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Alumni Stories

Since its inception in 1978, College Heights Christian School has graduated and sent out over 1100 servant-leaders into the world, continuously fulfilling the school's mission of glorifying God through excellence as a Christ-centered learning environment that produces servant-leaders with a Biblical worldview. Our alumni are not only ministers, missionaries, worship leaders, and evangelists, but also scientists, educators, retailers, servicemen and women, doctors, and parents who are daily making a positive difference in the lives of their families, co-workers, and communities. We are proud of their dedication to God, home, and country.

 
 
John (‘88) and Leah (‘87) Blankenship - NHCA Teachers - Joplin, Missouri  

John and Leah Blankenship have a long association with College Heights.Having met as high school students, they developed a friendship as they bonded over sports. After graduation, they obtained their teaching degrees, got married, and returned to College Heights as teachers where they’ve been since the early 90’s. They love serving at NHCA because they want to make an impact on kids and serve Jesus. They love the atmosphere, their coworkers and the uplifting and encouraging environment. John teaches high school Bible and coaches high school girls basketball, and Leah teaches second grade. They have a son, Marcus, who is scheduled to graduate from New Heights Christian Academy in 2025.

 

 

Brian Jennings (‘93) - Minister and Author

Brian fondly remembers being taught, “Read till you bleed” at College Heights. No doubt that led to his love for writing. Now a published author, his books include Lead Your Family and Dancing in No Man’s Land. He states, “CHCS prepared me to think, write, speak and study.” After graduating from Ozark Christian College with a Bachelor's degree in Theology, he moved to Tulsa to preach at Highland Park Christian Church, the church he is still ministering at today. He is married to Beth and they have four children. Brian serves on the Board of Directors for Blackbox International (help for trafficked boys) and Ozark Christian College. You can find out more about his books at brianjenningsblog.com.

 

 

Annie Parker (White) ('14) - Missionary, East Africa

Annie credits her years at College Heights for helping to instill a love of Christ and people and giving her the tools to gain a solid biblical foundation. After graduation, she attended Missouri Southern State University and graduated Summa Cum Laud with a degree in Elementary Education. After teaching fifth grade for two years, she and her husband, Sam, moved to Dallas, TX to begin their work with a global outreach organization.  While her husband obtained his master’s degree in Applied Linguistics, Annie worked doing global outreach at The Village in Flower Mound, TX.  Annie, Sam, and daughter Eden currently live in East Africa where they plan to work with an unreached people group.  

 

David Calandro (‘11) - Wildlife Biologist, Tampa, Florida

David developed his love for science through the academic rigor and personal attention of teachers that College Heights provided. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri with dual degrees in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences and also in Forestry. While in college, he was instrumental in starting a statewide program, the Missouri Collegiate Conservation Alliance, as well as serving on several committees and boards related to these industries. At the same time, he served in the Army National Guard for six years earning the rank of Sergeant. David is quick to point out some of the greatest lessons he learned at College Heights were spiritual in nature. He credits the scripture memorization and study of the Bible as foundational in forming who he is today.