The Cross & The Classroom: Educating with Eternal Values

In this episode, alumni coordinator Bailey Williams sits down with guest Micah Priest, a Valor alumnus (class of 2018) and current student pastor at Journey Church in Castle Rock, Colorado. Micah Priest shares about his journey from being a high school football player whose career ended unexpectedly due to a spinal condition, to finding new purpose in coaching, ministry, and family life. They discuss how adversity shaped Micah Priest’s faith, the influence of mentors at Valor, and how those formative years have impacted his approach to work, leadership, and parenting. They also address challenges faced by today’s teenagers, such as social media pressures and the impact of the pandemic, and offer advice for students dealing with unexpected changes in life direction.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Welcome to The Cross and The Classroom. In today’s episode, we hear from Bryan Ritz, Head of School at Valor Christian High School, as he shares how Valor was founded with a bold vision—that faith-based education should never compromise on excellence. Since opening its doors in 2007, Valor has been intentional about blending academic rigor, artistic expression, and athletic achievement with deep spiritual formation. Bryan outlines the school’s mission to partner with parents, empowering students to discover their gifts and grow in wisdom, leadership, and service—all rooted in a vibrant, Christ-centered environment.Looking to the future, Bryan introduces the new five-year strategic plan, V Squared 2030, crafted with community input and a commitment to build on strong foundations while pursuing virtue and vision. The plan focuses on attracting exceptional talent, fostering innovation, strengthening community, expanding access, and stewarding resources. As Valor enters this next chapter, Bryan invites the entire Valor community—parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends—to invest in the journey and help shape tomorrow’s leaders to transform the world for Christ.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Welcome to "The Cross and The Classroom"! In this episode, host Toby Coffman sits down with Dr. Kristine Wolberg, a seasoned educator with an impressive academic background. Together, they dive deep into the landscape of Christian higher education—exploring how the collegiate experience has changed over the years, the importance of choosing the right college environment, and the impact those choices have on a student's faith journey.Dr. Wolberg shares heartfelt stories from her time teaching at various institutions and offers invaluable advice for families navigating the college decision process. She discusses why the culture of a college matters just as much as academics, and why surrounding yourself with a community that supports your faith can be a game-changer during this pivotal life stage.Interesting Fact:According to Dr. Wolberg, some Christian colleges, like Calvin University, have had a 100% law school acceptance rate for their graduates—an impressive statistic that even rivals top secular institutions.Tune in for practical tips, candid conversations, and inspiring insights on helping your child or student thrive—academically and spiritually—through their college years.Cited Sources:Railsback, Gary. "Faith Commitment Of Born-Again Students At Secular And Evangelical Colleges." Journal Of Research On Christian Education 15.1 (2006): 39-60. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 Apr. 2016. Contact the Valor Library for a copy of this article: [email protected] Life on Christian Campuses: https://cll.web.baylor.edu/ (Baylor)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWr6v34spcs&list=PLOwhmxkjjOYO_RxMRVIjnGvTfyWQv0S4Y&index=7 (Wheaton College)https://www.google.com/search?q=taylor+university+residence+life&rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1179US1179&oq=Taylor+University+residence+l&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyBggBEEUYOTIICAIQAB (Taylor)National Rankings(Wheaton) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/wheaton-college-il-1781(Baylor) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/baylor-university-6967(Calvin) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/calvin-university-2241/overall-rankings(Colorado Christian) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/colorado-christian-university-9401/overall-rankingsThank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Laura Dykstra, Dean of Curriculum and Academic Development at Valor, to unpack the differences between Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit (DC) courses. Together, they explore how these programs help students get a head start on college credits, save money, and experience more flexibility and faith integration in their academic journey.Laura Dykstra walks listeners through the range of dual credit options available—from Bible and history to business and science—revealing that some students even graduate with the equivalent of a full year of college already completed! She shares valuable advice for students and parents on selecting the right path, navigating transfer credits, and embracing academic challenges without becoming overwhelmed.Interesting Fact:The graduating class of 2025 at Valor earned a collective total of 953 college credits through dual credit courses—one student alone graduated with a remarkable 43 credits, nearly equaling an entire year of college.Tune in to hear how advanced high school courses are shaping academic and spiritual growth at Valor, and why thoughtful course selection matters for future success!Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this insightful episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Ashley Loaiza sits down with David Milton, a seasoned counselor and former Spanish teacher at Valor Christian. Together, they dive deep into the evolving landscape of mental health for today’s teenagers, discussing not only the unique pressures students face navigating both real and virtual worlds, but also the vital role of faith, family, school, and community in supporting young people.David shares thought-provoking reflections on how the pressures of social media and the search for identity have created new challenges for today’s youth, challenges that previous generations never encountered. The conversation offers practical ways parents, educators, and the church can create a strong biblical foundation for students and foster environments where young people feel truly seen and supported.Interesting Fact:One particularly interesting point discussed is how today’s teens are essentially living “two lives” at once—one in person and one online—and that both students and parents are having to “make it up as they go” since previous generations never had to navigate a 24/7 digital presence.Join Ashley and David for an encouraging, authentic look at how we can walk alongside the next generation with patience, wisdom, and hope.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Welcome to The Cross and The Classroom podcast! In this episode, host Mike Sanford, head football coach at Valor Christian High School, leads a roundtable discussion with fellow champion coaches: Sam Geiersbach (women’s lacrosse), Justen Byler (men's and women's golf and assistant athletic director), and Jeremy Noble (men’s lacrosse).Together, they share insights on the journey of becoming coaches at Valor, building winning cultures, and what it means to educate and inspire students through sport with eternal values. You’ll hear stories from Sam Geiersbach about winning a state championship mere months after getting hired, Justen Byler on fostering team spirit in golf, and Jeremy Noble's path from Toronto to lacrosse stardom and coaching.Listen in to hear how these coaches shape young lives and build an environment of joy, selflessness, and togetherness at Valor Christian High School. Perfect for anyone interested in athletics, education, and leadership!Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Toby Coffman welcomes back Ike Shepardson, Chief of Christian Integration and Discovery, to dive into the release of his new book, The Reconstruction Project. Together, they explore the vital role of apologetics in the Christian faith, address common misconceptions, and discuss how apologetics can lovingly remove obstacles to belief.Dr. Shepardson shares insights into the current cultural trend of faith deconstruction and the top objections people raise against Christianity today—ranging from accusations of being anti-woman or anti-LGBTQ to concerns about hypocrisy within the Church. The conversation also includes practical advice for parents, students, and anyone interested in engaging thoughtfully with these tough questions.One standout moment from the episode is Dr. Shepardson's discussion of the Ethiopian eunuch from the Book of Acts. He explains how this story illustrates God’s radically inclusive love—even for those considered outsiders—while also providing perspective on today’s debates about identity and belonging.Tune in to hear how apologetics, approached with love and humility, can help guide honest conversations about faith, truth, and what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Ashley Loaiza, Dean at Valor and former missionary, for an inspiring conversation about helping teenagers walk with Jesus—both in everyday life and through the challenges they face. Ashley shares her journey from the mission field in Costa Rica to her current role at Valor and opens up about her passion for student discipleship and mentorship.One interesting fact discussed is the "Green Pastures Process," a restorative approach based on Psalm 23 that the deans use at Valor to guide students through mistakes and help them grow—emphasizing accountability, grace, and a soft place to land when things go wrong. Ashley also offers practical tips for families to encourage faith conversations at home, and shares how students and teachers at Valor integrate faith into daily routines.Tune in for meaningful insights, real-life stories, and encouragement for parents, educators, and teens striving to follow Jesus in a busy world!Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

On this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Toby Coffman talks with Ike Shepardson (Dr. Shep), Valor Christian’s Chief of Christian Integration and Discovery, about practical ways students can grow in faith and keep Christ at the center of their lives.Dr. Shep offers valuable advice for students facing today’s challenges of distraction, busyness, and the pressure for perfection. He emphasizes the importance of excellence balanced with grace, encouraging students to "fix your eyes on Jesus"—reminding them that their hope isn’t in material success but in a deeper relationship with Christ. He highlights regular chapel gatherings as vital opportunities for worship, reflection, and community, and shares how engaging in biblical conversations, honest prayer, and faith traditions can help students navigate their busy lives.One practical tip: even in chaotic seasons like the holidays, set aside protected time for meaningful family traditions, like devotionals, simple prayers, and reflecting on Jesus together.Interesting fact: Nearly 50 students publicly committed to their faith through baptism at a recent Valor event, showing the power of spiritual rhythms and community support for young people.Tune in for encouragement and actionable tips for keeping Christ front and center in the midst of everyday challenges!Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of "The Cross and The Classroom," host Toby Coffman shares a special conversation with Asa Thurstone, Valor's 2025 valedictorian, now several months into his first year at Wheaton College. The episode offers a reflective look at his journey through Valor, including his commitment to tennis, his leadership as team chaplain, and his impactful experiences on medical mission trips to Mexico.Asa discusses how his early Spanish immersion education made him the youngest student at Valor to achieve the highest stamp certification for Spanish, and how those skills have continued to open doors for him. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing academics, extracurriculars, and friendships, while emphasizing the role faith played in Asa’s decision-making—particularly in choosing Wheaton for its meaningful Christian community over more nationally ranked schools.Sharing hard-earned wisdom and practical advice, Asa encourages current and future students to resist self-consciousness, stay committed to their values, and make the most of the unique opportunities the Valor community offers.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Host Shandra Pankoski sits down with three passionate educators from Valor: Debbie Skene, Jeff Culver, and Brent Glossinger. Together, they delve into the heart of teaching—exploring why they chose this calling, what sustains them through challenges, and the kind of legacy they hope to leave for their students.From stories of unexpected career changes (did you know Jeff Culver originally planned to become an orthopedic surgeon before teaching?) to heartfelt discussions about faith, personal growth, and inspiring students, this roundtable offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the teaching profession at Valor. The episode wraps up with each teacher sharing their prayer and hopes for Valor’s future.One interesting fact:All three teachers keep folders of thank-you notes from students, which they revisit during tough times as a powerful reminder of the positive impact they've made.Listen in for encouragement, wisdom, and a genuine celebration of teaching with purpose!Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Toby Coffman sits down with Thomas Hill, Valor’s World Language Department Chair, to dive into the philosophy and practice of language teaching at Valor. The conversation uncovers Valor’s unique approach to language instruction, focusing on “comprehensible input” and immersive communication, rather than memorizing grammar rules. Thomas explains how students spend up to 95% of their class time in the target language, which empowers them to actually communicate and understand at a deep level.An interesting fact from the episode: Valor students take the STAMP test at the end of each year to objectively measure their proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Due to the school’s teaching methods, many students consistently outperform their peers nationally and even qualify for the prestigious Global Seal of Biliteracy—an accomplishment that distinguishes them on college applications.Thomas also makes a compelling case for why language learning is especially meaningful for Christians, describing it as an act of humility and a way to better understand and connect with others, just as Christ did.Whether you’re a parent, educator, or student, this episode offers fascinating insights into the “why” and “how” behind modern language education—and what makes the Valor experience truly unique.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode, Natalie Tysdal sits down with Beth Hutchison, affectionately known by her students as "Hutch," to explore how faith, empathy, and critical thinking come alive in the history classroom at a Christian school. Beth shares what inspires her to teach history, her unique approach to engaging students, and the power of connecting historical events to God's sovereignty.One particularly interesting fact from the episode: Beth created and teaches a course called "Controversial America: The Study of the 1960s," which dives into pivotal moments like the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the cultural shifts of that era. She designed the class to make history vibrant and meaningful, helping students see themselves as part of God’s ongoing story.Tune in for insights on teaching sensitive topics, fostering historical empathy, and encouraging students to play an active role in shaping history—both in their own lives and in the world around them.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this engaging episode, Toby Coffman sits down with Tige Watson to discuss one of the most pressing topics in education today: the use of cell phones in schools. With cell phone policies making headlines nationwide—and Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation stirring new debates—Toby and Tige dive deep into the cultural, developmental, and mental health impacts of smartphones on students.They reflect on their personal experiences as parents, discuss the rise in anxiety and depression linked to smartphone usage, and share practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries at home. One interesting fact from the episode: After the introduction of the smartphone around 2010, rates of depression among young men jumped 161%, and among young women, 135%. The conversation also highlights Valor’s thoughtful, community-driven approach to addressing smartphone use, including a new pilot program designed to help students and families "live above the crowd" and build a healthier school culture together.Tune in for honest perspectives, actionable advice, and a preview of how schools like Valor are leading the way toward "cell phone freedom" on campus.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Keith Wahl to talk about what truly sets Valor's athletic program apart from the rest. They discuss how being an athlete at Valor isn't just about chasing championships, but about holistic development—spiritually, athletically, and socially. Keith shares how worship and faith are intentionally woven into every sport, mentioning impactful events like the "Fifth Quarter" worship and baptism nights.One interesting fact: Valor recently added gymnastics as its 26th sport, becoming the first private school in the area to offer a faith-integrated gymnastics program—making space for athletes to grow both in their sport and in their faith.Whether you're a parent, student, or sports fan, this episode gives an inspiring look into a high school program that's redefining what it means to be excellent, on and off the field.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Shandra Pankoski, Director of STEM at Valor Christian, to dive into the state of academics at the school and what makes Valor’s approach unique. Shandra discusses how the school integrates rigorous academics with a Christ-centered mission, highlighting everything from foundational classes to advanced offerings like AP and dual credit courses. Listeners will learn how Valor supports students of all backgrounds, including robust in-house tutoring and small class sizes.Interesting fact: Last year, Valor students achieved an impressive 95% pass rate on AP exams—even with over 760 tests administered, far surpassing national averages!Whether you’re a parent, educator, or student, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at academic excellence rooted in faith and innovation.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Toby Coffman welcomes Tige Watson, Valor Christian’s Chief of Parent and Student Affairs. Tige shares insights from his extensive experience at Valor and explains his new role in fostering stronger partnerships between parents and the school.They explore what meaningful parent partnership looks like in a Christian high school, both practically and theologically. Tige details how Valor Christian emphasizes aligning with its mission, mutual trust, and open dialogue with parents. The conversation also covers how most conflicts are resolved directly between those involved and highlights Valor’s unique approach to student discipline—prioritizing restoration, mentorship, and personal growth over simple punishment.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how schools and families can work together to support student development and faith.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode, Media Department Chair and host, Natalie Tysdal, sits down with Valor’s Director of Humanities and College Counseling, Toby Coffman, to explore what it truly means to live with a Biblical Christian Worldview, especially within the context of high school education at Valor Christian. Toby shares practical insights on how this perspective shapes every aspect of life—from academics and athletics to relationships and future goals. They discuss how Valor equips students not only to know the truth but to love it, live it, and take it into the world. Along the way, Toby reflects on the unique openness of today’s students, the importance of modeling faith, and how parents can partner with the school to ground teens in Christ during these formative years. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or student, this conversation will inspire you to see the world through the lens of Scripture and live with purpose. To learn more about how Valor Christian instills a Biblical Christian Worldview in every subject, please go to valorchristian.com and follow us on Instagram at ValorEagles. Share this episode with your friends and family.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of the podcast, Natalie sits down with Terry Adams, the Director of Discovery and Outreach at Valor Christian High School. They dive into Terry's 18-year journey with the Discovery program at Valor, exploring how it has transformed from its inception to a movement that impacts students and communities worldwide. Terry shares heartfelt stories of transformation, not only among the students who participate but also within the communities they serve. Listeners will gain insight into the meticulous preparation and training that underpins each mission trip and learn how the program now includes follow-ups through their “Next Steps” initiative. This conversation is a testament to the powerful change that can happen when one steps out in faith and service.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

 In today's conversation, we welcome Valor Christian High School's new head football coach, Mike Sanford, a seasoned coach with profound family ties to the sport and a passion for mentorship. Mike brings with him a wealth of experience from leading teams at prestigious college programs, including Boise State and Notre Dame. Now, transitioning to high school, he's eager to invest in young athletes, nurturing not just their football skills but also their faith and character. In this episode, Mike delves into what attracted him to Valor, his aspirations for the football program, and his journey of faith, while sharing the valuable lessons learned from mentors who have profoundly influenced him. Whether you're an avid football fan, a student, a parent, or someone who values strong leadership and eternal values, this episode is sure to inspire. Join us as we embark on this journey with Mike Sanford at the helm of Valor's football team.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Dive into an enlightening conversation with Coach Jess as she joins Natalie Tysdal in the second part of their discussion on Valor sports. This episode highlights the distinctive focus of Valor's athletics program on faith and character over mere victories. Jessika Caldwell shares her insights on balancing the competitive spirit with spiritual growth, guiding student-athletes through disappointments and injuries, and fostering a faith-first approach in coaching. Learn about daily practices that cement faith, the importance of embracing hardships, and the beauty of finding joy in sports beyond the scoreboard. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode offers enriching perspectives on experiencing sports through a lens of faith and personal growth.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Jessika Caldwell, Valor Christian High School's assistant athletic director of spiritual formation and head girls basketball coach. Jessica shares her innovative "Sport as Worship" program, which bridges the gap between faith and athletics.As an accomplished coach with multiple state championships and Coach of the Year honors, Jessika discusses how her personal journey as a Christian athlete led her to develop this groundbreaking initiative. The program combines daily practices like gratitude, meditation, and celebration with thoughtful curriculum design to help student-athletes view their sport as an act of worship.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Marty, the visionary behind Valor Christian High School's groundbreaking songwriting and recording program. With 14 years of building this unique program from the ground up, Marty shares his journey from touring musician to educator, and how he created one of America's most distinctive high school music programs. Learn about Loftside Studios, the state-of-the-art recording facility where students craft their music, and hear success stories of young artists launching their careers. From songwriter showcases to the annual Valor Music Awards (VMAs), discover how this program is shaping the next generation of musical talent while maintaining a strong foundation in Christian values.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In today’s episode, we’re tackling a topic that’s especially timely during the holiday season but offers valuable insights for families year-round: how to cultivate meaningful connections with teenagers. We’ll explore:Building intentional time with teens in the midst of busy schedulesUsing parallel conversations to deepen your relationshipThe role of nostalgia in fostering spiritual growthInviting prayer and the Holy Spirit into your family life and we will discussFinding moments of rest and connection no matter the season.Joining me is Rebecca Sutton from our Bible Department. Rebecca holds a master’s degree in divinity and leadership from Denver Seminary and has been teaching at Valor for 14 years. Her passion for working with teenagers and her creative teaching approach brings fresh perspectives to these important topics.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode, he explains why Valor sees parents as the primary educators of their children and how open communication and meaningful parent involvement are central to the school’s mission. From the Parent Association and Bible study groups to unique initiatives, Bryan shares how parents can actively engage in the school community.We’ll also dive into Valor’s innovative “Green Pastures” system—a thoughtful approach that helps students learn and grow from their mistakes in a supportive and nurturing environment.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

We explore Valor's comprehensive mission statement and its foundational principles. As well as how the school's mission has evolved over our 17-year history. We talk with Head of School Bryan Ritz to hear what sets Valor apart from any other private schools and the challenges that are facing Christian schools today.Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!