The Cross & The Classroom: Educating with Eternal Values

Valor Christian High School

Welcome to "The Cross and the Classroom: Educating with Eternal Values. Join us every two weeks as we delve into the heart of the Valor Christian High school community, connecting with teachers, administrators, coaches, and students to share inspiring stories, valuable insights, and a glimpse into the vibrant life of our campus.On this podcast, you'll hear:Exclusive interviews with key figures at Valor ChristianIn-depth discussions about our school's mission, values, and curriculumInspiring stories of student achievements and personal growthPractical tips for parents to support their child's education and faithWhether you're a current parent, a prospective student, or simply interested in learning more about our school, "The Cross and the Classroom" offers a unique opportunity to connect with the Valor Christian community. Tune in to discover the power of education rooted in faith and the transformative experiences that shape lives at Valor Christian High School. 

  1. May 28

    America at 250: Lessons from History, Government & Economics Teachers

    In this special roundtable episode, host Beth Hutchison is joined by guests Jeff Culver, Dr. Courtney Short, and Sarah Edson — all passionate history educators — to explore 250 years of American history, with reflections on law, military, economics, and education. They share personal stories about what drew them to history, discuss the unfinished business and timeless impact of the Founding Fathers, and examine the ongoing relevance of the Constitution and democracy today. The panel also dives into what gives them hope for the future, the role of faith in teaching history, and what it means to be an informed citizen. Interesting Fact: Sarah Edson noted that the U.S. Constitution has only been amended 27 times in over 250 years, a testament to its enduring flexibility and relevance. Whether you’re an educator, student, or history buff, this episode offers inspiring insights on how the lessons of 1776 still matter in 2026 and beyond. Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

  2. May 14

    Blending Creativity, Faith, and Education

    In this episode, host Natalie sits down with special guest Zelana Davis, Director of Arts and Media at Valor, to discuss her artistic journey from practicing artist to arts educator and the impact of the arts on students’ lives. Together, they explore how storytelling connects every art form, the unique opportunities within Valor’s Arts and Media Department, and the ways faith and creativity intersect within the school community. The conversation highlights the importance of arts education, Valor’s Conservatory program, and meaningful collaborations with departments like business. Zelana also shares how artistic training equips students with valuable real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Interesting fact: Zelana Davis shares that training in the arts at Valor has helped alumni succeed in diverse fields—even a former dance student went on to become a doctor, using her arts training to enhance her communication and presentation skills in medicine. Tune in for an encouraging conversation about how the arts shape culture, empower students, and prepare young people for life beyond high school. Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

  3. Apr 30

    Valor Alumni Spotlight: Micah Priest (class of 2018) on Mentorship, Purpose, and Resilience

    In this episode, alumni coordinator Bailey Williams sits down with guest Micah Priest, a Valor alumnus (class of 2018) and current student pastor at Journey Church in Castle Rock, Colorado. Micah Priest shares about his journey from being a high school football player whose career ended unexpectedly due to a spinal condition, to finding new purpose in coaching, ministry, and family life. They discuss how adversity shaped Micah Priest’s faith, the influence of mentors at Valor, and how those formative years have impacted his approach to work, leadership, and parenting. They also address challenges faced by today’s teenagers, such as social media pressures and the impact of the pandemic, and offer advice for students dealing with unexpected changes in life direction. Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

  4. Apr 9

    Rooted in Virtue, Guided by Vision: The Future of Valor Christian

    Welcome to The Cross and The Classroom. In today’s episode, we hear from Bryan Ritz, Head of School at Valor Christian High School, as he shares how Valor was founded with a bold vision—that faith-based education should never compromise on excellence. Since opening its doors in 2007, Valor has been intentional about blending academic rigor, artistic expression, and athletic achievement with deep spiritual formation. Bryan outlines the school’s mission to partner with parents, empowering students to discover their gifts and grow in wisdom, leadership, and service—all rooted in a vibrant, Christ-centered environment. Looking to the future, Bryan introduces the new five-year strategic plan, V Squared 2030, crafted with community input and a commitment to build on strong foundations while pursuing virtue and vision. The plan focuses on attracting exceptional talent, fostering innovation, strengthening community, expanding access, and stewarding resources. As Valor enters this next chapter, Bryan invites the entire Valor community—parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends—to invest in the journey and help shape tomorrow’s leaders to transform the world for Christ. Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

  5. Mar 19

    Christian vs. Secular Colleges: Transforming Faith Beyond High School

    Welcome to "The Cross and The Classroom"! In this episode, host Toby Coffman sits down with Dr. Kristine Wolberg, a seasoned educator with an impressive academic background. Together, they dive deep into the landscape of Christian higher education—exploring how the collegiate experience has changed over the years, the importance of choosing the right college environment, and the impact those choices have on a student's faith journey. Dr. Wolberg shares heartfelt stories from her time teaching at various institutions and offers invaluable advice for families navigating the college decision process. She discusses why the culture of a college matters just as much as academics, and why surrounding yourself with a community that supports your faith can be a game-changer during this pivotal life stage. Interesting Fact: According to Dr. Wolberg, some Christian colleges, like Calvin University, have had a 100% law school acceptance rate for their graduates—an impressive statistic that even rivals top secular institutions. Tune in for practical tips, candid conversations, and inspiring insights on helping your child or student thrive—academically and spiritually—through their college years. Cited Sources: Railsback, Gary. "Faith Commitment Of Born-Again Students At Secular And Evangelical Colleges." Journal Of Research On Christian Education 15.1 (2006): 39-60. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 Apr. 2016. Contact the Valor Library for a copy of this article: librarians@valorchristian.com. Residence Life on Christian Campuses:  https://cll.web.baylor.edu/ (Baylor) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWr6v34spcs&list=PLOwhmxkjjOYO_RxMRVIjnGvTfyWQv0S4Y&index=7 (Wheaton College) https://www.google.com/search?q=taylor+university+residence+life&rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1179US1179&oq=Taylor+University+residence+l&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyBggBEEUYOTIICAIQAB (Taylor) National Rankings (Wheaton) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/wheaton-college-il-1781 (Baylor) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/baylor-university-6967 (Calvin) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/calvin-university-2241/overall-rankings (Colorado Christian) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/colorado-christian-university-9401/overall-rankings Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

  6. Mar 5

    The Power of Advanced Placement & Dual Credit

    In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Laura Dykstra, Dean of Curriculum and Academic Development at Valor, to unpack the differences between Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit (DC) courses. Together, they explore how these programs help students get a head start on college credits, save money, and experience more flexibility and faith integration in their academic journey. Laura Dykstra walks listeners through the range of dual credit options available—from Bible and history to business and science—revealing that some students even graduate with the equivalent of a full year of college already completed! She shares valuable advice for students and parents on selecting the right path, navigating transfer credits, and embracing academic challenges without becoming overwhelmed. Interesting Fact: The graduating class of 2025 at Valor earned a collective total of 953 college credits through dual credit courses—one student alone graduated with a remarkable 43 credits, nearly equaling an entire year of college. Tune in to hear how advanced high school courses are shaping academic and spiritual growth at Valor, and why thoughtful course selection matters for future success! Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

  7. Feb 19

    How to Help Teens Navigate Anxiety & Identity in the Digital Age

    In this insightful episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Ashley Loaiza sits down with David Milton, a seasoned counselor and former Spanish teacher at Valor Christian. Together, they dive deep into the evolving landscape of mental health for today’s teenagers, discussing not only the unique pressures students face navigating both real and virtual worlds, but also the vital role of faith, family, school, and community in supporting young people. David shares thought-provoking reflections on how the pressures of social media and the search for identity have created new challenges for today’s youth, challenges that previous generations never encountered. The conversation offers practical ways parents, educators, and the church can create a strong biblical foundation for students and foster environments where young people feel truly seen and supported. Interesting Fact: One particularly interesting point discussed is how today’s teens are essentially living “two lives” at once—one in person and one online—and that both students and parents are having to “make it up as they go” since previous generations never had to navigate a 24/7 digital presence. Join Ashley and David for an encouraging, authentic look at how we can walk alongside the next generation with patience, wisdom, and hope. Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

  8. Feb 7

    Redefining Victory: Valor Christian Coaches Discuss Purpose, Identity & Joy

    Welcome to The Cross and The Classroom podcast! In this episode, host Mike Sanford, head football coach at Valor Christian High School, leads a roundtable discussion with fellow champion coaches: Sam Geiersbach (women’s lacrosse), Justen Byler (men's and women's golf and assistant athletic director), and Jeremy Noble (men’s lacrosse). Together, they share insights on the journey of becoming coaches at Valor, building winning cultures, and what it means to educate and inspire students through sport with eternal values. You’ll hear stories from Sam Geiersbach about winning a state championship mere months after getting hired, Justen Byler on fostering team spirit in golf, and Jeremy Noble's path from Toronto to lacrosse stardom and coaching. Listen in to hear how these coaches shape young lives and build an environment of joy, selflessness, and togetherness at Valor Christian High School. Perfect for anyone interested in athletics, education, and leadership! Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

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5
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2 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The Cross and the Classroom: Educating with Eternal Values. Join us every two weeks as we delve into the heart of the Valor Christian High school community, connecting with teachers, administrators, coaches, and students to share inspiring stories, valuable insights, and a glimpse into the vibrant life of our campus.On this podcast, you'll hear:Exclusive interviews with key figures at Valor ChristianIn-depth discussions about our school's mission, values, and curriculumInspiring stories of student achievements and personal growthPractical tips for parents to support their child's education and faithWhether you're a current parent, a prospective student, or simply interested in learning more about our school, "The Cross and the Classroom" offers a unique opportunity to connect with the Valor Christian community. Tune in to discover the power of education rooted in faith and the transformative experiences that shape lives at Valor Christian High School. 

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