Distinguished Alumni Award
In an effort to recognize and promote the accomplishments of SFCS Alumni, the Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2008. The SFC Alumni Association nominates and selects recipients based on the following criteria:
- Recipients must be an SFCS graduate of five years or more
- Fulfill the vision statement of SFCS, which is “developing Christian leaders of tomorrow”.
2008 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner: Colin Sinclair, Class of 2001
The 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award was awarded to Colin Sinclair, Class of 2001, for his commitment to Christlike leadership and community impact. Upon graduating from SFC, Colin attended Wheaton College, where he participated in mission trips to Romania and participated in collegiate football. After Wheaton College, Colin joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (“FCA”), as the North County Area Leader, developing young men, women, and coaches in junior-high, high school, and colleges. In 2008, Colin became the Director of San Diego for FCA where he oversees all staff and operations for FCA in San Diego County. In addition, Colin has served as the Head JV Baseball Coach at SFC and remains active in campus life here at SFC.
2009 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner: Karen Crommett (Knutsen), Class of 1983
The 2009 SFCAA Distinguished Alumni Award winner was Karen Crommett (Knutsen), class of 1983, for her commitment to Christlike leadership and community involvement. During her time at SFCS, Karen was involved in many things including girls basketball and was honored as the Eagle Award winner at graduation. Upon graduating from SFCS, Karen attended Point Loma Nazarene University. Karen and her husband Cory, have put all three daughters through SFCS: Natalie (Class of 2008), Marie (Senior, Class of 2010) and Emily (Future Class of 2015). In addition, Karen was the first Alumni to serve on the SFCS Board of Directors and held the position of Secretary. Karen has been instrumental to the SFCS community, dedicating years of service and sacrifice to help develop the next generation of Christian leaders.
2010 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner: David Sacher, Class of 2005
The SFCAA was proud to award the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award to David Sacher, class of 2005, for his commitment to Christlike leadership and community involvement. After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, David spent 7 months of his life on a bicycle, traveling an incredible 15,000-mile journey from Alaska to the bottom of South America. He completed the journey to raise awareness for A.ker.fa, a non-profit founded by fellow SFC alum Dustin McBride (Class of 2003) and raised over $15,000 to help provide Zambians transporation in order to revolutionize local living. David has been an inspiration to all, reminding us to step out and put our faith in action. He is currently living in San Diego and is close to opening a rock climbing facility, Vital Climbing Gym.
2011 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner: Amy (Ensz) Kennard, Class of 1992
This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award was given to Amy (Ensz) Kennard for her love for and dedication to the Santa Fe community. Amy graduated from Santa Fe Christian in 1992 as the Valedictorian and ASB Co-President. She went on to Westmont College, where she graduated with a B.S. in Biology, and then to Wheaton College, where she received a M.A. in Broadcast Communications. After working for KUSI-TV and KPRZ/KCBQ-AM Radio, she returned to her beloved home at SFC in 2000, where she has since taught 8th grade science, Algebra, Middle School Leadership/ Student Council, Middle School Drama, Broadcasting, and Upper School ASB. In 2004, Amy began the SFC Alumni Association, raising $22,000 in scholarship money for students in need in the first year. Amy is married to Shaun Kennard, water polo and swim coach at SFC, and mother to Kylie (SFC 2nd grader), Kenzie (SFC pre-schooler), and Keegan (future SFCer).
Impact Award
The Impact Award was created in 2009 to annually recognize a SFCS faculty/staff member who has in the past, or is currently making a positive impact on SFCS alumni. This year the scope of the award has been expanded to include parents of SFCS alumni along with faculty and staff who are impacting lives for Christ either on campus at SFCS or throughout the world. The change in scope occurred so that we may recognize the local, national, and global efforts of our wide and diverse SFCS community. Nominees can include, but are not limited to, missionaries, leaders of non-profit organizations, community service leaders, and pastors.
2009 Impact Award Winner: Mike Jelnick
The first recipient of the SFCS Alumni Association Impact Award was Mike Jelnick, longtime SFCS Math Teacher. Mr. Jelnick currently teaches Geometry, Calculus, and serves as the chair of the Math department. Over the years at SFCS, Mr. Jelnick has additionally served the SFCS community by announcing SFCS football games, operating the scoreboards for the baseball and basketball programs, and coaching Middle School basketball. Mr. Jelnick has touched many lives during his time at SFCS through his Christlike service, love, and passion for life.
2010 Impact Award Winner: Jan Menconi
The second recipient of the SFCS Alumni Association Impact Award was Jan Menconi, longtime SFCS teacher and parent. Mrs. Menconi currently teaches Middle School Bible. Over the years at SFCS, Mrs. Menconi has additionally served the SFCS community as a parent, teacher of American History, Government, Economics, Current Issues, Administrator and Staff Development Director. Mrs. Menconi has touched many lives during her time at SFCS through her acceptance of staff, students and alumni, regardless of where they are in life. She has continuously pointed others to the love of Jesus as she has shared her life and love for Christ with all those around her. It’s clear that Mrs. Menconi loves others and Jesus and she does it well.
2011 Impact Award Winner: Debbie Lieber
The third recipient of the SFCS Alumni Association Impact Award was Debbie Lieber, former SFCS elementary, middle and high school teacher. Ms. Lieber currently teaches Pre-Calculus, Staff Support and Development at Classical Academy High School in Escondido, CA. She has been a favorite of countless students over the years, due to her ability to make learning fun while having an incredible heart for the kids. Both of Debbie’s daughters, Katelyn and Kristi, attended SFCS with Kristi graduating in 2005. Debbie remains active in the SFCS community, attending football games, alumni events, or SHIP games. Congratulations Ms. Leiber!
