Celebrating Educators at Trinity Christian College

-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