A recap of the Senior Experience to Nevada, Utah, and Arizona:
The Class of 2026 surveyed the beautiful natural wonders of the desert southwest across Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Read more about their Senior Experience Trip from Mr. Walker:
Accompanied by Ms. Reynolds, Miss Miller, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Slonaker, the senior class explored canyon rivers, desert landscapes, ancient Native American dwellings, volcanic terrain, star-filled skies, and vast breathtaking landscapes. As they witnessed these evidences of God’s greatness and felt their own smallness in the universe, students were challenged to set aside the noise of daily life in order to listen to God’s still small voice.
Zion National Park: The highlight of the trip for many was an epic 7-mile hike up and back in a portion of the Virgin River, flanked by the towering canyon walls of the Narrows in Utah’s Zion National Park. They wrapped up an exciting day with group devotions and some evening play in the pool.
Journey to Flagstaff: An early day started with coffee, fellowship, and an awe-inspiring view at the River Rock Roasting Company. Students climbed sandstone slopes to explore the Sand Caves of Kanab, caught glimpses of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, and stood in awe above the expanse of Horseshoe Bend. Volcanic craters and cinder covered the landscape as they drove to their final destination of the day, Walnut Canyon National Monument. Here, they hiked gentle paths lined with native flowers as they explored ancient homes built into the cliffs of Walnut Canyon.
Grand Canyon Exploration: The final day began with a memorable morning view of the Grand Canyon from its south rim as students reflected on a song based on Job 38, which contrasts God’s great wisdom in Creation and mankind’s smallness and lack of understanding. Students trekked along the rim of the Grand Canyon taking in views that were almost too boundless to comprehend, while an adventurous few hiked a portion of the Bright Angel Trail down into the canyon itself. Many students spotted elk in the park and in the fields as we drove back to Flagstaff. A very full day concluded with stargazing at Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory, where students saw the telescope that was used to discover Pluto and observed star clusters through the telescope that was used to map the surface of the moon for the Apollo moon landings.
A recap of the Junior Experience:
The junior class enjoyed a spiritual and team-building retreat. Here's more on the Junior Experience from Mrs. Kim Miller:
The first day of the retreat, our group was able to explore the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on a day when it is closed to the public, and interact with docents personally. After a picnic lunch at the museum, we visited Greenlawn Cemetery for a personal tour. Students reflected on the question, "What makes a good life?"
For the next part of the retreat, our group traveled to the scenic Procter Center for three days. We experienced farm and rural life, spent time in team-building and nature activities, and had fun being together. Our times of worship and huddles (small group discussions) were powerful times with the Lord. Relationships were built and deepened, and many personal spiritual decisions were made. We were blessed by God and each other!
A recap of the Sophomore Experience to New River Gorge, West Virginia:
The sophomore class and Mr. Hermetz, Mr. Harris, Mrs. Heeter, and Mrs. Henry recently spent several days enjoying God's beautiful creation in New River Gorge, West Virginia for the Sophomore Experience Trip! Here's more from Mrs. Henry:
The first day, the group set up their camp and spent the afternoon playing volleyball, ziplining, swinging from harnesses, and rock climbing. The second day, some of the students and staff hiked and viewed waterfalls at Hawks Nest State Park, while the rest of the group completed a high ropes course. The third day, we reflected on connections between our spiritual lives and the river during white water rafting!
Each evening, everyone worked together to prepare dinner, and after our meals together, we worshiped, shared devotions, and ate s'mores around the campfire. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone, and we can't wait to see how God continues to use this time to help our students grow closer to Him!
A recap of the Freshmen Experience to Washington, D.C.:
The freshmen class explored many important sites in our nation's history. Read more about their Washington D.C. trip from Mr. Pettit:
The freshmen class trip was a great success. Our first stop was Gettysburg, where we visited the Civil War museum and several battle sites including Little Round Top and the site of Pickett's Charge. We also visited the National Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln delivered the "Gettysburg Address," and enjoyed a reading of the address by Eliana R.
The next morning, we traveled to Washington, D.C. Over the next few days, we visited Ford’s Theatre and Museum (the site of Lincoln's assassination), Smithsonian museums of Natural History and American History, the Holocaust Museum, the International Spy Museum, and the monuments to World War II, Martin Luther King Jr., Vietnam, Korea, Jefferson, F. D. R., J. F. K., and Lincoln. We took a tour of the Capitol as well.
We visited Arlington National Cemetery where we had the honor of greeting veterans from Honor Flight Columbus, Inc. and students Savannah S., Jenna D., Jaeden W., and Will C. participated in a meaningful wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We were also able to visit the Library of Congress, a beautifully ornate building that left us in awe. We concluded our trip with a stop at the Museum of the Bible.
Each evening, we gathered to reflect on the sacrifices and virtues of those who gave their lives in military and civil service to our country, and the lessons God is teaching us through their examples. Thank you to the freshmen, Mrs. Ladd, Mr. Haley, Mrs. Clasby, Mrs. DeWeese, and parent chaperones Mrs. DeBoard and Mrs. Wilson for making this such a fun and meaningful trip full of great memories!