HAYDEN — A “crazy miracle” forever changed the academic and spiritual journey of Christian Center School senior Esther Hill.
Esther was once a homeschool co-op student, struggling with mental health, interpersonal relationships and schoolwork.
“I always wanted to go to a normal school, it was such a dream of mine,” she said.
Her cousin had attended Christian Center School, which became the school that called to her heart. Her mom said she could go to Christian Center if she could get enrolled before the co-op tuition was deposited. All she needed was confirmation the school had room for her.
“My teacher at the co-op was at the bank in line with my tuition about to deposit it when we got the call,” Esther said. “I was able to start school that following week.”
Esther was “not the best gem of a kid in the world” at that point, she said, but after a while she discovered her true self and a deeper faith. She went from earning Cs and Ds to straight As. She is now the student body president.
“God was working so drastically in my life because of this school, because of the people here,” she said. “I just continue to grow and change and be who I am today. It’s crazy to think of all I’ve been able to accomplish because of the opportunities that this school has given me.”
Esther and several others shared testimonies Thursday during a luncheon at the school, where it was announced that Christian Center School is launching the Legacy Project — a two-phase campaign to buy adjacent property and build a state-of-the-art gymnasium.
The multi-purpose room where the announcement was made is used for many purposes, from indoor recess, choir concerts and seasonal festivals to volleyball practice, theater productions and physical education.
“This is more than bricks and mortar,” Principal Annie Marshall said. “The Legacy Project creates space where faith, teamwork, leadership and courage can grow. It’s an eternal investment in the next generation of Christ-followers.”
The first phase will include construction of the gym at a cost of $8.2 million, $4.9 million of which has already been secured. A $1.65 million matching gift will double the impact of all contributions. To break ground by spring 2026, Christian Center School must raise the remaining $1.65 million.
Phase two will cost $3.6 million. This will be used to purchase the adjacent 5 acres and establish a sustainability fund to secure the gym’s operations.
“God has blessed Christian Center School with growth and opportunity, and now He is calling us to do more,” Marshall said. “This gymnasium will be a place where grit, community and faith come alive — growing champions not just on the court, but in life and in Christ.”