The Bethany Beacon

vol 1 issue 6

July 2025

bethanycs.net

As the 2024–25 fiscal year comes to a close, we are filled with gratitude for the alumni, donors, and friends who continue to walk alongside Bethany Christian Schools in living out our mission: to prepare students to participate in God’s work in the world. Every gift, prayer, and word of encouragement helps us create a place where students are known, loved, and prepared—not only academically, but spiritually and relationally—for lives of faithful service.


Your generosity this year has supported everything from financial aid and teacher development to meaningful classroom experiences and community-building events. You help ensure that Bethany remains a place where faith is lived out daily, curiosity is nurtured, and students are grounded in a compassionate, Christ-centered community.


We look forward to sharing more with you in our full annual report, arriving in September, which will highlight the impact of your support and the stories of lives being shaped each day. Until then, please know how deeply thankful we are. 


You are a vital part of the Bethany story.


Lindsey Mason

Chief Advancement Officer

Commencement

Bethany Christian Schools celebrated its 71st commencement on Sunday, June 1, 2025, with a class of 25 students. Carlos Romero, Executive Director at Green Oaks of Goshen, an assisted living community, shared the commencement address. He shared “As you journey ahead, don't just chase your goals—build bridges. Lift others. Make room at the table. That's not just success—that's legacy. For a legacy is not about wealth, recognition position or title, is about leaving those whom you life interact with in a better place!”

2025 Outstanding Service Award Recipients

The 2025 outstanding service awards go to Danielle Svonavec for Outstanding Teaching and to Kevin Miller for Community Contribution.

Leah Hochstetler Wins MCC Essay Contest

Senior Leah Hochstetler explored the power of hope and action in her essay "Hope and Action: Political Involvement and Today’s Youth," exploring nonviolent youth political movements.


And junior Corinne Chupp received honorable mention with her essay, “Beyond Warming,” about the harms of fossil fuels, as well as the need for alternatives like wind, solar and water energy.

Spring Sports Awards

Cassia Nice and Jacoby Reinhardt earn the Outstanding Male and Female Senior Athletes award

Congratulations to our 2024–2025 Academic Award winners!

See the recipients of leadership, participation, and academic awards who pursued knowledge and were rewarded with excellence. 

From Bethany Classrooms to Scientific Breakthroughs

Jon Zehr was recently awarded the prestigious Newcomb Cleveland Prize for his groundbreaking oceanic discovery that could transform global agriculture.

Alum Sadie Brenneman ('21) Interned at Washington Community Scholars' Center in D.C.

Along with Eastern Mennonite University students and another Goshen College student this spring, they gained invaluable professional experience.

Homecoming 2025

Planning has begun for Bethany's Homecoming and reunion gatherings on September 12–13. Reunions will be held for years ending in 0 and 5.

Join us for upcoming events


August 1st: Alumni pop-up for classes 2009-2019. Be on the lookout for more information!

Share Alumni Stories and Updates

Whether you’re making a difference close to home or across the globe, we want to hear from you. Share exciting alumni news, achievements, or even articles alumni have been featured in—we’d love to include them in an upcoming issue. Staying connected is important to us, so be sure to send your announcements, changes of address, or updates to the Advancement Office.

Planning a Bethany gathering? Let us know! Whether it’s been a few years or decades since you met with high school friends, we’d love to support your gathering beyond Homecoming. Already reunited? Share your photos and stories to spotlight your memories in the Bethany Bulletin. For any questions or updates, contact the Advancement Office—we’re here to help you!

Do you remember this? 2011 senior class at Epcot Center

Your gift makes it possible for students to be known and loved at Bethany.


Your gifts directly support student tuition aid and the programs that foster their growth and learning. Each year, Bethany provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in tuition aid, made possible by your generosity.

Work With Us 

We are looking for dedicated staff who support Bethany's mission to prepare students for God's work in the world. Here are a few job posts:

  • High School principal
  • Food Service director
  • Kindergarten and 4th or 5th grade teachers
  • Substitute teachers for 2025-26
Staying Connected

Follow us on LinkedIn!