School Traditions

Valor graduates leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Located in Highlands Ranch, CO, we are a Christian high school where students experience fulfillment in a close-knit community. A vibrant culture of interest-based clubs, exciting events, and cherished traditions fuels enthusiasm, inspiring students to actively engage on campus and forge lasting friendships.

Group of high school girls showing school spirit at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Valor Timeless Traditions

School traditions are an important part of creating a unique and vibrant culture. They connect us in special ways, help us build a foundation of community, and accentuate the natural rhythms of the school year. Scripture is clear that the “joy of the Lord is our strength” and we are always looking for ways to infuse joy into the life of our school. Check out a number of school traditions below.

Valor cheerleaders create enthusiasm among the crowd at a private high school in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Kids playing different games on a field — **Freshman Student and Parent BBQ**

Group of students cheering at a football game — **Football Tailgate & Salute to Service**

Homecoming court at the 50 yard line at the Homecoming football game — Homecoming, Spirit Days

Students signing the National Anthem onstage for the Veteran's Day Celebration — **Veteran’s Day Celebration**

Students in Santa Hats giving candy to other students — **Spirit of Sharing Week**

Four girls performing onstage at the Vespers — **Vespers**

Military personnel on the ice rink during Military Appreciation Night — **Military Appreciation Night**

Students in the ASL club spelling out ASL Club in sign language — **Practicum Experiences**

Student holding signs cheering on the Wish Kid — **Make-A-Wish Foundation – Wish Week**

Group of students dancing at prom — Junior and Senior Prom & After-Prom

Group of girls at senior retreat — **Senior Retreat**

Two girls in commencement attire smiling at parents who are taking a picture — **Valor Commencement**

Valor Clubs

Get Involved with a Club!

Valor offers a variety of clubs and activities in which students may participate, enhancing their intellectual, spiritual, physical and social skills. Contact the Student Leadership Coordinator for more information on existing Valor Clubs or how to start one.

Student Leadership Coordinator

Arts & Culture

Animation Club

Animation Club is for those who are interested in developing skills in 2D, stop-motion, and 3D (CGI) animation. First semester is focused on learning specific skills and creating small projects, while second semester is focused on applying those skills to create animated short films.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Fridays 3:20-5:00pm
Location: Valor Center Room 017

Faculty Advisors:

Mr. Lincoln Ward

Student Leaders:

Alex Montoya

Book Chat Club

Book Chat Club is a place to foster fellowship with other book lovers. The Book Chat club provides the chance to connect over books, get outside your reading comfort zone, & discuss new and popular titles. Each month the leaders choose a book to read and publicize it to all students and faculty who are interested. Once a month, the club meets and discusses the book together.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Tuesdays 11:45am-12:30pm
Location: Academics Building Room 046

Faculty Advisors:

Mrs. April Ringnalda
Mrs. Vickie Pasicznyuk

Student Leaders:

Annika Ringnalda

Creative Writing Club

The Creative Writing Club is a group for creative individuals to meet and practice creative writing through a variety of activities. We engage in numerous creative writing competitions and projects to explore different aspects, tactics, and methods in the creative writing realm. We expect to foster a safe and creative environment for club members to explore the writing style and preferences. We also intend on entering in a few different creative writing competitions across the nation.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Mondays 3:15-4:15pm
Location: Academics Building Room 142

Faculty Advisors:

Ms. Shane Gilbert

Student LeaderS:

Junie Miller

FIDM Fashion Club

In this Fashion Club (sponsored by Arizona State University's Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising), you will get to learn all about the fashion industry, designing and sewing, color theory, Met Galas, fashion shows and so much more! Not to mention being able to work hands-on, get connected with fashion designers, and being able to create and build YOUR own outfits!

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Mondays 3:30-4:15pm
Location: Valor Center Room 126

Faculty Advisor:

Mrs. Trista Clagett

Student Leaders:

Sophia Cho
Jacob Chase-Cho

KASA (Korean American Student Association)

The Korean American Student Association is a club that strives to expand the beautiful culture of Korea school-wide through games, food, traditions and other cultural activities. This club provides all students (not just Korean students) an opportunity to experience Korean and Korean American culture. We will host meetings and gatherings outside of school for anyone who has interest in Korean culture.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Every other Thursday 11:45am-12:30pm
Location: Academics Building Room 025

Faculty Advisor:

Profe Alejandro Kim
Mr. Gabriel Chong

Student Leaders:

Shua Lee
Jun Pak

Ratio Christi Biblical & Science Apologetics Club

Ratio Christi Club is a Biblical and Science Apologetics club. We have speakers/meetings on topics under both Bible and Science apologetics to equip students on issues that culture will challenge. This is a great club to attend for growth in your faith and a more solid foundation when challenged on whether or not faith in Christ is credible, as we will practice apologetic tactics and discuss together. Students can earn both Bible and STEM EU's for committed attendance.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 7:15-8:00am
Location: Academics Building Room 257

Faculty Advisors:

Ms. Amy Hardy
Mr. Lane Palmer

Student Leaders:

Daimian Desiderio
Martin Kovachev
Sofia Crouser
Brady Williams

Thespian Troupe 7307

The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an honor society for high school theatre students. Valor's chapter of ITS is designed primarily to help students connect at a deeper level while gently weaving Jesus through our Performing Arts tapestry. We strive to create a community that is welcoming and inclusive for all theatre students. Theatre students, both performers and technicians are welcome to get involved! We meet once a month to connect, eat snacks, do devos, and learn more about what is happening with the troupe and theatre in general. We will periodically have teaching artists come in to work with us in various areas and do fun service projects for service hours! From time to time we will have an excursion to see shows outside of school, both local high schools and professional theatre. We compete and participate in the International Thespian Society every year as well! This is a great way to learn about theatre and make connections with theatre students in other local high schools.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Tuesdays 11:50am-12:30pm
Location: Valor Center Black Box Theatre Room 001

Faculty Advisors:

Ms. Suzanna Champion
Mrs. Nicole Carlson

Student Leaders:

Natalie Xikes
Lance Kawasaki
Zach Buchold

Spanish Worship Band

The Spanish Worship Band Club will meet once a week to celebrate and worship God in Spanish. We will provide food, pray, and have a short devotion before every meeting. If all goes well, we plan to perform around the area, in retirement homes, at CHC, and even have a night of worship once a semester where everyone is welcome to join.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Thursdays 11:45am-12:30pm (Starting September 12)
Location: Valor Center Room 218

Faculty Advisors:

Profe Alejandro Kim

Student Leaders:

Maisy Smith
Kate Fenn

Valor Arts Social Media Team Club

Students involved in Valor Arts Social Media Team will head up the content for the Valor Arts Instagram and TikTok. They will work each month to create content about what is happening at the Valor Center, what projects are going on in classrooms, and create fun/engaging/trending content to highlight Arts students. We are looking for students from Visual, Performing, and Media arts who are excited about the awesome things going on in the performing and visual art community at Valor and want to share it with a larger audience. We will meet once a month to go over the calendar and assign posts.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: 2nd Tuesdays 11:45am-12:30pm
Location: Valor Center Room 125

Faculty Advisors:

Ms. Suzanna Champion

Student Leaders:

Mia Siers
Delaney McCallum

STEM

Aeronautics Club

Architecture Club

Astronautics Club

Automotive Design Club

Biotechnology Club

CAD Club

Car Mechanics Club

Automotive and motorsports engineering are a part of mechanical engineering and the development of autonomous vehicles is a growing field. The purpose of Car Mechanics Club is to study the design and engineering of modern cars and their systems. This can help students determine if automotive engineering is a field of interest. We will take apart parts of cars to study their systems, and hear from guest speakers in the field.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm
Location: Academics Building Room 050

Faculty Advisors:

Mr. Rick Russon

Student Leaders:

Giddeon Salazar

Chemistry Club

Chemistry Club explores a variety of topics including saponification, chromatography, and polymers in a lab focused setting. Students will perform various chemistry experiments that will provide them with a broad understanding of chemistry in their everyday lives. Chemistry Club brings a new aspect of excitement to the field of Chemistry with interesting activities done every month.

MEETING DETAILS:

Time: Thursdays 7:10-8:00am
Location: Academics Building Room 331

FACULTY ADVISORS:

Mrs. Becky Langer

Student Leaders:

Mia LeGrande
Kailyn Ertler
Taylor Dean

Civil Engineering Club

The purpose of Civil Engineering club is to learn about the different disciplines of Civil Engineering. This will help students determine what they want to study in college through guest speakers and learning Civil3D. As Civil Engineering is one of the top engineering fields, this is a great opportunity to dip your toes in and see what it's all about.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Every other Thursday 11:45am-12:30pm
Location: Academics Building Room 050

Faculty Advisors:

Mr. Rick Russon

Student Leaders:

Nathan Kachmar

Computer Science & Game Jam Club

If you want to learn to engineer software, game development, augmented reality (AR), hardware development, artificial intelligence (AI), network engineering, virtual machines, cyber security, computer graphics, web development, database management, system architecture, embedded systems, and other fields, then this is the club for you. Come develop your skills and expand your knowledge in your area of interest!

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Wednesdays 7:30-8:05am
Location: Academics Building Room 050

Faculty Advisors:

Mr. Nathaniel Higgins

Student Leaders:

Breck Massey

Forensics Club

Forensics Club is an interactive club, with many different opportunities to explore the different sides of Forensics. Building on what we learn in class, the club will offer hands-on activities, case studies, and guest speakers to explore real-world applications of forensic techniques. Whether someone is fascinated by crime scene investigation, forensic anthropology, or digital forensics, this club provides a unique opportunity to expand your understanding and gain practical experience in solving mysteries.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Fridays 7:15-8:00am
Location: Academics Building Room 324

Faculty Advisors:

Mrs. Missy Marchino

Student Leaders:

Lilly Wood
Bianca Anderson
Mia LeGrande

Technology Student Association (TSA)

TSA is a competitive-based club including STEM-based fields of study. TSA is a national organization providing students with opportunities to compete in areas of arts, leadership, debate/speech, and a variety of STEM interests including; Engineering challenges, Coding, Robotics, Fashion Design, Biotechnology, Forensics, Drones, and many more events.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Fridays 7:15-8:00am
Location: Academics Building Room 050

Faculty Advisors:

Mrs. Colleen Shallenberger
Mr. Andrew Roth
Mr. James Gonzales

Student Leaders:

Ryan Peters
Brady Wahl
Mia Siers

Marine Biology

An opportunity for students to learn how to take care of a saltwater fish tank, talk about interesting marine science topics and organisms, and learn more about the undersea world that God has created.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Tuesdays 11:45am-12:30pm
Location: Academics Building Room 325

Faculty Advisors:

Mr. DuWayne Worthington

Student Leaders:

Lucas Nieves
Claire Koeplin

Nuclear Science

Nuclear Science STEM Club will research and build models to better understand the systems and intricacies of nuclear reactors and materials. This is a club where students can learn about atomic technology and work on nuclear power-related projects.

MEETING DETAILS:

Time: Wednesdays 3:15-4:00pm
Location: Academics Building Room 050

FACULTY ADVISORS:

Mr. Rick Russon

Student Leaders:

Mitch Frederick

Pre-Health Science Club

Pre-Health Sciences Club is designed to expose students to a multitude of medical-related careers, while fostering a climate of exposure and character development. In addition, the club is conducive to strengthening communication skills, professionalism, and self-advocacy. PHSC’s meetings are focused around broader help topics, but individual exploration into specialized fields is emphasized. The structure of the meetings centers around presentation-style lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and technical development. PHSC’s model is also fluid to accommodate for returning students who are looking to diversify their skillset, while updating to supply industry connections.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 7:15-8:00am
Location: Valor Center Upper Lobby

Faculty Advisors:

Mrs. Gabriela Casey
Ms. Bailey McPherson

Student Leaders:

President: Sophie Parker
Isabella Jones
Madison Wong
Kerrigan Kreimeyer
David Young
Anna Montoya

Robotics Club

The Robotics club explores varying topics in circuitry, building and developing Vex and other products such as Raspberry PI, Arduino, and robotics kits such as MIT's Ducky Robot or the Cubie. Students explore and undertake their own projects as well as participating in club projects. We will also be participating in competitions regarding Vex and other robotics themed events.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Tuesdays 7:15-8:00am
Location: Academics Bulding Room 050

Faculty Advisors:

Mrs. Shandra Pankoski

Student Leaders:

Jack Marris

Suturing Club

Suture Club is a high-level club offering for students looking to build practical suturing skills in preparation for a medical-related career. The Club develops technique in addition to advancing members’ knowledge of medical terminology and emerging surgery technology. Constantly innovating to provide distinct opportunities for our members, Suture Club is dynamic, unified in approach, and can be tailored to member’s specific requests. We focus on encouraging students to be detail-oriented and collaborative. The club itself is built around community, and many of our members enjoy bringing friends to experience “making the first bite” into an incision! You never know when there might be donuts!

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Thursdays 7:15-8:00am
Location: Academics Building Room 050

Faculty Advisors:

Mr. Rick Russon

Student Leaders:

Caden May
Isabella Jones
Caroline Langston
Keane Hazelrigs

Leadership & Business

A group of students before the freshman bbq

DECA (By Application Only)

DECA is a business club that allows students to compete using the skills they acquire in business classes. They have an opportunity to compete in varying ways that include Role-Play or Written events against their peers and other high schools.
*Must apply and be in a business class to join DECA.*

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Mondays 7:00-8:00am
Location: Academics Building Business Room 178

Faculty Advisors:

Mr. Mark Ladwig
Mrs. Sarah Herscovici

Student Leaders:

Emma Van Bramer

Discovery Club

Discovery Club is a space for students to grow in their faith, learn to serve the community around them, and hear from influential speakers on topics such as leadership, service, and international missions that brings a lasting impact. Valor students will also take advantage of planning and implementing authentic service opportunities while gaining a greater heart for the poor and marginalized through local and cross-cultural missions as they GO. SERVE. TRANSFORM. A community focused on service, evangelism and apologetics club that will engage in local and national mission based projects.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Tuesdays 8:00-9:00am
Location: Academics Building Discovery Conference Room

Faculty Advisor:

Discovery Staff

Student Leaders:

Char Dawson
Samantha Dinneen

Freshman Leadership Academy

Freshman Leadership Academy is our student leadership program for Freshmen at Valor. We teach the 5 leadership characteristics of Character, Courage, Discipline, Service and Influence to the students. All Freshman students may join and they will be taught the basic elements of leading themselves, leading another, leading many, and leading organizations.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Thursdays 7:15-8:00am - Starting October 3
Location: Valor Center Orchestra Room 226

Faculty Advisors:

Mr. Mike DeAlto

Student Leaders:

Morgan Minnihan
Addison Lloyd

Historical Debate Club

Mock Trial

Mock Trial is a competitive high school activity sponsored by the Colorado Bar Association. Students take on the role of attorney or witness in a fictitious case and argue the case against other high school teams in Douglas County in an actual courtroom. Students have the opportunity to participate in a real courtroom setting, and students of all grades are able to participate.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Tuesdays 8:00-9:00am
Location: Academics Building Room 242

Faculty Advisors:

Mrs. Sarah Edson

STUDENT LEADERS:

Magen Carlson
Chris Dudzic
Ryan Greenfield
Haley Cornella
Peter Heitmann
Mason Walters
Connor Egan

Model United Nations

Model United Nations allows students to compete at the local, state, and national levels in simulations of the United Nations. Students explore diplomacy, international relations, and global politics in simulations of contemporary and historical events. This club emphasizes leadership, cooperation, and problem-solving skills at the international level.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Tuesdays 8:00-9:00am
Location: Academics Building Room 248

Faculty Advisors:

Mr. Paul Stapleton

Student Leaders:

Samantha Dinneen
Bailey Webb
Anya Hidalgo

Valor Students for Life

This is a Pro-Life club with a goal to emphasize the idea that life begins from the moment of conception and should be protected until natural death. In the club, we will talk about what it means to be Pro-Life and equips the participants with ways to defend life. Teaches that everyone is fearfully and wonderfully made. Not just about abortion but other Pro-Life topics like euthanasia, homelessness, and human trafficking.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Thursdays 7:15-8:00am
Location: Academics Building Room 025

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Javier Arias

Student Leaders:

Emma Van Bramer

Sports & Games

Valor Athletes for Christ

Valor Athletes For Christ is an opportunity for student athletes to continue to go deeper spiritually and in community with their fellow athletes from all sports. This student-led group, along with staff supervision, as well as partnerships with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and AIA (Athletes in Action) wants to reach ALL athletes for Christ. Since we have so many athletes on our campus, where some will continue playing in college and some may not, our hope is that by having a relationship and connection with these organizations, they are more inclined to join these upon arriving in college. So whether you bike, swim, dance, row, flip, own any type of "tennis shoe" you are athlete enough for us!

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: One Thursday/Month 11:45am-12:30pm
Location: Athletics Building Small Gym

Faculty Advisor:

Jessika Caldwell

Student Leaders:

Mia Lozano

Chess Club

At Chess Club, we play and compete in chess, and plot to take over the world. We teach new students how to play, and have friendly matches each week. Club members can sign-up to compete for Valor's chess team (all games are online).

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Wednesdays 3:15-5:00pm
Location: Academics Building Room 046

Faculty Advisor:

Mr. Thomas Hill

Student Leaders:

Noah Landen
Brady Wahl

eSports Club

FCA Fellowship of Christian Athletes - All Abilities

FCA - All Abilities serves individuals and family members of the Valor community with disabilities. We play volleyball during the fall sports season and basketball during the winter sports season.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Saturdays 4:00-5:15pm
Location: Athletics Building Main & Small Gyms

Faculty Advisors:

Mr. Riley Scott

Student Leaders:

Savannah Khan
Will Baller

Hiking Club

The purpose of Hiking club is to go outside and hike to relax and enjoy nature together. Many students love to hike but don’t have friends to hike with. This is an opportunity to explore the beautiful state of Colorado, while promoting physical and mental health and making new friends.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Thursdays 11:45am-12:30pm Starting September 19
Location: Academics Building Room 311

Faculty Advisors:

Ms. Amy Hardy

Student Leaders:

Alexa Hubing
Caroline Langston
Addi Riley

Motocross Club

Pickleball Club

Valor Pickleball Club is kicking off! This is open to all students as an opportunity to get to know other Valor students interested in playing Pickleball together! There is a fee due to indoor court costs. A student rate has been secured and will cover 7 weeks of play. We also seek to compete against other high schools in the area in Pickleball Tournaments on top of the weekly play.

Meeting DETAILS:

Time: Sundays in October/November 4:30-6:30pm
October 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th
November 3rd, 10th, and 17th
Location: Epic Pickleball (1980 E County Line Rd)

Freshman Student and Parent BBQ

Football Tailgate & Salute to Service

Homecoming, Spirit Days

Veteran’s Day Celebration

Spirit of Sharing Week

Vespers

Military Appreciation Night

Practicum Experiences

Make-A-Wish Foundation – Wish Week

Junior and Senior Prom & After-Prom

Senior Retreat

Grandparents Day

Valor Commencement