Honors Art: Process Over Product
December 11, 2024
Art is personal. It showcases skills and communicates an idea. Students will never be asked to display a test, but an art project will always be on display for others to see. This can be daunting for some, even students in Honors Art. To eliminate the paralyzing fear of imperfection, students are encouraged to adopt the mindset of process over product.
On the first day of class, I showed the students a photo of an artwork and asked them what they thought of it. Most students' initial reactions were what I expected them to be– not impressed. After I shared the story behind the artwork the students' opinions changed. The lesson was: Not everything you create in your lifetime will be wall-worthy, but that doesn’t mean the time you spent creating those things was meaningless. Students were excited to handle the original artwork, a Pablo Picasso, during our time with the traveling collection of Christian Thomas Lee.
Students often assume that they need to be a talented artist to enroll in Honors Art. While Honors Art does require some foundational skills, students have quickly learned that engagement is the key to success, not innate talent.
The Honors Art curriculum encourages students to build on and combine foundational skills learned in their introductory courses. Students are given significant creative freedom and are asked to wrestle with thought-provoking prompts. This year’s students are being asked questions like “How can I visually communicate parts of my identity?” and “If Jesus were here today who might he be hanging out with and what might he be doing?”. These are difficult questions to answer on a canvas, but CHS students do one thing exceptionally well in my classes: encourage.
I like to believe “all together now” is a phrase that captures the spirit of the art room. Brainstorming, praising, suggesting, and questioning are ongoing during class. Students are challenged to critique (and receive critique) each other's projects in a kind and respectful manner– a skill every adult needs in the working world. During our first critique of the year (an altered self-portrait) I heard a few variations of my favorite phrase: “This turned out better than I thought it would” and “This was not as scary as I thought it would be”, enforcing my belief that by adopting the mindset of process over product, the product will ultimately be more successful because of the work it took to get there.
Honors Art students will display their work in a special exhibit at this year’s K-12 art show. It is my hope that the intentionality of each student’s work will be evident to the public. Everything done in the art room is for the glory of God and is a reflection of our innate desire to create, given by and inspired by God’s love for creation.
Mrs. Olivia Olson is the upper school art teacher at CHS. She earned her BFA in Studio Art from Asbury University. She has been teaching at CHS since 2020 and is a CHS alum. Her favorite part of her position is the privilege of getting to know and witnessing growth in her students throughout their entire middle and high school careers.
The Leadership Cohort: Learning to Lead Well
November 21, 2024
Leading well is hard.
Throughout the years, I’ve come to realize this more and more. Within the many different roles I’ve had, it is tempting to think, “I could do it better.” However, when we take on a leadership role, it’s actually one of the hardest things to do well. You can’t lead if others don’t follow, it can be very lonely and when you're on the outside, decisions seem as if they are very clear, but in the midst, it can be very muddy.
About 5 years ago, I was coaching some teams at CHS and realized that my captains struggled with knowing how to lead well, and I knew we were not the only team facing this. Chappy (Mark Persson, CHS Chaplan) and I were talking about this one day in my 4th grade classroom. As it turns out, he was drawing the same conclusions with other student communities. Out of this need, came the beginnings of the vision for what is known as the Leadership Cohort.
The Leadership Cohort is a group of students who have a desire to learn to lead well in many different areas of school and life. It is the hope of the Cohort to help students grow into leaders wherever they are placed. They work to lead out of their giftedness while understanding that the Bible provides the guidebook. Many people equate leading with a position, but the reality is we are called to lead wherever we are placed in many different ways. Matthew 20:26 and 28 says, “...But whoever would be great among you must be your servant….” and “...even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.”
The Leadership Cohort believes that in learning to lead, students need to be poured into and given opportunities to live it out.
The first is the need to be discipled. Having adult mentors pour into students with a focus on leading from a biblical perspective is imperative for growth. Students need to have a safe place to ask questions, reason through making decisions and especially learn how to engage in conflict with forgiveness and restoration as the goal. We do this through morning meetings and lunch meetings with small groups.
The second is a need to serve. This year, the group has partnered in places all around the school to provide support and leadership. This included working with the student government to assist in providing the school with excellent and engaging activities. The idea was NOT to create MORE but to create BETTER. We do so many great activities at the school, why not join in with what we are already doing.
The final focus is to lead in community. Getting out of our comfort zones, building new relationships, and gaining new experiences help our students to grow and learn new things about themselves and others. Incorporated into this is a retreat involving activities that might be uncomfortable, such as hiking, swimming, or rafting. It also includes solitude, teaching by our leaders and worship. When we are challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually, it gives us an opportunity to be vulnerable before God and others, creating space to grow as God would have us.
This vision never fully matches reality. But in many ways, reality is much sweeter. If we expect perfect leaders, we get self-righteousness. What we are working to develop are repentant leaders. Because, when we fall and get back up by God’s grace, we rise more humble and more bold than before.
Leading well is hard, but working to lead well is well worth it.
This is Coach Katie Levis’s third year in her role as Athletic Director, and she is also the Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach. Prior to that, she was a classroom teacher at CHS for 4 years, as well as coaching in the volleyball and basketball programs. Coach Levis has coaching experience at the middle, high school and college level along with working in an athletic department at previous schools.
CHS Musical Theater: It’s Not Just About The Show
November 04, 2024
Excitement has been building since the Homecoming Reveal of our 2025 Spring Musical, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The students are now busy learning songs, monologues and even tap dances in preparation for their upcoming auditions. Once the cast is announced over the Thanksgiving break, we will be off and running. The students will begin to dig into their characters in rehearsals, music will be learned, lighting and sets will be designed, set building will begin, costumes will be chosen and props and set pieces will be secured. The groundwork for the theater magic begins!
To the OUTSIDE world, one would think that January - March it is all about preparing for opening night, but on the INSIDE, it is so much more. It is…..
…a community
…an extended family
…a sense of belonging
…a support system
…a confidence booster
…a creative outlet
…a challenge
…an education
…a place to succeed
…a safe space to take a risk
…a place to try something new
…a place to discover your best self
…a place to find some lifelong friends
…a place to build confidence that lasts a lifetime
…a place to be a part of something bigger than yourself
…a place to be part of a team where no one sits on the bench
And most important,
…a place to give our talents in praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
.png)
To us as directors, these inside moments far exceed the success of any theatrical performance in the spring. What a joy it is to observe young people stretch and discover how God has gifted each of them while surrounded by a community who loves them, and they can trust.
In addition to those “ah-hah” moments of realizing they CAN do this, there are those life lessons that they will carry as they leave the halls of Christian Heritage. Through the years, we have received correspondence from cast and crew member who shared what they learned as being part of the Theater Program.
Todd (Class of 1988): “Being exposed to such a high level of excellence in production really opened up my eyes to the world of music and video production and working with a large group of people.”
Brian (Class of 1989): “Being part of the CHS musical taught me a lot about myself, mostly it taught me that my actions and ability to take something seriously effects other people. I personally matured a lot through the process.”
Josh (Class of 1999): “I learned about how the collaboration of many people with different talents can come together to make something truly spectacular. The friendships you form, the things you will learn, you will take with you, and they will have an impact on the rest of your life. You will look back at what you were involved in, the thing you helped create, and these things will be remembered for generations to come.”
Grace (Class of 2006): “Participating in theater at CHS stretched a creative muscle I never knew I had, allowing me to explore acting, singing, student directing/choreography, while building leadership skills in a community of friends that have stayed with me to this day. The courage and confidence I gained on that CHS stage continue to support me in my career as a professional communicator, public speaker and podcast host.”
Bella (Class of 2022): “ I started as a cast member but soon learned that my passion was for behind the scenes. As Stage Manager, the lessons I learned about leadership and management are ones that I will continue to use for the rest of my life.”
Christopher (Class of 2022): “CHS Theater has completely changed my life. It was a place where I received glimpses of eternal joy. The lifelong friendships that you create plays into the fact that CHS theater really is a family. It was so valuable to be in a program where Christ is at the center of it all. The memories that I have will stick with me forever.”
In March, when you come out to support our amazing students, when the Overture begins to play and the curtain peels back to reveal the start of the performance, when you hear the music and experience the laughter and joy, when you see the connections and you feel the tingles and goosebumps during curtain call, we pray you will have a little insight into the depths of what participation in the CHS musical is truly all about. We look forward to seeing you in March and covet your prayers for the 38th Spring Musical production at Christian Heritage School.
ALL for His Glory!
Reminder: Spring musical auditions (Grade 8-12 only) are next week, November 18-20, 2024. If your students are interested, please have them visit this link for information.
Mrs. Robin Hannibal serves as the Upper School Choral Director and a Co-Director of the Spring Musical. She received a Bachelor of Science in K-12 Music Education and a Masters of Science in School Counseling, both from Western CT State University. Robin started her career teaching high school music in Stamford and came to CHS in 1986. CHS has become a second family, and she is grateful for the years of being part of a community that loves Jesus, seeks excellence and serves one another. Her passion is for her students to know that in Jesus they are loved, cherished and chosen, and in her classroom, they are seen, valued and loved. “THEY are the reason I am here!”
Robin and her husband Don have 2 children, David (’07) and Rachel (’10). In their spare time they enjoy traveling and hiking National Parks.
Learning Life Skills Through Junior Life Calling Class
October 24, 2024
“Sometimes we need to go old school,” was the comment that simultaneously made me smile and reminded me of Home Economics back in the day. My nostalgia came during an 11th grade Bible class. At Christian Heritage, our 11th graders take Bible class the first Semester and Life Calling the second. At the end of the Bible semester, we prepare them for what is ahead; college prep and home ec.
The second semester begins with our academic counselor coming into the classroom and working through the Fuller Youth Institute curriculum by addressing the issues of identity, belonging, and purpose. Students then complete the YouScience aptitude test to identify their strengths and skills, and what direction that points to after graduation. This includes resumes, interviewing skills, as well as the college application process for our students who want to pursue college after graduation.
Though the first half of the semester is classroom-heavy, the second half is very hands-on. Juniors brainstorm what they feel unprepared to handle after high school, and this list becomes the practical, interactive lessons we do together as a class.
Students have gone on mini field trips and gotten dirty learning from Mr. Simon how to change a tire and the oil of a car, or how to bake a treat from Mrs. Stempien. These topics often take place outside of the classroom and also include things such as: how to sew a pillow or hem pants, what is a checking account and how I use it, how to cook a healthy meal without Ramen, or why would I separate my darks from my whites in the wash.
What makes Life Calling such a unique class is this combination of all of the above. Preparing juniors in a very holistic way for the future. At CHS we believe we all have a calling on our lives, and we are invited to discover together what God is calling our juniors to next.
Mrs. Jennie Higenyi is our Upper School Bible Department Head. She received a Bachelors of Psychology and Pastoral Ministry from Nyack College, and a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Preaching from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Jennie has worked as both an Associate Pastor and a Preaching Pastor, and began her teaching career as a Professor of Pastoral Ministry. She has lived as a Missionary both in Italy and in Africa. This is her fourteenth year working at CHS, and she teaches 7th, 8th, and 11th grade Bible, and 12th grade Syracuse University Presentational Speaking.
Junior/Senior Summer Internships Give Hands-On Vocational Experience
October 15, 2024
This past summer, a cohort of rising juniors and seniors set off to internships across the state as part of our summer internship program, “Summer Seminar”. This unique opportunity allowed students to gain valuable skills and experience through hands-on learning and career exploration. Accumulating over forty on-site experience hours, students worked alongside professionals in various fields while earning 0.5 credits toward their academic portfolio.
Summer internships provide numerous benefits, such as the opportunity to develop essential skills, expand networks, and gain firsthand knowledge of potential career paths. But we believe that, at Christian Heritage School, our students pursue career curiosity not just for these benefits but because they are responding to God’s call on their lives. They are testing, wrestling, and pressing into what our loving Father could call them to next.
To receive credit for Summer Seminar, students had to complete several assignments, the last of which was a reflection paper. Our students served and learned in science labs, hospitals, veterinary clinics, robotic engineering design labs, and educational settings (to name a few!). It is clear from their feedback that they made the most of the opportunity presented to them:
"The “mouse room” unexpectedly became an experience that bridged my personal values with my professional aspirations. It allowed me to develop the critical skills for dealing with these animals while simultaneously giving me a newfound appreciation for the lab rat."
"I was so used to being in school and having strict instructions that when I had a lot of freedom with my work, it was a challenge to do a good job. This project not only taught me marketing skills, but it also taught me perseverance and how to do a good job with lots of freedom."
"I was really grateful for this experience in a healthcare environment. I was able to gain first-hand exposure to this field where I otherwise would not have been able to. I was also able to network and connect with physicians and other employers to build valuable relationships. Lastly, I was fortunate enough to learn new skills such as learning how to work with others on a team and interacting with patients."
"This experience, though small, has contributed to my personal and professional growth in that it has given me more confidence to help struggling children by teaching them what I know in a way that is hopefully clear to understand. My success in teaching the little girl has also given me the motivation to pursue more knowledge and methods to be able to teach children more effectively. My goal is to find more methods and resources that will help me in my endeavor of teaching and explaining educational concepts. "
"In essence, this internship made my life more clear to me. It brought me so much clarity on what I want and what I don't want for my future, and I am very thankful for it. This experience contributed both to my personal and professional growth because it taught me so many things I did not know before and that could be useful for the future, like entrepreneurship and marketing. But it also gave me an idea of what I want my career to look like. Now that I know what I want and where I want to go, I can focus on everything I need to do to get there."
Summer Seminar is just one way we offer resources to our students as they face the big question of, “Now What!?”
One reassurance we give our students is that this is not something they need to figure out alone. We partner with them and their families, and we are privileged to have outstanding professionals in the CHS community share their wisdom and expertise with our students. This past summer, Mrs. Evelyn Hayes, Mr. Trevor Delmore, and Mr. Bruce Stempien presented to our Summer Seminar cohort over lunch meetings, and various professionals from our community attended our one-semester course, Life Calling to offer their guidance to our juniors.
In his lecture series Teaching for Tomorrow Today (1984), Nicholas Wolterstorff argues that “the Christian way of being in the world is a life of responsible, worshipful, and appreciative gratitude.” As our students walk through high school, our College and Career Program guides students through an intentional journey of discovering who God has created them to be and responding to it with praise and thanksgiving.
.png)
What a gift it is to see our students (some of whom have been with us since kindergarten!) continue to grow into the young men and women God has made them to be. Our prayer is that their ultimate vocation will be lived out as an act of gratitude and praise to the One who made them.
Beth Maree is our Upper School Academic and College Counselor. Beth Maree received a Bachelors of Education at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She majored in English, History and Special Education. She began her career teaching 4th Grade and then discovered her love for teenagers when she transitioned to High School English teacher. Mrs. Maree is also experienced in school leadership, leading an English Department, overseeing Student Academic Services, and finally serving on the Senior Leadership Team of a busy, all-girls school in South Africa. She is now the Academic and College Counselor at Christian Heritage School and loving every minute of it!