Puyallup Elementary Blog

March is a beautiful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions women have made throughout history. It is also a time to reflect on the women who are faithfully walking in the callings God has placed on their lives and impacting the world around them.

In the Old Testament, we see the powerful example of Esther, a woman of great courage who became queen and risked her life to save the Jewish people. Her story reminds us of bravery, obedience, and standing firm against injustice.

In the New Testament, Mary Magdalene’s story is one of redemption and purpose. Once rejected and broken, she was restored and chosen by Jesus. She witnessed the crucifixion and the burial, and she was the first to witness the resurrection. Jesus entrusted her with the most important message of all. Her life reminds us that we are defined not by our worst moments but by God’s grace. She represents faith, leadership, and unwavering devotion as a woman of God!

In our community, we also have women shining in various God-given roles. Below are some highlights of Cascade Christian female leaders making an impact today.

Leader of the Future: Mila M., Fifth Grade Student at McAlder Campus

Mila was chosen as Mayor for McAlder Campus’s BizTown. She spoke confidently in front of her peers, helped keep the town running smoothly, and showed strong leadership every step of the way. BizTown, a program by Junior Achievement, is a hands-on educational simulation where fifth grade students operate a mock city, manage businesses, and learn real-world financial and career skills.

Mayor Mila rocked it! 

Leading for Purpose: Anniah Smith, Cascade Christian Class of 2022

Anniah is currently attending Pepperdine University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in English. She serves in leadership as a writer for Pepperdine Graphic Media and as a college organization president focused on civic engagement and public service. Some of her course highlights include Constitutional Law and Women, Power, and Leadership. We love seeing an alumna step confidently into leadership and live out her convictions while seeking to make a positive impact in God's world. 

Leading God’s Children: Haley (Zepernick) Barnett, Cascade Christian Class of 2013

Haley recently welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. Motherhood is a powerful leadership calling and balancing act: giving care, nurturing life, multitasking, adapting, showing empathy, and demonstrating incredible strength. We celebrate the beauty of women who lead both in their homes and beyond. We can’t wait to see how God uses this little one to impact the future!

Leading for the Future: Mrs. Hertzog, High School Teacher

Mrs. Hertzog, one of our high school English teachers at CCS, pours into students every single day. She mentors, encourages, and prays for her students, and she creates a classroom environment where they feel seen and challenged to grow. On top of that, she balances teaching with being a wonderful mom to her own children who attend CCS. This photo shows Mrs. Hertzog with 2025 senior Grant J., who chose her as his Impact Teacher, a true reflection of the difference she makes. 

It’s such a gift to pause and reflect on the women around us, past and present, who are faithfully walking in their God-given callings. Whether standing for what is right, faithfully serving Jesus, raising children, mentoring students, or leading in their communities, God is using amazing women to build for His kingdom.

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 
—Esther 4:14 (NKJV)

RightNow Media Women’s Resource:

What the Women Saw: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/388292

CCS Mother-Son Event

Tickets are on sale now for a Mother-Son night you won’t soon forget. Join us for a Neon 80s dance, some nerf games, and “totally tubular” fun.

Friday, March 6, at CCS McAlder Campus, from 6:00–8:00 p.m.