By Kathleen Brooks, Alumni Mom, HCS Board Member
Posted Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Alumni Update: Kyle and Damon Brooks
Proud alumni mom and school board member, Kathleen Brooks, fills us in on Kyle's graduation,academic honors, and other news.

Following a school board meeting a couple of weeks ago, I was asked by another one of the board members about our son Kyle's college graduation. As I shared about our experience, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of gratitude for all that Kyle and our older son Damon received from HCS as they journeyed through two very important times in their lives ... middle school and high school ... here at Hillcrest. Both of our sons graduated from Hillcrest Christian High School fully prepared for their college experience academically, socially, athletically, and most important to us, spiritually. Damon focused on playing college soccer and was blessed to be part the Azusa Pacific University soccer team which was one of the top two in the NAIA several years in a row. He graduated with a degree in Business Marketing and a minor in Graphic Arts. He is happily married to Michele and is continuing to pursue his dream of professional soccer along with other career goals in the marketing field. Kyle, having just graduated, went down a a different track as he heavily pursued the academic opportunities available in college although he found time to play one semester of college soccer and several intramural sports. He also met his fiance, Stephanie at A.P.U., and they both just graduated with Honors, Summa Cum Laude. I do give all the glory for the men our sons are becoming to the Lord and I also know it took hard work on their part for sure! However, here on earth as parents it was a HUGE piece of their life-picture for all that the Hillcrest administration, teachers and staff poured out into our boys. They, other parent friends from HCS, and our church adults poured themselves selflessly into our sons and in coming along side us in providing the environment of love, growth, and support for the boys to thrive in. They were ready for life, and we could not be more thankful than we are for the rich blessing HCS has been in the lives of our sons and in the life of our family!

I sometimes am asked why I am still involved at Hillcrest as an alumni parent on the School Board. I can tell you I could never out-give what has been generously given to our family from HCS. I completely support keeping your students here all the way through high school graduation because I have seen the end result! I have personally seen the result in many many young adults ready to move into life with vigor to make an educated difference for Christ in our world! It is an honor to continue to serve on the school board and to watch the excellence in and ever-improving education offered here and the authentic love given by our administration team, teachers, and staff to your children! The best is yet to come! Wait and see!

Principal's Note: Kyle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, with minors in Greek, Religion and Psychology. Kyle was given a Certificate of Distinction in philosophy from the APU School of Theology, was recognized as an Honor Scholar and is a member of California Gamma Chapter of Alpha Chi Honor Society. He was also recognized for his mission work in Guatemala and his semester abroad studying at Oxford, England. Kyle feels he is being called to be a pastor and will begin seminary at Calvin Theological Seminary located in Grand Rapids, MIchigan in August.