A Special Shout-Out to the McAlpines
We’d like to take a moment to recognize the McAlpines for their incredible support. It’s always a pleasure to see familiar faces who bring such positivity and energy to every event they attend.
The McAlpines truly embody the values we hold dear — faith, family, and a love for this great country. Their willingness to show up, engage, and represent their community is what keeps these gatherings meaningful and memorable.
Thank you to the McAlpines for your continued support. It’s folks like you who remind us why these events matter — bringing people together, celebrating our shared values, and standing proud for what we believe in.
Peter & Susan McAlpine, with Board members Ray Ricciardi and Julie Champlain.
Community Support Grows as Ray Ricciardi Delivers Critical Donations to Excellence in Traditional Education
Ray Ricciardi recently presented Excellence in Traditional Education (ETE) Treasurer Leanne Smith with vital donation checks, reinforcing the community’s commitment to establishing a high-quality, traditional private school in Kingman, AZ. These generous contributions directly support ETE’s mission to provide a rigorous, Judeo-Christian education free from Common Core, DEI, and ESG influences.
With plans to implement the proven Hillsdale College Curriculum, ETE aims to bridge the gap between classical and modern education, ensuring students receive a well-rounded, principled academic foundation. Donations like these are the lifeblood of this initiative, helping to secure resources, staff, and facilities necessary to bring this vision to life. Join the movement to reclaim education—visit https://www.givesendgo.com/ETE and make a difference today!
Bringing Excellence in Education to Kingman: ETE’s Partnership with Hillsdale College
At Excellence in Traditional Education (ETE), we are dedicated to transforming the future of education in Kingman, Arizona. Our mission is simple: to bring a time-tested, proven model of classical education to our community—one that prioritizes academic excellence, moral integrity, and the foundational principles that foster strong, independent thinkers.
In a recent episode of Buzzwords, our own Julie Champlain and Logan Marsh discussed this vision and the exciting partnership between ETE and Hillsdale College. Hillsdale’s K-12 curriculum has already set the standard for rigorous, values-driven education, and we are working diligently to implement this framework right here in Kingman.
Why This Matters
Arizona’s education system faces significant challenges, from declining academic performance to teacher shortages and a lack of structured, traditional learning methods. ETE is committed to changing that by offering an alternative that puts students first, ensuring they receive an education rooted in knowledge, virtue, and American principles.
Community Support & Fundraising
Bringing this vision to life requires the support of dedicated parents, educators, and community members. That’s why we are launching a major fundraising initiative to help secure the resources needed to establish a high-quality, tuition-free classical education option in Kingman. Every dollar raised goes directly toward:
Establishing a strong curriculum aligned with Hillsdale’s proven model.
Recruiting passionate educators dedicated to academic excellence.
Providing students with the resources they need to thrive.
How You Can Get Involved
ETE is committed to making this vision a reality, but we cannot do it alone. Whether you are a parent looking for a better education for your child, a community member passionate about the future of Kingman, or a donor ready to invest in something meaningful, we invite you to be a part of this movement.
Stay tuned for more details about our upcoming fundraising event, and to learn how you can support this transformative initiative. Together, we can provide Kingman’s children with the education they deserve—one rooted in excellence, tradition, and timeless values.
Support Excellence in Education: Attend the March 1st Fundraiser in Kingman!
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 1, 2025, and join us at the Red Cellar Bistro from 5 PM to 9 PM for an evening of food, fun, and fundraising. Tickets are $75 and include a delicious Filet Mignon dinner, dessert, and a drink ticket. Enjoy live music, a cash bar, a live auction featuring exciting items like a 1981 CJ7 Jeep and an EZGO gas golf cart, plus raffle prizes. All proceeds will help fund a private school in Kingman, dedicated to providing quality education based on the Hillsdale College K-12 Traditional Curriculum. Secure your tickets by February 3rd—contact Julie Champlain at 916-607-8350 or etecorrespondence@gmail.com. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference!
Watch Hillsdale’s "Four Pillars: Learning, Character, Faith, and Freedom"
What IS Hillsdale?
Hillsdale College's educational philosophy is anchored in four foundational pillars: Learning, Character, Faith, and Freedom. These pillars are integral to the College's mission and are designed to cultivate well-rounded individuals committed to intellectual excellence and civic responsibility.
Learning: Hillsdale emphasizes a rigorous classical liberal arts education, encouraging students to engage deeply with subjects such as history, literature, science, and mathematics. This approach aims to develop critical thinking and a lifelong passion for knowledge.
Character: The College fosters virtues like honesty, integrity, perseverance, and respect. By nurturing these qualities, Hillsdale prepares students to become principled leaders and responsible citizens.
Faith: While non-denominational, Hillsdale supports the moral and spiritual development of its students, encouraging a sense of purpose and values that respect religious freedom and individual beliefs.
Freedom: The College instills an appreciation for American principles of liberty, responsibility, and self-governance. Students learn about the importance of individual freedoms and civic duties, fostering patriotism and respect for the Constitution.
For the children of Kingman, Arizona, integrating these pillars into their education could offer a transformative experience. Such an approach not only prepares students academically but also nurtures personal growth, civic awareness, and a commitment to American values, equipping them to become thoughtful, capable adults ready to lead in their community and beyond.