The Compass | 1

COMPASSThe Summer 2020

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Entering our 25th Year as a SchoolRecapping 25 years at a glance

STEM Program HighlightsHigh-Altitude Balloon Launch & New Bee Program Thrive

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Firmly believing that we can best fulfill our vision for developing mature disciples of Jesus Christ when our teachers and students are gathered in person, we plan to be back on campus with our students in the fall. Because the health and well-being of our students and faculty are a high priority, we have engaged in extensive planning over the past 30 days so that we can safely and responsibly re-open our school. This work has been done in collaboration with health professionals, parents, and other Christian schools across the country.

We understand that there will likely be new developments in the impact of COVID-19 on our local area, so we are preparing to respond to many circumstances to ensure that we continue to deliver an excellent Christian education through a variety of models. The school is investing in technology for every classroom to ensure that students unable to attend classes in person can continue their learning through the capture of live instruction in the classroom. Our teachers will receive additional professional development to prepare them to teach their students effectively in scenarios that we may face throughout the school year. SWCHS families will be receiving a roadmap of back to school plans around the same time this publication goes out to explain our plans in more detail. In all of this, we reject a spirit of fear, and instead ask God for wisdom, protection, and that his will be done in our community.

When we gather again with our students next year, we will continue the work we began last school year of helping our students develop a biblical understanding of race, culture, and diversity. SWCHS is more committed than ever to equip our students to listen to, learn from, love, and respect all people they will encounter in their lives. This will require us to engage our students in difficult, and at times complex, conversations about how racism and prejudice have impacted US history, the Church, and our society. We will continue to provide our students with the important opportunity to listen to and learn from the stories of people whose life experiences are different from their own. Finally, we will trust God for the courage and wisdom to teach, exhort, and equip our students to develop a biblical understanding of, vision for, and response to diversity,justice, and reconciliation. In Christ,

Dan BeckeringHead of School

I recently saw the following tweet: “2020, please stop!” To say that 2020 has been a bumpy year so far is a gross understatement. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, the killing of George Floyd, and the ensuing protests and riots, the first six months of the new decade have brought challenging circumstances to people across our country and around the globe. With two months of distance learning behind us and a new school year in front of us, we have challenges and uncertainties unlike ever before. In these circumstances, it is easy to fall into two equally dangerous patterns of thinking.

The first dangerous pattern is characterized by significant anxiety and worry. The Bible has so much to say about worrying, but I want to highlight one familiar passage that points humans to the true source of peace and comfort during the difficult moments of life. In John 16:33 Jesus tells his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” When everything around us feels out of control, followers of Christ should not settle into anxiety or despair, but instead, turn to our Savior who has overcome everything we could possibly worry about.

The second pattern of thinking we can fall into during times of trouble is self-reliance. Things are difficult and uncertain now, but if we work hard enough and plan smart enough, we will get through to better times. Trusting in our own strength and wisdom is a trap that can easily ensnare even mature believers. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Romans 8:28 tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Whole sermon series have been written about both of these passages, but I mention them here to illustrate that the Christian life includes the need to trust daily in God’s sovereign power, perfect wisdom, and lasting faithfulness to help us walk through trials. We do so with the assurance that God will accomplish his purpose in and through us.

I will confess that both the pandemic and the events surrounding George Floyd’s death have at times caused me to veer between anxiety and self-reliance. I recognize that neither of these patterns of thinking provide any lasting comfort or hope. Instead, I desire for myself and all of us that we would respond to both the pandemic and racial injustice by trusting in God’s provision, power, and guidance. With that in mind, let me share a few thoughts about how SWCHS will navigate both challenges.

From the Head of School

The Compass | 3

IN THIS ISSUE

STEM PROGRAMS

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS

E-LEARNING THROUGH COVID-19

SEMESTER HIGHLIGHTS

STAFF RECOGNITION10

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6

8

10

11

12

SCHOOL NEWS

12 25 YEARS AT A GLANCE

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

ALUMNI NEWSCELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ALUMNI

ALUMNI UPDATES

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19

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High-Altitude Balloon LaunchSTEM grant allows students to launch their balloon 80,500 feet into near space

On February 7, 2020, SWCHS students and faculty successfully launched the school’s first-ever, high-altitude balloon (HAB) system from campus. The balloon reached a burst altitude of 80,500 feet (15+ miles up in the air). The research team then successfully retrieved the HAB system in a farmer’s field southeast of Dundas, MN after its 90-minute flight that reached horizontal speeds of 60 mph. This launch was the culmination of a collaborative research grant Dr. Thor Benson received from the Minnesota Independent School Forum (MISF), enabling the 18-month research project a team of 30 students, three STEM faculty, and volunteers. The research project began its initial planning stages in a SWCHS elective class where students received an introduction to high-altitude balloon research, layers of the atmosphere, gas laws, physics principles, and design possibilities for the project. Students self-selected various teams of design, purchasing, construction, videography, and launch-day logistics and worked collaboratively over the course of six sessions. The students designed a 50-foot system including a latex balloon (to be filled with helium), a parachute, a radar reflector, a GPS transmitter for continuous tracking, and a payload box that held three GoPro cameras to capture the journey from lift-off to touch down. Throughout the elective classes, students conducted a few tethered launches to field test the equipment and acclimate to launch day procedures.

On February 7, the team gathered in the school’s west parking lot and began assembling the system, double-checking contact points and filling the balloon to nearly 7 feet in diameter. They released the HAB system with predicted analytics indicating it would land just south of Northfield, MN. The team cleaned up their gear and jumped in the two retrieval vans and started the southeastern pursuit of tracking the balloon which ascended at roughly 1,000 feet per minute. As the atmospheric pressure decreased, the volume of the balloon expanded to 30 feet in diameter before rupturing at 80,500 feet. The team was fortunate enough to witness the balloon system in its final 1000-foot, parachute-assisted descent and touch down in Dundas, a definite rarity in HAB research. The team collected GoPro video footage and data from the entire flight (ascent and descent speeds, linear ground speed, air pressure, temperature, latitude and longitude, 3-D mapping of the flight, and more). As a result of this collaborative STEM research project, students and STEM faculty were able to get a greater glimpse into God’s beautiful creation. SWCHS’ HAB research team is already planning its launches for next year. Please reach out to Dr. Benson (t_benson@swchs.org) if you are interested in partnering or participating in the next launch. Thank you to MISF for their generous funding and to the HAB team for their dedication and contributions to a successful first launch.

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Bee ProgramA look at the growth after its second year

Our bee program began with a conversation over coffee between Mr. Peter Flint, our dean of faculty and science teacher, and Mr. Patrick Wight, a board member and current SWCHS parent. Mr. Flint shared his desire to raise honeybees on campus, which was of great interest to Mr. Wight, a long supporter of the science program. Honeybee populations continue to struggle as a result of neonicotinoid pesticide usage and natural parasites which harm bee populations. As part of the science program, it became a way to help students understand the plight of the honeybee population, learn about insect life cycles, and gain insight into how to best steward the creation. The program's purpose is to foster knowledge, be good stewards of creation, and give to those in need. On top of all these learning benefits, a life-long hobby or skill can begin. Mr. Wight ensured the hives got off to a good start providing the resources for this initial phase. Mr. Scott Kirkwood, also a longtime supporter of the SWCHS science program, volunteers his time in the physics and chemistry classrooms. He quickly became an integral supporter of the bee program and dubbed it the “B-Team” working closely with our students.

SWCHS is entering its third year with two beehives located on the school’s roof. Recently, this has been made possible due to a grant from the Minnesota Independent School Forum. By placing them on the roof, the bees are kept out of the way of pests/predators, while also providing a learning environment where a field trip consists of going up to the roof to investigate the hive. When they are not studying or taking beekeeping classes, Mr. Kirkwood and Mr. Flint make regular trips to the roof with students to help them learn the science of beekeeping. The program produced about 70 pounds of honey this year.

One of the students who has picked up the mantle and now maintains his own hive at home is Bennett Krommendyk. Bennett has been a part of the “B-Team” almost from the start and is a consistent helper, donning the bee suit, carrying supplies up to the roof, harvesting honey, and even donating 20 pounds of honey to a local food shelter down the road from the school.

Honeybees are a creation resource, and students are learning about these valuable insects. Plus honey is being harvested to care for the needs of others. SWCHS plans to continue this into the foreseeable future, with future goals being a live “bee-cam” which will help to expand awareness, as well as a window-mounted hive in the school to allow students to view an active hive up close.

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Program Spotlights

This school year, a group of students came together to take on a project of sweeping proportions. This group of geniuses designed, programmed, and built the machine with a desire to create something different that could serve the school with a little humor. They worked after school for two hours a day, two days a week, for 10 weeks.

The result is the Zambroomie. This remote-controlled machine cuts a swath of 102” and can sweep the entire gym floor in 2.5 minutes without leaving footprints, but its wide arms fold up to fit through doors. Zambroomie made its debut on Homecoming Saturday keeping the gym floor tidy and ready for play all day. Basketball fans enjoyed watching the successful operation of the Zambroomie as it swept the floor at halftime and in between games.

Our robotics program continues to grow with over 20 students involved after school in our pro-tech classrooms. Pictured left to right: Ben Solberg, Noah Schultz, Josiah Merkle, Jonah Caldwell-Tautges, Mr. Shelton, Linus Lu, and Peter Sprenger.

Robotics The Creation of Zambroomie

Service CommitteeHow Students Served the Chaska Area

“Service Committee is different than any other club or community that I have ever experienced,” said junior Avery Tollefson. “It is strictly focused on the needs of others and is centered around our community here in Chaska. As a school, we can often forget that we have a mission field right outside, and what better way to show the love of Christ than by serving others?” The SWCHS junior served as the committee chair for the 2019-20 school year.

The service committee participated in many local service opportunities events and raised money for many local causes. One example is the Chaska Community Center Kids Carnival. Service Committee served as volunteers setting up games, playing with the kids, and giving out prizes. This free event for families is a great community event in Chaska. "It was exhausting, but seeing the pure joy and excitement of the little kids made the hard work well worth it," said Tollefson.

The committee also led a food drive, made posters around the school, and partnered with the athletics program. At basketball and hockey games, fans who brought in canned foods received free admissions. They also set up a raffle drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card for anyone who brought in canned food. The service committee donated 400 pounds of non-perishable goods to Bountiful Baskets, the local food shelf less than a mile from SWCHS. “The committee worked so hard to serve the community around us, and I am honored to get to be a part of such a great cause,” said Tollefson.

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Speech TeamFirst Year Program

Southwest Christian introduced a speech team this year, but the unexpected challenges of COVID-19 brought the season to an early end. The team consisted of five inaugural competitors, all juniors; Emily Wilson, AJ Veninga, Carter Warta, Joseph Larson, and Simon Strain. Speech categories included theatrical, persuasive, informative, humorous, and more. Topics this year

were about adoption, sports, blue light, mass hysteria, and a personal story about surgery. The team met weekly starting in October and competition season began in February. Weekly practices consisted of learning techniques on writing a speech, learning the ins and outs of Minnesota State High School League Speech, and receiving and giving criticism to their teammates on their pieces. For the competition season, each student picked a category to compete in, wrote their own speech, and attended 2–4 competitions.

The team performed well on their first competition. Every student placed second in at least one of their three rounds, with Carter Warta placing fourth overall in his category. Two weeks later, the team had a dress rehearsal and performed for several independent judges, including two alumni. Unfortunately that would be the last time the team would perform. The conference meet and the sections meet were both cancelled.

The team was led by alumni Rae (Broscoff) Lueth. All of the speech students were involved in other activities, such as DECA, theater, track, basketball, and more.

Visual ArtsStudent Testimonial reflecting on four years in visual arts

I’ve always been invested in art since I was very young when I found it to be a great outlet to let my ideas and creativity flow. Coming to Southwest Christian and being introduced to the amazing art teachers and programs has helped me hone in on my interest in the arts. Mrs. Pieske has helped me improve by pushing me and testing my creative and technical limits. Throughout the years I’ve tried almost every medium I can think of, including graphic art and design. Although now I work mainly with graphite and watercolor, I still enjoy playing around with different mediums.

Drawing challenges me to test my skills and improve how well I can draw but also how I see and understand the world around me. As an artist, you begin to see line, shape, form, and shadows all around you. I like seeing how light can hit certain objects or even people. I often see something beautiful like a landscape or an old building and instantly tell myself, 'I’m going to draw that when I get home.' As nerdy as it sounds, my ultimate goal as an artist is to to capture the beauty around us through my own eyes. I want to make art that makes people feel certain emotions, and I want to make art that clearly reflects the beauty I see.

I was the sole editor of Poiema, our annual art publication, my junior year. It was a fun and vigorous process, and being able to

see a book I made and designed that held artworks of many different people from our student body was a surreal experience. Whether art is made into something professional or just a hobby, it’s so important for students to be able to express themselves through those different artistic mediums.

- Laura Horstman, Class of 2020

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As the realities of eLearning began to set-in, music classes such as worship team and choir had to seriously adapt. One of the most challenging aspects of social distancing and eLearning, as in any facet of life, is how to stay connected

with one another. While most classes were able to use video chats and other forms of communication to keep the courses running as normally as possible, classes such as worship team and choir, which completely relied on hands-on and interactive learning, were at a serious loss. However, even in light of a global pandemic, the music department faculty found creative, alternative ways to keep their students engaged in music and the arts.

Since eLearning was incompatible with choir, Curtis Kettler, our choral director, crafted choir class into an opportunity to appreciate, analyze, and create music at a very personal level. Instead of engaging together, students dove deep into their own musical interests and worked on their individual musicianship. Each week, students picked from a list of assignments including

recording performances, keeping listening logs, researching pieces of music, composing and recording music, and analyzing individual songs. Choral students also learned through an online ear-training program intended to develop the more technical side of musicianship. In the words of Mr. Kettler, “there is no way for us to replicate the beauty and benefits of singing together in real-time at this point, but we can do things to continue to thrive as musicians.”

Replicating worship team in a virtual world was also quite a daunting task. Since every worship team member was stuck at home unable to play music together, Mr. Walters, the worship team director, developed an alternative way for worship leaders to still be involved in leading the community in worship. At the beginning of weekly Encounter chapels that were filmed and posted on YouTube, worship leaders recorded a short devotional focusing on a song of the student’s choosing. Students were given a voice to lead our community towards Christ despite not being together in person. Although eLearning came with many disappointments and hardships, Southwest Christian continued to “develop mature disciples of Jesus Christ” even during a time of social distancing and isolation.

Adapting to eLearning during COVID-19

SCHOOL NEWS

Senior Miriam Erickson | Music Department

In response to COVID-19, Southwest Christian High School was one of the first schools to implement virtual instruction in less than two weeks—while maintaining a sense of community, one of the core school values. One day in March 2020, reality seemed to shift overnight as the coronavirus pandemic hit worldwide. K-12 schools were closed, as teachers made rapid changes for their “new normal.” Most faculty continued to conduct live Zoom classes instead of simply assigning work for students to complete, to maintain a close sense of community and intentional instruction. Spring trips including the band, choir, DECA internationals, and baseball spring training were cancelled. Spring sports and the musical were cancelled. Our students were stripped of extracurriculars, and yet they grew in so many ways. They were resilient and dedicated to finish the semester strong. Hear how two seniors grew through eLearning as their high school career ended virtually:

“As a parent, it was very heartwarming to hear the many fantastic conversations between teachers and my kids in their online classes. I overheard lots of laughing and great discussion, and the teachers did an incredible job! We loved all of the collaborative learning the kids had to learn for eLearning. I heard the problem-solving and the critical thinking between the kids, and it was rather impressive. They learned and grew in new ways. My heart was bursting each day as I watched it all unfold. I admit to tearing up several times a day seeing the love that was shared across the screens. God did His amazing work, and we are grateful for Him and for all of the faculty.”

- Tiffany McIntosh, parent

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Senior Robby Pettit | Business Consulting Class

Electronic learning has many faces including recorded Biology lectures, math quizzes on Google Forms, Zoom video conferencing for philosophy discussions—but what did it look like for students in Kit Avery’s

Entrepreneurship and Business Consulting course? The answer was different for each small group. For one team, dealing with reorganizing the supply chain for a medical device company, eLearning looked like turning a completely hands-on project into one completely hands-off. For another, working marketing and distribution for a local non-alcoholic beer company, eLearning was conducting conference calling and taking advantage of online market analysis tools. For those on my team, researching and interviewing veterans for an upcoming military-connected event at Target Field, eLearning included many group FaceTimes, Zoom client meetings, and online surveys.

For those unfamiliar with the Entrepreneurship and Business Consulting class, it is a unique course that gives students a test drive of different avenues of business using real-world experience. In the entrepreneurship-focused first semester, students worked in teams to develop their own businesses from the ground up.

During second semester, students met with an established business as consultants to solve a problem for the client. At the end of the course, students have personally interacted with every basic business function from finance and marketing to manufacturing and distribution. But what happens when the world shuts down and in-person interaction is suddenly off the table? How does this real-world, hands-on learning still happen?

The answer to this question is best shown with an example. My team of students had a mid-semester meeting with our client to present the work we had done so far. At 9 a.m., dressed in business professional attire (at least from the waist up), we logged onto Zoom and joined a video conference with our teacher, Kit Avery, our client, Minnesota Military and Veterans Exchange, and a few mentors and business professionals. After spending hours collaborating on a shared Google Slides presentation, we shared our presentation to each participant’s screen and took turns explaining our respective slides. Minus a few technical difficulties, the meeting went well, and my team left with a clear sense of what we needed to get done and how we could get there.

This example illustrates what eLearning has become: using online resources to create the best possible facsimile of in-person interaction. Glitches happened, microphones didn't work, group FaceTimes got rescheduled, but, more often than not, my classmates were able to get work done that they were proud of. This was the case for me and my team. It wasn't easy this past semester, and we found ourselves in many troughs, but we were positioned to end the semester making an impact on our client and the veteran community around us.

As a team lead, eLearning forced me to become more adaptable and intentional. I was responsible for my team’s performance, so I had to provide them with motivation when motivation was nowhere to be found, and often the first person who needed to get motivated was me. This work towards self-starting in an environment absent of in-person engagement pushed me to draw from wells within myself that I did not know were there. Amidst all the chaos and disappointment of this season of life, I feel blessed to have learned important life lessons about leadership and hard work, even if they were through a screen.

SCHOOL NEWS

“As a team lead, eLearning forced

me to become more adaptable and intentional.”

“At the end of the course, students have personally interacted with

every basic business function from finance and

marketing to manufacturing and

distribution.''

| Summer 202010

3 Josie Harris earned Academic All State for softball this spring

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2 Mr. Dan Beckering delivered senior yard signs during COVID-19 eLearning, which left seniors without a proper goodbye!

4 Callie Brown, Claire Carlson, Callie Coughlin, Laura Horstman, Robby Pettit, and Leihanah Weinacht earned Scholastic Art & Writing awards in February

5 Abby Vis, Daniel Bozanich, and Emma Morrison all played in the Minnesota Band Directors Association South Central Honors Band Concert in February in Mankato

STUDENT NEWS

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6 Becca Moore, Sean Johnson, Michael Walmer, Nick Schneibel, Adrian Richtarich, Julia Brouwer, Carter Nelson, Carter Warta, Robby Pettit, and Karin Shively all advanced to the DECA state finals in Minneapolis in March!

1 Avery Tollefson, Julia McIntosh, Nick Schneibel, & Robby Pettit placed first in the Shark Tank competition at Carlson School of Management

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7 Nick Schneibel took first place at the DECA State Competition in the Principles of Business event in March!

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Semester Highlights

The Compass | 11

Barb Rengel is neither "salesy" or passive as an admissions director. She has a perfect balance of story-telling and highlighting the benefits of SWCHS while answering questions in a very professional manner. She is pro-active and solves problems as they arise. Barb models Jesus well in her communication and overall demeanor.

She worked incredibly hard in such a stressful environment of transition as SWCHS implemented a new database system. She puts her heart and soul into her work and is a joy to have on staff at SWCHS.

Breanna Wakefield has been a passionate participant in both her department as well as other areas of the school. She is well-respected amongst the faculty, is an authentic communicator, and cares deeply about students. Breanna is growth-minded about professional challenges, and this makes her a wonderful colleague to work alongside. Besides her excellence in

serving the majority of her students, she goes above and beyond expectations in using diversified instruction and assessment methods and in meeting the needs to unique learners. She can be depended upon to meet the student where he/she is and find a way for the student to get and stay caught up and to be successful both in terms of the student's grade and in terms of mastering the content.

Jason Wipf's direction and assistance to SWCHS during eLearning exemplifies his strengths as a resourceful leader and his Christ-like character. Throughout the spring, Jason’s role in providing an array of instructional resources for eLearning was invaluable. The commentary he provided for each resource was beneficial especially

during our short implementation timeline for eLearning. Jason has done an excellent job exploring resources and reporting their benefits and shortcomings to the staff.

STAFF NEWS

Brian GoldieMr. Goldie joined the SWCHS community as a rookie teacher in the fall of 2001. He taught in our Bible department for three years, left to pursue a Master of Divinity from Gordon Conwell

Theological Seminary, and then returned to Southwest Christian to teach and serve as the school chaplain. During his 15 years at SWCHS, Mr. Goldie has been influential in developing our Bible curriculum along with our chapel and discipleship group programs. Mr. Goldie’s students will always remember his sense of humor and his peculiar laugh, his passion for thinking deeply about God’s word and the Christian life, and his commitment to equipping them to follow Jesus in a secular world. We are grateful for the many ways Mr. Goldie continues to serve and bless the SWCHS community.

15 Years of Service

Carol BarrettWe are all very thankful for Carol's continued support of the SWCHS business office throughout the past 15 years. Along with several other staff, she has the unique perspective on the school's growth having

been part of the Peavey Road "Warehouse" staff as well as the transition to our current facility. Carol's accounting knowledge, organization skills, and consistent attention to detail have been invaluable to staff and SW's operations as a whole.

2019–20 AwardsDepartment Advancement Award

Excellence in Instructional Practice

Excellence in Professional Practice

| Summer 202012

The Compass | 13

Southwest Christian High School has transformed from a small school into a rigorous, growing, college-preparatory high school with many new academic programs and extracurricular opportunites. SWCHS is entering into its 25th year serving families in the greater Twin Cities metro. This article highlights the growth and transformation of a high school centered on discipleship. Through the many changes that have come over the years, the school's vision has remained at the forefront of every decision: "To develop mature disciples of Jesus Christ who seek, know, live, and proclaim the Truth and glorify God through academic, artistic, and athletic excellence."

Academic Excellence:SWCHS has added an exceptional business program, including a business and consulting class that receives nine college credits and a DECA business chapter of 35 students, who compete at an international level. A weighted grades system was implemented in 2018, as SWCHS offers more rigorious options for students to complete college credits. 14 college classes are taught on campus by our faculty, in addition to Advanced Placement (AP) classes. The school counselor wing was built in 2019 in the expansion which provides a greater space for staff to work one-on-one with students. SWCHS also added National Honor Society in 2019 with over 70 students members the first year.

Artistic Excellence:Over the past five years, the music department has seen participation increase from approximately 40 students to 150. In addition, the department has gone from three musical ensembles to eight. Instrumental and vocal ensembles have taken tours and traveled across the world to Chicago, New York City (where the choirs performed at Carnegie Hall), and Europe (Germany and Austria).

Theater productions increased from two shows a year to four. The theater department also competed in its first One Act state competition and continually increased the number of awards it has received from the Hennepin Theater Trust's Spotlight Awards Program for entire productions, individual actor achievements, and technical skill.

The Fine Arts Booster Club was established three years ago, raising finances for special purchases and trips, assists in marketing of events, and recruiting volunteers to help with productions. The Booster has since grown from four to eight parents and has taken on more responsibility with assisting the music, theater, and visual art departments each year.

Athletic Excellence:The athletics program grew significantly over the past five years. The program went from a coaching staff of 35 coaches to 75 coaches and volunteers. SWCHS added boys hockey, boys tennis, girls tennis, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, dance, and fencing, while also partnering with Mound Westonka High School for girls hockey, football, and alpine skiing. Additionally, SWCHS developed club opportunities for students in bass fishing and snowboarding. Adding teams has not been the only change. SWCHS moved from MSHSL's Class A to AA, which provides student athletes more competition against larger schools.

SWCHS has kept consistency over the years with 75% of our student body being involved in at least one sport or activity. Students have appreciated the strong coaches who have joined the athletics program staff over the past five years including hall of fame coaches, former professional athletes, Olympians, collegiate coaches, and collegiate athletes. All of these pursuits will continue to further the kingdom of God through the arena of sports.

Growing School, Growing OpportunitiesA look at our three pillars of excellence: academics, arts, and athletics

SWCHS Enrollment from 1996-2020

| Summer 202014

1996 19971998

2005

2006

20072008

Semi-annual, all-school service day

First Student Council met with 11 students

Woody Johnson’s Chamber Singersensemble

Dan Beckering’s AP US History class

Volleyball made the school’s first state appearance winning the consoluation bracket

Southwest Christian H.S. was founded with 36 ninth and tenth graders under the leadership of John Newton, the founding administrator. The school met in a rented space in Minnetonka.

Volleyball, soccer, & basketball were added. Boys basketball, coached by Nate Streed, won the Christian Athletic League Conference Championship

Kylie Dirks earns all-conference in soccer, basketball, & track

Homecoming super fans for boys basketball game

25 Years of Christian Education At A Glance

The Compass | 15

19992000

2004 2003 20022001

20092010

Washington D.C. TripThe robotics team won the Rookie All-Star Award at regionals and qualified for nationals in Atlanta.

First graduating class of seven students

Moved to 103 Peavey Building

Bill Becker’s famous projector in math class

First time SWCHS had each sport end with a winning season

911 relief trip to NYC ground zero

Missions teams were sent to Hungary & Kenya

16 students went to a leadership conference in Washington D.C.

Dominican Republic senior missions trip

| Summer 202016

20172016

2018

2019

4x100 track state champions

Expansion opened including the auditorium and pro-tech spaces. First production, The Sound of Music, was performed in the auditorium

2011Groundbreaking for 1981 Bavaria Road

2012The new school opened for 187 students

Girls tennis, boys hockey, and boys lacrosse were added to SWCHS sports offerings.

The Accidentals a capella group was formed

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2015

2020

2013Duck DynastyEvent

Volleyball state champions

2014Night of Stars comedic aerobics act

Undefeated boys soccer team

eLearning was implemented from March–May due to COVID-19

Construction classes were added for students interested in trades

Christine Piwnica golf state championand 4-year state qualifier

| Summer 202018

Jason '03 & Laura '03 Zimmerman

Collin '06 & Caroline Camp

Nick '06 & Tricia '06 Dahlberg

Nick '05 & Kristina Olson

Neal & Joanna '99 Wildgen

Corey & Beth '09 Doohan

Jon '02 & Lindsay HillBobby '00 & Danielle

Harnist

Luke '10 & Lacey '10 Kennedy

Justin & Jamie '11 Novak

John & Erica '06 Moore

ALUMNI NEWS

Celebrating 25 Years of Alumni FamiliesJaymes & Lindsay '07

Cardwell

Jordan '13 & Erika '13 Lubben

Mitch & Abby '14 Neuberger

Butchy '02 & Rachel Austin

Zach '07 & Rachel '07 Vadnais

The Compass | 19

TIE THE KNOT!

Vienna GrossSam & Lydia (Palkert '12)

March 21, 2020

ALUMNI NEWS

Murphy SchutKeaton & Rose (Flaherty '11)

December 20, 2019

Jason DoohanCorey & Beth (Knier '09)

December 9, 2019

Maverick LeeRicky Anderson & Jess (Wood '01)

January 29, 2020

Kieran "Kit" JohnsonCorey & Samantha (Getz '07)

May 8, 2020

Harbor BearsonAlex & Chelsea (Greiling '06)

November 27, 2019

Indiana "Indy" SchutropChris '06 & KelliMarch 18, 2020

Nathan '12 & Gabriella Reinhart

June 5, 2020

Brian '12 & Emily Horner

May 24, 2020

Christian '10 & Erica Kiedrowski

June 5, 2020

Sam & Sarah (Verdoorn '16) DeSautel

June 6, 2020

Wedding Announcements

Joshua '11 & Kari KennedyJune 20, 2020

Johan & Courtney (Sheets '13) KlingJune 19, 2020

Baby Announcements

Have an alumni update? We would love to hear from you!marketing@swchs.org

| Summer 202020

1981 Bavaria Road Chaska, MN | 55318

swchs.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGEPA I D

PERMIT NO. 274CHASKA, MN

Southwest Christian High School is a Christian, college-preparatory high school located in Chaska, Minnesota. The community has about 390 students and 30 faculty members. Our families live in more than 38 surrounding cities. Students who enroll at Southwest Christian have professed their faith in Jesus Christ, yet still experience diversity in denominational background, faith journeys, race, income level, and national or ethnic origin. Each student is upheld as a distinct, gifted individual—loved by God and created in His image.