Each year Troy Christian Schools recognize former students and graduates of outstanding achievements. We look for those that have followed the call God has placed upon their lives; those that seek higher knowledge in their specific field of study; and those that strive for excellence in all that they do.

The Quest for Calling award was presented to Allison DeHart. Allison attended Troy Christian Schools through 8th grade. She graduated from Troy High School in 1996 and three years later graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor’s in Accounting. During this time, Allison also studied English Literature for one semester at Selwyn College of Cambridge University in Cambridge, England. She received her Master’s in Accounting, also from Miami University, in 2000.

For six years Allison was the Controller of the Mixer Division for Hobart Corporation. During this time, she served on the Board of Trustees of Partners in Hope, a local not-for-profit organization that assists people in need. When the Board had been searching for a Director for the organization for several months, Allison was approached by other members to consider the position. After prayer and feeling at peace that God was indeed calling her into full-time service of others, Allison accepted the position. This decision has had many ramifications upon her lifestyle since the Director’s position is paid at a part-time salary. To accept the position and the call God has placed upon her, Allison had to sell her home and move into an apartment with two other women to continue supporting herself.

Allison understands that sacrifice is often involved when following the call of Christ to serve him and those in need. To better equip herself for this call, Allison has entered the Master’s of Counseling program at the University of Dayton and expects to finish in 2008. She is the daughter of Shannon and Karen DeHart of Troy.

The Quest for Knowledge award is presented to Julie Barhorst, a 2004 graduate of Troy Christian High School. At only age 20, Julie will graduate from Wright State University this June with two degrees – one in accounting and the other in finance. She will be the youngest person ever to complete a pair of bachelor’s degrees in the same spring after first finishing an associate’s degree at Edison Community College.

Julie’s unique feat was made possible by her transfer of credit hours from Edison to Wright State University. Through the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEO), she received concurrent college and high school credit and received the associate degree and high school diploma in the same month. During this time, Julie also took part in high school basketball and track.

Julie launches her business career with Flagel, Huber, and Flagel, a large accounting firm in South Dayton this summer. Julie is the daughter of Scott and Melissa Barhorst of Sidney.

The Quest for Excellence award is presented to Amanda Olsen. Amanda is a 2000 graduate of Troy Christian High School along with being the first valedictorian.  Amanda is also a 2003 Cedarville University graduate and will graduate with honors from Wright State University on June 9th, earning a Master's in Business Administration.  Just recently she was inducted into the international business honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma and granted the Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year award in the Raj Soin College of Business at Wright State. Amanda was awarded a scholarship as a graduate assistant which completely paid for her master’s education along with providing her a living stipend.

Amanda has been a part-time intern for Reynolds and Reynolds while attending college and has recently been offered a full-time position with them. And in the midst of receiving her education, being a graduate assist, and being an intern, with the same continued focus on excellence, Amanda started her own business, Olsen Web Design.

Amanda is the daughter of Paul and Karen Olsen of Troy.