Toledo Christian Alumni Award

 

We are honored to present the Toledo Christian Distinguished Alumni Award to TC alum Joel Whitcomb. Joel has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to all of us, both through his service in the U.S. Military and through his resilience in battling a rare and aggressive cancer over the past several years. 

After graduating from Toledo Christian in 2002, Joel felt called to serve his country following the events of September 11, 2001, which occurred during his senior year. He served in the United States Navy from 2002 to 2006, beginning a lifelong commitment to leadership and service. In 2022, alongside his wife, Katie, Joel spearheaded and dedicated the Toledo Christian Alumni Veterans Wall, honoring all TC alumni who have served.

Joel and his wife, Katie, have been married for 18 years and are raising their three children, Vera, Lydia, and Harrison, in Sylvania, Ohio. After his time in the military, Joel built a career in supply chain management. He credits Mrs. Julie Quinn-Rhodes and his time at Toledo Christian for helping develop the leadership skills that continue to guide him today.

Along with creating meaningful family memories, Joel remains committed to helping others through his volunteer service.

We are proud to recognize Joel Whitcomb tonight as an exceptional Toledo Christian Alum and forever an eagle!  Congratulations Joel!

 

I fondly remember my time at TC being surrounded by a solid group of friends and faculty that encouraged me to pursue my goals and deepen my faith in Christ. Nearly 30 years later that foundation has led me to a life in service to Christ in both my work and as I lead my family. In 1997, I married Jessie Silvieus who I met at Cedarville University. Together we have four children. Isaac, our oldest, just graduated from Cedarville University and was married to his wife Grace. Abby is 17, Lilly 14 and Naathan 12 and they currently attend Monclova Christian Academy.

As I roamed the halls of TC with a camera in my hand for journalism class or edited another “movie” with my high school friends, I fell in love with storytelling through a lens. After graduation at TC (class of ’95), I attended Cedarville University where I graduated with a degree in Broadcast Communications and a minor in Bible. In 1999, my career began at a new Christian television station in my hometown called WLMB-TV 40 where I have now served for over 25 years as the Senior Vice President of Production. Over the years, I’ve led WLMB’s production teams to create talk shows, debates, cooking shows, live events, game shows, preaching programs, and both nationally and internationally syndicated programs. Several projects have won awards from the National Religious Broadcasters Association as well as multiple Telly Awards. A current favorite project that I lead for WLMB is RadiantTV where our production team travels the country to dozens of US National Parks filming scenery that is edited together with Scripture verses and instrumental music blessing many people all over the country and around the world.

Also, my passion for worship was kindled at an early age when I began playing drums in Jr. High Chapels at TC. I still continue to play drums as a part of Toledo Vineyard Church’s worship team where I have been a member for over 22 years.

I have made it my life goal to glorify God in everything I do, and I still remember the words from Coach Dennis Rabb, “Only what’s done for Christ will last.” These words based on Matthew 6:19 were spoken in the fall of 1992 before the TC boy’s cross-country team was a top finisher in the regionals advancing to the state meet. Mr. Rabb showed us old trophies from his attic and told us how none of them really matter. In a passionate speech and with tears in his eyes, he challenged our team to serve Christ and pursue the things that really matter rather than chase the temporal things of life that only collect dust. I am thankful for the memories and my time at TC. The education and life lessons I received while there have prepared me for a great future.

Aaron Darr was presented the TC Alumni Award on Friday, October 4, 2024 at the TC Homecoming Football Game!

David graduated from Toledo Christian in 2003 and went on to receive a Finance degree from Ohio State. He is a Certified Financial Planner, and the President and Partner at Munn Wealth Management, where he has worked since 2009. He is passionate about encouraging and equipping Christians to live out the model of Biblical stewardship and generosity found in 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

David and his wife, Bethany, have been married for 17 years and have three children. They are members at Westgate Chapel and actively serve in multiple areas including leading a life group, children’s ministry and the Finance Committee.

David has been on the Finance Committee at TCS since 2014, and was on the Board of Directors for 7 years, serving both as President and Treasurer.

David Munn was presented the TC Alumni Award on Friday, October 4, 2024 at the TC Homecoming Football Game!

 

Jason Quinn is a 1992 graduate of Toledo Christian.  After leaving the halls of TC, Jason graduated from Cedarville College with a bachelor’s in Marketing.  Jason and his wife Nicole, currently own 2 local businesses, Freeze Daddy’s and Bellagio Window Fashions.  They have four children, all of whom attend Toledo Christian. Jason has been an instrumental member of the TC Community giving of his time and resources for the betterment of the school’s mission.  He has been a coach, volunteer, corporate sponsor, and for the past 7 years he has served on the Toledo Christian Alumni Association Board ensuring that TC Alumni feel connected to one another and back to the school.  Toledo Christian is truly blessed to have Jason and his family as a part of our amazing community and we are so thankful for all that you have done for the school!  Congratulations Jason! Jason Quinn received the TC Alumni Award on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the TC Homecoming Football Game.

Not long after starting his full time job, God sparked a passion in Grant’s heart and he was driven to start the Toledo Christian Alumni Association, where he currently serves as president of the association. We are so thankful for Grant’s vision and his passion for connecting Alumni back into the TCS community. Thank you Grant for making a lasting impact on the TCS community.

Michele (Bostdorf) Durbin - Class of 1987

Julie (Seevers) Kurfis - Class of 1993

Josh Heaston - Class of 1994

Sarah Markwood - Class of 1999

Stephen Thompson - Class of 2001

Drew Oostra - Class of 2004

Matthew Kutz - Class of 1991

Jerusha (Klena) Gioiella - Class of 1996

Bryce Ell - Class of 2003

Sarah Weingarden - Class of 2005