Principal’s Paragraph:
The End of another year –
As famous American musician Alice Cooper put it so eloquently: “School’s out” (cue the guitar).
This is our final installment for newsletters and the last time you will be hearing from me. I want to thank you parents for a great year and for welcoming me so kindly at GCHS. GCS is a great team of committed believers who are passionate about preparing kids to go and serve Jesus in the world. It has been a blessing to be a part of that team. I have nothing but positive things to say about them.
As some of your most intensive parenting years wind down, let me encourage you to be steadfast and endure in discipling your kids toward Christ. Parenting is hard and tiring–sometimes frustrating and often joy-filled. It is a weighty responsibility and one of my life’s richest blessings. I believe the Lord uses my kids for a good deal of our (Misty & my) sanctification and growth He wants to do in us.
And while parenting never ends—my parents are still a major part of my life–the job description and intensity of responsibility does taper back as your young people age. You are in the heart of the “heavy-lifting”: busyness, rides, friendships, homework, disappointments, victories and all that this season entails. Even in the rush, intentionally seek and demonstrate gratitude for it all. It will bless you, the Lord will honor it with those around you, and it sets a great example for your kids. And at the very least, it’s never boring.
Wishing you a wonderful next season as a family and hopeful with you that you can claim that encouraging truth from 3 John 4:
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth.”
Farewell Blessings!
Mr. Behnken
A NOTE FROM OUR ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
As the year draws to a close, we wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to our awesome athletes and coaches for the inspiring display of sportsmanship and competitive spirit that has represented our department so well in 2023-24. We are so proud of your efforts and wish our wonderful seniors the best as they graduate and continue to chase their dreams. Thank you to our loving and supporting parents, and a big shout out to our fans for showing up and encouraging our teams along the way.
This year, we crowned several state champions! In the fall, we had freshman Mila Russo win a state title in cross country, the program’s first-ever individual win. The winter squads had one of the most dominant seasons in school history, with girls soccer collecting the prestigious championship trophy after an undefeated season, and the boys soccer and boys basketball teams each earning runner-up honors for their respective programs. In the spring, our athletes continued to thrive, with track and field’s Addison Bisceglie racing her way to a pair of state titles, in the 800m and the 1600m, all while taking part in the 4X800 (Kodi Bell, Ryley Nelson, Megan Collard, Bisceglie) and 4X400 (Russo, Collard, Nelson, Bisceglie) relays, which both placed second in the state and set new school records during the championship meet. Russo and Nelson were big contributors to the team’s point total, with Russo claiming runner-up in the 400m and Nelson posting a runner-up finish of her own in the 1600m. The girls track team also earned bragging rights with the highest-overall placement (second) in program history. Baseball had quite a season, winning its first play-off game in six years, and advancing to the semifinal round of the state tournament where the Knights broke Valley Christian’s 18-game winning streak to hand the eventual champions their only loss of the year.
The AIA released the 2024 All-Conference Teams this week for baseball and softball. Softball’s freshman catcher Maddy Harmon earned an honorable mention nod, while baseball placed three of its players on the first and second teams. Senior first baseman Jeremy Kuiper was voted as a member of the state’s top squad, while senior pitcher Tyler Steil and junior catcher Tyler Burr were selected to the second team. Steil and Kuiper will represent GCHS baseball this weekend in the AZBCA All-Star Game on Saturday, May 25 (6:00pm) at Goodyear Ballpark.
Counseling Department
Your High School Counselors are available over the summer if you have questions regarding your classes for the fall or college planning. The Guidance Counseling page on the school website has a lot of helpful tips, or you can reach us at:
9th grade: [email protected]
10th grade A-J, 11th grade: [email protected]
10th grade K-Z, 12th grade: [email protected]
Cross Country (XC)
Cross Country is a no cut sport for those motivated to improve. Must show up ready and able to run. You will get in the best shape of your life, make friends, and improve your focus in school.
Our team successfully qualified both boys and girls teams to state last season and the girls team won the runner up position. The team culture is positive, supportive, and competitive.
Cross Country season begins summer training Monday July 15th. Reach out to Coach Ford at [email protected] for summer conditioning/training plans that will prepare you for your goals.
Once school begins practices are:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 5:30am at local parks
Tuesday/Thursday 6am at school
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 3:30-5 at a local gym for weights and cross training
Saturday 630 July and August for long runs and breakfast
Races are 5k, 3.1 miles over park terrain.
Racing season begins in September and ends the second week of November with the state meet and regional meets. Races are primarily in the morning on Saturdays.
Two trips planned (Flagstaff and San Diego).
Head Coach Amy Ford
Assistant Coaches Stacey Loth and Colton Gianiorio
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 that school is in session in Legacy Hall. Starting in February, we’ll meet at 8:00.
Praying aloud is not required and babies through preschool aged children are welcome. Contact Kristi for more information: [email protected].
