A Full-Circle Story: From TCS Student to TCS Parent

For Shannon (Gentry) Opsahl, The Christ School is more than just where she went to school. It’s where her story began.

It’s where she met lifelong friends.
It’s where she met her husband.
And today, it’s where her children are beginning their own journeys.

“I have truly met lifelong friends,” Shannon shared. “There’s a group of about six of us. We’re still close and still raising our kids together. That community was so special then, and it still is.”

Where It All Began

Shannon first came to TCS in sixth grade. At the time, the school was much smaller, around 100 students, but even then, it was something unique.

“It was always just a joy to be there,” she said. “The school really went out of its way to make everything fun and exciting.”

From class parties to field trips and classroom experiences, learning at TCS wasn’t just meaningful. It was memorable. Those memories, along with the relationships built during those years, have lasted far beyond middle school.

In fact, one of those relationships would change her life forever.

A Love Story Rooted in TCS

Shannon met her husband, Luke, at a middle school back-to-school gathering.

“We were just friends at first,” she said. “He seemed really nice and really cute.” 

That friendship grew into something more. They dated through high school, attended Florida State University together, and married a few years after graduating.

Looking back, Shannon believes their shared foundation at TCS played a significant role in their relationship.

“It’s rare that you marry someone who was raised the same way you were,” she explained. “We had such similar experiences and values, and that’s been huge for how we’ve built our life and family.”

A Foundation That Lasts

Beyond friendships and relationships, Shannon credits TCS with something even deeper: a strong foundation for life.

“The faith-based education was such a huge impact,” she said. “Having Bible classes, chapel, and that consistent foundation teaches you right from wrong and helps guide you, especially during those middle school years.”

That foundation carried her through high school, college, and into adulthood.

“I felt really prepared going into high school. I felt confident. Even in new environments, I always had that sense of familiarity and connection with others who shared that same foundation.”

Coming Back Home

After college, Shannon and Luke spent several years in Tampa. When it came time to think about their children’s education, the decision became clear.

“We knew what an amazing experience we had at TCS,” she said. “And we wanted that for our kids too.”

They moved back to Orlando, intentionally choosing to return to the community that had shaped them.

Today, their daughter Ellington and son Bear attend TCS.

Seeing TCS Through a New Lens

Now as a parent, Shannon experiences TCS in a whole new way. Her appreciation has only grown.

“I love being involved,” she said. “I’ve been a room mom and served on the PTF, and it’s just so special to be back on campus and see everything firsthand.”

What stands out most to her is the same thing she experienced as a student: the sense of care and community.

“I never worry about what my kids is seeing or hearing at school. I have complete confidence in the teachers and staff. I know they are getting the best experience we could give them.”

Growing, While Staying the Same

TCS has grown significantly since Shannon’s time as a student, with expanded facilities, improved technology, and enhanced security. Even so, she says the heart of the school hasn’t changed.

“It’s grown so much, but those core things are still there,” she said. “That family-style environment and sense of community still feel so special and sweet.”

Even more meaningful is seeing familiar faces still on campus. Teachers and staff who were there when she was a student are now pouring into the next generation.

A Legacy in the Making

As Shannon watches her children build their own friendships and experiences at TCS, her hopes are simple and powerful.

“I hope they have friendships that carry them through life,” she said. “And that they feel confident in their faith as they grow.”

It’s the same gift she was given years ago.

A strong foundation.
A lasting community.
A place that feels like home.