Alumni Stories
Want to know what is going on with old Valor friends? Stay up to date with the latest stories about our alumni!
Clara Tate (’17) Takes Painting International
Clara Tate (’17) has been pursuing her art with lots of adventure since graduating from Valor. She spent a gap year with Youth with A Mission (YWAM) in Perth, Australia, and then served in a YWAM International Arts Evangelist program that included travel to Nepal and China.
She continues to pursue her art studies internationally, having spent last year studying at the Florence Classical Arts Academy In Florence, Italy.
When did you decide you wanted to pursue painting and how did your time at Valor aid you in that decision?
I’ve loved drawing since I was a child. At Valor, my first year in Mr. Trotter’s drawing and painting class was difficult, but I saw so much improvement throughout the year. Many of the students were very talented and it brought opportunities to learn from them as well.
I decided to further my art studies when I was in Perth, Australia with the Arts Evangelist program. It’s been a process to now be studying in Florence and Valor was an important part of my preparation.
What are you doing now and what are your plans beyond this year?
My first year has included anatomical art studies, portrait and still life painting, and regular visits to the Uffizi and Pitti museums for copy practice of the masters. I finished the year with two weeks of Plein Air, an outdoor landscape painting technique, and then I’ll return to Florence in September to continue my studies. My dad’s excited that I’ll have a diploma written in Italian!
What advice do you have for Valor students who want to pursue their art interests?
I encourage you to draw (and design) as much as possible—anytime, anywhere, any place! It doesn’t matter how good or bad it is, just a five to ten-minute daily sketch brings progress. It’s been a requirement for me this year and key to my improvement!
More Alumni Stories
Congrats to Valor Alum Luke Wheeler for being nominated for the Hockey Humanitarian Award. Good Luck!
Congrats to Valor Alum AJ Adams who earned the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Athlete of the Week.
Valor Alum Olivia Smith is cooking breakfast everyday and loving it.
Valor Alum Josh Griesemer is living his childhood dream
Valor Alum Tyler Childs help produce a blockbuster movie with Karen Kingsbury.
Congratulations to both Raegan and Kindyll on taking your teams to the NCAA Women's March Madness Tournament! Your Valor family is extremely proud of you!
Valor Alum Sarah Swift was crowned Miss Colorado!
Valor Alum Christian McCaffrey was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Valor Alum Cori Dyke was selected by the Orlando Pride with their second-round pick of the 2024 NWSL Draft (22nd overall)
During a faculty and staff in-service last week, Valor alums visited and shared about their years at Valor to encourage and challenge.
Valor's parents provided pies and set a space for alumni to meet and greet one another and catch up on Wednesday. The 'Pie Oh My' event has become an annual alumni tradition that takes place during Thanksgiving week when many college students return home for time with family and friends.
Graduates from the classes of 2021 and 2022 reunite to serve in the villages of Northern Thailand. A first time experience for alumni serving in Discovery.
Class of 2016 graduate Sami Snellings is seeing the Lord move in big ways while working in DC for Fox News.
Jason Mishler (2014) and Jamal Hinkle (2013) team up to transform homes with gutter cleaning, power washing and window cleaning.
Best Friends turned Business Partners seeing rapid growth with their wedding day content company 'Follow the Bride'
Class of 2022 Graduate Aspen Edge pursues her dream of barrel racing competing across the Western U.S. at Weatherford College.
Camden Deal (class of 2019) is rehearsing with the cast of a new musical that will open in Dallas this Spring.
Katherine Noonan balances recording new music while studying medicine at Vanderbilt University
Catching up with Class of 2020 graduate Patrick Armould while on tour and how he is making his singer-songwriter dream a reality
A humble heart, a dream to make music, and a call from the Lord is all Emma Haylett needed to be successful from her first day on Valor's campus.
How God transformed his passion for music into a successful, industry leading business in Nashville, Tennessee
Valor Alum Nicole Toscano (Class of 2013) has spent all of her adult life passionate about Valor's dance program and the young ladies she mentors
From Valor, to Taylor University, to Ireland, her success on the court has allowed her to impact lives across the globe through the game of basketball.
How work ethic and striving for excellence allowed him to have success at the next level and beyond.
The mental and physical toughness he developed during his time on the mound led him to pursue a career with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Even as a senior at University of Missouri School of Journalism, Marian Bouchot is already seeing her passion and hard work pay off!
Working as an artificial intelligence and robotics engineer has given Timothy Werder ‘13 a fascinating opportunities!
Even as a senior at University of Missouri School of Journalism, Marian Bouchot is already seeing her passion and hard work pay off!
Valor’s Special Olympics program was instrumental in Cooper Youngs ‘14 growth throughout his time at Valor.
Melanie Allen (’14) has followed her passion for theatre stage management ever since her start in Valor’s theatre department.
Alum Pete Freeman (’14), is helping to build a new design studio in the Big Apple after graduating from Parson’s School of Design this year.
Valor Arts has had the joy of having Justin Kedl (’14) back in our Arts community – this time as a Fellow for the Visual Arts Conservatory.
Clara Tate (’17) has been pursuing her art with lots of adventure since graduating from Valor.
Now a junior at Point Loma Nazarene University majoring in Visual Arts and competing as a varsity track athlete, Gianna shares about some of the aspects of her high school experience that led her to where she is today.
Evan Williams ‘19 did everything from evangelism in the red-light districts of the Philippines to work in tribal communities that have an ISIS presence during his Gap Year with Youth With A Mission