Celebrating Educators at Trinity Christian College

Jul 25, 2025

-Mary (Honey) Mathieu ’27

Each semester, Trinity’s Education Department hosts the Educational Commissioning and Celebration. This special event recognizes the accomplishments of program completers. While surrounded by their family and friends, program completers are honored for their hard work, dedication, and achievements.

This group of students, according to Dr. Kelly Lenarz, Associate Professor of Education & Dean of Education, “developed the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to be effective teachers. They are servant-leaders, shaped by faith, resilient, and ready to make a difference in the teaching profession.”

Dr. Lenarz believes that Trinity’s Education Department stands out from other schools because “At Trinity, we do not just prepare teachers; we develop educators through a lens of vocational purpose. We do not just prepare teachers to teach students knowledge; we challenge them to ignite a fire in their students to want to learn. And we remind them that they are not alone—they are part of a community that prays for them and believes deeply in the transforming power of education.”

The summer and fall graduates were both celebrated at ceremonies during the semester recognizing the hard work and dedication to teaching.

Offering words of encouragement to graduates Dr. Lenarz stated:

“As you step into your role as educators, remember that your calling is both sacred and significant. You were not only trained to teach content or manage classrooms—you were formed to serve. So, as you move forward, stay grounded in your love for God, love for others, and love for the subject you teach. Let those loves guide how you foster growth, promote equity, and build relationships with your students and colleagues. Teaching is more than a career—it is a daily act of service and faithfulness. And remember, serving with excellence is not just about results—it is about reflection, continual growth, and the integrity with which you lead your classroom. You are equipped to create meaningful learning, adapt to diverse learners, use assessment to guide instruction, and model professionalism. The conceptual framework that guided your preparation now becomes the compass for your practice.”

 

Summer and Fall 2024 Graduates

Valentine Amy

Crubaugh Brenna

Aleman Jack

Scholma Kenneth

Kusturin Kimberly

Robert Carmody

Guadalupe Cruz

Brendan Devitto

Marla Gibson

Michael Hay

Allen Judge

Jacob Koepke

Majeda Makhamreh

Jasmine Mcdonald

Vanessa Melecio

Amy Miller

Rebecca Ortlund

Philip Partipilo

Anne Peters

Emma Rein

Jolie Robertson

Emma Sisk

Amanda Skwira

Declan Smyth

Montserrat Tovar

Rebeka Tovar

 

Spring 2025 Graduates

Vanessa Andringa

Gunnar Bettenhausen

Madelyn Bosch

Christopher Bowman

Katherine Bradley

Trevon Bush

Melanie Cabrales

Aracely Munoz Diaz

Ines Dombele

Ana Gomez

Emma Hennessy

Alexandria Hofman

Isabella Hull

Thomas Janas

Chloe Johnson

Carly Kaiser

Andrew Knoll

Emilie Lindgren

Kathleen Lorscheider

Camila Macias

Elainna Marquez

Roseli Martinez

Luke Newtoff

Jenna Panock

Jodi Powers

Joshua Ratliff

Abigail, Rhoda

Diana Saucedo

McKenzie Stennett

Lauren Strock

Kelly Tameling

Megan Tamminga

Angel Tellez

Delaney Weidenaar

Sarah Willis

Megan Wolfe

Abigail Wolterstorff

Faith Wyant