Legacy Giving
THE CARRIE YERTY COURAGE & DISCIPLESHIP FUND
“Coach C’s” fierce love for her family, friends, and players gave them the courage to face uncertainty with confidence. Her love for Jesus Christ and her commitment to following Him fueled her discipleship.
Through the creation of The Carrie Yerty Courage and Discipleship Fund, Briarcrest Christian School will work closely with Carrie’s family to continue her legacy and recognize those who follow in her example of putting Christ first, serving others well, and facing adversity with grace and determination.
To contribute to this fund, please select The Carrie Yerty Courage and Discipleship Fund from the dropdown list of designations at www.briarcrest.com/give. Contact Lendon Ellis at lcellis@briarcrest.com with any questions.
THE MICHAEL ELLIS "HEART OF A CHAMPION" SCHOLARSHIP
The Michael Ellis Heart of a Champion Scholarship was established by Sean and Heather Ellis to honor the legacy of their son, Michael Ellis, a Briarcrest student-athlete who tragically passed away in 2016. Originally limited to a senior football player, the Ellis family later expanded the award in 2021 to recognize any senior athlete who embodies the qualities Michael was known for: a relentless drive to succeed, humility, resilience, and a deep love for Christ.
What set Michael apart was a defining decision he made in middle school - to be "all-in." Not lukewarm. Not halfway. Michael chose to live fully committed - not just as an athlete, but as a passionate and authentic follower of Jesus. Therefore, the purpose of the scholarship is to honor Michael's legacy and to encourage student athletes, male and female, to compete at the highest levels in order to achieve their greatest potential as they exemplify the same "all-in" mindset that Michael had.
To contribute to this fund, please select The Michael Ellis Heart of a Champion Scholarship Fund from the dropdown list of designations at www.briarcrest.com/give.
THE RACHEL LYNCH AWARD
The Rachel Lynch Award was established in 2016 to honor the legacy of Rachel Lynch. This annual award is given to a Briarcrest student who participates in the Technical Production department and most exemplifies Rachel’s outstanding qualities, which include: dedication, trustworthiness, loyalty, knowledge, passion, caring and thoughtfulness.
Award recipients are recognized during the spring POPS Concert and their names are added to a permanent plaque mounted in the tech booth of Sparks Chapel. Recipients include Michael Clark (2016), Allyson Vogel (2017), Will Hornbostel (2018), Katie Wolfe (2019), Ellie Stewart (2020), Reece Overby (2021), Jamie Bowers (2022), Jenny Ramirez (2023), Jamie Bowers (2024), Carter Gillespie (2025), and Maddie Williams (2026).
To contribute to this fund, please select The Rachel Lynch Award from the dropdown list of designations at www.briarcrest.com/give.
THE ZACH KOTHE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Zach Kothe Memorial Scholarship was established by Jim and Donna Kothe to remember the life and legacy of a great Christian young man, friend, son, and brother. The purpose of the scholarship is to honor a Briarcrest High School student that exemplifies the qualities of their son, Zach, who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2018.
The student awarded this scholarship must be a devoted Christian; an honest, sincere, and genuine person; compassionate toward others; enthusiastic about life with a positive attitude; and committed to community service. The Scholarship honoree will be selected by a committee of Briarcrest Administrators.
To donate to this fund, please select The Zach Kothe Memorial Scholarship from the dropdown list of designations at www.briarcrest.com/give.