Alumni Spotlight: Author Lara Van Hulzen

Lara (Mowday) Van Hulzen (Class of 1990) currently lives in Idaho with her husband. She just finished her 20th book, and it will be released later this year. She has been writing her whole life, but for the past twelve years, she has published novels (including five different series) and a devotional on joy. She also has an MDiV in Chaplaincy and volunteers in that capacity in her community.

The faculty at CSCS changed the course of her life and encouraged the passions that would later become her career and ministry. “Fran Sciacca taught the Bible in an engaging way. Geri Faulkner helped me tap into an early love of English and Literature. And my basketball coach, Terry Poirier told me I was a great writer and encouraged me to follow that path,” she elaborates. “Each of them also took the time to get to know me as an individual and to help me pursue the things that mattered to me. (CSCS) gave me an environment where a Biblical worldview was woven into all subjects. I've been able to utilize that in my writing as well as my chaplaincy work.”

Because of the welcoming environment and positive impact CSCS had on her own life, Lara was motivated to send her children to Christian schools as well. “I think that filtering all we learn through the truth of scripture is key, whether in the classroom or out in the world. I think having a place for ongoing dialogue about God and the Bible can help when navigating career and community environments.” The values taught in a Christian classroom set our students up for lifelong wisdom and discernment.

But the fellowship didn’t stop at graduation for Lara. “I had a positive high school experience at CSCS and will always be grateful for that. I am still connected to friends and teachers from my time at CSCS, and I appreciate the community it promotes.” As the CSCS Alumni community continues to grow with each graduation, we hope that the fellowship and discipleship within this community will continue to grow as well.