Western Christian School

We want YOU to join our team! If you're passionate about education and making a difference, check out our current job openings.
Ready to take the next step? Head over to https://westernchristianschool.org/about-us/ to learn more and apply today! 🌟

🌸🌿 We still have some hanging baskets left for sale! These are beautifully made by our talented Ag Science students. 🌼✨
Head to order yours today and bring a piece of Western into your home this summer!

👉 Don't miss out: https://pci.jotform.com/form/261114766167156

Visit the newest edition of Pioneer Pages today at: https://sites.google.com/wcspioneers.org/pioneerpages2025-2026/home/marchapril/student-life?authuser=0

✨ We are incredibly proud to celebrate two of our own Western Christian School teachers who have been nominated for a Crystal Apple Teacher Award this year! ✨

Congratulations to Alicia Sparks, 4th Grade Teacher, and Taylor Messerle, Middle School Social Studies Teacher, on this well-deserved recognition.
Both Alicia and Taylor consistently go above and beyond for their students, creating classrooms where students feel seen, encouraged, challenged, and deeply cared for.

Tonight marks the 27th Annual Crystal Apple Awards at the Salem Convention Center — an event that celebrates excellence in education across Salem and Keizer schools and honors educators who make a lasting impact on students and families.

We are so grateful for the heart, dedication, creativity, and care these incredible teachers bring to our Western community every single day. 💙

Please join us in congratulating Alicia Sparks and Taylor Messerle on this amazing honor! 🍎

To watch the ceremony live, head here: https://watch.capitalcommunitymedia.org/internetchannel/watch-now?site=2
Or tune in to Comcast Channel 22/322 HD.
⭐ Red Carpet | 5:25–7:00 PM
🏆 Awards Presentation | 7:00–9:00 PM

To learn more about what the Crystal Apple Awards are, visit: https://crystalappleawards.com/

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Peter Denney 🎓

For the past 7 years, Peter has been a creative, thoughtful, and steady part of the Western community—bringing curiosity, talent, and authenticity into every space he’s been part of.

Involved In:
Band (7 yrs) • Theatre (5 yrs) • Cross Country (3 yrs) • NHS (2 yrs) • Choir (1 yr)

💙 Favorite Verse:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” — Matthew 6:34

✨ What Being a Pioneer Means:
(Shown most through his experience) — being part of a community where people feel safe, known, and supported.

🎓 What’s Next:
Peter will be attending Oregon State University to study Electrical and Computer Engineering.

💭 What He’ll Miss Most:
The sense of safety and community at Western—something that made school feel different in the best way.

🌎 Favorite Class:
Human Geography, because it challenged him, stretched his perspective, and helped shape who he is becoming.

🌟 Biggest Impact:
Mr. Brumfield and Mr. Stratton, who helped teach him not just academics, but how to carry himself and grow into adulthood.

💫 Looking Ahead:
In 10 years? “Probably still paying off student loans.”
A realistic answer if we’ve ever heard one 😄

😄 Most Creative Excuse:
“I was busy with other stuff.” Short. Simple. Effective.

Peter, your creativity, honesty, and thoughtful perspective have made an impact on this community over the years. You’ve grown into someone ready to take on what’s next—and we’re excited to see where that journey leads for you. 💙

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Micah Brandt 🎓

Over the past 5 years, Micah has brought determination, humor, and drive to the Western community—always pushing himself to grow and encouraging others to do the same.

Involved In:
Basketball (4 yrs) • NHS (2 yrs) • Student Council (1 yr) • Choir (1 yr)

💙 Favorite Verse:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

✨ What Being a Pioneer Means:
“Going to a school where the mascot is a pioneer.”
(Short, simple, and honestly iconic 😄)

🌍 Favorite Memory:
Any moment during the 2025 Europe trip—full of unforgettable experiences and memories with friends.

💬 Words to Younger Students:
“If you’re going to fall, fall forward.”

🎓 What’s Next:
Micah plans to move to Arizona to begin building a personal training business while studying for the medical admissions test.

🩺 Future Goals:
Applying to Loma Linda University in 2029 to study Biology and Chemistry as he works toward a future in medicine.

💭 What He’ll Miss Most:
His friends and the relationships built along the way.

🎤 Favorite Class:
Public Speaking with Mrs. Elker—where he grew in confidence and learned how to communicate effectively with others.

🌟 Biggest Impact:
Mrs. Bradley, who challenged him to think bigger about life, longevity, and purpose through the way she approached learning and growth.

💫 Looking Ahead:
In 10 years, Micah hopes to be finishing medical school and continuing to pursue his goals with focus and discipline.

😄 Most Creative Excuse:
“I was busy playing chess.” Priorities 😄

Micah, your ambition, resilience, and willingness to keep pushing forward have made a lasting impression at Western. You’re headed into a future full of opportunity, and we can’t wait to see where your determination takes you next. 💙

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Daniel Garrison 🎓

Though Daniel joined Western for just his senior year, he quickly became a meaningful part of the community—bringing honesty, humor, and a willingness to jump into something completely new.

Involved In:
None officially… but definitely involved in making memories.

💙 Favorite Verse:
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2

✨ What Being a Pioneer Means:
Coming to Western after being homeschooled his whole life was a huge transition—but what stood out most was the kindness and authenticity of the people around him. Teachers believed in him, students welcomed him in, and what started as unfamiliar quickly became a place that felt like home.

Favorite Memory:
Buff Puff and running the Snack Shack with friends.

💬 Words to Younger Students:
“People are not as scary as they seem, so take the risk to talk to others. Be social, say hello, and give yourself the chance to build friendships.”

🎓 What’s Next:
Daniel plans to jump straight into working life and figure things out one step at a time.

💭 What He’ll Miss Most:
Seeing people every day, conversations with teachers… and maybe stealing snacks from Kirsten’s office 😄

🪚 Favorite Class:
Woodshop—learning to build things while making memories with friends.

🌟 Biggest Impact:
Byron and Mr. Sibbett, who believed in him, gave him opportunities to try new things, and allowed him to learn through experience and mistakes.

💫 Looking Ahead:
In 10 years, Daniel hopes to own his own business, have a home of his own, and cook gourmet meals for friends.

😄 Most Creative Excuse:
“The WiFi wasn’t working.” A timeless classic.

Daniel, even in just one year, your presence mattered here. Your willingness to step into the unknown, connect with others, and embrace this community says a lot about who you are. We’re excited to see where life takes you next. 💙