Welcoming A Legend
Horizon Christian is entering an exciting new era in its athletic programs. We're thrilled to announce that Coach Gary Hull, one of the most accomplished high school basketball coaches in Oregon history, has joined our community as our new Athletic Director, Head Boys Basketball Coach, and K-12 Basketball Program Leader.
With an astonishing 786 career victories, Coach Hull is the second-winningest coach in Oregon high school basketball history. Over four decades - including 38 years at Western Christian (formally Western Mennonite) - he built a basketball program known for its success, integrity, and spiritual mentorship. Under his leadership, the team made 21 state tournament appearances, including an incredible 19 in a row, reached nine state championship games, and won four state titles.
Coach Hull's influence extends beyond the court; he is, at heart, a teacher and a mentor. He is passionate about developing young athletes who exemplify character, humility, and teamwork. His coaching philosophy emphasizes strong fundamentals, discipline, and spiritual growth, qualities he hopes to instill in Horizon's athletic programs.
We're also excited to welcome his wife, Brenda Hull, who will bring years of experience and dedication to the athletic community. Brenda will play a key role in our athletics program, focusing on fundraising, marketing, and alumni engagement. Gary and Brenda have been significant figures in the Western Christian community, fostering a culture where student-athletes can grow and thrive both spiritually and athletically.
Coach Hull is a family man, having coached his children throughout high school. Gary and Brenda have two children, Madison and Keaton, along with a daughter-in-law, Leah, and a granddaughter, Maya. In his free time, Coach Hull enjoys puzzles, traveling, watching sports, and cheering for his beloved Green Bay Packers.
Now, he looks forward to bringing that same passion and purpose to Horizon Christian, where faith, family, and athletics merge to shape the next generation of leaders.
Missions and Educational Trips (MET Program)
In 2019, Horizon Christian High School officially launched its Missions and Educational Trips (MET) program, inspired by the success of a small group that traveled to Europe in 2018. The heart of the program is to provide students with meaningful experiences that enhance their education and strengthen their faith. Through these trips, students are exposed to diverse cultures around the globe and are allowed to serve others, in line with the values expressed in 1 Peter 4:10-11.
In 2019, our students had a powerful experience in Guatemala, where they witnessed the strength of the local community and served 150 families by providing clean drinking water systems. The emotional impact of the trip was profound, and the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt throughout.
In 2023, our students experienced the joy and wonder of London and Paris, visiting some of the world’s most famous landmarks. One unforgettable highlight was seeing the Eiffel Tower light up on the Seine River. In March 2025, twenty-eight students and adults will stand in the Roman Colosseum and visit the Sistine Chapel in Italy. What a fantastic opportunity to build on their educational and spiritual journey.
The MET program allows students to participate in two missions and two educational trips during high school. Our graduates in the class of 2025 will have the chance to travel to London, Paris, Rome, Florence, and Ponce, Puerto Rico. We are excited about future trips, including a mission trip to the Bahamas in 2026 and possibly exploring Iceland in 2027. The MET program has had a lasting impact on our students, and we hope that all students will be able to experience the rewards of one of these trips.
Below are reflections from students and staff who have traveled with us.
“I had the opportunity to visit London, Paris, and Puerto Rico. The chance to see different cultures and see the world was incredible. The people we served in Puerto Rico had a passionate relationship with Jesus; it was amazing to experience His power in their lives. We made memories that will last a lifetime.” Jaimee Olson, Class of 2025
“I am so grateful for my trip to Ponce, Puerto Rico, with HCHS and Convoy of Hope. God moved me in new ways, opening my eyes to a community that didn’t have much, yet their faith was 10 times stronger than anything I have ever seen. My favorite part was the small church service we attended, sharing our testimonies, thanking the community, hearing the story of the community we were serving, and fellowshipping with them.” Madeline Lapp, Class of 2025
“Visiting Paris and London was like walking through history, with incredible landmarks everywhere. Highlights included the Louvre Museum, Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and the Eiffel Tower.” Megan Campbell – Staff Member
"When you get the chance to visit a whole new country on another continent, you will be very thankful. Getting to experience all the new culture, food, and famous sights is a surreal experience." Carter Burdeaux, Class of 2025
Weekly Chapels
Our weekly chapels are one of the most incredible experiences we have at Horizon Christian School. I am always so grateful for our staff's hard work at these special gatherings. Our ability to pause everything else going on and come together as a community to share in the word and expand our faith is one way that sets Christian education apart.
I love the intentionality that goes into each one. In the elementary school, Mr. Cain and his team pour hours into their weekly messages designed to create a passion in our students for the Lord. Their fun visuals, energetic worship, and interaction make each chapel memorable for our elementary students. One of my favorite parts of this job is seeing our youngest generation passionately worshipping God in chapel. If you are feeling a little down, I promise this is a quick way to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and God’s love for us.
Mrs. Peterson, Mrs. Hiday, and the middle school team have an incredible, creative spirit. I am so impressed with how they can grab the attention of this generation, which can be so challenging. The energy, great speakers, and creative approaches they put together to bring God’s presence into the lives of our students is fantastic. I also love the middle school worship band. Thank you to Mr. Campbell for his heart in partnering with these students to help them grow in their love of Jesus and skill set to help bring worship to the lives of their peers.
Being at the high school since 2006, I have seen the chapels grow into something that I would say is on par with a church service. Under the guidance of Mrs. Rosen and Mr. Craft, the worship team sounds fantastic and leads us all into the presence of the Lord. Mrs. Rosen also leads a group of students who do the lighting, sounds, lyrics, slides, and more that present a complete worship experience. I am so grateful that these students have the opportunities they do to create this experience for the staff and students. The directors meet weekly to plan the messages, themes, and scripture to make God’s word relevant and impactful in the students’ lives.
We take our faith seriously and understand that to be a school that glorifies God, putting the spiritual development of students first is essential. I am so grateful to the students and staff for dedicating their time and talents to create our weekly chapel experiences. If you have never attended one, see if you can come check one out!
Meet Mrs. Anderson
This year Horizon Christian High School was blessed to add Amanda Anderson to our teaching staff. Mrs. Anderson joined us to add strength, expertise, and fun to our Spanish classes. Keep reading to learn a little more about this fantastic new addition.
HCS: How long have you been teaching and how did you land on teaching as a career choice?
Mrs. Anderson: I taught for seven years before my three beautiful daughters were born. I was a stay-at-home mom for ten years and now I am back in the classroom! I always knew I wanted to be a teacher but decided to teach high school Spanish after my great experience in my own high school Spanish class. I fell in love with the language and wanted to make language learning fun for others!
HCS: What excites you about teaching and what do you enjoy most about teaching?
Mrs. Anderson: I just love high school students in general. I think spending time with them, pouring into them, and being an encouragement during this phase of life is so important. I also am a major language nerd, so teaching students to speak a second language is so fun for me! I love to use lots of music and games and provide opportunities to use the language in real-life scenarios.
HCS: What attracted you to teach at Horizon Christian School?
Mrs. Anderson: I previously taught in a public high school. I had a great experience there, but the opportunity to speak freely about Jesus in my classroom makes my heart so happy because I wasn't able to do that before. I want to be a teacher students can come to for prayer and guidance! I also have friends on the staff here at Horizon, so jumping on board was an easy choice. God's hand was all over leading me to this opportunity!
HCS: Tell us a little about your family; where were you born and brought up, and what you like to do during your free time?
Mrs. Anderson: I grew up in Oregon City and have lived there my whole life, other than the four years I spent in Seattle at Seattle Pacific University. I am married to my husband Aaron, a youth pastor. We work with middle school and high school age students at our church in Oregon City. Our life is full of fun and adventures, encouraging kids to love the Lord and walk with Him daily. We have three beautiful daughters, Ava (11), Ariel (9), and Amara (6). We just added a little black kitten to the mix. His name is Toby! As a family we love camping in our tent trailer, fishing, baking, gardening, skateboarding (not so much me!), and music. We have family jam sessions and love to sing worship songs together.
We are so grateful for the strength, knowledge, and fun that Mrs. Anderson brings to our second language program and her incredible heart for our students.
Hawks Rising Funds at Work
This fall our Hawks Rising fund raising goal was $100,000. Not only did we reach our goal on Dec 6th, but we are nearing $150,000 as specific material donations and money continues to come in! We are so grateful for our awesome school community and the many ways that your love and appreciation for Horizon Christian School is expressed. This is the first update for our school community on what donations, purchases and enhancements have been made so far with your donations.
On our element
ary and middle school campus we have had several specific parent donations of new carpet for the stairs in the middle school building and a new “9-Square in the Air” play structure. The kids love the 9-square game and it has greatly enhanced the fun and activity level for the middle school students at break and lunch. Special thank you to the parents who donated the supplies and equipment for these two areas.
Other enhancements include office and computer equipment, security cameras within the “D” building, and an additional part-time office/health assistant in the main office. Additionally, we have received a promised donation of 180 surplus Chromebooks from the Lake Oswego School District that will help to reduce the number of Chromebooks we had planned to purchase.
On our high school campus, we have purchased a new upgraded chapel computer to help with the tech side of our student-led chapels, new camera and photography equipment, and several upgraded computers for personnel. In our fine arts department, black accordion walls have been purchased to enhance the experience for the audience at drama performances and art shows. Also added is new curriculum and equipment to instruct art students in the creative skill of woodburning. The students are already enjoying learning this new craft and the fun that these tools have brought.
Additionally, at the high school, new boys varsity basketball uniforms were purchased and a new baseball clubhouse has been built. Coach Sumner has made some major upgrades to our baseball facilities, and we are really excited our team will finally have a clubhouse to call home.
These are just a few of the projects and enhancements that are putting your generous donations to work by, “Investing in our Students for Today and our School in the Future.”
On behalf of Horizon Christian School, we thank you for your generous support which is making such a difference in the lives or our students and staff.
