FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Wonderful GCHS Families,
This past week, we had the privilege of hosting a very special assembly in honor of our first responders and the events that took place on September 11th, 2001. It was a powerful time of learning, reflection, and gratitude as we heard from incredible voices who reminded us of the courage and sacrifice that define this calling.
We welcomed Brad Whitehouse, a firefighter who was called into action during the Oklahoma City bombing, and Amanda Marsh, the widow of Eric Marsh, superintendent of the Yarnell Hotshots who gave his life in the tragic Yarnell fire. Their testimonies were moving reminders of bravery, resilience, and the deep cost that first responders and their families often bear.
Adding a personal touch, we also heard from two of our very own students who shared what it means to have parents serving as first responders. Their heartfelt words gave us a glimpse into the pride and challenges of growing up in a first responder family.
It was a joy to recognize and honor the first responders in attendance. We are deeply grateful for the men and women who step forward to serve and protect our communities, and we count it a blessing to pause and celebrate them with our students.
At GCHS, we pray that our students continue to be inspired by these examples of courage and selflessness, carrying with them the reminder that service to others is a reflection of Christ’s love.
For such a time as this,
September Staff Birthdays
Christina Lang – September 6th
Jason Pasquariello – September 7th
Rachel Boylan – September 14th
Ike Birdsall – September 18th
Dorothy Whitney – September 19th
Shelly Phillips – September 19th
Michelle Petrey – September 24th
Marc Jette – September 26th
Holly Garza – September 28th
Mike Paasch – September 29th
*If you would like to bless our staff, here is the favorites list
DISC Assessment
Over the next few days, your student will have the opportunity to take the DISC assessment, free of charge. The DISC is a personality and behavior tool that helps students better understand their strengths, communication styles, and how they work with others. Our hope is that by gaining these insights, students will be better equipped to use their unique, God-given gifts and talents to serve and glorify Christ in the classroom, on the field, and in their future careers.
Senior Day – September 23rd
Attention Seniors and Senior Parents. Join us on September 23rd at 7:45am for a time to discuss Senior year activities and college admissions 101. The meeting will take place in the gym and will be led by the counseling team!
College and Career Highlights
We are hosting a Christian College Fair October 28th from 6-8pm for all grades 9-12. Please register your student for the fair here.
Finding a college is so much more than location and price. Here is another free resource for christian families to read through while researching their student’s next steps.
Seniors Stuck on College Essays?
Check out this blog.
The Christian Connector
The Christian Connector provides a wonderful opportunity for students interested in Christian colleges to apply to up to three universities at no cost, through a single application. At https://applicationu.com/, students can explore over 60 Christian colleges and submit applications to their top three choices. This free service is designed to support students in their Christian college journey!
Students can sign up for the scholarship drawing and request free Christian college information by going to https://christianconnector.com/chs.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will be holding an Admissions Information Meeting for prospective students and their families on Saturday, Sept. 27th at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort from 1-2:30pm.
The Phoenix Admissions Officer for the Prescott campus will be giving a multimedia presentation discussing Embry-Riddle’s world-class STEM-focused degree programs, career outcomes, scholarships/financial aid, etc. There will also be an extensive Q&A session after the presentation with Admissions staff, current students, parents, and alumni.
As a special guest, Prescott 2016 graduate Arthur Barriault (SpaceX Senior Space Operations Engineer) will be sharing about how Embry-Riddle helped him reach this history-making aerospace organization.
Embry-Riddle has extremely high employment rates and return on investment in fields like engineering, Space Physics, intelligence studies, cyber security, biology, flight and much more!
Any interested students and their families are invited! Light refreshments will be served. (The event is FREE!)
Hilton Scottsdale Resort
6333 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Saturday, Sept. 27th
1-2:30pm
(Kiva Ballroom)
Please RSVP at: https://erau.edu/admissions-events
EUROPE 2026
We are thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for next year, a 10-day Europe trip in May 2026, departing just a few days after graduation! This unforgettable journey will take students to Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Budapest. The trip will be led by Mr. Noble and Dr. Mitchell, providing a unique perspective, connecting the historical significance of these destinations with biblical insights. It’s a perfect graduation gift or an amazing way to kick off the summer.
Don’t miss out on this chance to explore Europe with your classmates and teachers, and from a Biblical perspective.
Please note: All students attending must be a current GCHS student or GCHS graduate of the 2026 class at the time of the trip.
A NOTE FROM OUR ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
It’s Friday! You know what that means- time to grab your favorite noisemaker and head over to the football field for the KNIGHT OUT! Our team is 3-0 for the first time since 2017. Can the Knights extend the streak? This week’s theme is GREEN and GOLD. Pre-game festivities begin at 6:00pm. Kick-off against Seton Catholic (1-1) at 7:00pm! Tickets $5 through GoFan, students are free! See you there.
Next week is our first-ever girls flag football game (it’s a KNIGHT OUT)! Join us Tuesday, September 16th at home as the Knights make her-story against Heritage Academy Laveen. Game begins at 7:00pm. We cannot wait to see what these incredible girls do on the turf this year!
Last week, cross country’s Asa Jones was just .6 off of the GCHS school record, setting a 16.49.6 PR at the Western Equinox! He raced again this morning at the Ojo Rojo Invitational, and we are anticipating some big news. Go Asa!
Congratulations are in order for three of our volleyball players- Alex Heyn, Sienna Cathey, and Lillie Duitsman, who were recently named to the prestigious AVCA Volleyball Watch List! Cathey and Duitsman were selected for the Phenom Watch List, which spotlights outstanding underclassmen across the country. Heyn was placed on the All-America Watch List, which recognizes the nation’s top senior athletes. Wow! Catch the team in action at home next Wednesday versus ALA-West Foothills (4/5/6pm).
STUCO UPDATE | Homecoming Theme Days!
Homecoming Spirit Week: September 15th-19th. Students may come to school dressed according to the following Theme Days:
*Spirit Week Dresscode Applies* IMPORTANT*: This is not an excuse to wear sweats all week. Your outfit must obviously fit the theme for the day.
- Monday, Sept. 15th: “Up in the Clouds Day”- Pajama day
- Tuesday, Sept. 16th: “Adventure is Out There Day”- Wear Africa safari clothes, explorer, adventurer
- Wednesday, Sept. 17th: “Carl and Ellie Memory Day”- Dress as senior citizens
- Thursday, Sept. 18th: “Soaring into the Future Day”- Dress as your dream job
- Friday, Sept. 19th: “Cloud 9 Spirit Day”- Wear your HOCO shirt and get a coupon to redeem at the Snack Shack for a FREE ice cream!
Homecoming Dance: September 20th, 7:00pm-10:00pm in the HS Gymnasium
- There’s still time to purchase your Homecoming Tickets: GCHS Homecoming 2025. Tickets can be purchased up until the day of the dance; they can also be purchased at the door!
- Reminder: the Homecoming Dresscode (as outlined in our Handbook and sent via Parent Square by Mrs. Garza) will be strictly enforced!
- If a student is bringing a non-GCS guest, this guest MUST be a current high school student in good standing, and he/she MUST fill out this GCHS Dance Guest Pass and submit it to the front office no later than Wednesday, September 17th! The front office also has copies of these Guest Passes.
ROOTED IN PRAYER
Parents, Grandparents, and all friends of GCHS are invited to join the team of volunteers that make up Rooted in Prayer every Wednesday morning when school is in session, starting at 8 AM in the cafeteria. Praying aloud is not required. Contact Mary for more information: HSPrayer@gcsaz.org. Have a prayer request? Click Here.
