Traverse City Christian School

Last fall, the Senior class at TC Christian had the incredible opportunity to serve on a mission trip to Caledonia, Belize. While they were there, they witnessed something both heartbreaking and inspiring. The local church they partnered with had learned that some children were coming to school so hungry that they were passing out during the day. Even though the church had no extra room in their budget, they felt called by God to act. In faith, they committed to providing breakfast for 7 children each day. When they reached out to the school for names, they discovered the need was even greater—at least 17 children needed help. Trusting God would provide, they stepped forward and chose to feed all 17.

This ministry deeply touched our students’ hearts, especially because so much of their work had centered on the children of the village. While they were there, the class was able to give a small donation, but they knew they wanted to continue supporting this effort even after returning home. When TCCS removed its snack vending machines, the Seniors saw an opportunity. The Personal Finance class, along with other seniors, created a plan to sell snacks during the school day and donate the profits to the feeding program in Belize.

Since they began the program in January, 2026, through to the last day of school, the TC Christian students have sent $2,250 to help feed these young children! After receiving the funds, the pastor in Belize shared this message: “I take this time to express our gratitude to you and the kids for fundraising towards the feeding program. We are blessed by you all. Thank you for your generous heart. May God bless and reward you for believing in this vision. God has confirmed through you that He has been taking care of the program, because the funds came at just the right time.”

Praise God for hearts tuned to His. "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

CORRECTION! TC Christian Freshmen, Addison Miller and Kealey Standfest, join the GTACS/TCCS Varsity Girls co-op soccer team for today's big state SEMIFINAL matchup against Grand Rapids West Catholic in Cedar Springs. Kick off is 6pm. We're behind you 100%, ladies. Go Glads! Go, Sabres!

TC Christian Freshmen, Addison Miller and Kealey Standfest, join the GTACS/TCCS Varsity Girls co-op soccer team for todays big state quarterfinal matchup against Grand Rapids West Catholic in Cedar Springs. Kick off is 6pm. We're behind you 100%, ladies. Go Glads! Go, Sabres!

On Sunday evening, the Seniors at TC Christian completed the formalities of graduation and walked across the stage to receive their diplomas to the cheers of assembled families and friends. In so doing, they closed the chapter on what has likely been, outside of family and church, the single most consistent aspect of their lives. From grade school to high school, graduation marks the end of 14 years of effort. It was a truly special evening with several highlights including:

Brant Blodgett, Valedictorian at TC Christian, who expressed deep gratitude for his time at the school, crediting the close-knit community of friends, teachers, and classmates for making it special. He described his friends as “like siblings,” praised his teachers for their hard work, spiritual passion, and genuine care - pushing students to excel “not only academically, but also spiritually”, and reflected warmly on years of shared memories with the Class of 2026 since second grade. Brant read a prayer from Colossians 1 over his classmates, asking that they “may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work.” Blodgett urged the class to cherish their final summer, slow down, enjoy the small things, lean on the many people who love and support them, and “turn to God in everything” as they face upcoming changes and challenges.

Lydia Tebben, Salutatorian at TC Christian, encouraged her classmates to make their faith their own as they transition into the next stage of life. She noted that the senior class is leaving the familiar “Christian bubble” of family, church, and private Christian school, to an environment where “comfort is taken away” and daily surroundings are changing, creating uncertainty about the future. Lydia explained that this shift, while challenging, provides an opportunity to depend more deeply on God: “because comfort is being taken away... I’m going to depend on God.” She emphasized the importance of making wise choices - pursuing passions, meeting new people, and especially surrounding oneself with those who encourage faith rather than become “stumbling blocks.” She urged the Class of 2026 to use discernment in their decisions, build upon their strong Christian foundation, and keep Christ at the center. Tebben closed by quoting Colossians 2:6-7: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him and strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Pastor Richie Henson, the keynote speaker at commencement, acknowledged that graduates receive abundant well-meaning advice about success but distilled the common wisdom into three words: passion, pursuit, and hard work. He described passion as the intense emotional drive toward something, pursuit as the active chase that follows, and hard work as the essential fuel required to achieve goals. While affirming that these elements are important for reaching dreams, Henson warned that chasing personal accomplishments should not be life’s ultimate purpose. He urged the Class of 2026 to focus instead on the richness of the human experience as described by God, becoming people of genuine fruitfulness and love through humble submission to the Holy Spirit. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal,” he quoted from 1 Corinthians 13. Henson encouraged the graduates to seize opportunities to love God and others, invest in family and relationships, and center their passions, pursuits, and hard work on becoming people of love rather than worldly success. He closed by congratulating them on their accomplishments and wishing God’s blessing on their future.

It was a beautiful event that celebrated our students' love and devotion to Christ, their families, and their futures. Thanks to everyone who helped make it such a special occasion.

To see more photos, go to https://photos.app.goo.gl/uw2ZA39TY1pKVauy5

Today, these TC Christian Seniors make 'The Walk' across the stage to receive their diplomas and officially leave high school. The verse chosen by TC Christian's graduating Class of 2026 shows their clarity of mind: "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" - Proverbs 16:9.

For these young men and women, the future looks bright. Why? Because they have the skills to succeed and the hearts to follow Jesus in both good times and bad. Regardless of what the world is doing, our prayer is that in all things, they will seek God and serve Him to the best of their abilities.

We asked each graduate how they felt TC Christian prepared them for the next steps in life and this statement perfectly summarizes their collective responses: "TC Christian has prepared me for what's next by building a strong, solid foundation in my Christian faith and giving me a clear biblical worldview that I can carry with confidence into college and beyond. Through academics, meaningful experiences like the mission trip, and the influence of godly teachers and mentors, the school has shaped my character, strengthened my work ethic, and taught me not only what I believe but why I believe it. TC Christian has also shown me the power of Christian community and has equipped me to face hardships with resilience while living with purpose and spreading the light of Christ wherever I go."

Congratulations to each of the graduates, and to their families without whose love and support none of this would be possible. They finished well and as they embark on the next season of life, we send love and ask God's blessings upon each one of them. Go, Sabres!

The MHSAA Golf Championship is in the books. The Sabres finished in 11th place as a team. Senior Garrett Schultz finished 3rd overall with a 77-75 over the two days. Junior Joey Mirabelli finished 5th with a 80-74. TC Christian was the only school to have two top 5 finishers. Well done, Sabres. Congrats to Garrett, Joey, Corban, Harper, and Isaac! Great season, guys!

Hi, my name is Alycia Larkins and I am part of the New Hope youth group, though I don’t currently serve in any official role. My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 because throughout my life I’ve struggled with uncertainty about my future and this verse brings me great comfort, reminding me that God knows His plans for me and will direct my steps.

I attended TC Christian from kindergarten through third grade then left and returned in my freshman year. My brothers (Evan, Nathan, Ben, and Mitchell) are all TCCS graduates. My most meaningful experience was the senior mission trip to Belize, which was by far my favorite. It brought out the most authentic versions of everyone in our class and impacted me deeply. I discovered I could connect well with kids, I learned how to pray for people, and I created memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will miss the people and relationships at TCCS the most. The teachers genuinely care about us, and I’ve felt like I could talk to them about anything. This community has truly become family to me. Two teachers who made a lasting impact are Mrs. Radtke, who has always been there to listen and care, and Dr. B, who helped me truly understand why I believe what I believe and inspired me to pursue Bible college.

After graduation, I plan to attend NMC while saving for Ravencrest Bible College in Estes Park, Colorado. I want to do cool things and glorify God while doing them, and after a lot of soul-searching, I realized I love studying theological topics. TCCS has prepared me for the future by giving me a safe environment to grow and helping shape the person I am and will continue to be.

After Day 1 at the MHSAA State Golf Championship at Michigan State University, the Sabres are in the middle of the pack. Currently in 11th place they will look to score low and move up the leaderboard.

As individuals, Garrett Schultz is in 4th Place overall with an opening round of 77 on Friday and Joey Mirabelli is in 6th place with his opening round of 80. With over a 100 golfers in the field that is very impressive. Garrett and Joey will try to make their moves to the top of the leader board today!

Good Luck in Day 2. Let's go, Sabres!!

Hi, my name is Christian Brower and I started at TC Christian in preschool. My sisters are TCCS graduates: Abbey in 2020; Jullianna in 2022; and Lydia in 2023; and my younger brother, JohnMark, is in 10th grade.

I attend New Hope Community Church where I serve on the security team, and my favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. It reminds me to trust in the Lord with all my heart, lean not on my own understanding, and let Him direct my paths. This verse encourages me to surrender everything to Christ and trust that He will make my way straight.

Throughout my years at TCCS, I’ve been involved in the senior mission trip to Belize and have played basketball for the school for as long as I can remember. Basketball has easily been my favorite part of high school. I loved the coaches and the strong bonds I formed with my teammates. I will miss being able to hang out with my buddies every day and just having a good time together. Dr. B has made the biggest impact on me. He has helped me grow deeper in my faith, taught me how to defend it against non-believers, and shown me how to understand and respond to other religions.

After graduation, I plan to move straight into the workforce with my landscaping business, Crosscut Lawncare, along with plumbing. I’ve been doing both for several years now and really enjoy the work. TCCS has prepared me well for this next chapter by teaching me responsibility and building a strong, consistent work ethic in me.

Congratulations to TC Christian Freshmen, Addison Miller and Kealey Standfest, whose St Francis-TCCS girls soccer co-op defeated Fremont to win the D3 Regional title for the first time in program history. The final was a nail biter and it all came down to a penalty shootout with Kealey beating the keeper to seal the deal for the Glads. What a game! Outstanding season, ladies, and we're excited to cheer you on when you take on Grand Rapids West Catholic in the state semifinals next Wednesday.
Story Here: https://upnorthlive.com/sports/hometown-highlights/st-francis-harbor-springs-win-regional-titles-in-girls-soccer