Alumni Stories
Want to know what is going on with old Valor friends? Stay up to date with the latest stories about our alumni!
Mikey Hardesty ‘20 Captures the Stories of Denver’s Homeless
Under the tutelage of Valor’s film program, Mikey Hardesty ‘20 was inspired to utilize his talents to make an impact for those in the local community experiencing hopelessness. This past Fall, Mikey began producing short video testimonials for Englewood, Colorado-based Movement 5280.
Founded in 2010 to reach homeless and street-connect youth and young adults, Movement 5280 opened its doors to those on the streets as a place of refuge and respite — where a hot meal or shower is available, along with friendship. The organization creates an environment where people who are struggling can learn about Jesus and come together in community.
Mikey cut his teeth on film making during two Valor Discovery experiences — South Africa and Albania — where he found his passion in producing impactful video documentaries of individuals who he met along the way.
Mikey made several videos for Valor’s Discovery programs on international service trips.
“I was really inspired to seek out the truth from my Valor film instructor,” says Mikey, who was introduced to working with nonprofits on media promotion and outreach while a student at Valor. “Many of the homeless are dehumanized and with my training in the Valor film program, it gave me the courage to talk to people and help by telling their dreams and aspirations.”
Mikey’s transition from high school to the workforce has been eye-opening and enlightening. Utilizing this “gap year,” he is continuing to grow and learn from the people around him; and apply his filmmaking skills and eternal perspective to help make a difference in the lives of those who are often forgotten.
To learn more about Movement 5280, please visit their website.
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