Academics at Champion

I have been at Champion since July of 2006. I earned a BA degree in music from Westmont College and before coming here was a Bible Study Fellowship teaching leader for 6 years. I am the Registrar here at Champion.  My appreciation for Champion runs deep.  When hired I was able to have my daughter come for her last 2 years of high school.  Having her brothers attend public school and my daughter 2 years at a public high school I was able to experience/witness the contrast between the public and Christian environment as well as the smaller class size.  I asked my daughter what she appreciated about Champion.  Hands down it was the freedom to express Christian values and more pointedly the absence of gang activity and general lack of morals endured in the public school.  Here I witnessed her being accepted and loved by fellow students.  As a parent I appreciated the personal involvement of her teachers encouraging her even in her most difficult classes.  For me working here is a God given privilege.  To be able to encourage students in their faith walk, and provide them with a working knowledge of scripture is a wonderful challenge and joy.

My name is Audra Hoyt and this is my second year as a permanent teacher at Champion. Currently, I am teaching U.S. History, World History, Bible 9, Theater Arts and serving as the Librarian. As an alumna, Champion is special to me. My family was very involved in Champion’s early years. I started 7th grade here in Fall 1994, my Mom was hired as a teacher the following year and my sister began Junior High in 1996. For the six years I was a student here I participated in everything- Cheerleading, Volleyball, Softball, the School Play, and the list goes on. I have many special memories of my days as a Champion student and I hope to help current students make those same memories. 

After I graduated in Spring 2000, I attended Chico State were I majored in History. I then received a Graduate Residential Scholarship Award to Boise State University in Idaho. I finished my Masters in Applied Historical Research in Spring 2007. I greatly enjoyed my time in graduate school and my students know how much I love Boise State football! In addition to my work at Champion, I am also the Assistant Curator at the Chico Museum. As a Curator I research, write and create exhibits for the museum. It is challenging but rewarding to see the finished product. I am blessed to be able to share history with people of all ages both at the Chico Museum and here at Champion.

I first became aquainted with Champion when my oldest son, Dana, entered as a Freshmen back in 1999. He and my youngest son, Sean, are both Champion graduates. I have two older daughters, Stephanie
age 31 and Sarah age 28 who have blessed me with six beautiful grandchildren. Dana is also married and has a daughter. I remember the first orientation I attended way back when and I knew then that I wanted to be a teacher here. At that time, I was teaching 5th through 8th grades at a small private school in Paradise. Since I had no formal training, I decided to go back to school so I could better my chances to get hired! When Sean was entering his Senior year, I was encouraged by a friend to apply. I knew I wasn’t qualified with a degree yet so I took on the role of Gideon and placed a fleece before God. I told Him that if He wanted me to work at Champion, He could make it happen. Well, I’ve been teaching here as well as obtaining my degree from Chico State ever since.

Along the way, I have experienced personal trials. My husband and I separated and have divorced but the support I have received here is immeasurable. The Champion family that draws so many parents and students has taken on a personal application for me. I am so thankful that I have been accepted. It is those relationships with staff as well as students and families that has enabled my growth as a teacher and a woman of God.

Currently, I am teaching seven preps including a Prealgebra/Algebra 1 combination, Algebra 2, Consumer Math, Junior High World Studies, Junior High Life Science, and 9th grade English. Yes, I am a bit overwhelmed but I love the students and I love math so I press on in spite of all the correcting of papers! I am finishing my last semester at Chico State before entering the credential program which I would like to accomplish at Champion. I love everything about teaching here and know that it is God’s call on my life. How blessed I am to be doing what I love. I also do stats for the football team and am the biggest fan of all Champion sports!

My name is Susan Kendrick and I am happy to say that I’ve been teaching at Champion Christian School for six years.  Prior to working here, I taught in public schools in Oregon and Arizona for 25 years, teaching all areas of science.  I’ve earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and also completed my Master’s degree in Physical Science (physics and chemistry.) While at Champion I’ve been able to teach Physical Science, Integrated Science, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Physics.  I’m also working on updating our accreditation through ACSI and WASC.
My husband, Ken, and I have been happily married for 29 years and we have three wonderful children.  My eldest son, Timothy, attends college at Oregon State University and will graduate this year.  My middle son, Alexander, is a senior at California State University, Chico.  My daughter, Rachael, is a senior at Champion!  Hurrah!  I asked Jesus into my heart when I was seven.
Teaching at Champion has been so wonderful!  I told my students over and over again last year that that had been the best year I’d had in 29 years of teaching.  This year is climbin’ the charts! The students, although not perfect, are pretty close to “practically perfect in every way!” They are funny, kind, and enthusiastic, and I thank God every day for a job that I love and students that fill my heart with joy.