2025-2026 Seniors of the Month
May - Cohen McDonald
Son of Kate & David Andre and Shawn & Marisha McDonald
School Activities & Awards
Soccer, choir, and was elected for a music showcase at Cedarville.
Favorite School Memory
Having deep theological discussions in Mrs. LaBelle’s class. I love to ask questions and have really enjoyed being able to question and find good answers!
What is something you’re passionate about? (hobbies or interests)
I love cooking, playing sports, photography, writing music, and exploring nature.
People who have been an inspiration to you
My parents for always being there for me, my Uncle Josh for teaching me to look to God in my darkest moments, and Charlie Kirk for showing me how to share my beliefs with love and respect.
Bible verse that has had a strong impact on you
Romans 8:28
Most impactful high school activity
I’d say soccer has had the biggest impact on me. It’s taught me to never give up and to always represent God both on and off the field.
Current Plans for after you graduate
I plan to go into the workforce and work with people with disabilities, and after that, I plan to attend the police academy when I turn 21 to become part of the search and rescue team in the K9 division.
In what way has your time at Calvary Christian School helped shape your worldview?
It’s taught me to question things and search for answers, because not everything is always what it seems.
Any advice for students entering high school?
My advice is to just be real and always show God’s love, no matter where you are or who’s watching.
May - Braylon Dunson
Son of Tom & Donna Yaussy
School Activities & Awards
FCA vice president, football, basketball, baseball, 2x NWCC champion, and 1x OVCC champion.
Favorite School Memory
Junior year in Mrs. Core’s class was never a dull moment.
What is something you’re passionate about? (hobbies or interests)
Always working hard in my sports and being the most vocal on my team for leadership and pushing my guys to be the best on and off the field/court.
People who have been an inspiration to you
All my coaches, Evan Patton, Phil Davie, Brandon Gantz and the USV and Calvary community.
Bible verse that has had a strong impact on you
Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
Most impactful high school activity
All my sports. It built relationships that will last a lifetime. Learned about self-discipline and how facing adversity was really defined.
Current Plans for after you graduate
Enter the work force.
In what way has your time at Calvary Christian School helped shape your worldview?
That the world isn’t always against me. It’s always pushing me to be the living truth of a loving God.
Any advice for students entering high school?
Be the light. Play the sports. Make the friendships. We only get to do this once. Love like Jesus. It may stink now but He will guide you!
April - Evan Schimdt
Son of Nicole and Brian Schmidt
School Activities & Awards
Basketball, soccer, FCA.
What is something you’re passionate about? (hobbies or interests)
Basketball, soccer, golf, pro sports, video games, hanging out with friends.
People who have been an inspiration to you
Jeremiah Hermiller, Daniel Young, Mrs. LaBelle, Mr. Davis.
Bible verse that has had a strong impact on you
Ephesians 4:29
Most impactful high school activity
Sports
Current Plans for after you graduate
Working
In what way has your time at Calvary Christian School helped shape your worldview?
To look and see what the Bible has to say about anything.
Any advice for students entering high school?
Enjoy it because it doesn't last as long as you think.
April - Colton Smith
Son of Tammi & Dewey Smith
School Activities & Awards
Varsity golf player for 3 years, Senior Class Treasurer
Favorite School Memory
My favorite school memory would be getting elected as Senior Class Treasurer.
What is something you’re passionate about? (hobbies or interests)
I am very passionate about showing horses and continuing the legacy that is AQHA.
People who have been an inspiration to you
My dad has been and so has Ross Roark. They have both helped me a lot with my leadership skills.
Bible verse that has had a strong impact on you
Psalm 46:10
Most impactful high school activity
It would definitely be golf due to it teaching me how to control myself during things that I can't control.
Current Plans for after you graduate
I plan on attending NEO A&M to be on the judging team and continue my education with a degree in AG Business and Animal Nutrition.
In what way has your time at Calvary Christian School helped shape your worldview?
It has taught me how God can lead us in ways that we never knew.
Any advice for students entering high school?
Don’t procrastinate and work hard to keep your grades up, they matter more than you will ever know.
April - Dean Ropp
Son of Mandy and Warren Ropp
School Activities & Awards
Golf
Favorite School Memory
Having a smorgasbord in math class.
What is something you’re passionate about? (hobbies or interests)
Creative writing and playing piano.
People who have been an inspiration to you
Elijah LeCrone, Colton Smith, Trent Comer, Cohen McDonald, Alyssa Moran, My Parents, My Teachers, Nehemiah Dillon.
Bible verse that has had a strong impact on you
Matthew 5:16
Most impactful high school activity
Bible class. Helped us with discussion and actually got us to know each other.
Current Plans for after you graduate
Going to college at Liberty University in Virginia and studying in Business Management.
In what way has your time at Calvary Christian School helped shape your worldview?
Coming from public school where almost everyone would do bad things without a care, coming to Calvary it seemed like these reoccurring issues had seemingly vanished from site and in turn made my relationship with Christ much stronger than it had ever been.
Any advice for students entering high school?
Be open to change, it isn’t a bad thing, and life is full of it so be prepared for things to change.
March - Kaden Simpson
Son of Burnell and Wendy Simpson
School Activities & Awards
Key Club, NHS, Cross Country, Basketball
Favorite School Memory
Thursdays when Mr. Carter (high school principal) comes to homeroom with coffee to chat with the seniors.
What is something you’re passionate about? (hobbies or interests)
I enjoy exercise, learning/practicing guitar, participating in sports, reading, building/flying RC planes, and just being around friends.
People who have been an inspiration to you
While I was living in Japan, my neighbor Toshiyuki Suga, whom my family met through a local church, encouraged me to pursue a career in engineering. His advice on college and career life helped to solidify my desire to become an engineer.
Bible verse that has had a strong impact on you
2 Timothy 2:15 - "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
This verse stands out to me because it challenges me to present myself in a way that is worthy of my calling and purpose in life and to walk according to
Jesus' commandments so that I may honor God through living out the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” I have an anxiety disorder which caused me severe problems due to elevated stress a few years ago. This anxiety was so uncontrollable and powerful that I began having severe panic attacks. The cause of my stress was school-related, as I was studying for midterm exams. Instead of trusting in God during this time, I was relying upon my own strength. When I read this verse, it reminded me that instead of thinking about the most negative things that could happen to me, instead of thinking about my stress and anxiety, I should think about the things of God. After I started applying this verse to my life, I began to be released from the bondage of constant anxiety and worry.
Most impactful high school activity
Although I am a new student, I would have to say that volunteering at Green Hills retirement home with the Key Club was one of the most impactful activities that I have done with this school. It is not often that I have the opportunity to serve others and show kindness to them. Participating in the Key Club at CCS enabled me to do that.
Current Plans for after you graduate
Obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.S. M.E.)
In what way has your time at Calvary Christian School helped shape your worldview?
A community of believers united in the goal of glorifying God and building each other up has encouraged me to keep pursuing academic and spiritual discipline.
Any advice for students entering high school?
Be confident. Be yourself. Do not allow others to shape who you are when you are around a particular group. Specifically, don't behave a certain way that may be inappropriate just to fit in with the "popular guys/girls." Allow God to mold you into the person He wants you to be, always obedient and seeking to glorify Him with your words, thoughts, and actions toward others. BE KIND and considerate, even when nobody else is. High school is difficult, persevere and be diligent in all things.