Music man - Brethren Christian Junior & Senior High School

Quality Christian Education Since 1947 

Brethren 

Christian JUNIOR & Senior High School 

Fall 2012 

Music man 

LEN MONTGOMERY has led the instrumental program 

at Brethren Christian for 24 years, inspiring hundreds 

of students in the world of music. 

See story on page 4 

Photo by LYNN SEEDEN 

NON-PROFIT 

U. S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

LONG BEACH, CA 90809 

Permit 354

A letter from a recent 

Brethren Christian 

grad 

Emma Meinke (’10), wrote to her former 

teachers at Brethren Christian High School 

this summer … 

“Before I start my junior year at USC, 

I thought it would be appropriate to give 

some of my B.C. teachers an update. 

“Most of all, I wanted 

to thank all of you for 

the influence you’ve had 

on my life. Although 

academics are important, 

I am mainly referring to 

the Christian values you 

instilled in me. I was well 

prepared to face a secular university when I 

entered USC my freshman year.” 

Emma entered USC as a chemical 

engineering major, with an emphasis in 

nanotechnology. “I feel like God put me in 

just the right place. I love my major. I have 

a big heart for all the engineering majors at 

USC, and I joyfully shine the light of God 

into their life whenever I can.” 

“The Ray of Sunshine” is her new 

nickname on campus. 

Emma has been working in the chemical 

and electrical engineering lab under Dr. 

Andrea Armani, one of the most up-andcoming 

professors in the engineering 

department. “I get to learn about chemical 

engineering, electrical engineering, biology, 

physics, and chemistry in this lab. Isn’t that 

cool” she states enthusiastically. 

In October, Emma will fly to Pittsburgh 

“ 

I 

wanted to thank all of you 

for the influence you’ve had on 

my life. Although academics 

are important, I am mainly 

referring to the Christian values 

you instilled in me. I was 

well prepared to face a secular 

university when I entered USC 

my freshman year. 

”—Emma Meinke 

to present her research at the American 

Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE) 

annual conference. 

On campus, Emma is a student leader on 

the AIChE USC Council starting this fall. 

She looks forward to serving the chemical 

engineering students. She is also an active 

member of Intervarsity Trojan Christian 

Fellowship. “This Christian fellowship has 

been the perfect support group for me at 

USC. I have learned so much about Jesus 

Christ through the weekly Bible studies and 

large group meetings,” she writes. 

Emma was sorry to report that she 

could no longer continue with the Trojan 

Marching Band. It was a difficult–but 

wise–decision as her schedule has become 

extremely hectic. 

“I would really appreciate your prayers as 

I begin my junior year. I will continue in my 

prayers for the future of BCHS.” 

2 Fall 2012 I Brethren Magazine I www.bchs.net 


INTEGRATING FAITH & LEARNING 

21141 Strathmoor Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 

714.962.6617 www.bchs.net

It’s what is not seen that matters most 

By RICK NISWONGER 

Brethren Magazine 

Well, here I am again on page 3 in my dazzling 

blazer stuck in a two-dimensional world. 

From here, pressed between the pages, I can’t see 

what else is in this magazine. Perhaps you will see an 

article about our astounding College Board SAT and 

Advanced Placement results. 

Maybe our maximum accreditation term from both 

ACSI and WASC will be highlighted or the team’s comment 

that Brethren students were “the best behaved they 

had ever seen!” 

Of course, Fine Arts winning Cappies, the John 

Philip Sousa Award and the Biola Band Festival deserve 

mention. 

Certain to be noted is the pursuit of our fifth Academy 

League Boys Basketball Championship in a row, 

led by junior Mamadou Ndiaye, who was recognized as 

Academy League MVP, 1st Team All CIF and 2nd team All State. 

You might read that this was the 18th consecutive appearance in Girls Basketball CIF 

Playoffs and that Coach Jeff Wallace was named Academy League Coach of the Year. Maybe 

you’ll read about our girls’ softball team being recognized as an All-CIF Academic Team 

award winner with an average 3.71 GPA for the team. 

Perhaps it might sneak in that our football team has had great success with quarterback 

Jack McInally leading all quarterbacks nationwide in touchdown passes. 

The magazine would not be complete without a mention of our three, fabulous new teachers 

from around the world and our 40 International students from Asia, Europe and Africa. 

But what is not “seeable” matters most. The sound of the faithful ministry of Godly teachers 

reasoning with our students, thus enabling them to think critically and Biblically 

. . . The aroma of a gentle, Christ-centered atmosphere as reported by ecstatic, new parents 

. . . The feeling of being a community of followers of Jesus impacting our world in generations 

past and future . . . These are hard to measure but still hard to miss when you step onto 

campus. 

Increasingly the mission and message of Brethren Christian stands in stark contrast to our 

culture. 

And throughout our history the Lord has used your monthly support to sustain His 

ministry here. Please prayerfully consider a one-time or ongoing tax-deductible gift. Your 

investment in His Kingdom will never fade, rust or depreciate, and on that day you will see, 

hear and feel its dividends! 




2011 Recipient Outstanding 

Arts Education Program 

To be admitted to BCHS, the student and at least one parent must be born-again Christians who regularly 

attend church. The student must have scored in the 60th percentile or above in Total Reading and Total 

Mathematics sections on the most recent achievement testing. Scores below the 60th percentile may require 

further testing. 

Admission to advanced courses requires placement testing. 

Brethren Christian welcomes all applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, or sex, who 

have a personal commitment to faith in Christ and desire a high-quality Christian education. Applicants must be 

prepared spiritually, academically, socially, physically and linguistically to meet the requirements of Brethren 

Christian’s well-defined, college preparatory, English medium, mainstream, Christian, educational program. 

Brethren Magazine 

Vol. 25, No. 1 I Fall 2012 


Calendar 

You are welcome and encouraged to 

attend these activities. 

Home games are shown. However the 

complete football schedule may be found at 

www.bchs.net, click on “Athletics.” 

October 

12 School office closed 

18 Football vs. Sage Hill at Ocean View HS 

7 p.m. 

18 PFC Dinner Out**: Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, 

7891 Warner Ave. (near Ocean View High) 

20 BCHS Foundation Trustee Breakfast mtg. 

9 a.m. in the School Office. Open to all! 

24 Pastor’s Chapel 

November 

1 Preview Night (for prospective families) 

7 Veterans’ Chapel 

9-10 Fall Play 

15 PFC Dinner Out** 

15 Barnes & Noble (Bella Terra) BC Night 

7-9 p.m. 

16-17 Fall Play 

16-18 Mission Trip 

19-23 School CLOSED for Thanksgiving Week 

28 Student Visitation Day 

December 

13 Christmas Concert 

20-22 Christmas Play 

24 School CLOSED for Christmas Vacation 

January 

7 School resumes 

21 School CLOSED 

22 Preview Night 

24 PFC Dinner Out** 

25 King Warrior at Ocean View HS 

28-1 Spiritual Emphasis Week—World 

Missions 

**Go to www.BCHS.net for the required restaurant 

“voucher” for 20% to be donated back to the school. 

Calendar of events subject to change. 

The most current calendar may always be 

found online at www.BCHS.net. 



www.bchs.net 21141 I Brethren Strathmoor Magazine Lane, Huntington I Fall 2012 Beach3 

(714) 962-6617 info@bchs.net

Instru 

in stude 

BCHS band 

Len Montgomery, who has 

taught band and instrumental 

music for 24 years at BCHS, is 

himself a skilled trumpeter. 


4 Fall 2012 I Brethren Magazine I www.bchs.net

mental 

nts’ lives 

director, Len Montgomery 

By LOIS EVEZICH 

For Brethren Magazine 

When choir director Carleda 

Hutton sat in on a panel to 

interview a new Brethren 

band director in 1989, she thought a 

23-year-old Biola graduate might have some 

potential. 

She wondered though, “Should we hire 

someone who doesn’t wear socks to an 

interview” 

Now in his 24th year of teaching, Len 

Montgomery has influenced thousands of 

students who have come through the doors of 

the BCHS band room. And while socks have 

become a mainstay of his teaching wardrobe, 

he likes to keep the students alert in other 

unpredictable ways. 

As the son of missionaries in the Philippines, 

“Mr. M.,” as the kids call him, had 

music all around him. He first used a keyboard 

when he was 4 years old. 

“My parents loved to sing, and my older 

sisters played instruments,” he says. “We 

lived in Arizona for a while and at age 10, 

I picked up the trumpet.” He knew then 

that he wanted music in his life, especially 

when a teacher in Arizona told him that he 

was a “natural.” That was the spur that kept 

him involved through high school in San 

Jose with Independence High School’s big 

marching band. 

At Biola University his experiences 

in music were formative for him. “I am a 

musician,” he realized and stayed true to his 

profession. He earned a master’s degree at 

Cal State Long Beach, where he won recognition 

in conducting and thesis writing, and 

served as assistant band director at Azusa 

Pacific University. Montgomery was already 

a recognized professional musician–churches, 

weddings, special events–when he came to 

Brethren High School, so he carried the winning 

tradition with him. 

Brethren Christian School’s jazz band has 

won three top awards at the Fullerton Jazz 

Festival and finished in the top three at the 

world-famous Monterey Jazz Festival, which 

only accepts 10 high school bands. Brethren 

came in first in the Reno Jazz Festival, the 

largest in the country. This is a high-performance 

band, open to students in grades 

6–12, with opportunities for private lessons 

and recognition from Arts Orange County 

for the school’s entire arts program. 

“Music exercises kids’ brains in the way 

other subjects don’t,” Montgomery says. He 

opens the beginning band to junior high 

students, and the kids are allowed to try 

any instrument they like. He sees how some 

gravitate to one or another, and encourages 

private lessons and lots of practice. 

“I had good teachers who had an 

influence on my music,” Montgomery says. 

“Trumpet teachers, band directors—I teach 

what I learned. Many of our students have 

gone on to music school, because it’s an 

important part of their lives. Some are even 

band directors.” 

Senior Marc Harris studies music with 

Montgomery and for the past three or four 

years has been composing jazz. He began in 

seventh grade with a saxophone and learned 

the basics of music. “By 2008-2009 I was 

composing jazz but also experimenting with 

other concepts,” he says. “Mr. M. introduced 

me to Grammy Award-winning musician, 

Willie Murillo, who is my mentor. I’d like 

Photo by Dave Desler/ In His Image Photography 

to compose sound tracks and video music.” 

But Montgomery is not always a serious 

role model. He likes to have fun, he says, 

and uses characters to motivate students 

toward new concepts and ideas. “I play nerdy 

Professor Pop when kids need to understand 

something,” he says. “Then there’s Steve 

Poslanski, another nerd. I guess I’m good at 

playing nerds.” 

Senior Jonathan Oldham is looking 

forward to Poslanski’s next appearance. “I’ve 

been playing piano for 10 or 11 years,” he 

says. “Mr. M.’s class is fun. He puts a positive 

spin on whatever we’re doing. He’s dedicated 

and makes his students feel the same way.” 

Jonathan’s mother, Kim, adds that Montgomery 

has been an inspiration to the school 

because of the band program. “It’s one of the 

most amazing things about Brethren,” she 

says. “My son feels like he’s being called into 

the ministry for the Lord and music is a large 

part of that.” 

Len Montgomery is thoughtful about his 

band students. “I can pull music out of kids,” 

he says. “I see possibilities in them. I like to 

see that light turn on.” 

www.bchs.net I Brethren Magazine I Fall 2012 5

campus news 

Photos by LYNN SEEDEN 

BC’s new teachers 

have taken on 

the world 

Brethren Christian has three new teachers this fall. 

They bring high levels of expertise for their subjects, 

along with an international flair. 


campus news 

BIOLOGY, GEOMETRY: 

Ashley Whipple grew up in Northern 

California near Lake Tahoe. She moved to 

Southern California to attend Biola University 

and graduated with a degree in Biology in 

2007. Then the Lord led her to work for a 

veterinary lab until she had an opportunity 

to teach in Africa for two years with the U.S. 

Peace Corps. She taught science at a village 

school near Mt. Kilimanjaro. She returned 

last summer and moved back to Northern 

California until the Lord led her to Brethren 

Christian. She will be teaching biology and 

geometry. 

CHOIR: 

Rachyl Rowden is the new choir director 

at Brethren Christian. She graduated with 

her B.A. in Music Education and Commercial 

Music from Azusa Pacific University, and has 

a single-subject credential. She completed 

her student teaching at Burbank High School 

under the direction of Brett Carroll. She has 

been mentored by choral composer Eric 

Whitacre and professor Michelle Jensen from 

Azusa Pacific University. While she has had 

the pleasure of working in public schools for 

five years, Rachyl is excited to share her heart 

and passion for ministry with the Brethren 

family. 

GEOGRAPHY, SOCIAL STUDIES: 

Daniel Hogshead comes to Brethren 

Christian after four years of working at 

International Christian School in Hong Kong, 

where he taught Economics, AP US History 

and Christian Apologetics. Hong Kong 

became a home base for his travels, as he 

visited 15 countries during that time. His 

adventures included diving for World War II 

wrecks in the Philippines, motorcycling 

through northern Thailand, and installing 

solar-powered lights for a mountain school 

in Nepal. “I love teaching because I get the 

chance to share my curiosity about the world 

with my students, and in so doing, encourage 

them on the path to discovering a relationship 

with their Creator. And when I’m not teaching, 

I try to find opportunities to scuba dive, play 

ultimate Frisbee, and re-watch the best movie 

of all time—Napoleon Dynamite!” 


Junior & Senior High Schools 

Spiritual Emphasis Week 



Focus on 

Global 

Missions 

Jan. 28—Feb. 1 

Missions Faire & Potluck 

Wednesday, Jan. 30 

featuring BC students and 

alumni missionaries 

serving around the world 

21141 Strathmoor Lane, Huntington Beach 

(714) 962-6617 info@bchs.net 

Celebrating 66 years 

Celebrate 


Christian’s 

66th anniversary 

with a special gala on 

March 23, 2013. 

BCHS GALA 


1947—2013 

www.bchs.net I Brethren Magazine I Fall 2012 7 

March 23, 2013 • Gala info: www.BCHS.net

Students 

Students take 

top art awards at 

ACSI Art Festival 

The artwork of all 11 

Advanced Art students at 

BCHS received superiors and 

placed in the top three grade 

level categories (7-12) and Best 

of Show, which is a highly 

challenging level to acheive. 

7th grade 

Allyssa Park, superior, 2nd place 

Minyoung Hong, superio, 3rd place 

8th grade 

Grace Kinoshita, superior, 1st place 

9th grade 

Chelsea Seo, superior, 2nd place 

Griffin McCoy, superior, 3rd place 

10th grade 

Britney Kim, superior, 1st place 

Tiffany Kim, superior, 2nd place 

Photos by LYNN SEEDEN 

11th grade 

Ariel Irby, superior, 1st place 

Eungyo Jung, superior, 2nd place 

12th grade 

Ben Mabry, superior, 1st place, 

Best of Show 

Emily Frolich, superior, 3rd place 

19 20 21 22 

Ben Mabry, 

Best of Show 

Ariel Irby 

Superior, 1st place 

Emily Frolich 

Superior, 3rd place 

ARTWinners 

Ariel Irby 

Kristian Kim 

2012 muralists 


Students 

Trent Young; Photo by DAVE DESLER 

Garrett Anticouni; Photo by LYNN SEEDEN 

Kelsey Bartlett; Photo provided 

BC students earn 

Scouting’s highest awards 

Kelsey Bartlett (’12) has earned 

the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest 

achievement in Girl Scouts (equivalent 

to the Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). It 

involves a community service project 

that will have a lasting effect on the 

community and requires a minimum of 

60 hours to complete. 

Kelsey completed a CERT course 

(Community Emergency Response 

Team) offered by the city of Huntington 

Beach. After she finished the 

course, it occurred to her that it would 

be a great community service project to 

get other teens involved in emergency 

response training. 

Kelsey’s project had two parts. The 

first part was to start a Disaster Preparedness 

Club on campus at Brethren, 

to teach teens how to respond in the 

event of a disaster. There are currently 

30 students participating in the 

club. The second part was a Disaster 

Preparedness event, which was held 

in the spring. In any disaster, the first 

responders are not firemen or police, 

but ordinary people. Kelsey wants her 

fellow students to be those ordinary 

people who know how to help. 

Great job Kelsey and congratulations 

to you and your parents, Dave 

and Kathy Bartlett. 

Trent Young (’12) earned the Boy 

Scout rank of Eagle Scout in May 2012. 

For his Eagle Project, Trent engineered 

and installed drainage in several crucial 

areas on the Brethren Christian High 

School campus. Congratulations to 

Trent and his parents, Kevin and Teri 

Young, for this tremendous accomplishment 

and for the improvement to 

the school. 

Garrett Anticouni’s (‘13) has had 

his Boy Scout Eagle Board of Review 

and passed with flying colors! Garrett’s 

parents, Bill and Dana, say, “We are so 

proud of him and his great accomplishment! 

He has been working hard and 

studying for this for months…on top of 

his school work. All his hard work has 

paid off!” 


sports 

80 

Guy Demazaliere, 

6 feet, 2 inches, 190-pound 

sophomore wide receiver, 

battles a Saint Anthony 

defender for yardage in 

the Sept. 21 game at Clark 

Field. Guy has caught 18 

passes for 288 yards and 

8 touchdowns in the first 

3-1/4 games. An injury put 

him out of the St. Anthony 

game early. 

Warrior 

sports 

Photo by WAYNE MAH 

for Brethren Magazine 


sports 

Young and optimistic 

TBy RUSS DUREN 

Assistant football coach, parent 

he Brethren Christian High 

School football team entered 

the 2012 fall campaign with a 

great deal of excitement. 

After posting a 6-4 record in 

a turnaround 2011 season, the 

coaching staff and players expect 

to reach higher and play longer this 

year. The Warriors started off the 

2012 season with three straight 

wins. 

“I am very optimistic about this 

team’s capacity to meet our goals,” 

Head Coach Pat McInally said. 

“Last year’s team reached CIF for 

the first time in almost a decade. 

This year we feel we can not only 

qualify for the playoffs but make a 

real run.” 

With only five returning seniors 

it might seem a daunting task to 

complete a winning season. 

“We’re building a football 

program that promotes player 

development from the minute 

they join us. Our players receive 

intensive technique and strength 

coaching,” McInally said. 

All this means Brethren can 

expect well-equipped juniors and 

sophomores to join the seniors in 

fielding a highly competitive team, 

built on conditioning, film study 

and aggressive play. 

Offensively, the Warriors look 

to have a potent and balanced 

attack led by junior quarterback 

Jack McInally. McInally threw 

for 23 touchdowns, with only 

three interceptions, for a powerful, 

undefeated junior varsity team 

last year. Warrior receivers led 

by Austin Gorrell, Brandon 

Bryson, Anthony Moore and 

Guy Demazaliere look to 

continue their dominant play on 

the varsity level this fall. 

Academy League co-lineman 

of the year, junior offensive tackle 

and linebacker Will Martin, 

anchors an offensive line that 

averages more than 260 pounds 

and is ready to assure the Warriors 

will do some damage running the 

ball. Transfer Hunter Burleson, 

275 pounds, brings a new energy 

to the offensive line along with 

impressive size. Running backs 

Daniel Roque and Jake Roque 

expect to gain big yardage behind 

this line, along with transfer Jared 

Fuga, when he becomes eligible 

after game 5. 

All-Academy League outside 

backer Jake Roque is joined by 

hard working transfer Zach 

Snyder to bolster a linebacker 

crew decimated by departing 

seniors. A beefy defensive front 

includes tackles Steven Keenan 

(All-Academy League) and Matt 

Ingles along with speedy ends 

Josh Bailey and Brennan Lund. 

The secondary is spearheaded by 

returning All-Academy League 

safety Anthony Moore, with 

Gorrell, Bryson and Demazaliere 

providing sound tackling and a 

ball hawk mentality. 

Defensive Coordinator Ryan 

O’Hara is confident this group 

will get opponents off the field 

in a hurry. “We’ve got good size 

and speed up front along with 

a growing attitude of ferocity. 

They will become a very effective 

defense,” O’Hara said. 

The 2012 BCHS Warrior 

football team expects to perform 

well all season and end with a CIF 

playoff run. Players and coaches 

have been working hard during the 

off season to prepare themselves. 

Be sure to come out and 

support your Warrior football 

team! 


Warrior golfer earns 

All-League honors 

Warriors golf team captain Brandon Westdell completed his 

four-year varsity golf career by shooting a team-low 36 at Avalon 

Country Club in 2012 and earned second team All-Academy 

League honors. The Warriors finished in fourth place in the 

Academy League and will return five varsity golfers for the 2013 

season. 

The five returning players are 2013 Captain Ari Zeen, 2012 

team MVP Jake Beideman, 2012 most improved player David 

Glover, Stephen Keenan and Justin Piantedosi. 

Coach Bob Ransom will be starting his sixth year leading 

the golf team. 


AlumNews 

AlumNews 

By JANINE RANSOM 

For Brethren Magazine 

REUNIONS 

Your reunion can be on campus, and 

planning committees can get the latest 

class contact information by emailing 

Janine Ransom at jransom@bchs.net. 

1950s 

The above picture was taken at a lunch 

for old time friends who were all 

Brethren High graduates. 

Standing, from left: Larry Patrick 

(‘54), Beverly (Knight, ‘55) Burdick, 

Bob Hurley (‘54), Carolyn (Churchill, 

‘55) Hurley, Sally (Heckman, ‘57) 

Bonebrake, and Gene Reed (‘54). 

Seated, from left: Shirley Shively (‘55) 

and Judy (Nickerson, ‘55) Reed. “We 

had a great time together! Because we 

have such a great time, we try to get 

together every few years,” wrote Beverly 

Burdick. 

Wilina (Coon, 57) Lueb and her 

husband, Kent, celebrated 50 years of 

marriage surrounded by their friends 

on June 16. Kent and Wilina served 

as missionaries for many years in the 

Netherlands. 

1970s 

Paul Smith (’70) is now the proud 

grandpa of his very first grandchild. 

Samuel Lazlo Smith Mezaros was 

born last September in San Jose, Costa 

Rica. Samuel’s father, Aaron Jason, 

and mother, Andrea, are serving at 

a Christian school in the capitol city. 

Aaron is headmaster of the school. 


Aaron’s grandpa, Joe Smith, was the 

principal from 1957 to 1970 at Brethren 

High School in Paramount. 

Kurt Ruhl (’79) shared on May 1, “I 

just had a new granddaughter, Cara 

Cecil. After three grandsons, this is a 

nice gift for my daughter and for me.” 

Congratulations Grandpa Kurt! 

1990s 

Emilia (Pyle, ‘99) Maracine wrote, 

“On Feb. 26 2012 at 11:12 a.m. Wyatt 

Jack Maracine was welcomed into the 

world! Weighing in at 6 pounds, 12 

ounces and 20 inches long, he is nothing 

short of perfect! We are over the moon 

with this ‘little warrior!’” 

The May 20 wedding of Jason and 

Rebekah (Coley, ‘94) Davis, in Walnut 

Grove at Tierra Rejada Ranch in 

Moorpark, could not have been more 

perfect. Attended by Britt Maurstad 

(‘94) and Shawn Doyle, brother-inlaw 

of the groom, the wedding was 

photographed by Melissa (Reeves, ‘94) 

Brandman. Also at the wedding were 

Jon Coley (‘91) and his wife, Ranie; 

Joyce Coley (teacher at BCHS); Jason 

and Rebekah Davis; David Coley; 

Avis Beisner, grandmother of the 

bride at 100 years young; and Hunter 

and Haley Coley (future class of ‘26), 

nephew and niece of the bride. 

A blood drive was hosted June 2 to 

benefit Monica Lanier (’91), who is in 

search of a living kidney donor. The 

blood drive yielded 36 units of blood, 

which will provide life-saving help for 

up to 108 lives. The event was hosted 

at the Long Beach Town Center Chick- 

Fil-A, which is owned and operated by 

John Howard (‘91). 

Mari (Blomberg, ’99) Hanson 

married Bret Hanson at St. Andrews 

Presbyterian Church in Newport 

Beach on Oct. 29, 2011. The couple 

resides in Corona del Mar. 

Mari graduated from Biola 

University in 2003 with a degree in 

psychology and received a Master of 

Arts in psychology from Pepperdine 

University in 2006. She is a Care 

Coordinator at Olive Crest treatment 

centers, and her husband is a landscape 

architect at IMA Partners. 

Past BCHS grads Rondi 

(Blomberg, ‘96) Kauffmann, Keri 

(Blomberg, ’97) Tarantino and Jon 

Blomberg (’99) were all part of the 

bridal party.

AlumNews 

alumnews 

2000s 

Los Angeles based nonprofit, and 

her husband is a Royalty Analyst at 

Universal Music Group. The couple 

resides in the Silverlake area of Los 

Angeles. 

Jacqlyn Pederson (’04) was married to 

Randy Kodis on Aug. 5. Mrs. Kodis is 

employed at BCHS as a teacher in the 

Options Program. Jannette Everett 

Martes, BC director of the Options 

Program, her husband Kenny and son, 

Drake (’15), Wendy (Helton, ‘85) 

Lopez, Shannon (Everett, ‘97) Smith, 

Joshua (’06) and Justin (’10) Pederson 

were all members of the wedding party. 

Proud parents of the bride are Joye and 

Jim Pederson (’77). Jim is an assistant 

coach for the Warrior football team. The 

couple will make their home in Long 

Beach. 

Emily (Fritch, 07’) Feliciano 

married Bryce Feliciano on Nov. 

12, 2011 in a candlelight ceremony 

in Rancho Palos Verdes. The couple 

met at Chapman University and 

both graduated in 2011; Emily with 

a BA in economics and Bryce with 

BFA in graphic design. She is now a 

stockbroker at Scottrade and he is a 

copywriter and marketing assistant 

at Either/Or Media. They reside in 

Costa Mesa. 

Carissa Workman (’07) has 

graduated this May from CSULB 

with a double major, a BA in child 

development and family studies and a 

BA in family life education. 

Sara Lindsey (’07) married Greg 

Dolmage (he’s from Iowa) on June 24, 

2012 at Emmanuel Reformed Church, 

where they both lead worship, in 

Paramount, CA. They will make their 

first home at Azusa Pacific University, 

where Greg is the residence director 

and Sara will continue to make music. 

Mia (Fatticci, ‘04) Diaz married Jojo 

Diaz on Jan. 8, 2012 at El Dorado 

Park Golf Course in Long Beach. The 

wedding party included JaNai Fatticci 

(‘00), Maid of Honor; Greg Fatticci 

(‘96), and Jaime (Lindsay, ‘04) 

Dunham. Mia graduated magna cum 

laude from Cal State Fullerton in 2008. 

She works at Community Partners, a 

Zachary Ruston (’09) Graduated 

from Fullerton Junior College in 

Spring 2011 with his A.A. degree in 

social behavior and self-development. 

Zach was named to the Southern 

California Football Association 2011 

Scholar Athlete Team. He is currently 

paying Division II football at Mars 

Hill College in Mars Hill, NC. He 

is majoring in sociology, with an 

emphasis in criminal justice. 

Taylor Desler ’08 has graduated this 

May from CSULB with a BA in liberal 

studies. She obtained a multi-subject 

credential with highest honors, achieving 

this in four years. 

See ALUMNEWS 

Page 15 


AlumNews 

EVA SUITER 

In 1947, when Brethren Schools began 

in Seal Beach, Eva May Suiter was there. 

What was her job She rode the bus 

from North Long Beach to keep order. 

Sounds like a perfect 

fit, doesn’t it 

Brethren Schools 

was her heart and 

soul. In the early 

‘50s, she and Joyce 

Sterrenberg wrote 

original mini plays 

and would “share” 

them at the PTF meetings to much 

applause. She was a “party girl,” always 

there to help the kids have a great time. 

Then in 1960, Brethren Schools 

needed a teacher who would teach art and 

Bible. She accepted the challenge and 

ultimately was asked to help the kids as 

yearbook advisor. She began teaching on 

a provisional credential and eventually 

graduated from Cal State University Long 

Beach in 1972. 

She touched the lives of many students 

in a positive way and in 1980 completed 

20 years of teaching at Brethren Christian 

High School. 

She went home to be with her Lord on 

Feb. 25, 2012 at the age of 95. 

Eva is survived by her daughter 

Leemay (’59); son-in-law John; grandchildren 

Jonay and Jon and great grandchildren 

Kylie and Jackson. 

RICH BUHLER 

Rich Buhler (’63) went to be with his 

Lord on May 7 after 

a long battle with 

cancer. He was a 

supportive alumnus 

of Brethren and a 

parent of Brethren 

graduates, as well. 

His name became 

synonymous with 

Christian radio after many successful 

years of broadcasting, earning him the 

nickname of “the dean of Christian 


Passings 

radio.” His service was held May 19 at the 

Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Anaheim 

and was attended by hundreds of his family, 

friends and fans. 

According to KBRT President Don 

Crawford, “No one I have ever known 

could communicate one-on-one better 

than my very good friend Rich Buhler. He 

dealt with the issues without pulling any 

punches. But he was never hurtful—and 

that is a real gift.” 

Rich is survived by his wife Dianne, 

10 children and stepchildren and 12 

grandchildren. 

He is also survived by 13 nieces and 

nephews in the Hatch family, Brethren 

graduates whose graduating years spanned 

from 1979 to 2006. 

“He was a man of compassion, great 

good humor and profound wisdom,” 

wrote his niece Becky (Hatch, ‘80) 

Friese. “He could always find the exact 

right words to say in the moment. His joy 

in life and his love for Jesus overflowed in 

all he did.” 

DYLAN FISHER 

Dylan Fisher (’03) passed away on 

June 1 in the line of duty with the U.S. 

Army. 

The Orange 

County Register 

published that, “Dylan 

was born in Harbor 

City, Calif. on March 

31, 1986. He went to 

be with the Lord on 

June 1, 2012 at Fort 

Leonard Wood Army Base, where he was 

stationed in Missouri. He is survived by 

his wife, Caitlin Fisher; parents, Karen 

and Dan Fisher; and brother, Max Fisher 

(’08). 

“Dylan is also survived by his 

grandparents, Louise Reed, Joyce and Jim 

Fisher. 

“Dylan was a 2003 graduate of Brethren 

Christian High School in Huntington 

Beach, Calif. He enjoyed the BCHS Fine 

Arts Department, performing in several 

plays and singing, touring and recording 

with the A Cappella choir. 

“After high school, Dylan enlisted in 

the US Army and completed his basic 

training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. His 

Army service included 38 months of active 

combat operations. He served two tours 

of duty as a Combat Engineer as part of 

Operation Iraqi Freedom and had just 

returned home from Afghanistan, where 

he served as part of Operation Enduring 

Freedom with the 55th Engineer Company. 

A memorial service was held on June 

10, 2012 at Calvary Chapel Beachside 

in Huntington Beach. Our sincere 

condolences to the Fisher family. 

KYLE PRICE 

Kyle Price (’00) died in his sleep from 

an apparent stroke in early August. 

BOB SWAGERTY 

Robert (Bob) Swagerty went to be 

with the Lord on Feb. 11, 2012. BHS 

always held a fond place in Bob’s heart. He 

served the school as the head baseball coach 

in 1957 & 1958 (the David Hocking, Glen 

Harmonson era) and then again served as 

a baseball coach from 1969 through 1972, 

and when he was needed. 

He announced football and basketball 

games from 1969 to 1975. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, 

Millie; son Dan (‘71) and his wife Margie; 

son Doug (’73) and his wife Lois; daughter 

Denise (’75) and five grandchildren. 

Services were held in Shingletown, CA 

on Feb. 18, 2012. 

CAROLYN BOWLEN 

Carolyn (Aday, ‘59) Bowlen went to be 

with the Lord on Sept. 20, 2012 after 

a 5-year battle with cancer. Paul (’58) 

and Carolyn were married 52 years, 

and they have three sons and three 

grandchildren. Carolyn was the “First 

Lady” of Cerritos for 17 years, where Paul 

served four terms as mayor. Her services 

were held Sept. 28. Their eldest son, 

Scott, graduated from BHS in 1979.

Brethren directors Magazine 

school board member) and former BCHS 

art teacher, Lori (McNeely, ‘73) Helfer. 

Congratulations to Haley and her proud 

parents! 


JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 

Rick Niswonger, Principal 

21141 Strathmoor Lane, Huntington Beach 

(714) 962-6617 rniswonger@bchs.net 

Haley Helfer (’08) has graduated 

summa cum laude in May 2012 from 

California Baptist University with a 

B.S. in communications. Haley was 

named “Most Outstanding Graduating 

Senior” of California Baptist University’s 

class of 2012. This honor is given to 

one student who has maintained the 

highest academic standing, exemplified 

strong Christian character and is heavily 

involved in campus life and service to the 

community. 

Haley was involved in multiple choirs, 

Concert Band, was on the Speech and 

Debate team, was a focus group leader, 

traveled to Southeast Asia with an 

Ultimate Frisbee team, studied abroad in 

Italy and served as an intern to encourage 

others to study abroad as well. 

She was a photographer for the 

campus newspaper, played on many 

intramural sports teams, and directed 

the Wednesday night children’s program 

at a local church. Haley is spending the 

summer teaching kindergarten in the 

Philippines where she is serving with Dan 

(‘73) and Tori (Lipscomb, ‘74) Beaver. 

When she returns, she will continue her 

education in a credentialing and master’s 

program at Vanguard University. Haley 

is the daughter of Phil Helfer (current BC 

Aubrie (Harrington, ’07) Sundstrom 

and Aaron Sundstrom have had a 

baby girl join their family. Evalie 

Jewell Sundstom was born Nov. 

19, 2011, weighing in at 8 pounds, 1 

ounce and measuring 21 inches long. 

Congratulations to the happy family! 

CORRECTIONS 

In the Spring 2012 issue, we ran an 

obituary for Dr. James Baker. The 

article omitted mention of Dr. Baker’s 

wife, Elizabeth. She was the most 

important person in his life and they had 

recently celebrated 53 years of marriage. 

Dr. Baker died on Sept. 15, 2011, the day 

before her birthday. We sincerely regret 

this error. 

In the notice of Andrew Pereira’s 

wedding, we listed Evan Novorot (’07) as 

a member of the bridal party, it was his 

brother Justin (’09). Our apologies. 

UPDATE US 

■ If you have a new email address, please 

send your updated address to Janine 

Ransom at jransom@bchs.net. 

■ Send your alumni news to jransom@bchs. 

net. 

■ Join the BCHS Facebook alumni group: 

“Official BCHS Alumni Group” 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Robert Rudd, Chairman 

Grace Brethren Church of Long Beach 

Mimi Anzaldo 

Mariners Church, Irvine 

Phil Helfer 

Los Altos Grace Brethren Church, Long Beach 

Jack Knapil 

SeaCoast Grace Church, Cypress 

Rick Niswonger 

Evangelical Free Church, Fullerton 

Phil Specht 

Cypress Church, Cypress 

Steve Stong 

St. Peter’s by the Sea, Huntington Beach 

Howard Yamaguchi 

Bethel Grace Baptist Church, Bellflower 

BCHS FOUNDATION DIRECTORS 

Paul Rosa, President 

Grace Brethren Church of Long Beach 

Kathy Hess 

St. Andrews’ Presbyterian Church 

Jim Lanning 

Vantage Point Church, Eastvale, Calif. 

Chris Mahoney 

Sts. Simon and Jude, Huntington Beach 

Rick Niswonger 

Evangelical Free Church, Fullerton 

Bob Ransom 

Cottonwood Church, Los Alamitos 

Phil Specht 

Cypress Church, Cypress 

MAGAZINE STAFF 

Send your news and address changes to: 

Director of Advancement, Janine Ransom 

jransom@bchs.net 

Designer, Lynn (Gibbons, ‘80) Seeden 

Brethren Magazine is generously underwritten by the 

BCHS Foundation. 

If you would you like to keep up to date on happenings 

at Brethren Christian through email, contact us at info@ 

bchs.net to join the email list. 

If you would like to contact the Chairman of the Board of 

Directors, email schoolboard@bchs.net. 

Brethren Christian exists to help Christian parents in 

fulfilling their God-given responsibility of diligent 

teaching and seeks to implement Christ’s command of 

making disciples. By philosophy, purpose and design, 

we are dedicated to providing a Christ-centered, high 

quality educational program consistent with Biblical 

truth. We minister to the whole person by fostering 

individual growth and preparing students for responsible 

interaction in society. 


SERVING GRADES 6 –12 

• College Preparatory Curriculum 

• High Standardized Test Scores 

• Advanced Placement Courses 

With Exceptional Pass Rate 

• Award-Winning Music, Drama, 

and Fine Arts 

• CIF & League Athletics 

• Daily Bible Classes, Weekly Chapel 

• Electives, Clubs, and Activities 

• Kind, Socially Welcoming Campus 

ENROLLMENT EVENTS 

Preview Night 

November 1, 2012 @ 7:00pm 

Join us for a Complimentary 

BBQ @ 6:00pm 

Please RSVP 

Be a Warrior for the Day! 

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 

9:00am – 1:00pm 

Complimentary Lunch Provided 

Please RSVP 

(714) 962-6617 • www.bchs.net 

21141 Strathmoor Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 


Founded 1947 • WASC and ACSI accredited

Music man - Brethren Christian Junior & Senior High School

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