Alumni Stories

Introduction

Since Indiana launched its Indiana Choice Scholarship (voucher) program in the  2011-12 school year, the educational landscape across the state has shifted significantly. The voucher program is part of a broader ecosystem of school choice policies aimed at expanding educational access and options for families.  Other choice options in Indiana include public school open enrollment, charter schools, and alternative models such as homeschooling and microschools. For Bethany Christian School (BCS), these changes have not been abstract, they have directly shaped who we serve, how we are funded, and how we live into our mission. The following analysis explores how school choice, and vouchers in particular, have influenced access, enrollment patterns, and the long-term sustainability of Bethany.

Access and Affordability

One of the most immediate effects of the voucher program has been increased access to Bethany’s educational program. Voucher amounts vary based on a student’s home public school district and grade level, but they typically cover between roughly one-half the average cost of instruction.  Bethany maintains a graduated tuition model, with rates increasing incrementally from kindergarten through 12th grade; high school tuition is modestly higher than elementary levels due to program costs.

In addition to vouchers, Indiana supports access through Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which incentivize private donations by offering state tax credits. Families of students with certain learning needs may also access Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which function differently than vouchers by directing public funds to families for approved educational expenses. Together, these mechanisms have broadened the range of families able to consider a Bethany education.

School Choice in the Broader Context

Vouchers are just one part of a larger school choice environment in Indiana. Public school open enrollment now accounts for the largest movement of students statewide. In 2025-26 about 100,000 students attend public schools outside their home districts. Public Charter schools enroll an additional 50,000 students. Private schools participating in the Choice Scholarship Program serve a significant share of students exercising choice, though they represent a smaller portion, about 79,000, compared to public-sector options. 

Locally, these trends are evident in both public school transfers and participation in private school choice programs. Within Goshen Community Schools, in the 2025-26 school year 744 students transferred to other public schools, compared to 444 students who enrolled in private schools through the Choice Scholarship Program. Notably, transfers to a single nearby public district—Fairfield—exceed those to Bethany Christian School, with 275 students choosing Fairfield compared to 204 attending BCS.

It is also important to note that a small percentage of families do not qualify for voucher assistance but still choose private education, often making significant financial sacrifices to do so. However, starting in 2026-27 school the voucher program becomes universal, including all families regardless of income.

Changing Demographics at Bethany

Perhaps the most visible impact of school choice at Bethany has been the diversification of our student body. Over the past two decades, the number of school-age Mennonite families in our region has declined due to a variety of factors, including smaller family sizes and shifting church affiliations. At the same time, Bethany has experienced notable growth in enrollment among Hispanic students, reflecting broader demographic changes in the Goshen community.

Today, fewer than half of Bethany students identify as Mennonite, representing a substantial shift from the early 2000s. Meanwhile, the percentage of Hispanic students has grown steadily, now representing a significant portion of the student body. This growth mirrors the increasing diversity of the surrounding community.

There has also been an increase in the percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunch, suggesting a broader range of socioeconomic backgrounds among families. While this trend overlaps with other demographic changes, it should be interpreted carefully; these indicators are related but not necessarily causal.

Table 1.  Student population of Selected Groups by Percentage

1 the school year just prior to implementation of the voucher program in 2011-12.

Financial Implications

The voucher program has also significantly reshaped Bethany’s financial model. Prior to the introduction of school choice, a substantial portion of tuition support came from Mennonite congregations. In the years since, church contributions have declined both in absolute dollars and as a percentage of the school’s operating budget.

This gap has largely been filled by voucher funding. Over time, the proportion of tuition supported by public funds has increased, while the share supported by churches has decreased. This shift reflects both changing church capacity and the growing role of state-supported access in private education.

Conclusion

In sum, the school voucher program has played a critical role in Bethany Christian School’s evolution. It has expanded access, diversified the student body, and helped stabilize the school’s financial foundation in the face of declining traditional support. Without it, Bethany would likely look very different in both scale and scope.

At the same time, these changes have prompted a deeper understanding of Bethany’s identity. We are no longer simply a Mennonite school serving primarily Mennonite families. Instead, we are increasingly a Mennonite school serving a broader community, extending Anabaptist-centered education to students and families from a wide range of backgrounds. In many ways, this reflects and renews our founding vision as a missional school: rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition, yet oriented outward in service to the world.

Tim Lehman, Ed.D.,
Head of School

 

At Bethany, our mission extends beyond academic excellence; it is rooted in the belief that education is a calling—to nurture students in both intellect and spirit as they are prepared to participate in God’s work in the world. As a Christian learning community, we believe this calling belongs to all of us. Whether in the classroom, the front office, the cafeteria, or behind the scenes, every member of our staff plays a vital role in setting the conditions for students to be known, loved, and challenged. We honor two individuals whose contributions embody this shared mission.

The Community Service Award recognizes someone whose faithful presence and steady support create the foundation on which teaching and learning flourish. The Teacher of the Year Award celebrates an educator who exemplifies a “Faith that Lives,” fosters academic excellence, and builds compassionate relationships within our community. These awards affirm that at Bethany, living out our values—discipleship, peaceable living, and service—is a shared endeavor, made possible by the commitment and heart of individuals like the ones we recognize today.

The 2025 outstanding service awards go to Danielle Svonavec for Outstanding Teacher and to Kevin Miller for Community Contribution.

Outstanding Teacher

To select the teacher recipients, students, parents, and employees were invited to nominate a teacher, giving reasons for the choice.  Some of the criteria include

1. Caring for and engaging with individual students, encouraging them to live with integrity, value diversity, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and practice stewardship as valued in the Anabaprist-Mennonite Tradition.
2. Reflects on instruction and adapts instructional approaches to maximize students’ engagement in learning.
3. Teaching with enthusiasm and passion,
4. Contributing to extracurricular activities or otherwise contributing to the life of the school community.
5. Positively representing Bethany to others and actively engaging in church and community life

Danielle has just completed her 3rd year at Bethany.  In a very short time Danielle has made a significant impact within the BCS community and has helped us establish an excellent choral music program.  Danielle’s has a warm caring spirit that attracts all manner of students to the choir program.  Before her arrival, the choral program was on the rocks with 13 students in the advanced choir.  Next year over 50 kids have signed up!

Danielle brings the gift of music to students at all levels with joy, energy, and excitement. She challenges and motivates students to understand that music is for everyone, not just a few, and she honors students’ diverse backgrounds by incorporating songs in different languages. Her energy and passion for choral music and adolescents have revitalized our vocal music program—it has been exciting to see the Concert Choir grow in number and produce a top-notch sound.

Danielle relates well to adolescents as a mentor, building meaningful connections, setting high standards, and fostering a strong link between music and faith. Students describe her as having the best balance of fun and work among all their teachers, creating a welcoming space in choir, even for those who may feel hesitant about singing. She sets clear expectations that challenge students to reach their full potential and finds thoughtful ways to share and live out her faith.

She’s also instrumental in solving Middle School schedule challenges—even designing a music class for students initially uninterested in music—and has found ways to motivate and teach those who might not otherwise engage. Danielle is everything a teacher should be and more. She also knows how to tell a good story when the moment calls for it. Above all, she is kind, caring, and intentional in building relationships with every student who enters her classroom.

Compassionate and generous, Danielle consistently goes above and beyond as a teacher, musician, and colleague. Congratulations, Danielle!

Outstanding Community Contribution

The administrative team considers employee nominations in light of the criteria set forth below:

1. Embrace Bethany’s mission of preparing students to participate in God’s work in the world.
2. Promote a safe respectful school atmosphere by respecting differences, building meaningful compassionate relationships, and practicing reconciliation.
3. Engage in ongoing learning, seeking ways to perform duties more efficiently or creatively in the interest of the school’s long-term viability.
4. Participate actively in the life of the school community by attending student and all school events.
5. Positively represent Bethany to others and actively engage in church and community life.

This year, we are honored to present the Community Contribution Award to someone who's quiet faithfulness and steadfast commitment have shaped the very fabric of Bethany: Kevin Miller.

Kevin is Bethany’s current longest-serving employee—aside from the legendary Jim Buller—and for over three decades, he has offered his good humor, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to the daily life and mission of our school.

His role may not always be front and center, but the impact of his work is unmistakable.  Quietly, effectively and positively going about his business, from managing student records and state reporting, to organizing data for our associations, maintaining the daily announcements, and pitching in wherever needed—including driving the big bus.  Several people noted that Kevin is a scheduling guru! His understanding and ability to problem solve scheduling issues is a significant gift to the Bethany community. Kevin’s service touches every corner of campus. He’s even a former sectional champion softball coach and has led student interterms.

Kevin himself has faithfully served since 1994 a period of 31 years. And his family connections also run deep. His grandfather served as the first superintendent and his father taught math.

A Mennonite history buff, Kevin is our unofficial archivist and a keeper of the stories that have made Bethany what it is today. I think he knows just about every alumnus going back 5-6 decades.  As one colleague noted, Kevin is a “quiet, under-the-radar member of the Bethany community,” whose flexibility, reliability, and humility make him irreplaceable.

Thank you, Kevin, for your incredible legacy of service and friendship to the community.

Are you a Bethany alum from the classes of 2009–2019?

You and your family are invited to join us for a night of reconnecting with old friends and staff at our Bethany Young Alumni Social at Signature Lanes for 2 hours of free bowling with pizza and drinks on Bethany. The final day of registration will be July 28, 2025! For any questions, please contact Aaliyah Dinehart at adinehart@bethanycs.net or give us a call at 574-534-2567. 

When: August 1st, 2025

Time: 5-7pm

Where: Signature Lanes, 1180 Fremont Ct, Elkhart, IN 46516

Let’s Catch Up—Bowling Style: RSVP by July 28!

Bethany’s Homecoming 2025 was filled with fun, reconnecting with old friends, entertainment, and more! We welcomed more than 100 alumni back to campus for a time of fellowship, memories, and Bruin pride.

The celebration began Friday with Alumni Chapel, where Marisa Smucker (’90) shared lessons from her journey at Bethany and beyond. Afterward, alumni enjoyed a school tour and lunch together.

 

Saturday kicked off with a slew of Bethany sporting events followed by our Heritage Lunch and All Alumni Mixer with the Electric Brew and entertainment provided by Simon Hurst (‘17).

It was a joy to see so many alumni reconnect and celebrate. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon!