Steve Doerksen has a passion for sports and an enthusiasm for teaching, two interests which he will bring with him to his new job as principal of Turlock Christian High School this upcoming school year.

According to Turlock Christian School Superintendent Karen Winter, Doersken’s emphasis on sports is one of the aspects that made him an attractive candidate to replace current principal Kyle Fast next school year. Fast is leaving the school to perform missionary work. Doerksen currently serves as assistant principal of Denair High School, where he has been a big proponent of student athletics, something he says has opened lines of communication between students, parents and the school.

“I think that Mr. Doerksen has a similar philosophy about academics and Christian character building aspects in the curriculum, as well as a similar philosophy about sports. Being competitive is part of that character building, which is a very important aspect of our school,” said Winter.

A graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Communications, Doerksen went back to school at 46 years old to obtain his teaching credential in order to continue coaching. A special education instructor for several years, Doerksen moved up through the ranks to where he currently serves as the vice principal of Denair High School, his alma matter. Doerksen plans to use his deep connection to the community and interest in inspiring student success, whether it’s on the field or in the classroom, to encourage positive student growth at Turlock Christian.

“The Christian atmosphere is what I am really excited about. The love of education is what got me into education, but I truly believe God has his hand through this. He had bigger plans for me,” said Doerksen. “There are three institutions that guide student success and that is the home, the church and the school, and when all three are there like at Turlock Christian, it’s a success.”