculty - English

word essay about the importance of increase, growing from 20 students to students on alternatives to help
the civil jury system as the guardian 75 students in one year. Competing graduates find their calling and right
of American rights and liberties was with more than 3,000 high school fit.
submitted through his Government students at the state competition, 16 of
course taught by Kurt Gutschick. 28 Valor students had top 10 finishes Bible Reading Plan
in various categories of competition,
Leadership Development and eight of those students traveled Daily scripture reading is one of the
to the International Competition in desired outcomes for Valor students.
In partnership with local Chick-fil-A Anaheim, California. This year, 10 minutes were set aside
owner and operator Chris Brock, at the beginning of every day for
the Valor Chick-A-Fil Leadership For teacher and mentor David teachers and students to read the
Academy launched with 25 students Haar, his favorite aspect of DECA Word of God. The daily Bible reading
under the direction of Denise is the relationships he gets to build plan is expected to remain a fixture in
Paswaters. They meet regularly to with students. He said, “While I enjoy classrooms next year.
discuss how they can impact their getting to teach aspects of business,
community through service and I am more excited about knowing
leadership. students and walking life with them
on a daily basis, and DECA gives me
DECA Receives International this opportunity.”
Recognition
Gap Year Program
In 2015, Business faculty members
David Haar and Reagan Sowa Students around the country are
introduced an internationally known choosing unique and individual paths
business program to Valor—DECA. after high school graduation. This
The program is for students interested year, 13 Valor students (6%) chose
in marketing, management and to participate in a gap year, either
entrepreneurship. organized or self-directed, before
attending college. With the popularity
This year, Valor will be recognized of gap years growing, Valor launched
at an international level as the school an initiative to educate parents and
with the greatest student percentage

2016–17 Annual Report 17

Academics

2017 Academic
Statistics
2National Merit Finalists—

(Alicia Beebe and Reagan Shane).

14 Juniors were eligible for

National Merit Distinction based
on their Preliminary SAT/National
Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

AP Courses Offered: 17.

6Honors Courses Offered: .

The Class of 2017 was awarded

more than $3.2 million

dollars in collegiate academic, arts
and athletic scholarships.

Average ACT scores, Class of 2017:
2sco6re.3d a1n. Tahve etorpahaglfeofAthCe cTlass
of 29.72. The top quarter
of the class s3co1re.9d a4v. erage

ACT of

wCuemiuglahtivteeadveGrPaAgefor the Students attending Valor in 2016–2017:
class of 2017 was 3.57.
CLASS STUDENTS
9:1 Teacher to Student Ratio.
Seniors 216
i1n4d4uscttueddeinntotsthe Valor Juniors 246
Sophomores 262
Chapter of the National Honor Freshmen 259
Society this spring. 983
Total

ENROLLMENT TIMELINE

Valor opened its doors to students in 2007. Below are enrollment totals for each year.

18 A Decade of Valor

2016–17 Annual Report 19

Arts+Media

“It’s been an amazing year in Arts. Our Performing Arts students have been knocking it out of the
park, lighting up the Valor Center stage with award winning performances. There’s no doubt that the
additional training the Conservatory affords has helped many of these students to excel. Likewise, the
recording studio has become a vibrant hub for student-produced music. In Visual Arts, the gallery scene
has exploded with both student and professional shows alike, and we’ve had more students involved in
creative work than ever. It’s been incredible to see these artists truly using their creative gifts for God’s
glory!” Arie Ringnalda, Director of Valor Arts+Media

Bobby G Awards 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The cast, crew and directors of Pippin The nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists &
received seven Bobby G nominations this Writers announced the national award recipients
spring by the Denver Center for Performing Arts. of the 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the
The Valor production competed with 41 other nation’s longest-running and most prestigious
high schools from across Colorado, with the top recognition program for creative teens in grades
actor and actress winners being selected to go to 7–12. Within the awards’ 29 categories, which
New York to compete nationally this summer. include poetry, photography, sculpture and
humor, a record-breaking 330,000 works were
Impressively, the hard work and talent of the submitted for adjudication at the regional level
Pippin production won three top awards: this year. Luke Mason, a Gold Medal recipient in
Photography, will be recognized in New York this
• Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a summer at the national banquet. The following
Leading Role – Elleon Dobias Valor students also won recognition in the
competition at the regional level:
• Outstanding Achievement in Musical
Direction – Marty Magehee, Rick • Elaina Hollister: Gold Key, Photography
• Grace Collins: Gold Key, Photography
Paswaters, Jenny Timmons • Sean Traynor: Silver Key, Photography
• Michelle Hou: Gold Key, Graphic Design
• Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical • Cheyenne Smith: Gold Key, Graphic
– Pippin
Design
• Jack Sells: Honorable Mention, Graphic

Design

20 A Decade of Valor

Arts+Media

Colorful Colorado Youth Film
Festival Awards

The Colorful Colorado Film Festival for Youth is a
film competition for high school students across the
Denver metro area, and two Valor students received
nominations in three categories. Elleon Dobias won
Best Documentary and Marian Bouchot won for
Best Drama and Best Film. The Best Film Award was
the top award presented at the festival.

Influence through Excellence

The following students received awards and recognition
in various disciplines of art:

• Michelle Hou: Colorado State 2017 Orchestra member

• Gable Kinsman: Thespian Student Officer, Board of the
Colorado State Thespians for 2017

• Katie Lavey: Director, 12 Angry Jurors, full production
by advanced theater students, Black Box Theatre

• Amelia Middlebrooks: Top 10 Finalist, DCPA’s 2016
Student Playwriting Competition

• Imani Oluoch: Scholarship to Boston University’s
Tanglewood Institute (Opera Intensive Summer
Program)

• Ashley Wright: Leading Role in A High School Story
with Kingdom Sight Studios, a Christian film company

• Grant Pankratz: Published photography in Arapahoe
Community College Literary Journal

• Carolyn Avenger, Camden Deal, Abby Linderman,
Grace Osborne and Noah Osborne: Colorado
Thespian Conference top performers (invited
to perform their pieces on the Main Stage for all
Conference attendees throughout Colorado.)

• Carolyn Avenger, Camden Deal, Gable Kinsman,
Abby Linderman, Amelia Middlebrooks, Mandy
Newkirk, Imani Oluoch, Grace Osborne, Noah
Osborne, Lily Potarf, Ashley Wright: Qualified
performers for National Competition, International
Thespian Festival, June 2017.

2016–17 Annual Report 21

Conservatory The Project Kalos

In its second year, more than 70 This year, art students launched an This year’s Kalos Film Festival in The
students were enrolled in the online weekly newsletter to give the Valor Center was a red carpet event
Conservatory program. Throughout Valor community an inside look at with spotlights, famous judges from
the year, they celebrated six nights happenings in the arts. The stories the television and film industry, and
of unique showcase performances. appeared in written and video excited students eager to see their
The program continues to grow in formats and featured students, faculty work shared with family and friends.
popularity and depth of artistic talent. members and events. Some of the The top documentary winner was
stories included powerful testimonies Ryan Russo with his film on World
Difference Maker of finding faith or growing deeper War II. His piece was compelling and
in a relationship with God, and all authentic, and The Colorado Film
Veritas and the Dance III Class were produced to honor the work the Society selected it to be one of the
entertained audiences in May with Lord is doing in and through Valor submissions to the National Youth
their recital, Difference Maker. In this students. Film Festival.
second annual show, the performers
sought to address elements that JesusCares.com Commercial
compose the current darkness of
adolescent culture and show how the The advanced film class, under the
actions of one individual desiring leadership of faculty members Josh
to make a positive impact can have Anamier and John DeYoung, shot a
a ripple effect and shift the culture. commercial for JesusCares.com. In the
Through the beauty of dance and first week of airing, the commercial
creative artistic expression, the had more than 150,000 views, started
message of hope was simple and 1,300 conversations and was the
timeless—through Christ, we can catalyst for more than 30 conversions
combat depression, anxiety, loneliness to Christ. This project “fulfills the
and so many other heartaches that (Valor) vision in film class to use our
plague youth culture today. art to change the world for Christ,”
said DeYoung.

Professional Recording
Studio

From humble beginnings with six
students in a songwriting club to
songwriting classes with 53 students,
gifted musician and teacher, Marty
Magehee is eager to use the newly
opened recording studio to its full
potential. Expect to see students and
guest artists producing in the studio
year-round beginning summer 2017.

22 A Decade of Valor

2016–17 Annual Report 23

Athletics

“As we continued to stress the importance of relationships and faith through our teams, we experienced
amazing growth and some were honored with the sportsmanship award at both the league and state
levels. Service projects made a profound impact on our community as our teams served other schools,
helped fundraise for the Colorado Rolling Mammoth and continued to clean up the community around
us. Athletics was highly competitive on the field with every team competing in the post season and
adding six more state championships in the 2017 season. It has been an amazing year in athletics, and
we are blessed to watch our incredible athletes and coaches passionately glorify Jesus Christ in all they
do!” Jamie Heiner, Director of Athletics

John Lynch Awards Awarded for Character and VSN: Valor Sports Network
Athleticism
This monthly program recognizes The Valor Sports Network is a
student athletes from Denver schools Senior quarterback and University of student-led elective course designed
who excel in academics, athletics and Michigan recruit Dylan McCaffrey to recognize the accomplishments
community involvement. Each month (’17), was named Colorado Gatorade of Valor athletes. Throughout the
eight winners are chosen and invited Player of the Year, received the Gold year students have told stories and
to attend an awards ceremony where Helmet Award and was named to the produced videos capturing the best
they meet John Lynch. This year, two Army All-American Team this year. athletic moments for all to see. This
Valor student athletes, Alica Beebe program continues to grow and to
(’17), and Gianni Orlando (’17) were In addition to excelling as an be recognized as one of the best
named John Lynch winners, and outstanding athlete to win these high school sports video programs
Softball Coach Dave Atencio was awards, the criteria for the Gatorade in the state. Visit us on Twitter:
recognized as Coach of the Month. Award also includes academic @valorsportsnet.
achievement and exemplary character.

All-American Scholar Team

The Girls Swimming & Diving Team
was named the National All-American
Scholar Team at the Gold Level for
earning a team cumulative GPA of 3.8.

24 A Decade of Valor

Athletics

25 Valor Athletics Individual Awards
17 Honors and
12 Achievements 16 Colorado Players of the Year
61 2007–Present 4 Gatorade Players of the Year
271 21 Individual State Champions
State Championships 14 State Relay Champions
14 State Coaches of the Year
Football: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016
Boys Golf: 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 Student Athletes
Girls Basketball: 2015, 2016 Participating in
Softball: 2014, 2015, 2016 College Athletics
Girls Soccer: 2011
Girls Swimming & Diving: 2016 146 Distinct Colleges and Universities in 40 States
Baseball: 2016, 2017 and 21 Sports
Boys Lacrosse: 2016, 2017
Boys Basketball: 2017 120 Division I Athletes
Cheer: 2017 61 Division II Athletes
45 Division III Athletes
State Runners-Up 42 NAIA Athletes
3 Junior College Athletes
Football: 2014
Boys Basketball: 2013, 2016
Boys Lacrosse: 2015
Boys Track: 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015
Girls Soccer: 2009, 2010
Cheer: 2010, 2014
Boys Golf: 2011, 2012
Girls Golf: 2013
Girls Swimming: 2017
Boys Swimming: 2017

Final Fours

Baseball: 2011, 2013
Boys Basketball: 2012
Girls Basketball: 2014
Volleyball: 2012, 2016
Boys Lacrosse: 2013
Girls Soccer: 2012, 2013, 2017
Girls Track: 2016
Boys Golf: 2016

League Championships

Athletes from seven graduating classes
have gone on to play college sports

2016–17 Annual Report 25

SOFTBALL FOOTBALL

2016 2016

STATE STATE
CHAMPIONS CHAMPIONS

26 A Decade of Valor CHEER

2016

STATE
CHAMPIONS

BOYS BASKETBALL

2017

STATE
CHAMPIONS

BOYS LACROSSE

2017

STATE
CHAMPIONS

BASEBALL

2017

STATE
CHAMPIONS

2016–17 Annual Report 27

Discovery

“Valor Discovery has been thanking God for His overflowing blessings this year. More than 400 students
traveled on teams and we launched more teams than ever before, with 27 teams in 21 countries. Students
served literally across the globe from the Himalayas of Nepal, to Russia, to the slums of India, to the Czech
Republic, to Cuba, to Ethiopia and right here in our city. They served with their Valor athletic teams, on a
medical team, on academic enhancements teams and served ‘the least of these’ in some of the most difficult
places in the world. The blessings poured forth from stories of students coming to faith or renewing their
faith, and so many who have learned to love to serve as they bring glory to God!” Terry Adams, Director of
Discovery and Outreach

Spirit of Sharing Week Hope Rising Haiti Benefit Concert

In December, students enjoyed a week Following last year’s Discovery trip to Haiti and
of fun and philanthropy celebrating Spirit of a return trip in the summer, junior Katharine
Sharing Week. The Student Council worked with Leede had a passion, inspired by God, to serve
Discovery to identify items for donations. Karli the people of Haiti. Katharine asked God for
Sugar (’17), said, “Spirit of Sharing Week is a specific direction, and the idea of a benefit
great way to help others who are less fortunate concert began to form. “I brought the idea to two
during the season of giving. It’s a fun week, and of my Haiti teammates, Ashley Traeger (’18) and
it also gives students the opportunity to make an Asher Gentry (’19). We decided to go for it.”
impact outside the walls of Valor.”
Armed with a vision and the help of some
Taste of Discovery dedicated parents, Valor staff and other students,
the three hosted a fundraising concert featuring
The third annual Taste of Discovery Event was recording artists Building 429 and Jamie Grace
a huge success! More than 500 parents, students in February. Their efforts resulted in more than
and friends attended, generating more than $160,000 being raised to help the people of Haiti
$70,000 to support teams and global partners. through the Hope Rising Haiti organization.
The delicious cuisine was provided by 14 unique
restaurants offering international fare, and the Of her experience, Katharine shared, “My
evening served as a valuable opportunity to share time in Haiti has changed my life. I have learned
the work God is doing through Discovery. to be willing to use the blessings God has given
me to bless others.”

28 A Decade of Valor

Discovery

Q&A: Alumni Ben Lorden (’13)

What made you in a similar place. That the joyful perspective of well in class but it no longer
decide to study knowledge was really the people there. They had held first place on my to-do
engineering at convicting to me. I hope to absolutely nothing in terms list. I knew I was called to
CSU? Was it related develop my career in such of possessions, but they had go and make disciples and
to the physics a way that I can spend time so much more joy than I. be a light on the community
experiments? in developing countries to that I was a part of. I became
impact their communities. After that trip, there more people-centric.
My knack for the hard wasn’t a moment where
sciences and math Tell us more about the clouds opened up and
contributed for sure. But the Discovery trip I saw the truth. But over
honestly, a big part of why to Kenya and how it time, I realized that my joy
I went into engineering influenced you. was not dependent upon
was my Valor Discovery my material possessions.
experience in Kenya. That’s Before the trip, I was a Instead, it was based on
where I gave my life to super nerd. I was stressed who I am in Christ. That’s
Christ and also where I saw in school all the time and really when I made my faith
the need for clean water and didn’t really have time for my own. I’d grown up in a
infrastructure. There were people. I was striving to Christian home, but faith
so many needs that were find value and purpose in had always been something
fairly basic that an engineer my schoolwork. I was really my family did and never
could easily solve. awkward and shy. something that I wanted.

What I saw in Kenya is In Kenya, I saw such a After making that
not an isolated case. More stark contrast between the decision, I did a crazy
than half of the world is materialistic American view 180-degree turn. I became
I had grown up with and super outgoing. I still did

2016–17 Annual Report 29

Discovery

Q&A with Valor Discovery Students

Czech Republic: Abby Wright Albania: Elly Shane (’18) Haiti: Brittany Holly (’17)
(’18)
What is a significant lesson you learned In what way did you see God work?
What did you learn about God as a “I saw God at work in Haiti by
as a result of the Albania Discovery
result of your Discovery trip? the way that people worship. When I
“The biggest thing that I learned trip? started thinking about what worship
“I learned I want to pursue a life truly is, I realized worship is an
about God while in the Czech answer to the question “What are you
Republic was that our actions don’t that focuses on three things: Jesus, thanking God for?” Because they have
have to seem extravagant or obvious music, and people. I loved Albania so few material possessions, or none at
for Him to be able to use them. 2017 because that was all we focused all, they worship from the bottom of
He can use something as simple as on. I am learning to center my life their hearts, thanking God for who He
the common interest of basketball around those three things and let go of is. I think many Americans, including
between people to reach those who other aspects that are not as important myself, thank God for our material
don’t know Him.” to me. God is at work in Albania, and things... He deserves more than that.
in America, too! I am so excited that I We should worship Him for who He
get to be a part of His amazing work.” is. A verse that came to mind when I
was thinking about this is Psalm 105:1,

Give praise to the Lord proclaim his

name; make known among the nations
what he has done...”

30 A Decade of Valor

2016–17 Annual Report 31

Parent Community

“In partnership with committed parents” are the first five words of the the Valor mission statement. This
phrase is considered crucial to the overall success of the school and plays out in a variety of ways throughout
the year. Thanks to the many parent volunteers, the Valor Parent Association and Parent Liaisons Teresa
Kozan and Marci LaMunyon, Valor offers an opportunity for community above and beyond the scope of the
school.

Women’s Bible Study In community with our parents… Discovery and Enrollment Department needs.
Leadership More than 60 parents served as Ambassadors
The Valor Cares Committee, a group of
30 moms, served more than 190 meals to to welcome new families at the New Parent
families experiencing life challenges. Orientation event in August.

Valor Cares provided cookies for every arts or Three amazing appreciation events were held
athletic student that had a season ending injury. for faculty and staff.

Tuesday morning coffees were routinely Volunteers hosted After Prom for students that
hosted by VPA Class Representatives to connect included activities and prizes in a fun location to
parents with one another and to provide help provide a safe way to extend Prom Night.
information about school events and news. Almost 400 students attended After Prom.

VPA hosted the first Volunteer Fair as a fun The annual Moms’ Christmas Dinner
and festive way to fill the volunteer needs of included beautifully appointed tables, a delicious
the school, including: the Café, Bistro, lunch meal, guest speaker Beth Wallace, and record
periods, football concessions, ticket sales, teacher attendance by the ladies of Valor.
appreciation events, Parents in Prayer, Women’s
Bible Study, the Arts Guild, Event Support, Class Representatives and VPA officers
Denim & Diamonds, Valor Cares, senior events, maintained and published news on Class
Facebook pages.

32 A Decade of Valor

Parent Community

Students attend an
Alpha meeting

During monthly hikes on area trails, moms upcoming year, Alpha has found a home at Valor.
connected in the great outdoors of Colorado. There was also a student Alpha program, hosted
by Valor faculty and staff during Business Lunch.
Women’s Bible Study focused on a book in the More than 120 students regularly attended
fall and then explored the parables and miracles and enjoyed fellowship, a meal and deeper
of Jesus in the spring. conversations about faith each week.

Parents prepared the room and served meals Parent Liaison Perspectives
to 120 students who attended Alpha each week in
the spring. When asked to recount a special memory
or moment that epitomized the heart of Valor
Alpha—For Students and Parents parents throughout the course of the year,
Marci LaMunyon and Teresa Kozan quickly
Through prayers and conversations that responded.
occurred during the fall semester, God moved
and opened doors to a new program for Marci offered, “One Thursday morning in The
parents. On the evening of January 10, 2017, Upper Lobby, so many moms were gathered for
the first Alpha meeting for parents was held Bible Study. I looked around the room, and all
in The Valor Center. Hosted and moderated I could see were ladies with their Bibles opened
by Head of School Kurt Unruh, parents were and sweet conversations taking place. Then,
invited to enjoy dinner and then participate in the speaker asked us to pray. The ladies bowed
conversations designed to help each person grow their heads and united their hearts in prayer for
in their knowledge of God. Lives were changed, our children and our school. That moment was
community was built among parents, and for the wonderful.”

Valor moms hiking Teresa Kozan shared the example of a selfless
on an area trail lacrosse mom who was feeding the team before
a big game. “It was pouring rain one morning,
and there was this one mom in the front circle,
unloading her SUV with coolers and bags of
food and drinks. She was wet and probably
cold, but she was there to serve the students. To
me, this is the heart of our volunteers. They go
above and beyond, even when circumstances are
challenging.”

2016–17 Annual Report 33

Donor Impact & Alumni

Thank you, donors! In the tenth year of operation, Valor has been blessed by hundreds of donors
contributing and pledging in excess of $4 million to the various Valor fundraising initiatives to help us
advance the vision and mission of the school. We express our deep appreciation to each generous person
who has helped increase our capacity to provide for our students beyond tuition.

Gifts Impact the Future Valor Alumni Career and Connect

Valor alumni are impacting the world To support graduates and help them establish
in their many spheres of influence. They themselves in the workforce, The Valor Alumni
are entrepreneurs, professional athletes,
creative innovators, top researchers, nationally Career and
recognized scholars and successful professionals. Connect
Valor is pleased to celebrate the accomplishments network
of all the alumni and include a few of their launched in
stories as part of our annual report. We recognize September
the generosity of donors, both past and present, 2016. The
enhances our Valor programs beyond tuition, VACC
and it is exciting to see our graduates excelling in network is
part due to the preparation they received in high connecting
school. alumni to
career and internship opportunities through
an exclusive Valor network. Alumni can
also find mentors to build strong mentoring
relationships. The program embraces a pay-it-
forward philosophy to mentorship—the idea
you have been blessed to be a blessing,” said
Ty Heckelmann, Director of the Valor Alumni
Career Center. Development of the program
continues to grow with approximately 31% of
Valor alumni connected to the user platform. To
join or learn more, visit ValorNetwork.org.

Head of School Kurt
Unruh at The Valor
Center for Culture
and Influence
groundbreaking

34 A Decade of Valor

Donor Impact & Alumni

The Valor Fund Dear Valor Faculty and Staff—Thank
you for the time and energy you put
Fundraising through into me and everyone else that has
May 31, 2017 ever set foot into Valor. Because of
each of you I know how to handle my
Total: $2,233,765 time well. Thank you for challenging
Includes unallocated donations, me in every class without making
special gifts and pledges to the them seem impossible. I am more than
Valor Fund. grateful to be able to say I attended
IMPACT: $1,093,897 Valor Christian High School.
GUILD: $204,248
CHAMPIONS: $323,077 —Alumna Lexi Thrailkill (’16),
AMBASSADORS: $251, 826

Participation Rates

• 100% of Board of Education
• 100% of Board of Trustees
• 100% of Faculty and Staff
• 42% of Valor Families

2016–17 Annual Report 35

Donor Impact & Alumni

Alumni News
Janine Beckie (’12)
has earned him pro status on the niche in the music industry. Inspired
Janine Beckie made Olympic history Mackenzie tour, the Canada-based by their search for the perfect tone
in the 2016 Rio Games by scoring circuit affiliated with the PGA Tour. for their music, these Valor graduates
the fastest goal in Olympic Women’s founded Runway Audio in May 2016,
Soccer as part of the Canadian Annalisa Galgano (’13) to design and sell high-end guitar
Women’s National Team. As a college cables.
player at Texas Tech, she holds the Annalisa joins a selective and elite
record as the all-time leading goal group as a graduate of NYU-Abu Austin is a music business student
scorer with 57 goals from 2012–2015. Dabi, she is a 2017 United States and Tyler is majoring in songwriting.
In March, this world-class athlete Fulbright Scholarship Recipient. Using
and competitor was recognized by her award, she will be spending a year Aaron Wilk (’12)
the Sportswomen of Colorado and in Greece to understand better how
presented with the Soccer Profession/ public policy can encourage refugee With a triple undergraduate degree
Olympic Award. Janine continues her integration in a way that benefits both in biology, chemistry and music from
professional soccer career playing with refugees and local host communities. Westmont College, Aaron is currently
the Houston Dash in the National Upon completion of her Fulbright enrolled in the Stanford Medical
Women’s Soccer League and the research, Galgano plans to continue Scientist Training Program (dual
Canadian Women’s National Team. working in migrant affairs and MD and Ph.D. degrees). Aaron used
pursue a graduate degree in Public his background to learn emphathy
Administration. for people who are very different
from him. He said, “…doctors need
Rachael Collins (’13) Christian McCaffrey (’14) to know their patients and their
stories to diagnose them and deliver
Pepperdine University’s annual After a successful and much-awarded the prognosis appropriately…it’s
student athlete awards ceremony college football career at Stanford important for Christians to embrace
recognized a familiar Valor Alum— University, which included being the the diversity represented in the people
Rachael Collins. She was awarded 2015 PAC-12 Player of the Year, the of God and interact well with people
the Maurice Hilliard Award, given in 2105 AP Player of the Year, a Heisman from other cultures.” Bringing his
honor and memory of Pepperdine’s Award finalist and breaking the science background and musical
late athletic chaplain, for being a NCAA record for most all-purpose talents together, Aaron also founded
student athlete who exemplifies the yards gained in a season, Christian and serves as president of the Sanare
attributes of Christian faith, character was the 2017 No. 8 NFL Draft Pick. He Ministry in Santa Barbara, which
and leadership. was selected by the Carolina Panthers, brings his classmates from Westmont
and by all predictions will be a rookie together to perform for the chronically
Wyndham Clark (’12) standout this season. ill and disabled, especially those with
dementia.
In the spring of 2017, Wyndham Tyler Traeger (’15)
finished his college career at the Austin Woodruff (’14)
University of Oregon as the PAC-12
Individual Champion, a Division Belmont College students, Tyler
1 PING First Team All-American Traeger and Austin Woodruff, teamed
and was ranked No. 1 in Golfweek’s up to use their talents, passion for
Men’s Collegiate Power Rankings. music and entrepreneurial spirit to
Wyndham’s remarkable season create a company that fills a special

36 A Decade of Valor

2016–17 Annual Report 37

Valor Perspective

Valor is a debt-free organization, acquiring revenue through tuition, fees and generous gifts.

38 A Decade of Valor

Financial Guiding Principles Students Receiving
Assistance:
• To provide a teacher/student ratio consistent
with our high-quality, student-centric
approach.

• To provide our students with a wide variety
of programs ensuring they grow as leaders
and in their relationship with God through
excellence in academics, arts, athletics and
Discovery.

• To expand the opportunity for as many
students as possible to experience Valor’s
excellence in education and its foundation
on Biblical values through the provision of
Tuition Assistance for as many as 30% of our
students.

• To provide for tomorrow’s needs by
prudently setting aside reserves today to
maintain and upgrade our facilities and
programs.

• To ensure that tuition remains fair and
competitive and revenues are applied
primarily toward student-oriented costs.

• To operate debt-free.

Through the generosity of donors, the loan for The Valor Center for Culture
and Influence has been repaid. God has provided more than imagined!

2016–17 Annual Report 39

Invest in the Vision

Contributing to The Valor Fund impacts the ongoing advancement of our world-class Academics, Arts,
Athletics and Discovery programs and supports the extraordinary faculty and staff who teach, mentor and
inspire students. As a donor, you may choose to direct your gifts to an area that represents your passion.

Valor Impact Arts Guild

Supports Core Elements of the Valor Vision Supports Programs for Our Student Artists

• Tuition Assistance for deserving students, • Unique opportunities for students to work
totaling $2.06 million for the 2016–2017 with industry professionals and guest artists
academic year
• Exceptional equipment that affords high-
• World-class faculty provide years of life level preparation for college and beyond
experiences and Biblical world perspective
• Curated student exhibits, gallery openings,
• Student teacher ratio of 9:1 offers more time dedicated arts counseling and more
for classroom discussion and meaningful
mentoring relationships • High-level performance opportunities in
productions featuring professional grade
• Facilities that provide state of the art learning sets, costumes, lighting, and sound
environments and a campus that inspires
creativity and intellectual development

Champions Discovery Ambassadors

Supports Programs for Our Student Athletes Supports Spiritual and Emotional
Transformation of Our Students
• Recruiting and retaining an exceptional
coaching staff to lead student athletes in • Scholarships for students and leaders to
excellence participate in Discovery Experiences

• Offering professional, year-round, sport- • Student participation in work projects
specific performance training and sports for churches, communities, schools and
medicine expertise for injuries and recovery ministries, locally and abroad
plans
• Students and teachers share the love of
• Partnering Chaplains with teams to provide Christ in 26 countries on 6 continents
additional spiritual support and mentoring
• Create settings and experiences so
• Providing designated personnel to offer students will transform others as they are
college guidance and counseling transformed

To donate, please visit our website at GoValor.com/donate or contact Annual Fund Manager
Mark Heckelmann at [email protected] or 303.471.3396.

40 A Decade of Valor

2016–17 Annual Report 41

Colleges of Matriculation Class of 2017

Adams State University Saint Louis University
Arapahoe Community College Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Arizona State University Salve Regina University
Ashland University San Diego State University
Auburn University Santa Clara University
Augustana University, South Dakota Santa Fe College
Azusa Pacific University Seattle Pacific University
Baylor University South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Belmont University Southeastern University
Biola University Southern Methodist University
Butler University SUNY - Korea
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Syracuse University
Obispo Taylor University
Carnegie Mellon University Texas A&M University
Colorado Christian University Texas Christian University
Colorado Mesa University The United States Air Force Academy
Colorado School of Mines Tulane University
Colorado State University University of Alabama
Concordia University - Irvine University of Arizona
Cornell College University of California, Los Angeles
Creighton University University of Colorado, Boulder
Doane College University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Duke University University of Colorado, Denver
Elmhurst College University of Denver
Faulkner University University of Idaho
Fordham University University of Michigan
Front Range Community College - Larimer University of Missouri
George Washington University University of Northern Colorado
Gonzaga University University of Notre Dame
Grand Canyon University University of Oklahoma
Hastings College University of Otago
Hope College University of Portland
Iowa State University University of Puget Sound
John Brown University University of Rhode Island
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising University of South Carolina
Liberty University University of Southern California
Lipscomb University University of Tampa
Loyola Marymount University University of Texas, Austin
Metropolitan State University - Denver University of Texas, El Paso
Miami University, Oxford University of Utah
Mississippi State University University of Waterloo
Montana State University Bozeman University of Wisconsin, Madison
Ohio Wesleyan University University of Wyoming
Oral Roberts University Wake Forest University
Oregon State University Westmont College
Pepperdine University Wheaton College
Point Loma Nazarene University Whitworth University
Red Rocks Community College William Jewell College
Regis University Yale University
Roosevelt University
Sacred Heart University

42 A Decade of Valor