Every year Dawn Synstelien sits down with the senior class to interview them to tell their story for us to enjoy as we celebrate them at graduation. This is an incredible gift, and to her, we are thankful.I heard about future plans. I heard about hopes and dreams. I heard about anxiety over picking “the right school, the right career. Most of the girls, and some of the guys said they really hoped to get married and have children. This class is doing everything from building and remodeling their own homes over the summer to starting a business, medical professions, carpenters, plumbers, teachers, engineers, a police officer and a pastor or two.
Which all leads me to an overwhelming sense of HOPE. Hope for our world. Hope for our nation. Hope for our churches. Hope for our families. God is at work in the lives of these 35 exquisite human beings that we got to connect with for a brief time. And now they’ll go out like flaming arrows to set the world on fire! WhooHOO!!
A Note From The Curator
What a privilege it was for me to interview each of the 35 students this year in the HLA Class of 2026. Here are some things that stood out to me:
The overall willingness of the students to be interviewed. Sure, it was uncomfortable for people who don’t like to talk about themselves–the majority of them. But they warmed up as they went.
Initially, I opened with the question, “Who is ________?” and then watched them squirm. And think. I told them the goal of the whole interview was to answer that question but that I would ask it in other ways. I just wanted to see what their knee jerk responses would be.
In the event that I had two students at once, waiting for the other, it was so much easier for the students to talk about their friend than themself. I told them to pretend they were speaking as a friend to themselves. What qualities did they see, maybe in others, that they wanted to emulate. What was important to them?
Next, I just poked around awhile asking about activities and trips and hobbies. My goal was not to list everything they’d been involved in at HLA. That would be printed elsewhere. I told them my objective was to create a snapshot of who they are in a paragraph. Not a biography. Okay, a mini highlight. Sometimes, often, the very best stuff came up when I thought the interview was over. I learned to be patient and drag out the closing.
Every single student impressed (surprised) me in one way or another. Some I knew well. Others I hadn’t has a single conversation with despite them being at HLA for six years or more. This I took as a personal failing.
This is a class who genuinely cares about one another. Many of them reported feeling close to their classmates. One saying that they felt like, “There is a place for everyone.”
This is a class who is deeply invested and connected. They have moved beyond superficial friendships and seek open, honest dialog. They want to see others and be seen.
This is a class with sincere appreciation for their parents, siblings, and grandparents. Over and over I heard, “I really like hanging out with my family.” There were sons who considered their fathers and grandfathers as mentors. Daughters who respected and admired their dads. Students who spoke warmly of their moms and both younger and older siblings. This was very heartwarming to me. There are parents out there who are doing a lot of things right!
This class valued their Christian education. Over and over I heard about respect for teachers who lived what they preached. Though I jokingly asked who their favorite was, most could not, or would not, answer. I also heard several book titles over and over–the one most often mentioned was, “The Men We Need,” both by the guys and the girls. I heard, no less than three times, “That book changed my life”
This class played sports for all the right reasons. Repeatedly I heard about FCA. Though HLA experienced the most stunning post season in three sports, that was not what stood out to them most. Most listed? Coaches, teammates, growing together, working together, lifting together. TOGETHER. Again, the connections.
I heard about mission trips and choir tour and endless time traveling. I heard about what students like to do alone and what they like to do with friends.
I heard about their childhoods. Funny stories, big moves, broken hearts. Of course, there was much I left out in the bios, but printed some of the more humorous stories if it helped describe the person.
I heard about their faith development. Everything from being homeschooled with dad who is a pastor or a missionary to finding Jesus at a home church in communist China. Many of them spoke of their time at HIllcrest as “a time of owning my own faith. Knowing WHAT I believe and WHY.”
The 2026 Hillcrest Lutheran Academy
Senior Class
Annelise Anderson
Amy Joy Larson
Annelise, the youngest of four, is a force of nature. Generations of family members attended Hillcrest before her but she has been forging her own path, leaving her own legacy. She got off to a rough start when she arrived her junior year, feeling displaced by recent moves and changes within and without. But she really hit her stride this past year and feels so much more positive about life, her faith, and her place in the world. Annelise has found healthy community managing teams for volleyball, basketball, track, and softball. She’s loved being part of the team atmosphere by serving in the background. Annelise loves to read murder mysteries and expresses her creativity in the kitchen and making crafts with her hands. Speaking of hands, she has started her own business in the dorms by doing other girls’ nails. She hopes to pursue a career as a Pediatric Orthopedic Therapist at Bismarck State College and shine her light for Jesus there!
Born in Hungary to missionary parents, Amy’s life resume belies the fact that she is only 18. If she tells you she can do something, such as making Korean soup for 100 from a recipe in her head, you’d better believe her. She loves to read, cook, bake, and act. She is creative with her hands–whether ceramics, crocheting or sewing/altering her own clothes to her liking. Amy’s family and her faith are important to her. She is very thankful for the quick connections she has made to her group of friends at Hillcrest. Amy also resonates with music. She has sung all parts of the choral score (maybe not bass) and plays five instruments. Her favorite sport is baseball and she’s on the HLA softball team. This summer she plans to get a job at a bakery in her hometown in Montana and attend UMSU in Billings to study business. Someday, she’d like to open her own bakery.
Addison Rusch
A self-described nerd, one of Addie’s friends once called her a “walking dictionary.” “I wouldn’t say that,” she laughingly refutes, “But I do have a headful of random facts.” This is Addie’s 5th year at Hillcrest and she will be a third generation grad. She appreciates that Hillcrest has not so much taught her what to think, but how. Addie doesn’t just read books, she devours them. Her favorites are historical fiction but she’ll read just about anything. If you can pry the book out of her hands, she enjoys walking outside, spending time at the lake, and hanging out with her eclectic friend group. She’s been very involved in choir, theater, and cheerleading. Addie values family and knowledge. She loves learning new things and is currently teaching herself to crochet. She’ll be working at iPoint Camp this, her second summer, and plans to take part in their year-long service core/internship that begins the end of August. Following that, she’s considering M-State to pursue a degree in business.
Chloe Walkup
Caleb Holm
Chloe and her twin sister, Ruby, first came to Hillcrest as seventh graders. Born on the same day, they are far from identical, but create a lovely balance of yin and yang. Chloe is quiet and hardworking, dependable and steady. She loves time with her family, just talking for hours, and identifies strongly with her dad, admiring his genuine kindness and willingness to serve, seeking to do the same herself. Faith is important to Chloe and she enjoys time out in nature appreciating God’s handiwork. She likes to play volleyball and read just about any genre. Chloe loves the Lord and has been able to serve and share her faith on trips to both Costa Rica and to Albania. She is considering her options for next fall, excited to see what God has next!
Caleb arrived at Hillcrest as a shy 7th grader, comfortable in his own company. HLA has drawn him out and immersed him into a community he never knew he needed. His faith is vital to Caleb as “it is the base of everything else.” He also appreciates his supportive family and loyalty in friendships. Caleb believes it is less important to BE interesting than to be interested and he lives this out. Slow to talk about himself, he seeks to hear what you think. Caleb is funny, sometimes sarcastic, quick to laugh. He is adventurous, but on limited terms: He likes the lake, but only for kayaking, not swimming, and loves hiking in the outdoors but says “no” to camping. His favorite sport is soccer and he’s appreciated the platform it’s provided for witnessing for Christ. He plans to use his love of math (geometry) and art (drawing and painting) as he pursues a career in architecture at SDSU next fall.
Annie Nilsen
Annie is the youngest of four siblings who have graduated from Hillcrest in the last three years. She comes from Connecticut, following a legacy of HLA alumni. Annie can be a study in contrasts. She is very efficient and organized. Except when she’s not. She is passionate about her faith, yet honestly admits times of questioning. Annie appreciates friends who are attentive and nurturing. She doesn’t need to be surrounded by masses of them but loves spending time with a few close friends. Annie is an attentive person and looks for ways to help others, She adores her family. She notes that she is most like her dad in that they are excited to try a new thing, and will promptly set it aside once mastering for the next new adventure/project. She enjoys singing but more than performing, she prefers serving from the background. Odd fact: Annie loves washing dishes! (Take a number, people.) Annie plans to attend community college in her home state to pursue a career in nursing.
Dane Larby
Drew Fischer
Duo Zhengru
Drew grew up following three older brothers with an early resolve to be the toughest and the fastest. He arrived at Hillcrest as a 7th grader with a bit of swagger and a lot to prove. As he’s grown, he’s shown himself to be a hard worker who pushes himself to excellence in everything he does. He’s at his best when he’s challenged but loses interest and becomes sloppy when he gets bored. For example, Drew once solved a Rubik’s cube in 19 seconds then promptly lost interest. As a senior, Drew knows that real success is not found in grades or his performance on a field or court but in the fact that he represents Jesus. To show humility and kindness, to celebrate the successes of others, has given him greater influence as a teammate in soccer and basketball. He loves being outside at the lake, fishing and kayaking or at the farm with his dogs. He’s still considering his options for next fall.
Douglas, as he is known here in the US, came from China as a freshman. He did not begin his faith journey here, but in China where a college-aged friend introduced him to Jesus and brought him to his tiny home church. Two years later, Douglas was baptized and soon headed to Minnesota to attend Hillcrest. Living in such a small Midwest town after a big Asian city was quite a contrast but he found everyone friendly and welcoming. Living in the dorms has been like having “ten brothers,” a delight for an extroverted only child. His easy-going, friendly personality endeared him to everyone right from the start. He misses his mother’s cooking in China but has enjoyed many new experiences in Minnesota such as fishing, waterskiing, and basketball. He feels like he’s grown so much in faith while at Hillcrest, increasing his knowledge of Scripture and being equipped to tell others what he believes. Douglas will be visiting colleges this summer and hopes to study engineering and business somewhere in the Midwest.
“I’m here! I’m Dane!” God has been transforming this gregarious, outspoken boy into a man who is thoughtful, intentional, and focused on others. This past fall, he was a member of the Hillcrest football team that went to state. But the preparation for this remarkable event began as soon as last year’s season ended when a group of athletes took it upon themselves to gather five times a week to work out and grow in faith. This discipline strengthened their bond as brothers and teammates who worked together for the common good. The stellar season that followed was but a reflection of all that happened in the off-season. Dane is a hard-worker, an outdoorsman, he likes to listen to music and podcasts while he works. He seeks to pick up his cross daily and follow Christ, resisting the urge to “Write his own story, but trusting God to guide his steps. Next fall, Dane plans to attend M-State.
Evelyn describes herself as an impulsive extrovert. Second in line of five siblings attending Hillcrest, she considers herself the embodiment of the color Pink. She is Pink. Pink is her. Evelyn likes to be active and involved. She invests heavily in people as connections with others are her super power. She thrives on variety and the culture at HLA with its influx of new students each year from across the country and around the globe suits her fancy. Evelyn enjoys summer walkis outdoors or lounging at the lake. She’s a fan of fun drinks–her favorite is “Alani,” a fruity energy drink. In order to, you know, boost her energy. This summer will be Evelyn’s second working at IPoint Camp. In the fall she plans to attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago to study Elementary Ed with a minor in Biblical studies.
Ethan came to Hillcrest somewhat reluctantly his 8th grade year–sad to leave his friends. In hindsight, he says it was the best decision of his life. He is convinced he would not be where he is in his relationship with God without this move from public school. Genuine friendships are important to him, deep relationships where you can talk about everything. He has found this in his teammates and classmates. Ethan is a natural leader who gives 100% to anything he’s committed to. He likes routine and order and is purposeful about his life. He loves playing sports and talking about sports–especially football. He likes listening to podcasts, lifting, hunting, and snowmobiling. Ethan is the fifth generation in his family who have owned and operated Swedberg Nursery. His grandpa has been a mentor to him and he plans to follow in the family business while taking business classes at M-State.
Isabella Knutson
Ella has the distinction of being an only daughter flanked on either side by two brothers. Her parents were high school sweethearts at Hillcrest and she began her education here as a preschooler. Ella loves Jesus and it shows every time she smiles, which is a lot. She pursues excellence in everything she does whether it be academics or on the court. Ella enjoys walking and running outside soaking up sunshine, or bribing her brothers into doing errands with her. Her parents, brothers, and grandparents, as well as friends, and classmates are very important to Ella. Some of her favorite things are sunsets, singing, playing piano, listening to podcasts. and cooking for her family. Ella values people who listen attentively and follow through. In the fall, she’ll be playing basketball at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa and studying elementary education.
The youngest of six, Isaac was raised in a Christian home and got most of his education at Hillcrest. With his friendly smile and easy charm he coasted through his boyhood, soaking up a lot of scripture. But it wasn’t until 10th grade that he seriously began to pursue God for himself. Asking, “Who is God,” and “What does a relationship with Him look like?” Then the real fire caught at the beginning of his senior year when he desired to live out the faith he proclaimed. He applied to go to Albania on the senior mission trip a little behind schedule and God moved mountains to make it happen and Isaac grew through this process of waiting and trusting. Isaac loves animals, and fishing, boating, and tubing at the lake. He collects Formula One race car models by Lego. He loves sports and the workout connection between body and brain. Isaac plans to attend UND for mechanical engineering and is also considering joining the National Guard. Some day, he’d like to design cars and engines.
Griffin came to Hillcrest as an 8th grader. He has a younger brother and sister and, when he was in 3rd grade, two older boys joined his family and became his brothers. Family is important to Griffin and he has enjoyed the fun and travels they’ve had together. He and his younger brother started their own lawn care business two years ago. A hard worker, he has appreciated seeing the benefits of his labor and likes being his own boss. Griffin is all about the outdoors; hunting, fishing, and any sport, especially football. He’s happy to hang out with his friends and “make memories.” He states that he’s grown a lot in his faith at Hillcrest and he ‘s thankful for everything his teachers have invested in him. Griffin plans to attend M-State in the fall to study business administration while expanding his own business.
Gavin Simonsen
Gavin, the oldest sibling of five, began Hillcrest as a 7th grader. His family is very important to him and he loves to travel. Gavin is all about getting things done. He appreciates productivity and initiative and disdains sloth. To wit, Gavin works a full-time job in addition to going to school. This young man has a sharp mind and likes to use it. He got started playing with Legos, then built himself a computer. Gavin is currently building his own modified race car from the chassis up. He retains details, learning as he goes, and you can often find him in the shop working on engines and race cars. In his years at Hillcrest, Gavin feels he’s been equipped to share his own faith and he’s not shy about engaging others. After high school he wants to take a gap year and visit his grandfather in Tanzania. Then he wants to become certified in welding and auto to someday open his own Fabrication and Engine Shop.
Isaiah says he is known for his distinct laugh. He’s a quiet guy until you get to know him. Case in point: Since he was a toddler, he’s been obsessed with sharks and hopes to swim with them someday. Isaiah values family and is especially close to his grandparents, mom, and older brother. Spending summers at his grandma’s lake place, fishing and four-wheeling was the best. He also enjoys football, playing guitar, lifting with friends, and flying–he’ll test for his pilot’s license soon. He’s a fast reader and has especially appreciated required titles such as “The Men We Need,” and “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist.” He has grown by being challenged to use his mind to examine his faith while at Hillcrest. Next fall, Isaiah will begin classes to pursue a nursing degree that he hopes will lead towards his goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
Gavin Simonsen
Isaiah Bowen
Gavin, the oldest sibling of five, began Hillcrest as a 7th grader. His family is very important to him and he loves to travel. Gavin is all about getting things done. He appreciates productivity and initiative and disdains sloth. To wit, Gavin works a full-time job in addition to going to school. This young man has a sharp mind and likes to use it. He got started playing with Legos, then built himself a computer. Gavin is currently building his own modified race car from the chassis up. He retains details, learning as he goes, and you can often find him in the shop working on engines and race cars. In his years at Hillcrest, Gavin feels he’s been equipped to share his own faith and he’s not shy about engaging others. After high school he wants to take a gap year and visit his grandfather in Tanzania. Then he wants to become certified in welding and auto to someday open his own Fabrication and Engine Shop.
Justine Heikes
Evelyn Frobish
Ethan Swedberg
Isaac Blaskowski
Griffin Haus
Griffin Haus
Griffin came to Hillcrest as an 8th grader. He has a younger brother and sister and, when he was in 3rd grade, two older boys joined his family and became his brothers. Family is important to Griffin and he has enjoyed the fun and travels they’ve had together. He and his younger brother started their own lawn care business two years ago. A hard worker, he has appreciated seeing the benefits of his labor and likes being his own boss. Griffin is all about the outdoors; hunting, fishing, and any sport, especially football. He’s happy to hang out with his friends and “make memories.” He states that he’s grown a lot in his faith at Hillcrest and he ‘s thankful for everything his teachers have invested in him. Griffin plans to attend M-State in the fall to study business administration while expanding his own business.
Kendra Veldhouse
Kendra is the oldest of three siblings. She grew up in Wheaton, MN until her family moved to Fergus so that she and her siblings could attend Hillcrest. If you don’t want to hear the truth, don’t ask Kendra. She is direct, but at the same time very accepting and affectionate with others. Having faced various challenges of her own, she is passionate about defending people with disabilities, defending the weak, and is staunchly pro-life. Kendra’s faith and her family are very important to her. She has grown to see the Hillcrest family as an extension of her own and is so thankful for the friendships she has found on this campus. Kendra loves music and theater and proclaims herself “a Bible trivia geek.” (Note that before you challenge her!) Kendra is welcoming of others and adaptable to new situations, exuding much grit and determination in her own personal walk with Jesus. She will either take a gap year this fall or take classes at M-State
Justine is the last of four sisters to graduate from Hillcrest. At first glance, you might find her to be a quiet soul, but don’t be so easily fooled: There’s a lot of energy poised to express itself behind that calm exterior. Justine is a steady person, consistent and dependable. But she loves hanging out with her friends doing the most random things: Side Quests. These are unscheduled adventures you make up as you go. Justine loves travel, playing any sport just for fun. She reads in manic spurts, and harbors a secret penchant for things domestic. Such as her first batch of sourdough starter, a project that holds great promise. Justine likes to fish and spend time at the lake with her family. Something she’s appreciated at Hillcrest is the small class size and that there’s a place for everyone. Justine is getting her CNA certification and plans to continue working at Pioneer Home while taking business classes at M-State.
Josiah Berge
This is Josiah’s first year at Hillcrest. He came from Fargo to embrace dorm life with his cousin Sean and it has been a great experience. Already strong in his faith, Hillcrest has further challenged him, especially his apologetics class. He has gained a better understanding of other faiths, including his own, and the ability to express that with more clarity and supporting evidence. Josiah is a dedicated worker who values exercise, eating well, and discipline. He is outgoing and loves fishing and tubing at the lake, lifting, and playing games of any kind with friends. Little known fact: He is very comfortable in the kitchen and enjoys cooking and baking. Last summer he worked out at I-Point Camp, caring for the grounds. It is important for Josiah to be active. In the coming year, Josiah plans to work for his father at his business while exploring his option for further schooling down the road.
Makenzie Miller
Growing up, Kenzie believed she was a mermaid. With her easy laugh and whimsy, it is plain to see why children are drawn to her and she to them. Kenzie has the rare quality of being more interested in listening to people than talking. She’s worked as a nanny, a reading tutor and a small group leader for JHigh students. Kenzie enjoys playing piano, and leading worship at her church and as a second year intern at Hillcrest. Kenzie loves volleyball as evidenced by the many hours she’s spent playing for HIllcrest and on volleyball club teams, developing close relationships with her teammates. She feels that, at Hillcrest, she has become more discerning and adept at prioritizing her loves. After graduation, plans to work as a CNA at LB homes and study for her nursing degree.
Lincoln experienced memorable summers growing up at his grandparent’s house on Star Lake, fishing and playing card games with his cousins and siblings, and bon fires on dark nights. He’s enjoyed building things with his grandpa and taking family vacations to California, Florida, and Yellowstone. Family is important to Lincoln, as is his faith. He works hard and sets a high bar for himself in academics and sports. Highly competitive, he is also very social, and works to achieve balance in his life. It’s important to Lincoln that people are shown respect and welcomed into groups. He displays Christ-like leadership in that he wants everyone to belong. This summer he’ll be doing cement work with OT Exteriors and then attend classes at M-State for business administration.
Lily Cossette
Kian Stender
Levi Bowman
Levi is the life of the party. Spontaneous and flexible, he is quick to make time for people. And make them laugh. Witty, and armed with a passion for learning, Levi can talk to any one about any thing. But what he prefers are conversations of depth and honesty, discussing eternal matters and how to live life with purpose. A PK with older brothers who attended HLA, he has made his own mark. During his two years of dorm living, he’s been learning that his worth is not based on his performance, yet there needs to be “Less Levi, more Christ.” He loves his classmates, teammates, and dormies. This fall, he plans to attend M-State and study sociology, and possibly finish his degree at HIllside to become a Jury Consultant.
Kian is the 2nd of eight children and has always known what is expected of him. At the tender age of twelve, his dad would drop him off at school and tell he had two jobs: “Don’t embarrass me,” and, “Find a wife.” Kian is an artist at heart. He loves sunrises and sunsets and working with his hands. He has some decent dance moves and is quick to laugh. Kian loves Jesus. He’s passionate about truth and justice and friends who don’t just tell him what he wants to hear but hold him to a higher standard. He loves his family, dogs, sports, guns, cool shoes, and, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” This summer, he and his older brother are remodeling a house together. In the future, Kian plans to 1) Follow the Lord, 2) Marry a beautiful woman, and 3) Possibly manage his own masonry business.
Luke McGuire
Lily began her education at Hillcrest in pre-school and has been a Comet ever since. Naturally caffeinated, Lily breezes into a room with gusto and enthusiasm. Don’t tell her she “can’t” do something because she’ll prove you wrong. Three things are very important to Lily: Her faith in Jesus, her large extended family, and her friends. Her favorite thing about Hillcrest is the sense of community she’s experienced. Growing up, Lily has spent a part of each summer at her aunt’s home in South Dakota. She loves hiking in the Badlands, and has met Teddy Roosevelt in person. (And also Teddy Roosevelt’s dog.) Lily loves to read, take walks, participate in the choir/musicals/theater, and is part of the track team. She plans to work this summer as a counselor at Camp Joy on Star Lake. In the fall, she’s considering Crown College to pursue a degree in elementary ed.
Nik grew up in Taiwan, the oldest of four siblings, to missionary parents. He speaks fluent Mandarin and dabbles in another three or four languages. Due to extensive travel and numerous moves, Nik has had a rich experience of diverse cultures and quickly adapts to new situations.. He’s outgoing and competitive and knows what he likes, which includes skiing, solving complex puzzles and books about theology. First and foremost he identifies himself as a Christian and his faith and the church are very significant to him, especially since he literally grew up in church. The English-speaking congregation his dad pastored in Taiwan could have people from as many as 30 different countries on any given Sunday exposing Nik to a diverse kaleidoscope of cultures. Small wonder then, that Nik’s favorite thing about HIllcrest has been the community he’s been part of the past two years. Nik will be working out at iPoint Camp as an intern for the next year and plans to ultimately go to seminary to be a pastor.
Natasha Lacey
Lincoln Nash
First and foremost, Luke describes himself as a follower of Jesus Christ. He has spent the past four years as a student at Hillcrest and is the seventh child of 8 in his family. He also has the distinction of having 15 nieces and nephews. Family is very important to Luke and he values the close relationships he has with his siblings and parents. Humility is a quality he aspires to and he seeks to serve and help others. Luke loves to read his Bible and books about theology and has seriously dived into the assigned reading at HLA, noting how these things have gown his faith. A guitar player, he is on the worship team and also sings in the choir. Luke’s favorite sport is baseball and he has a collection of baseballs on display in this room. Outdoors, he enjoys fishing and pheasant hunting with his dad and his dog, and loyal friend, Max. Next fall, Luke will begin a two year program at Alexandria Tech’s Police Academy.
This is Olivia’s fourth year at HIllcrest and her favorite thing is the community she’s found. Classmates have been friendly and inclusive. Loyal, respectful friendships are important to her and she seeks to extend these same virtues to others. Olviia enjoys being around children and animals because both respond to love in action more than mere words. Olivia projects gentleness and kindness and it’s only natural that she’s been involved with the Comets for Life club. She’s been a children’s swim instructor at the Y and gone on a couple of missions trips to Seattle and Mexico where she delighted to work with the kids. Olivia likes deer hunting with her dad but admits she could probably not kill a deer, and ice fishing for walleye. She loves music, singing in the choir, baking, laughing, and people who make her laugh. She hopes to attend Concordia in St. Paul to study elementary education.
Natasha is the oldest of three girls and has spent 12 years at Hillcrest. Although people bring out the playful side of her, she lives a lot in her own head with an unmatched, rich imagination. Natasha loves to write stories, sometimes beginning a storyline as she drifts off to sleep only to have the plot develop in her dreams. She cares deeply about people and animals, using her skill of careful observation to interpret expressions that speak louder than words. Her favorite subject in school is math and she is grateful to Mr. Doering for unlocking a subject she previously hated. She has played the violin since 4th grade, loves drawing, and collects classic Lego sets. Natasha is passionate about God’s amazing creation and this has been a strong factor in her faith development, considering the stars and the Intellect behind what’s been made. Next fall, she is considering the Wahpeton School of Science.
Sarah arrived firmly planted with one foot in two worlds: Brazil and Minnesota–both of which contain her beloved family. She was born and spent most of her childhood in Brazil with her native father and American mother, both teachers. Her c;ose-knit extended family lives in a rural neighborhood known as “Crow Hill.” Sarah is fluent in three languages and is mature and wise beyond her years. She loves people and they are naturally drawn to her warmth and easy laugh. Sarah loves Jesus and is quick to welcome others into her inner circle. She plays guitar, sings, and enjoys doing everything or nothing at all with friends. She served as co-student-chaplain this past year and happily accepts leadership roles, the first to volunteer at any given opportunity. Increasingly, Sarah admits, she is learning restraint in stating quick judgments and opinions, and credits this to the Holy Spirit’s work in her heart. She plans to pursue a career in elementary ed.
Ruby Walkup
Olivia Butke
Sean Berge
Sean is third in line of eight siblings, the third generation in his family to attend Hillcrest. He has an adventurous spirit and a slight mischievous bent. If you’re lucky enough to have Sean as your friend, you have a kind and loyal guy who will always have your back. An avid outdoorsman, fishing and hunting are high on his list of priorities as well as playing a sport every season. Raised in a Christian home, homeschooled until 8th grade, a pastor for a dad, Sean has always known Jesus. But especially in more recent years, studying Scripture and having significant conversations with teachers and friends have caused his faith to grow. Over the past couple summers, he has done a variety of construction work and, this summer, he’ill begin building his own house from the ground up.
In Ruby’s family, children are born in sets. She and her sister Chloe are set one and the second set, Sophie and Eli came along later. She loves spending time with her family doing anything or nothing at all. Ruby is an outgoing, positive bundle of energy who lives to serve Jesus and encourage others. Board game nights, bonfires, and the sports teams she’s been a member of have taught her valuable lessons about how to joyfully celebrate the successes of others. A couple of mission trips she has gone on have impressed her with how vast the world is and how great the need is for the gospel to be shared. She speaks Spanish and hopes this will be useful as she seeks God’s next step in her life–whether this is serving locally or far away. She has been a small group leader for junior high students and plans to be part of a pilot mentorship program at The Naz following graduation.
Xander is the oldest of five siblings and came to Hillcrest in 7th grade. He’s a hardworking, determined person who enjoys serious and meaningful conversations, but is also prone to bouts of humor. For the first 12 years of his life, his grandpa was his pastor and faith was an important part of his family life. During those years he attended public school and there he found others were disinterested in spiritual conversations so he was delighted to find that was not the case at HLA. Here, his confidence and understanding of his faith have grown but not without challenges. His sophomore year, he wrestled with the excesses of social media until a book on his summer reading list, “Digital Liturgies,” gave him the tools and wisdom to challenge that idol’s control. He has been replacing phone time with more productive, positive things. Next fall, Xander plans to attend SDSU to study data science.
Valen, as her friends call her, comes to us from Brazil and this is her third year at Hillcrest. She began learning English early, around the age of 8, and has traveled extensively with her parents and younger sister throughout Europe and America. Trust and honesty are important to her and she seeks friends who will encourage her in her faith–something she has made her own since her arrival at HLA. Valentina’s warmth and easy laugh draw others to keep close. She has taken ballet and played soccer. She enjoys cooking and her favorite food to eat is her dad’s Brazilian BBQ. Having experienced the joy of Christian community at Hillcrest, she will seek that in church when she returns to Brazil. In the footsteps of her entrepreneurial mother, Valen plans to attend business classes, and hopes to open a clothing store with her mom in the near future.
Trystan DeWolf
Nikolas Olsen
Sarah Diniz
Xander Brown
Trystan grew up in Montana on, what his father jokingly refers to as, a funny farm. He is the oldest of four brothers and was homeschooled prior to his arrival at Hillcrest his junior year. Trystan describes himself as easy going and he likes to make people laugh. His time at HLA has drawn him out, helped him find his voice and given him more confidence to speak his mind and own his faith. Being part of a football team that went to state was amazing but the relationships he developed on the field, and later on the basketball court, were the best of all. His family breeds and raises Hungarian Vizslas and Chesapeake Retrievers and Trystan loves pheasant hunting with their dogs. He also enjoys the guitar and working on his fixer-up truck. In the fall, Trystan intends to become an apprentice to a plumber in his area.
Ezekiel Fiskness
Valentina Corsato
First Zeke came to Hillcrest as a sophomore followed by the rest of his siblings. Then his mom came to teach science, and finally his dad climbed on board as president/principal. That’s how the whole family came to Hillcrest. Zeke treasures the years he spent growing up on a farm with his family and a menagerie of sheep, chickens, and others. A homeschooled student, he was a contemplative, old soul plunged headlong into sharing his privately cultivated gifts in a very public way: Student government, choir, theater, he found himself suddenly onto a literal stage. Back home were his extensive library and quiet artistic pursuits. At school he systematically pulled out his collection of instruments (11 at last count) and was invited to employ them. Zeke enjoys reading, cooking, and drawing/painting. He values his faith, relationships, and learning. This summer he’ll be working as an assistant cook at iPoint Camp. Next fall he intends to start college to pursue nursing.