Each year, the Kalamazoo Christian School Association recognizes two alumni who exhibit(ed) a lifestyle that mirrors the mission and vision of Kalamazoo Christian Schools.
The Impact Award is awarded to a graduate of five years or more that is actively impacting their community, while the Legacy Award honors an alum of over 40 years who dedicated their life in service to Christ.
In 4th Grade at Kalamazoo Christian Elementary School, Kelly (Kuipers) Solano wrote her first poem about wanting to become a missionary. In high school she participated in mission trips to Rock Valley, IA and Cary, Mississippi. She graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School in 1995, going on to attend Dordt University. It was there that Solano pursued her passion for missions, joining a trip to Nicaragua that changed the course of her life.
She said, “I wouldn’t be here, or doing what I’m doing without my heritage of faith, which I’m so, so thankful for.”
Upon graduating, Solano returned to Nicaragua to teach at Nicaragua Christian Academy. Now she works with the Special Education program at that school. She met her husband who shares in her passion for showing God’s love.
Solano also volunteers at Tesoros de Dios (which means “God’s Treasures”), a school for children with special needs. Her husband and her spend many of their weekends in Mombachito, a small, rural mountain community. While many people there have heard of God, few have experienced His love and grace in a tangible way. Solano supports mission groups that come to the area and pours into the women of the community, encouraging and empowering them to believe they have a God-given purpose. She also reads with children at the library there.
Solano said, “My years at KCHS helped instill a love for the Lord and for service. I remember teachers who brought Jesus into every classroom, chapels and worship songs, and friendships which encouraged me in my walk with God. Each year we would complete service hours which got us out into the community and exposed us to people from different walks of life. I also appreciate my Bible teachers who took us to visit various churches, cathedrals, and temples–we had many faith-forming discussions after those visits.”
The Solono’s were at the 2025 Kalamazoo Christian High School Commencement where Kelly was presented with the Impact Award (see right).
The 2025 Legacy Award recipient is Roger (Rod) Linders, graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School, Class of 1943. Linders’ children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have also been impacted by Kalamazoo Christian Schools.
Linders was a faithful volunteer at Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, Second Impressions Thrift Store, Park Village Pines, Comstock Community Center and Comstock Christian Reformed Church. As a WWII veteran, key founder of the Calvinist Cadet Corps and member of a five-generational Kalamazoo Christian family, he has truly walked, talked and lived as the hands and feet of Jesus.
Ann Triemstra, Rod’s eldest daughter, shared about growing up with Rod that “definitely church came first.” Their family would do daily devotions together, which came before activities. “If there was a need, he did it,” Kathy Hoeksema, Rod’s middle daughter, said. “People knew him by his service.”
He was welcomed into eternal fellowship with Jesus on November 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of faithful service and discipleship. One of his favorite Bible passages was Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pasture, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Linder’s daughters, Ann Triemstra, Kathy Hoeksema and Nancy Earles, and supporting family attended the 2025 Kalamazoo Christian High School Commencement where Ann received the Legacy Award on Linders’ behalf.
