Your story matters

After graduating from beauty school, Rachel Hile, ’00, felt God calling her to a life of service to others through her new trade. In 2015, following the tragic loss of her nephew Matthew, she co-founded The Beyond Project, which shares hope through haircuts and beauty services in major cities across the country.

For Nathan Parsons, ’14, BCS had a profound impact on his life. Through peers who sharpened his faith and teachers that challenged him academically, the transformational experience he had at BCS prepared him for God’s call on his life. 

Growing up, Holly Porter, ’95, was surrounded by an affirming, supportive community of teachers and peers at BCS. Her teachers fostered creativity, empowering her to explore her gifts in Art and English. At the time, she didn’t realize how valuable those kinds of relationships could be until many years down the road.

Hannah Fenske, ’10, will never forget the first time she explored the theatre props closet at BCS. Her curiosity evolved into a high school passion project, developing her interest in prop work. At BCS, she learned that her unique gifts and faith in Christ could help her have a positive influence.

Walking into her high school English class, alumna Alanna Sadeghian (’10) recalls looking up at the board and seeing the beginning of a sentence or just a handful of words. Her teacher, Mr. Harper, regularly challenged his students to write their own short stories. His teaching helped Sadeghian to become an excellent writer and creative thinker — skills that served her well in high school and beyond.

Like many high school students, Alumnus Jacob Tomlin ('98) was a little hesitant to try new things. Starting school at Bellevue Christian halfway through his sophomore year, he had no idea what to expect. At BCS, he found Christian leaders and teachers who taught him critical thinking, wise decision making, and leadership skills, creating an excellent foundation for what God had in store for his future.

As a pastor, chaplain, and advocate for social justice, alumna Ellie VerGowe (’06) recognizes Bellevue Christian School for showing her how to serve with humility and work with the marginalized to create a community where we all thrive.

During her years at BCS, alumna Kyrie Anderson (maiden name Olsen, '13) developed strong relationships with her teachers and coaches. Through these relationships, she learned important lessons that shaped her in school and beyond, leading her into the medical field.

Thinking back on her years at Bellevue Christian School, alumna Hanne Sandison (née Olsen, ‘06) can see how God used the student run Senate to open her eyes to injustice around the world. He placed a spark in her heart to act, responding to the gospel by seeking justice and advocating for the oppressed.

From business school in Seattle to discipleship training in Germany, alumnus Jeffrey Peterson ('14) has come full circle in his faith and newfound passion helping serve the homeless community. Through teachers at BCS who affirmed his potential, he went on to use his leadership skills to serve others.

Times may change, but we always remember the people who had an impact on our lives. Fran August is a retired BCS bus driver, alumni parent and a beloved member of the BCS community.

Throughout his life, Byron Byrne (’64) has seen God’s hand at work. From his formative years at Bellevue Christian School to his career as a first responder, Bryon is leaving a legacy of service to others.

As a BCS student, it seemed like Jeremy Bohnett (’08) was at the top of his game as a star athlete. In reality, he struggled with addiction. With support from the BCS community, he discovered a path to recovery.

Many people shrink from the pressure of the spotlight, but alumna Andrea Overturf (‘01) embraces it. As a professional oboist and English horn player with the San Diego Symphony, she can trace her success as a musician back to her early years at BCS.

After moving to Washington, the Katzenbergers were captivated by the Bellevue Christian School motto: “Learning to think through life.” At BCS, they discovered a place that develops students as whole people and excellent critical thinkers.

For alumna Nicole Zasowski (‘05), Bellevue Christian School was a great place to grow up – emotionally, physically and spiritually. When facing a cross country move, she drew on her experiences at BCS to move forward with resiliency.

In junior high at BCS, alumna Lucy Rash (’19) didn’t see herself as a “science student”. Through the support of her BCS teachers, her self-perception began to change.