Faith Christian School Stories

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
JOHN WHITMORE, CLASS OF 2025

John Whitmore shares his favorite memory, gives advice to younger students, discusses his thesis topic, and more.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
HAILEY NICHOLS, CLASS OF 2025

Hailey Nichols shares memories, gives advice to younger students, discusses her thesis topic, and more.

Senior Photo In-Story-Apr-16-2025-12-37-30-1468-AM

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
GRAHAM WHITAKER, CLASS OF 2025

Graham Whitaker, student at Faith Christian School since Kindergarten, shares his thesis topic, favorite memories, and more.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
KIRAN YODER, CLASS OF 2025

Kiran Yoder, student since Kindergarten, shares his perspective on growing up in this Christian, classical environment.

CLASSICAL SHOWCASE

Each year, our Classical Showcase highlights the benefits of Christian classical education and remains the most attended and valued event showcasing our educational investment into our students.

Christmas Traditions | FCS Cover Stories

CHRISTMAS AT FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Faith Christian School celebrates Christmas with traditions offering students, faculty, staff, and families festive activities and moments of reflection.

BENNETT
FAMILY

Edward Bennett shares a Grandfather’s perspective in our latest Faith Christian School Family Experiences.

CARPENTER
FAMILY

Meet the Carpenter Family: Wes, Emma, Henry (3rd), Theodore (1st), Hudson (JK), and Abigail (2 years old).

GARLAND
FAMILY

The Garland Family shares why they chose Faith Christian School and what they love most about our community.

GORDON
FAMILY

Meet the Gordon Family: Zach, Grace, Kolbie (Kindergarten), and Kalani (Junior Kindergarten) who wanted high academic standards as well as a biblical worldview.

MORGAN
FAMILY

Meet the Morgan Family: Jason, Anne, and Silas (JK), who chose Faith Christian School because they want to see their son develop as a leader.

UNDERWOOD
FAMILY

Meet the Underwood Family: Lauren, Jess, and Lilly (JK), who chose FCS because of the classical education approach and warm family atmosphere.

TAUCK
FAMILY

Meet the Tauck Family: Luke, Erica, Greta (7th), Ingrid (5th), and Gilbert (1st), who are big fans of classical, Christian education.

ROBY
FAMILY

Meet the Roby Family, Matthew, Christine, Elliott (1st - Class of 2036), and Jack (JK, Class of 2038).

MILBURN
FAMILY

Meet the Milburn Family, who chose Faith Christian School because of the "way we learn, handle relationships, and develop a redemptive view of the world around us."

SCHMITT
FAMILY

Meet the Schmitt Family—Alex, Nicole, Aubrey (K), and Owen—a family who loves music, dance, sports, and Jesus!

FIRST FRIDAY

When traditions circle fully back around we feel deeply connected—those who experienced traditions when they were just beginning their journey at Faith Christian School turn around and pass them on to students who are just beginning their own journey.

FEATURING GISELLA ROJAS DE IGREDA

Meet our new Spanish Teacher, who says she appreciates Faith Christian School students' eagerness to learn, saying, "they are engaged, participative, and have a well-developed phonetic ability, which is essential for learning a new language."

FEATURING
AMY MILBERGER

Meet Amy Milberger, our new Director of Development, who comes to us from Feeding Southwest Virginia, Jefferson Center, Saint Francis Service Dogs, and the Taubman Museum of Art.

FEATURING
VICKI SCHEMM

Originally from Georgia, where she and her husband first met, Vicki has been a Faith Christian School parent for several years. She now joins Mrs. Glaze's Junior Kindergarten class.

FEATURING
KENNY SAULS

Big welcome to Faith Christian School's new Director of Security, a retired lieutenant of the Roanoke Police Department and Army veteran.

FEATURING
EMMIE LO

Meet our new Latin teacher: Emmie Lo who also loves to read and write fiction and poetry, travel and experience new places and new things, long walks and deep conversations, plays piano and guitar by ear, sings and writes songs.

FCS CLASS
OF 2024 GRADUATION

Each year, the faculty selects a member of the Senior Class to deliver the graduation address. In this story, read Rachelle Brown’s graduation speech and charge to the graduating class of 2024.

FEATURING
WHITNEY BRANNEN

Meet our new Junior Kindergarten teacher who has previously been a parent and substitute teacher in our Faith Christian School community.

FEATURING
KARA CAMPBELL

Meet our new Kindergarten teacher, who grew up in Roanoke County, taught in Bedford County for 10 years, and in Roanoke County for 1 year, and now joins Faith Christian School!

THESIS PEN CEREMONY

The Capstone of a Faith Christian School Education is a senior thesis: a year-long research project on a debatable topic which, as a requirement of graduation, seniors research, write, orally present, and defend.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
LANDON NEWTON, CLASS OF 2024

Landon Newton, founder of the Chocolate Milk Club at FCS, shares a special thank you to a special teacher, his plans after graduation, and more.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
ANNA BEECHER, CLASS OF 2024

Anna Beecher shares her favorite memory, a special thank you to teachers, and her plans after graduation.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
CAROLINE HAIG, CLASS OF 2024

Caroline Haig, founder of the FCS Debate Club, shares her thesis topic, favorite memories, and more.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
ALEX CAYWOOD, CLASS OF 2024

A student since Kindergarten, Alex shares what Faith Christian School has meant to him and his plans after graduation.

Ellie Kate Beaumonth | FCS Senior Spotlight

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
ELLIE KATE BEAUMONT, CLASS OF 2024

Ellie Kate Beaumont shares her thesis topic, what it means to go to a Christian and classical school, and her plans after graduation.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
BROCK BADILLO, CLASS OF 2024

Brock Bodillo shares what inspired his thesis, a teacher who inspires him creatively, and his plans after graduation.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
LILLY AYERS, CLASS OF 2024

Lilly Ayers shares her thesis topic, her plans after graduation, and advice to younger students.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
CALEB ENG, CLASS OF 2024

Caleb Eng, a student since Kindergarten, shares his plans for the future and how they tie in with his thesis topic.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
LAILAH LINEBERRY, CLASS OF 2024

Laihlah Lineberry is headed to Liberty University for a major of Elementary Education and a minor of Spanish in hopes of being an elementary teacher and doing missions in Spanish-speaking countries.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
AARON RIDGE, CLASS OF 2024

Aaron Ridge shares his plans, his thesis topic (hint: it's out of this world!), and advice to younger students.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
BELLA MILLER, CLASS OF 2024

Bella Miller shares why her thesis topic was extremely personal and what FCS has meant to her since 6th grade.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
RACHELLE BROWN, CLASS OF 2024

Rachelle Brown shares her favorite memories, thesis topic, and where she’s headed after High School.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
ADAM BEECHER, CLASS OF 2024

Adam Beecher shares his thesis topic, advice to younger students, and what a Classical, Christian education means to him.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
ALENA DEMOTT, CLASS OF 2024

Alena shares her thesis topic, favorite memory, and what a Classical, Christian education means to her.

HARVEST
HANGOUT

Each fall, the Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO) puts on an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship!

FEATURING
GEMMA RUIZ

Help us welcome our new Spanish teacher: Gemma Ruiz, who comes to us all the way from Barcelona, Spain!

FCS Traditions: Ring Ceremony and Vesperia

FCS RING CEREMONY AND VESPERIA

Kristen Brown shares her perspective as faculty and mom on two Faith Christian School traditions: Ring Ceremony and Vesperia.

MARION
FAMILY

Meet the Marion Family who chose FCS for the classical education component, but most of all because of relationships that are integral to our mission.

PVO: BUILDING COMMUNITY

The Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO) plans several events all year long—especially during the summer—to build community at Faith Christian School.

FCSERVES:
AN FCS TRADITION OF SERVICE

At Faith Christian School, one of our traditions is FCServes, a Lower School service club that engages families in serving the community of Roanoke.

ARNER
FAMILY

Meet the Arner Family, Sara, Pete, and Everett (6th), who moved here from Alabama and can usually be found on some kind of field—farm or sports.

STAPLES
FAMILY

Meet the Staples Family: Parents, Anthony and Emily, and daughter, Abby, who is in Junior Kindergarten.

FEATURING
SAMI CLAYMAN

Meet our new art teacher: Sami Clayman, a Roanoke native and mother of two boys at Faith Christian School who is always inspired by God's creation.

NEWTON
FAMILY

Meet the Newton Family, who are looking forward to connecting with the community as their daughter, Everly, starts JK.

WARRIOR
CLUB

Faith Christian School's booster club, Warrior Club, and Greg Miller, Athletic Director share their vision for the 2023 - 2024 school year.

MEET THE
HAYNES FAMILY

Meet the Haynes Family, who are excited for their son to attend Faith Christian School and to be surrounded by families who share their values.

FEATURING
TESS JONES

Meet Tess Jones, who was one of the first Lower School teachers, later became Head of Lower School, and is now Associate Head of School. This year, she's enjoying the challenge of establishing the Study Skills class for 6th graders.

Anna Millirones | FCS Meet Our Teacher Story

FEATURING
ANNA MILLIRONES

Anna Millirones, originally from England, looks forward to joining the community at Faith Christian School and leading 3-12th grade in theatre.

Lauren Baggett | FCS Meet Our Teacher Story

FEATURING
LAUREN BAGGETT

Lauren Baggett, School Nurse since 2020, shares how it was her children's teachers at Faith Christian School that made them fall in love with this school.

Paige Hennen | FCS Meet Our Teacher Story

FEATURING
PAIGE HENNEN

Meet Paige Hennen, who used to feel certain something special was going on at FCS when she drove by...and now she's jumping in to join our community!

Kristan Brown | FCS Meet Our Teacher Story

FEATURING
KRISTAN BROWN

Featuring Kristan Brown, who started as an Upper School Math teacher in 2014, transitioned to the Head of Lower School in 2018, and currently serves as the Divisions Head, leading Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.

Leslie Fitzgerald | FCS Meet Our Teacher Story

FEATURING
LESLIE FITZGERALD

Meet Leslie Fitzgerald, our new first-grade teacher, who is a Roanoke native who has taught for 17 years in elementary school. She and her family are looking forward to the Christ-centered atmosphere at FCS.

Sarah Graninger | FCS Meet Our Teacher Story

FEATURING
SARAH GRANINGER

A former graduate of Faith Christian School is returning to teach Latin to 6-9th graders and to inspire them the way she was inspired.

Wendy Steele | FCS Meet Our Teacher Story

FEATURING
WENDY STEELE

Meet Wendy Steele, our new Middle School Humanities, who was recently relocated to Roanoke through her husband's job.

Angie Wolpert | FCS Meet Our Teacher Story

FEATURING
ANGIE WOLPERT

Featuring Angie Wolpert (4th Grade Teacher) who feels God has called her to teach children good things and to point them to Christ in all they do.

FEATURING
DOLPH PAINTER

Featuring Dolph Painter, who teaches College Algebra, Logic, and Thesis, and loves that Faith Christian School encourages teachers to think outside the box and try new approaches.

FCS Model General Assembly Delegates 2022-2023

FCS SENDS DELEGATES TO MGA

Faith Christian School recently sent 10 delegates to the 2022-2023 Hi-Y Model General Assembly in Richmond,Virginia...

Ali Pendleton | Faith Christian School Faculty

FEATURING ALI PENDLETON

Featuring Ali Pendleton, 5th grade teacher, Roanoke native, Radford graduate, and teacher for 25 years!

Thomas Mann | Faith Christian School Faculty

FEATURING THOMAS MANN

Featuring Thomas Mann, Middle and Upper School teacher of Humanities and Bible, as well as middle-school boys advisory and Thesis mountaineer.

Search & Rescue Tracking Research Project

SEARCH AND RESCUE TRACKING RESEARCH PROJECT

Read more about a unique opportunity Faith Christian School had to participate in a research project to help trackers.

KARMIN OSBORNE SHARES AT 2023 CLASSICAL SHOWCASE

Karmin Osborne, class of 2023, shared how classical traditions such as the Classical Showcase prepared her for her senior year.

Green Eggs & Ham Traditions at Faith Christian School

COOKING UP AN INSPIRING GREEN EGGS & HAM TRADITION

Last week, the Kindergarten Class and the Senior Class celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a guest who cooked up an inspiring Green Eggs & Ham tradition.

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL RETREAT

Each year, middle and upper school students at Faith Christian School take a retreat to reflect, share in community, and start the year off right.

SGA: STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

The Student Government Association (SGA) focuses on student life and cultivating an active and involved community at Faith Christian School.

GRANDPARENTS
DAY 2022

For our 19th annual Grandparents day, we welcomed over 250 grandparents on campus to meet students and teachers...

SEE YOU AT THE POLE

Learn the students at Faith Christian School lead our community in prayer and worship for this important, worldwide event...

FIDES CLUB

Learn how the Fides Club is all about growing our community spiritually.

MEET THE JOHNSON FAMILY

Meet the Johnson Family, who recently relocated to Roanoke and love to explore!

MEET THE EARLS FAMILY

Meet the Earls Family, who are excited their son will be encouraged to observe, think independently, and articulate.

FEATURING KARLA BOWER

Featuring Karla Bower, who loves teaching where she can freely share her faith and encourage her students to seek a personal relationship with God.

MEET THE
ARBAUGH FAMILY

Meet the Arbaugh Family—classical education drew them in but the Narnia-themed library "sealed the deal."

MEET THE
HELSEL FAMILY

Meet the Helsel Family, who chose FCS because it was a place where their daughter could be outspoken and encouraged in her faith!

MEET THE
BRANNEN FAMILY

Meet the Brannen Family, who are continuing their children's classical education at Faith Christian School.

Rice Family | Faith Christian School New Family Stories

MEET THE
RICE FAMILY

Meet the Rice Family, who relocated their family AND horse farm from Texas to Roanoke!

Craig Family | Faith Christian School New Family Stories

MEET THE
CRAIG FAMILY

Meet the Craig Family, who are looking forward to all the ways in which their daughters will thrive and the friendships they develop.

Sydnor Family | Faith Christian School New Family Stories

MEET THE
SYDNOR FAMILY

They found FCS via Google, but knew it was right for them when they visited and felt faith permeate everything.

Maupin Family | Faith Christian School New Family Stories

MEET THE
MAUPIN FAMILY

Meet the Maupin Family and learn more about their special s'mores twist and what drew them to the community of Faith Christian School.

Beard Family | Faith Christian School New Family Stories

MEET THE
BEARD FAMILY

Meet Stephen and Kimberly of the Beard Family—both of whom were homeschooled and played high school sports in the league with Faith Christian School!

MEET THE
KIRMSE FAMILY

Meet the Kirmse Family, who chose Faith Christian School because they wanted a school that centered on Christ!

MEET THE
CURRY FAMILY

Meet the Curry Family, who visited multiple Christian schools in Roanoke but knew Faith Christian School was the right community for them!

MEET THE
RUSSAW FAMILY

The Russaw Family shares how they immediately knew Faith Christian School was the right place for them.

FEATURING
ANNIE VARNEY

Meet Annie Varney: Faith Christian School's new First Grade Teaching Assistant, mother of FCS student, and Roanoke native.

FEATURING
MARIA PUGH

Meet Maria Pugh: New Junior Kindergarten teacher, Roanoke native, wife, and new mom!

ABIGAIL JANNEY, '17

Congratulations to Abigail Janney, who graduated from Longwood University and is working on her masters so she can become a child counselor...

Annabel Riebel, '17

Congratulations to Annabel Riebel, who graduated from Regent University in 2021 with a B.S. in Biophysical Sciences and is currently enrolled in the physician assistant program...

Maddy Shreeman | FCS Featured Alumni Stories

MADDY SHREEMAN, '17

Congratulations to Maddy Shreeman, Class of 2017 who graduated in May 2021 with a BA in English with Teacher Licensure from Liberty University...

Jessie Whitmore | FCS Featured Alumni Stories

JESSIE WHITMORE, '18

Congratulations to Jessie Whitmore, Class of 2018, who received her degree in Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics from Virginia Tech this past May...

Brendan Newton | FCS Featured Alumni Stories

BRENDAN NEWTON, '17

Congratulations to Brendan Newton, who received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Liberty University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Trevecca Nazarene University...

ADDISON LILLEY, '18

Congratulations to Addison Lilley, Class of 2018, who graduated from Liberty University in May in 2021, with a degree in Psychology and is now working on her Master's and putting it to good use in NC...

ANDREW CAYWOOD

Congratulations to Andrew, who received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the United States Military Academy at West Point this past May and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army...

NOMINATIONS

Congratulations to recent Class of 2022 graduates on the B'nai B'rith Athletic & Achievement Award Nomination!

EMILY KAGEY, '18

Congratulations to Emily Kagey, Class of 2018, B.S. Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Spanish this past May from the University of Virginia...

SARAH BETH NEWTON, '18

Congratulations to Sarah Beth Newton, Class of 2018, for completing Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Liberty University...

YEARBOOK DEDICATION

The 2021-2022 yearbook is dedicated to well-loved teachers, Stephen and Sara Williams...

DELP FAMILY

The Delp family shares how attending Faith Christian School was God's answer to a mother's heart-prayer.

FCS CLASS OF 2022

Read Jonah Petri's graduation speech and charge to the graduating class of 2022.

Senior Spotlight: Simran Rosborough, Class of 2022

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
SIMRAM ROSBOROUGH, CLASS OF 2022

Simran Rosborough shares her thesis topic, advice for Kindergarteners, and how she's headed to Paris!

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
EVAN RIDINGER, CLASS OF 2022

Evan Ridinger shares his thesis topic, advice for Kindergarteners, and where he's headed next.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
MASON RIDGE, CLASS OF 2022

Mason Ridge shares the value of attending a classical, Christian school and his future plans.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
JONAH PETRI, CLASS OF 2022

Jonah Petri shares his favorite memories and how his thesis topic connects to his future plans.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
TRACE PERCELL, CLASS OF 2022

Trace Percell shares how his time at FCS has impacted him, his favorite memories, and advice for younger students.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
SARA MOORE, CLASS OF 2022

Sara Moore shares how her Math teacher encourages her, favorite memories, her thesis topic, and more.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
RACHEL HARTMAN, CLASS OF 2022

Rachel Hartman shares her thesis topic, advice for Kindergarteners, and where she's headed next.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
JACQUI FARTHING, CLASS OF 2022

Jacqui Farthing shares thanks to Mr. Todd Smith and the many activities she has been involved in since 8th grade.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
MARTHA ROSE CORSALE, CLASS OF 2022

Martha Rose Corsale, an FCS student since first grade, shares her favorite memories and where she's headed next.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
SAM BUSH, CLASS OF 2022

Sam Bush, Class of 2022, reflects on his time at Faith Christian School which began in Kindergarten!

JAMES
(FIRST GRADER)

James, a First Grader at Faith Christian School, shares what he loves to do and think about at school...

FEATURING
ZACHARY VIRGIN

Zachary, recent transplant to Roanoke and Dean of Students at Faith Christian School, shares why Classical education inspires us to be more...

CORA
(JR KINDERGARTEN)

Cora, a Junior Kindergartener at Faith Christian School, shares what she loves about school...

FEATURING
ESTHER KNIGHT

Esther Knight, Upper School History, Literature, and Thesis advisor, shares what she finds compelling and enduring about Faith Christian School...

HANNAH KATE
(JR KINDERGARTEN)

Hannah Kate, a Junior Kindergartener at Faith Christian School, shares why she loves school...

FEATURING
ROSIE DEMOTT

Mrs. DeMott, Student Support Services as well as Biology and Anatomy teacher, shares what stands out about FCS...

BLAKE
(KINDERGARTEN)

Blake, a Kindergartener, shares what he loves about being at Faith Christian School...

RIDGE FAMILY

Learn why the Ridge family believes the FCS community and interconnectedness or integration—a classical emphasis—is preparing their students for life.

MARISOL
(FIRST GRADE)

Marisol shares what she loves about Faith Christian School...

BOSSARD FAMILY

Learn why the Bossard family finds Faith Christian School to be so much more than just an education.

FEATURING
BRYNN SOWDER

Nature Studies, Science, Art teacher and beloved Librarian shares why she loves Classical Christian education at FCS...

NOAH
(JR KINDERGARTEN)

Noah, Junior Kindergartener at Faith Christian School, tells us about himself...

HAMILTON FAMILY

One family shares how they came to FCS and how teachers and staff have supported them during a learning transition.

PETRI FAMILY

One family shares how the Faith Christian School community has been a light to their family in difficult times.

JULIA (KINDERGARTEN)

Julia, Kindergartener at Faith Christian School, tells us about herself...

FEATURING
MIKIE LARSEN

Lifelong learner, Mikie Larsen, shares how she always wanted to be a teacher and loves the classical methodology of teaching best!

VIOLET SAUNDERS

5th grade student shares in her own words how much she loves being a part of the Faith Christian School community.

ENG FAMILY

One family, whose children have been at Faith Christian School since the beginning, shares their experiences and joy in being a part of our community.

LAMBERT FAMILY

A new family to the Faith Christian School community shares the huge impact on their family in a short time.

FEATURING KAREN GOODMAN

Mother, Grandmother, Pastor's wife, math teacher, disciple-maker, and baker-extraordinaire...

FEATURING CARL MUENCH

This former submarine-school teacher challenges students to grapple with scripture through the different lenses of the disciplines he teaches.

VERITAS CEREMONY: 11 NEW STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO FCS VERITAS SOCIETY

JOANN KOWTKO ’01

An interview with JoAnn Kowtko, an early Faith Christian School alumni and current Alumni Relations Coordinator. JoAnn tells of curve-ruiners, teachers who welcomed the tough questions and impacted her life, preparation for college, and her Big Message(s).

DISCOVER FAITH

We want to hear your family's story and begin a new chapter together!

3585 Buck Mountain Road, Roanoke, VA 24018

Phone: 540.769.5200 | Admissions Email: cweber@fcsva.com

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Our Stories

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:JOHN WHITMORE, CLASS OF 2025

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:HAILEY NICHOLS, CLASS OF 2025

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:GRAHAM WHITAKER, CLASS OF 2025

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:KIRAN YODER, CLASS OF 2025

CLASSICAL SHOWCASE

CHRISTMAS AT FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

BENNETTFAMILY

CARPENTERFAMILY

GARLANDFAMILY

GORDONFAMILY

MORGANFAMILY

UNDERWOODFAMILY

TAUCKFAMILY

ROBYFAMILY

MILBURNFAMILY

SCHMITTFAMILY

FIRST FRIDAY

FEATURING GISELLA ROJAS DE IGREDA

FEATURINGAMY MILBERGER

FEATURINGVICKI SCHEMM

FEATURINGKENNY SAULS

FEATURINGEMMIE LO

FCS CLASSOF 2024 GRADUATION

FEATURINGWHITNEY BRANNEN

FEATURINGKARA CAMPBELL