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. 

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. 

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NIV

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), and Jamie Bowers (2024).

To contribute to this fund, please select The Rachel Lynch Award from the dropdown list of designations at www.briarcrest.com/give.

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 who is awarded this scholarship must possess the following:  devoted Christian; honest, sincere and genuine person; compassion for others; zest for life with a positive attitude; and a commitment 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. 

CHRISTIAN STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

This endowed scholarship was established in 2010 to provide annual financial support to Christian students that might otherwise not be able to afford a Briarcrest education. Awards are granted to students who are professing Christians with a clear testimony, have a background of service, and are active in their home church. The scholarship is renewed each year provided the student has a satisfactory academic record and continues their involvement in Christian ministry and service opportunities.

The Christian Student Scholarship began with initial support from an anonymous donor. Additional gifts from donors interested in expanding this scholarship to serve even more students are welcomed. Please contact Lendon Ellis by phone at 901-765-4665 or by email at lcellis@briarcrest.com.