Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Tag: CHCA

  • Connor Espenshade, Will Rueter Ava Schwan, and Luke Sikkema named National Merit Semifinalists

    Connor Espenshade, Will Rueter Ava Schwan, and Luke Sikkema named National Merit Semifinalists

    Four CHCA Seniors Named 2022 National Merit Semifinalists

    Symmes Township, Ohio Heather Wilkowski, Upper School Principal of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, has announced that Connor Espenshade (of Mason), Will Rueter (of Liberty Township), Ava Schwan (of Loveland), and Luke Sikkema (of Loveland) have been named National Merit Semifinalists. A certificate from the National Merit Scholarship Cooperation will be presented to these students at CHCA’s Academic Awards Night in April 2022.

    These academically talented high school seniors now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

    High school juniors entered the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

    To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and rewards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

    “I am thrilled to announce these students as National Merit Semifinalists,” shared Wilkowski. “Their commitment to excellence in all that they do, exemplifies the very essence of CHCA. I look forward to the incredible things they will accomplish now and in the future.”

  • Two CHCA Lifelong Friends Earn Perfect Score on ACT

    Two CHCA Lifelong Friends Earn Perfect Score on ACT

    Contributed by Tammy Rosenfeldt

    Sycamore Township, Ohio – Two Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy seniors – Scott Burk of Loveland, son of Andrea Burk and Adam Jutt of Mason, son of Mike and Anne Jutt – recently earned the highest possible ACT composite score of 36.

    Not only are Burk and Jutt academic peers together at CHCA, they have also been best friends since they were three-years old!

    Over the many years of their friendship they have been through a lot together, including the loss of Burk’s father when he was 10-years old.

    As Burk’s mother shares, “They have always supported each other in good and hard times and truly enjoy spending time together.” Both boys have gone on to succeed in their years at CHCA, being involved in many activities, including athletics and the fine arts.

    Their senior year is getting off to a fun start together as well, as Jutt and Burk were voted Class President and Vice President, respectively. And in the academic realm, in addition to their perfect ACT scores, both students have also been named National Merit Semifinalists.

    “We are so proud of Adam and Scott for this remarkable accomplishment,” shares CHCA Assistant Head of School Dr. Dean Nicholas. “Having known both since they were elementary students, it’s been fun watching them grow into bright, engaging, articulate servant leaders in our Upper School. And as special as this feat may be, it is only a small part of what makes them incredible members of our community!”

    The ACT is a standardized curriculum-based achievement exam used for college admissions that measures what students have learned in school. It covers tests in four academic areas of English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning, each scored on a scale from 1–36. A student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores. Students who earn a 36 composite score have likely mastered all the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in first-year college courses in the core subject areas. The score for ACT’s optional writing test is reported separately and is not included within the ACT composite score. ACT scores are accepted by all major four-year colleges and universities across the U.S.

  • The Bengal Boys Present: VOTE – Who will you cheer to victory?

    The Bengal Boys Present: VOTE – Who will you cheer to victory?

    The Bengals Boys – The boy band that only knows one song. Showing their love for the Cincinnati Bengals by presenting the Cincy renowned fight song, “Bengals Growl” by George Bird, in a different genre/style every week.”

    Bengal Boys Members: 

    Dylan Bodley – Loveland HS Grad (2012)

    Alex Dolezal – Loveland HS Grad (2012)

    Parker Phillips – Loveland HS Grad (2012)

    Colin Cooper – CHCA Grad (2010) 

  • Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Students Built Hope — In the Form of a House — in the Student Parking Lot

    Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Students Built Hope — In the Form of a House — in the Student Parking Lot

    Symmes Township, Ohio – Affordable housing is the number one issue for people experiencing homelessness. The search for safe and quality housing is a tremendous stress to low income working families right here in our city.

    This fact is one which has compelled over 200 CHCA students, faculty, staff, and parents (led by 23 student leaders) to partner with Help Build Hope to build the walls of a new house, using only a hammer and nails, in CHCA’s school parking lot. The build took place on April 11, from 8 AM – 3:30 PM at 8283 East Kemper Road in Symmes Township. The home was then loaded onto a flatbed by students the next day, and was then transported to Walnut Hills that afternoon. The house was sold to a low income family in urban Cincinnati through the non-profit, Discover Jubilee.

    Throughout this process, the student leadership team planned for food, social media, music, and leading teams of 5-8 of their peers to build the walls. Classrooms were also engaged by discussing affordable housing and poverty issues.

    Karen Hordinski said, “We were incredibly excited to help end the cycle of poverty and provide a home for a low income working family in Cincinnati!”

    CHCA’s Student Organized Service (SOS) Director Karen Hordinski said, “We were incredibly excited to help end the cycle of poverty and provide a home for a low income working family in Cincinnati!”

    This event was all made possible by CHCA’s Teacher Innovation Fund, an initiative that empowers teachers to inspire innovation and engagement among students. Teachers are moving from the role of mostly delivering content to facilitators of engagement, creativity, collaboration, problem solving, and enlightenment. At CHCA, teachers are embracing this shift and the Teacher Innovation Fund is serving as an accelerator.

    15th Annual Plant Sale at the Loveland Primary & Elementary Schools

    Advertisement Join Granny’s Garden School on Saturday, May 5th from 7AM – 5PM and Sunday, May 6th from 9AM.
  • Nothing Short of Amazing: The CHCA Story behind “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

    Nothing Short of Amazing: The CHCA Story behind “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

    by Tammy Rosenfeldt,

    The Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Theater Department was proud to present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,

    March 9th-11th in CHCA’s Lindner Theatre. Directed by Susan Jung, the show was truly a community-wide production. From the talented cast (consisting of students in grades 4-12) and equally talented orchestra, to the phenomenal crew and tech team, to the outstanding parental involvement, it truly took a village to put on this production. Over 130 students were involved in the cast, student production team, and orchestra.

    It truly took a village to put on this production.

    Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is no ordinary show. It is a musical of Biblical proportions! With creative and contemporary storytelling, this CHCA production was an immersive experience, following Joseph’s journey from beloved son to slave to Pharaoh’s right hand man. (Yes, it is all there in the Book of Genesis…) The show featured non-stop musical numbers that ranged from country-western to Calypso, the audiences had never seen – or heard – the Old Testament quite like this.

    Beginning the show with the astounding talent of the three Narrators (Abby Cates, Sarah Koopman, and Claire Wilkins) let the audience know they were in for a treat. All three actors brought their own personalities to the party, while working together to tell the fast-paced story of Joseph. Senior Josh Braden brought depth to the character of Joseph, while staying on the quick-witted beat with his entertaining brothers.

    Exceptional talent was featured on the stage each minute of the show.

    While exceptional talent was featured on the stage each minute of the show, particularly unique opportunities were available for some of the upper school students behind the scenes as well. After using early concept drawings by CHCA senior Maya Yates, junior Grace Vanderwoude, an AP art student who had designed the set for CHCA’s recent production of “The Crucible”, learned Photoshop in a matter of days to create all the set projections for this production. Guided by CHCA Technical Director Jim Jung, Junior Trevor Cebulskie and grade 8 student Connor Espenshade worked with professional-level programs such as After Effects and QLab to create, import, and run all of the projections. Whether on or off the stage, all students learned skills that were necessary to work in professional settings, going beyond the high school, or even the college, levels.

    The show’s director Susan Jung shared, “For the Saturday night performance, the theater department hosted two theatre professionals, Jackie Demaline (former theatre critic for Cincinnati Enquirer) and Ed Cohen (Theatre director/teacher at a variety of Cincinnati colleges and professional theatres) to watch and critique the show. They were nothing but complimentary of the students and the work they had done.”

    Perhaps few realized the challenges posed by being on four platforms on multiple levels and on two different sides of the stage.

    CHCA junior and Joseph cast member, Doug Hansford also had this to share about the experience, “Many people were amazed to see the orchestra out of the pit and on stage, but perhaps few realized the challenges posed by being on four platforms on multiple levels and on two different sides of the stage. Music Director, Dr. Dan Grantham began rehearsing the Orchestra and Steel Drum Band in January. Once the musicians moved to the stage platforms, he conducted the group from the stage while navigating the cast and dancers. Eventually, he moved to the platforms to play keyboard and trumpet. The assignment of starting the pieces was then given to an extraordinarily talented drummer, senior Colin Keenan. There were monitors so that every orchestra member could hear the drums keeping the group together. In addition, all the section leaders had ‘in ears’, a device placed in the ear to provide audio, purchased for the orchestra by CHCA’s Friends of Fine Arts. CHCA ’17 alum, Carter Jackson pre-recorded an audible beat designed to keep tempo known as a “click track” so that the lighting and other visuals were in sync. Additionally, Keenan used a “talk back” mic in rehearsals, allowing him to communicate with those using “in ears” and with Jackson, who was running sound. It was a new experience for the group. The senior leadership of Colin Keenan on drums, Laura Karrer on viola, and Abigail Macy on violin helped their sections and the overall group stay together while navigating the musical score.”

    It was obvious that they had been ‘infused with the joy of storytelling.

    Susan Jung continued, “A favorite quote from the theatre professionals who came to critique was that the students’ ‘energy and focus’ was remarkable and that it was obvious that they had been ‘infused with the joy of storytelling’. Nothing could have made me prouder in that moment. Storytelling is what Jesus did to reach the hearts of people for God, and it is what we strive to do in our department. Every aspect of our storytelling is intentional and important to us, and when the last cord hit and the audience experienced over 100 of our students bringing Joseph’s story to life, I knew that we were glimpsing the true character and very nature of our Creator who gave us the skills, abilities, gifts, and opportunities to do His good work.”

    Tammy Rosenfeldt is Marketing Communications Associate for Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

    The show is one of five upper school theatre productions put on at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy this year. Mark your calendars now to attend the 5th Annual Academy Night Live (April 27-28), and The One Act Play (May 8).

    Congratulations again to all for an outstanding performance!

    Join Loveland’s Community Supported Agriculture

    Members enjoy fresh seasonal Certified Organic produce, all grown on our farm in Loveland.

  • Three Loveland CHCA Seniors Sign with Athletic Scholarships

    Three Loveland CHCA Seniors Sign with Athletic Scholarships

    Front row – Austin Young, Griffin Hughes, Amanda, Donahue, and Camryn Olson

    Back Row – Cayse Osborne Peyton Breese, Mason Bernhardt, and Kyler Mueller

    Eight Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy seniors recently participated in National Signing Day, signing letters of intent to commit to playing at schools next year. The ceremony took place on Thursday, February 8, at CHCA’s Martha S. Lindner Upper School.

    Mason Bernhardt of Loveland signed with Ohio University, located in Athens, OH, to play football. Bernhardt was named 1st Team All MVC, 1st Team All District, and Honorable Mention All State.

    Peyton Breese of Loveland signed with Valparaiso University, located in Valparaiso, IN to play football. Breese was named 2nd Team All MVC.

    Kyler Mueller of Mason signed with Ashland University, located in Ashland, OH, to play football. Mueller was named 1st Team All MVC and Honorable Mention All District.

    Austin Young of Mason signed with Wilmington College, located in Wilmington, OH, to play football and lacrosse. During his football season, Young was named 1st Team All MVC, as well as All Academic Team. CHCA Lacrosse Coach Mark Lynch shares, “The men’s lacrosse program is excited for Austin. He is the very first NCAA lacrosse commit for CHCA. Austin exemplifies the values we preach in our program: hard work, a team-first mentality, and being a versatile athlete. We know he will be a great representation of CHCA at Wilmington on the gridiron, lacrosse field, and in the classroom.”

    CHCA Football Coach, Mark Mueller, says, “I am excited for Mason, Peyton, Kyler, and Austin to extend their playing careers. They will each be an awesome addition to their new programs. As for us at CHCA, we have our hands full, filling the major roles they played for us. I wish them all the best, and am especially excited to watch my son, Kyler, play for my alma mater.”

    Amanda Donahue of Morrow signed with Baldwin Wallace, located in Berea, OH, to play soccer. Donahue is a four-year varsity letter winner. She received MVC Honorable Mention for one year and 2nd Team All MVC for two years. CHCA Girls’ Soccer Coach Heather Vibberts says, “Baldwin Wallace is not only getting a top quality athlete and student, but a great person. I know she will be successful no matter what the future holds. We are so excited to see her continue her soccer career and develop her skills at the next level.”

    Griffin Hughes of Loveland signed with Queens College, located in Charlotte, NC, to play baseball. He also received the prestigious Presidential Academic Scholarship. Hughes led his team in stolen bases in the 2017 spring season.

    Camryn Olson of Mason signed with Hillsdale College, located in Hillsdale, MI, to play softball. In her 2017 season, Olson hit .712, led the league in total strikeouts with 175, her ERA was 0.64, she set a team record of three homeruns in one game, and was voted MVC Player of the Year. In addition to her time on the field, Olson also played basketball, is a member of National Honor Society, works in the Leaning Eagle Coffee Bar, and was part of the cast of CHCA’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

    Cayse Osborne of Sycamore Township signed with University of Montevallo, located in Montevallo, AL, to play baseball. Osborne was named 2nd Team All MVC for baseball. He was also named 2nd Team All MVC for football, as well as All Academic Team.

    CHCA Director of Athletics Eric Taylor shares, “It was an incredible honor to celebrate excellence and the upcoming opportunities for our CHCA student-athletes. These athletes have left quite a legacy at CHCA and their leadership will impact many future teams. These eight athletes represent five sports and include all collegiate divisions. We are excited to see them enter the next phase of their lives”

  • CHCA Junior Gabe Schmidt Wins Kids Film It Festival

    CHCA Junior Gabe Schmidt Wins Kids Film It Festival

    Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy junior Gabe Schmidt claimed the Best Animated Film award at the Kids Film It Festival on November 11th in Cleveland – his second film festival victory in three months.

    Schmidt’s stop-motion short, “The Man with a Plan,” was honored during the awards show at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His prize was a GoPro camera. In late August in Cincinnati, that same work earned the Best Film award in the Teen Film Challenge, when Schmidt was also honored with the Best Director and Best Screenplay awards.

    Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy junior Gabe Schmidt being presented the Best Animated Film award by Ryan Levine, the festival’s founder.

    The Kids Film It Festival is the brainchild of 14-year-old Ryan Levine of Cleveland. After his grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Levine started the festival in 2016 as a way to raise money for a cure.

    With filmmakers ranging in ages 8-18 from across the country, the festival drew more than 100 entries this year among three categories (Animated Film, Short Film, and Music Video). This year’s event raised more than $46,000, with all proceeds going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

    Levine emceed the red-carpet screenings and presented Schmidt with his award.

    “The event was very cool,” Schmidt said. “It was all for a good cause, so I was glad to be a part of it.”

    16-year-old Schmidt created his stop-motion animated film in August using Lego figures. The story centers on a bank heist, and he filmed it in his basement using only an iPhone. CHCA graduate Carter Jackson ’17 voiced a character and contributed the film’s original score.

    Schmidt is a member of CHCA’s audio/visual production team, led by teacher Adam Cool. Schmidt has been producing short films for four years and has 5,473 subscribers on his YouTube channel, GDS Studios.

    He is also a member of the CHCA Varsity Soccer Team and Academic Team, and he performs in the school plays and in Academy Night Live.

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  • Gabe Schmidt Wins Teen Film Challenge

    Gabe Schmidt Wins Teen Film Challenge

    Sycamore Township – Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy junior and Miami Township resident Gabe Schmidt claimed the Best Film award in the 2017 Teen Film Challenge, one of three awards he received. The red-carpet screening was held at the Underground on Saturday, August 26. Schmidt received the top honor and its accompanying $1000 prize, along with the Best Director and Best Screenplay awards. 

    Sixteen-year old Schmidt created a stop-motion animated film using Legos during the event’s 72-hour filmmaking weekend, which was held on August 3-6. Twenty-eight teams entered the competition, with twenty-five of them submitting their films on time to be eligible for judging. 

    The twelve judges of the challenge were nearly unanimous in ranking Schmidt’s film highest. 

    To create his film, Schmidt wrote a story, and then filmed it in his basement using only an iPhone. CHCA 2017 graduate, Carter Jackson, joined Schmidt as voice-over talent and contributed the film’s original score.

    At the kickoff event, each team drew a movie title and a genre, giving instructions to make their film fit both topics. Schmidt was given the choice of two categories-Action/Adventure or Mystery. He chose Action/Adventure and was given the title to work with “The Man with a Plan.” Based on this title, Schmidt decided on a story involving a bank heist. He borrowed a large quantity of white Lego bricks so he could build a bank, plus several mini-figures.

    Watch Gabe building the set…

     

    Once the filming was complete, Schmidt contacted Jackson with the lines to record, which he sent back via audio files by email. Jackson wrote the score by watching what Gabe had put together, fitting the tone of his music to the piece. 

    “I think the movie turned out well,” says Schmidt. “It was more than just a generic action film, which is what I was hoping for.”

    Watch the film…

    Schmidt has been producing short films for four years. He has 5,090 followers on his YouTube channel, GDS Studios. Schmidt is also a member of the CHCA JV soccer team, the Academic Team, and performs in the school plays and Academy Night Live. 

    Schmidt plans to enter the film in the 2018 Golden Lion Awards, a Midwest film festival for high school and junior high students.

    Go to Gabe’s GDS Studios on YouTube ……

     

     

     

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