Northstar Christian Academy

Meet Brandon Banks, our new Middle School Science teacher! With a passion for education, athletics, and investing in students, Brandon brings a wealth of experience and a heart for serving young people.

Brandon was born and raised in Rochester and graduated from Penfield High School through the Urban-Suburban Program. He went on to attend St. John Fisher University, where he studied sport management/pre-law and served as captain of the football team.

With a background in consulting, Brandon has felt called to work with young adults through education and interscholastic athletics. He began coaching during his football offseason at Fisher in 2004 and currently serves as the Northstar Girls Varsity Basketball Coach.

Brandon met his wife, Erynn, in 2006, and they were married in 2007. Together, they have three children: Isaiah (Northstar Class of 2030), Timothy (Northstar Class of 2032), and Gabriel (Northstar Class of 2036).

Outside of the classroom and coaching, Brandon and his family enjoy spending time outdoors, playing board games, and supporting each other’s athletic endeavors. We’re excited to have Brandon as part of the Northstar family and look forward to the impact he will have on our students! 🙌

🎓 Throwback Thursday: Alumni Archives 🎓

Over the next 10 Thursdays, we'll be opening the pages of The Aurora and taking a trip down memory lane as we celebrate milestone graduating classes and the memories that have shaped our school's history.

Our first feature honors the Class of 1977 as they celebrate 50 years since graduation. Join us as we revisit the faces, friendships, and moments that made their years at Northstar so memorable.

As we reflect on the past, we're also honoring the faculty and administration who faithfully invested in the lives of their students. Through their teaching, encouragement, and Christ-centered example, they helped shape generations of young people, leaving a legacy that continues to impact our school today. 🙏🏻

📖 Recognize a familiar face? Tag them in the comments or share this post with someone who would enjoy the trip down memory lane. If you have photos from 1977, we’d love to see them - share them in the comments so we can all enjoy the memories together! We'd love to reconnect with our alumni community and hear the stories and memories that make these classes so special!

👕 Used Uniform Sale - August 11 & 12!

Need a different size or looking to stock up for the new school year? Stop by our Used Uniform Sale!

- Exchange a school polo (in good condition) for a different size, or
- Purchase uniform items for just $5 each.

Please Note: Our student dress code has recently been updated. While all items are available for purchase, some uniform bottoms may not meet the current dress code requirements. We encourage all families to review the updated policy before purchasing.

https://www.northstarchristian.info/uniforms

We look forward to seeing you and helping your family get ready for a great school year!

Calling all alumni, families, and friends! 🏆⚽️

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 19 at Grace & Truth Sports Park for an exciting day of Homecoming activities: athletics, community, and celebration!

1:00 PM - Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Lima Christian
3:00 PM - Varsity Boys Soccer vs. HAC
5:00 PM - Alumni Hall of Fame Induction
Immediately following - Alumni Soccer Game ⚽

We’d love to see our school community come together to cheer on our teams, celebrate our alumni, and reconnect with fellow classmates!
Tag a friend, share this post, and help us spread the word! 🙌

Ready to participate in the Alumni Game?
🖱 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/zj1gEf6xYsK82WUB8

We are pleased to introduce Aarin Phillips, who has joined our cafeteria food service team full-time! We have some exciting upgrades to our kitchen this year.

Originally from Cheyenne, Wyoming, Aarin moved to New York in 2003. She married her husband, Eric, in 2006, and together they have three children - Bain, Parker, and Evie - as well as one grandchild, Loa.

Since attending First Bible Baptist Church in 2018, Aarin has faithfully served in several ministries, including the Summit Teen Ministry, Ladies Ministry, G&T Sports Park, and the Discipleship program.

Aarin enjoys serving the Lord, reading, camping, cooking, and spending quality time with her family. We're excited to have her as part of the Northstar family - be sure to give her a warm welcome when you see her! 👋

There is still plenty of summer left to be enjoyed but we want you all to save the date for our 2026 Homecoming!

Please join us in welcoming Laura Vannest to the Northstar family! Laura will be joining us as a Student Support Specialist for the 2026–2027 school year.

Originally from Albany, New York, Laura came to Rochester to attend Roberts Wesleyan College, where she earned her bachelor's degree and met her husband, Ray. Her professional background includes work in residential mental health and addiction counseling after earning her Master of Social Work degree.

After becoming a mother, Laura dedicated many years to homeschooling her children, teaching in homeschool co-ops, and helping launch a new co-op during the COVID years. She has also faithfully served in children's ministry since high school and currently serves as both the Assistant Children's Director and Special Needs Director at her church.

Welcome to Northstar, Laura! We are so glad you're here! ❤️🖤

As Northstar continues to grow, we're excited to welcome another wonderful addition to our team!

Please join us in welcoming Samantha Whelsky to the Northstar family! Samantha will be joining us for the 2026–2027 school year.

A graduate of Liberty University, Samantha has spent her career serving students through a variety of educational roles, including five years with Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, where she encouraged and supported hundreds of students on their journey to high school graduation.

We are excited for the experience, heart for students, and love for the Lord that Samantha will bring to the Northstar family!

As Northstar continues to grow, so does our team!

Please join us in welcoming Anna Adams to the Northstar family! Anna will be joining us as an Elementary Teacher's Aide for the 2026–2027 school year.

A homeschool graduate and alumna of Genesee Community College, Anna brings several years of experience working with elementary students. We are excited for the knowledge, care, and enthusiasm she will bring to our classrooms.

Welcome to Northstar, Anna!

Please join us in congratulating Northstar Track & Field Coach Randy Nasso on being named the 2026 All-Greater Rochester Coach of the Year!

Selected from among coaches representing more than 100 Section V schools, Coach Nasso earned this outstanding honor through his dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Congratulations, Coach Nasso! We are grateful for the impact you have on our student-athletes and proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.