The Cross & The Classroom: Educating with Eternal Values

Blending Creativity, Faith, and Education

In this episode, host Natalie sits down with special guest Zelana Davis, Director of Arts and Media at Valor, to discuss her artistic journey from practicing artist to arts educator and the impact of the arts on students’ lives. Together, they explore how storytelling connects every art form, the unique opportunities within Valor’s Arts and Media Department, and the ways faith and creativity intersect within the school community. The conversation highlights the importance of arts education, Valor’s Conservatory program, and meaningful collaborations with departments like business. Zelana also shares how artistic training equips students with valuable real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Interesting fact: Zelana Davis shares that training in the arts at Valor has helped alumni succeed in diverse fields—even a former dance student went on to become a doctor, using her arts training to enhance her communication and presentation skills in medicine. Tune in for an encouraging conversation about how the arts shape culture, empower students, and prepare young people for life beyond high school. Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website [https://valorchristian.com/]. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/valoreagles/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ValorChristian/]!

Valor Alumni Spotlight: Micah Priest (class of 2018) on Mentorship, Purpose, and Resilience

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 [https://valorchristian.com/]. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/valoreagles/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ValorChristian/]!

Rooted in Virtue, Guided by Vision: The Future of Valor Christian

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 [https://valorchristian.com/]. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/valoreagles/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ValorChristian/]!

Christian vs. Secular Colleges: Transforming Faith Beyond High School

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 [http://search.ebscohost.com.valorchristian.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=24467034&site=ehost-live&scope=site]." 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: librarians@valorchristian.com [librarians@valorchristian.com]. Residence Life on Christian Campuses:  https://cll.web.baylor.edu/ [https://cll.web.baylor.edu/] (Baylor) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWr6v34spcs&list=PLOwhmxkjjOYO_RxMRVIjnGvTfyWQv0S4Y&index=7 [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 [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 [https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/wheaton-college-il-1781] (Baylor) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/baylor-university-6967 [https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/baylor-university-6967] (Calvin) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/calvin-university-2241/overall-rankings [https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/calvin-university-2241/overall-rankings] (Colorado Christian) https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/colorado-christian-university-9401/overall-rankings [https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/colorado-christian-university-9401/overall-rankings] Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website [https://valorchristian.com/]. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/valoreagles/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ValorChristian/]!

The Power of Advanced Placement & Dual Credit

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 [https://valorchristian.com/]. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/valoreagles/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ValorChristian/]!