Testimonials from Parents

Testimonial from Jeremy Vryhof, 2004 Calvin Christian High School Graduate 

Hillsdale College can be an intimidating place. As one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges, it routinely sends its graduates into some of the most prestigious graduate programs and highly respected corporations. It recruits the most ambitious students and sends them through an academic gauntlet that establishes the groundwork to successful careers in a limitless number of fields. After signing my letter of intent, I knew the arduous journey that awaited me, but I felt a serene confidence in my capabilities as a result of the education that CCHS provided.

CCHS taught me three of life's most valuable skills: how to read, write, and think. In these three areas, I felt more than prepared for the rigors of Hillsdale College. All of my teachers at CCHS pushed their students to succeed and because of their loyal dedication, I entered college as prepared, if not more so, than students from other outstanding high schools and prep schools. Moreover, the extra-curricular activities that I enjoyed in high school and the demanding course load upon which my guidance counselor, Mr. Bartman, insisted, helped me develop excellent time management skills and a solid work ethic that would become vital assets in college. As a result of my outstanding education at CCHS, I was able to graduate from Hillsdale College first in my class - a class that sent graduates to Yale, Harvard, and numerous Fortune 500 companies - with a double major in finance and German and a concentration in international business, and best of all: DEBT FREE! I owe much of this success to CCHS and its remarkable faculty and staff.

Beyond the top-notch academic preparation, CCHS taught me what it means to be a follower of Christ in a fallen world. The lessons from Mr. Huizinga and Mrs. Engbers' religion classes, the messages from Tuesday and Thursday morning chapels, the way every teacher in every subject area brought a Christian perspective into his or her classroom, and the community of believers that encouraged me along the way, allowed me to enter college with a confidence in my faith and my purpose in this life that few of my peers possessed. Even though I was no longer at a Christian school, I felt comfortable and eager to share my faith in and out of the classroom. One of my most memorable moments was having the chance to teach sections on Calvinism in both my freshman history and religion classes! The professors in each of these classes, both of whom were Catholic, asked if I would be willing to share Calvin's teachings and what it meant to be a Christian from the reformed traditions. Because of CCHS and its roots in the reformed tradition, I was eager to do so.

I am so grateful to my parents for making the necessary sacrifices so that I could receive a CCHS education. I know that it was not easy, especially from a financial standpoint, but the benefits have proven invaluable. CCHS teaches its students the importance of bringing Christ's light into our dark world. It ensures a quality, Christ-centered education to all who learn and grow on its campus. I express my humble gratitude to you and your staff for all your hard work. It truly impacted my life, and I promise to make the most out of this wonderful gift.

-- Jeremy Alan Vryhof, Class of 2004