“After Valley” highlights select Valley Christian alumni of all ages, from our first graduating class of 1986 to our most recent graduates.
Shayla (Loomer)
Van Hofwegen ’04
This “After Valley” profile was originally posted in April 2024.
What did you do after Valley? Where did your life take you?
After graduating from VCHS, I went on to study Elementary and Special Education at Grand Canyon University- graduating with my Bachelor’s in 2008. I married my high school sweetheart that same year, and began trying to start a family. God had a lot more planned for us those first 6 years of marriage than I could have ever imagined. We struggled with years of infertility, lost 6 babies, and I eventually shifted my focus to help others also struggling and began a nonprofit called Owl Love You Forever. Running the 501(c)3 was my “baby” and became my true passion. Then God blessed us beyond measure with the adoption of our daughter, and the birth of our 3 biological sons. I stayed home with them until they were all in school full time and now for the past year I have had the amazing opportunity to work at their school, West Valley Christian School!
Tell us a little about your daily work:
I am currently the Director of Marketing and Enrollment at WVCS. I love getting to help make things pretty around campus and create cohesive branding for our school. I get to work with an amazing team, and collaborate on the vision for where West Valley Christian School is headed. We are growing rapidly and expanding to now include a high school starting August 2024. I get to show new families interested in Christian Education around campus, and answer their questions. I love that I can share personally how Christian education has impacted my life.
What’s one surprising thing we don’t know about you?
My husband is a 4th generation dairy farmer and I love cows and the country life! We raise our kids on a small ranch in Buckeye, and being outside with my animals and watching the sunset from my front porch is truly my favorite place to be!
While you were at VCS, which teachers, coaches or classmates had the biggest impact on you?
Mrs. Mehan and Mr. Sloterbeek are still two teachers I think of often. They were kind but held us to high standards and poured their wisdom into us. High school years are such formative years for teenagers where comments and circumstances can really leave a lasting impact. Both of those teachers helped me formulate the foundation I would stand on for years to come. I had no idea the trials and tribulations I would endure, but I have scripture and principles deeply rooted inside my heart that have helped me navigate what comes my way.
How do you stay connected with your friends from Valley and with VCS?
Facebook was created when I was in college, and as a result has helped tremendously in staying connected with fellow classmates and updated on what’s going on at VCS.
What’s one lasting memory you have of VCS?
I will forever remember watching the Valley football games on Friday nights! Whether it was before I was even old enough to be a Trojan, or after I graduated, I loved seeing the school spirit in the student section! Coming together as one, regardless of differences we would cheer on our team together until the end.
Do you have any advice for current students?
Try to enjoy each step of the journey, don’t focus too much on the future and what’s to come next but enjoy where God has you today!
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