grizzly spotlight
2025-2026 female athlete of the year
Please join me in celebrating your 2026 Female Grizzly Athlete of the Year… Jaedyn Aldaz!
This year’s Female Athlete of the Year is a graduating senior whose athletic career has been nothing short of extraordinary. She is a true multi-sport competitor, having participated in cross country, volleyball, soccer, and track & field.
As a sophomore, she immediately made her mark on the pitch, earning the Coaches Award in girls’ soccer and receiving 1st Team All-League honors. The Coaches Award is presented to an athlete who not only inspires the team athletically but also spiritually. She also earned the Coaches Award in track & field, recognizing the same commitment to excellence, leadership, and spiritual impact.
Throughout her junior year, her success extended into cross country, where she earned 1st Team All-League honors and received the Coaches Award. In girls’ soccer, she was named the Impact Player, an award recognizing an athlete who demonstrates unmatched intensity, unselfishness, and Christ-centered effort in all they do, inspired by Colossians 3:17 and 3:23. She also earned another 1st Team All-League selection and helped lead the Grizzlies to a 13-win season and a CIF Southern Section playoff appearance. On the track, she received another Coaches Award and etched her name into school history by helping break three school records: the 4x200-meter relay, the 800-meter Sprint Medley Relay, and the 1600-meter Sprint Medley Relay. Her season culminated with an appearance at the CIF Southern Section Prelims.
In her senior season, she once again elevated both her performance and leadership, earning the Impact Player award for a second consecutive year and receiving yet another 1st Team All-League selection. She helped lead the Grizzlies to a 15-win season and an appearance in the second round of the CIF Southern Section Playoffs. In track & field, she was also recognized with the Mighty in Spirit Award, an honor presented to an athlete who exemplifies humility, leadership, and Christ-like character, while also competing in the CIF Southern Section Prelims at the end of the season.
Throughout her career, she has competed with toughness, humility, and a team-first mindset that has impacted every program she has been a part of.
2025-2026 male athlete of the year
It is my honor to recognize our 2026 Male Grizzly Athlete of the Year, not just for what he has done, but for who he has become. Please join me in celebrating your 2026 Male Grizzly Athlete of the Year… Elijah Rodriguez!
This year’s Male Athlete of the Year is a graduating senior whose impact on our athletic programs has been both consistent and outstanding across all four years. From the beginning of his high school career, he made his presence known in baseball, competing at a high level and steadily developing into one of the top athletes in his league.
As a freshman, he earned the Coaches Award in baseball, which is presented to an athlete who not only inspires the team athletically but also spiritually. As a sophomore, he was named Impact Player in baseball which is an award recognizing an athlete who demonstrates unmatched intensity, unselfishness, and Christ-centered effort in all they do, inspired by Colossians 3:17 and 3:23. By doing so, he earned 2nd Team All-League honors, continuing to establish himself as a key contributor to the baseball program.
His junior year reflected continued growth, as he earned Coaches Award recognition once again and was selected 1st Team All-League in baseball.
In his senior year, he reached the peak of his high school career. He was named Impact Player, earned 1st Team All-League honors, and was selected as the league Player of the Year in baseball—a fitting recognition for his leadership, production, and consistency. He also helped lead his team to an Academy League Championship.
Across his career, he has been a competitor who led with intensity, resilience, and character. His impact has gone far beyond statistics, as he consistently set the standard for effort and attitude within the program. Across four years, this athlete has poured his heart into all things—not just as an athlete, but as a young man of faith, commitment, and perseverance. His character is matched by academic excellence, with a remarkable cumulative GPA of a 4.0 throughout his high school years.
CONGRATULATIONS SENIOR ATHLETES
Our senior student-athletes were recognized for their outstanding performance in the Western Athletic Conference, earning All-League honors across multiple sports. All-League recognition highlights the top performers in each sport, with First Team representing the highest level of distinction and Second Team recognizing additional standout athletes.
Celeste Santana and Elijah Rodriguez were also honored with Player of the Year awards for their exceptional contributions and impact within their sport, while Luke Neff earned All-CIF recognition, placing him among the top athletes in Southern California. These accomplishments reflect a season of hard work, discipline, and excellence in competition.
All CIF
Luke Neff – Boys Volleyball (All CIF & 1st Team All-League)
Players of the Year
Celeste Santana – Girls Volleyball (Libero of the Year)
Additional Honors: 1st Team All-League (Girls Volleyball), 1st Team All-League (Girls Soccer), 2nd Team All-League (Softball)
Elijah Rodriguez – Baseball
Additional Honors: 1st Team All-League (Baseball)
1st Team All-League
Jaedyn Aldaz – Girls Soccer
Olivia Franke – Girls Volleyball (Also earned 2nd Team All-League in Girls Soccer and Track & Field)
Jake Guzman – Baseball
Julianna Parra – Girls Volleyball / Softball
Andru Valdivia – Baseball
2nd Team All–League
Matthew Avila – Football
Malachi Corral – Boys Basketball / Baseball
Max Custodio – Baseball
Asael Garcia – Cross Country / Boys Volleyball
Kaitlyn Haines – Girls Volleyball
Mia Villa – Girls Soccer
Scholar Athlete Awards
Two senior student-athletes were recognized as Scholar Athletes of the Year. This award is given to students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher while also competing in at least one varsity sport during the school year. This recognition highlights the balance of academic excellence and athletic commitment. Congratulations to the 2026 Scholar Athletes of the Year:
Matthew Avila and Elijah Rodriguez!
Brandon Burlsworth award
Congratulations to Matthew Avila for receiving the Brandon Burlsworth Award!
Our nation needs to place a higher value on CHARACTER. The Burlsworth Character Award originated in Arkansas in 2004, but now is given out nationwide in recognition of outstanding character and sportsmanship. The award honors the player who may or may not be a top athletic performer, but who represents the ideals and values that Brandon Burlsworth had: to give 100 percent on the field and to stand as a moral example to his team. We hope that the award encourages the honoree to continue on his path of excellence and inspires others to follow his lead.
music in the parks
The JH/HS choir and band competed at the Music in the Parks festival at Knotts and came home with 5 trophies! They won the top award, the Esprit de Corps award, which is the most coveted award that goes to the top ensemble across all the divisions. The students exemplified our ESLRs of Godly Leader and Trained Ambassador today! To God Be the Glory!
Growing in Faith and Nature
The Grizzly Academy students learned about seeds and God’s Word during Friday school. The lesson on 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 (NLT): “It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.” Students will be growing vegetables at home, and some students received greenhouse kits donated by a generous parent.
Junior high visits washington d.c.
Visiting Washington, D.C. was an incredible experience. A group of 50 people traveled together and managed to explore so much in just four short days. Walking around the nation’s capital felt like stepping into living history. Beyond the museums and monuments, what stood out most was the deep Christian influence present in the founding era of the United States. Scripture and faith‑based language appear engraved on historic buildings, monuments, and memorials, reflecting how openly early leaders acknowledged God’s guidance and divine providence.
One of the most impactful stops of the trip was the Museum of the Bible. The museum brought Scripture to life in a powerful and engaging way, combining history, archaeology, technology, and immersive exhibits. From ancient biblical manuscripts and artifacts to exhibits tracing how the Bible has been preserved, translated, and shared across centuries, the experience highlighted the Bible’s influence on culture, history, and everyday life. Interactive displays, life‑sized recreations, and thoughtful presentations made it clear how central Scripture has been—not only to faith, but also to education, literature, and the shaping of nations.
From references to divine providence in foundational documents to Bible verses and prayers carved into stone throughout the city, Washington, D.C. reveals how faith helped shape the moral and spiritual framework of the nation. Seeing these reminders in person—rather than simply reading about them—brought a deeper appreciation for the values that influenced pivotal moments in American history. The trip was both educational and deeply inspiring, making history feel real, personal, and unforgettable.
SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS CONFERENCE
During the week of March 16th, CCCS hosted a conference for all junior high and high school students. Pastors and leaders shared insights on several vital topics, while our school’s worship team led the students in a time of worship and praise to prepare their hearts for the Word. It was a privilege to minister to our students and encourage them to lead lives that honor God.
glow run top earners
A big thank you to all the families who joined our Spring Fundraiser! We thank God for each of you and for the way you bless CCCS. A special shout-out to our Top Earners for going above and beyond to make this event such a success.
“behold! the musical”
The CCCS Choir presented "Behold! The Musical" for this year's Christmas Jubilee Concert. It was a spectacular Christmas musical presenting the birth of Christ through acting, song, dance and even live animals parading through the Main Sanctuary. With a cast of over 100 students performing as Biblical characters or working as the tech team in sound, lighting, and videography, our CCCS Grizzlies proclaimed the true meaning of Christmas to a jam packed sanctuary of around 2,000 people!
Grizzly Academy field trip
The elementary Grizzly Academy students had the opportunity to visit Racho Los Cerritos. The students went on a tour that included a docent portraying a Victorian character from the site’s past. This gave the children a tour of the work wing and the adobe home reflecting the 1840s-1880s. Students learned about daily life on a sheep ranch during the tour and played games from that time period. The students had the opportunity to learn how to tattoo leather which was common chore.
senior mission trip
The Senior Mission Trip is a two-day event focused on serving the community, growing in Christ, and making an eternal impact through street evangelism. The connections students make through fellowship and prayer during these trips build lasting memories and friendships strengthened by God's love, which prepares them for a service-oriented lifestyle after high school.
junior high basketball champions
On Friday, March 6th, our JH Boys Basketball team took home the championship, capping off an incredible season. With a decisive win over Grace Christian, the boys secured back-to-back championships. Led by Coach Samano, the whole team rose to the occasion of every game, fighting hard for one another and most importantly, playing unto the Lord.
Junior high volleyball champions
On Monday, March 9th, our JH Girls Volleyball team captured the championship after an outstanding season. With a strong showing, the team defeated Lakewood Christian 2-0 to secure the title. Led by Coach Hale and her assistants, the girls played not only with a competitive spirit but with a Christ-like attitude.
2025 national recognition program award
CCCS celebrates the following students for receiving the 2025 National Recognition Program Award. These students either scored top 10% on their PSAT/NMSQT or a 2+ on 2 or more AP exams by 10th grade and earned at least a 3.3 GPA for the 24/25 school year!
Simon Chen, Isaac Jang, Hannah Luna, & Jasmin Salazar!
Elementary Wrestling Club
Coach Christian teaching the Word to our elementary boys during “Wrestling Club”. Christian, an alumni of CCCS led our young boys in wrestling techniques as well as opening God’s Word as part of training.
The Prince of Egypt: Sand Table Interview
(Filmed by CCCS Multimedia & Production Class.)
Blessings from above
Calvary Chapel Christian School was blessed with a large grant of EANS funds to purchase various new products for our school. Thank you Jesus for this tremendous blessing!
INTRODUCING THE CCCS APP!
We are incredibly EXCITED to announce that Calvary Chapel Christian School of Downey is debuting a school-wide app for our K-12 parents and students. While we already communicate school information and events through our school email, website, and on our Facebook page, we wanted to add another helpful resource to keep you connected to the "happenings" on campus.
Click here for the QR code that will help you get connected with the respective app store to download our CCCS App. Please make sure to download it TODAY so that you stay informed. The goal of the app is to promote and "push" information out to our stakeholders, which is YOU! It is important to note that you must allow "push notifications" for our app so that you can get those much-needed reminders about upcoming events.
Once you have downloaded the app, you will navigate through a series of "onboarding questions" that will help our app determine what areas and groups within the school that you want to receive information from. (You can change/edit the groups throughout the year.) So, explore the app to see the calendars, event information, and to receive notifications from the groups you are involved with.
Please let us know how much you enjoy the app and if you have any suggestions for items that we can add to the app!
Go Grizzlies!
Below are some links to help you navigate to your appropriate app store.
App landing page:https://l.ead.me/bbgCro
Apple App Store:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calvary-chapel-christian-ca/id1527759439?uo=4
Google Play Store:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.cccsdowney.calvarychaplechristianschooldowney