"If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

Matthew 18:6

Welcome to the Executive page of School Alive, where we introduce our esteemed Board of Directors, also known as the School Board. Comprising dedicated leaders like the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and other directors, this team upholds our mission of nurturing Christlike character and academic excellence. Each member brings a unique blend of passion, expertise, and commitment to guide our institution in its vision of transformative education. Here, you can explore their individual biographies and understand the wealth of experience they bring to School Alive.

Dr. Graham Pierce Lyon is a dedicated Christian, Husband, Father, Patriot, Eagle Scout, Triple Major, National Teaching Fellow, and Educationist. His commitment to education is evidenced by extensive informal education and a doctoral-level formal education including a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Buffalo in 2015 followed by a Master’s Degree in 2017 and a Doctor’s Degree in 2023 from Purdue University. Dr. Lyon grew up in Elmira, New York, attending Holy Family Catholic Schools followed by Elmira Free Academy where he earned an Advanced Regents Diploma and the MVP award as the varsity swim team captain. During his time at SUNY Buffalo, he was an Advanced Honors Scholar and completed a Triple Major in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with a minor in Teacher Education. Dr. Lyon earned an award for excellence in undergraduate research and scholarship for his work within the Physics Department that focused on high-temperature superconductivity. He also earned awards for academic excellence in chemistry with high distinction and in physics with high honors. Dr. Lyon was the lead tutor at the Academic Resource Center (ARC) and dedicated significant time to the Buffalo school system through his involvement with the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Partnership. His passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, as he served as a teacher and coach at the Michael Phelps Swim School along with teaching for summer bridge programs geared for disadvantaged students. His academic and teaching excellence was further recognized through his selection to deliver a graduation speech at the University Honors College, being featured in a university video titled “More Than A Major,” and his acceptance into a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship, supporting his studies at Purdue University.

After moving to Indiana in 2015 for his STEM Goes Rural specialized Master’s Program, Dr. Lyon taught at Seeger Memorial Junior-Senior High School in Warren County followed by Tri-County Jr./Sr. High School in Wolcott, Indiana. There, he taught physics, chemistry, geometry, calculus, among other courses, enriching students’ lives with his knowledge and passion for STEM. In the Fall of 2019, he returned for his Doctor’s Degree at Purdue University, continuing to make significant contributions to the educational community by working for the College of Engineering through the Engineering Projects In Community Service (EPICS) program in the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, the College of Science through the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the College of Education through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as well as the Center for Advancing the Teaching and Learning of STEM (CATALYST) and the Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute (GER²I). His doctoral dissertation research focused on measuring authentic learning within Purdue University’s EPICS program, exemplifying the power of authentic education initiatives to build 21st-century skills through real-world experiences. Dr. Lyon earned the 2023 Sidney Marsh Moon Teacher Award for content area expertise, motivating leadership, and exemplary teaching. He also graduated from the School of Kingdom Ministry and was invited to speak on the world stage as an Outstanding Leadership Award Honoree at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, for the 2024 Education 2.0 Conference focused on uniting changemakers to revolutionize education.

As an educator at Purdue University and the Founder and President at School Alive, Dr. Lyon has consistently advocated for a transformative approach to learning. Under his guidance, School Alive has emerged as an exemplar of authentic education that reimagines education at the community level, collaborating with home and church to nurture Christlike character and foster lifelong learning. Rooted in Christian values, the institution emphasizes holistic education, focusing on character, virtue, and individual purpose. Stemming from Dr. Lyon’s spiritual revelation in 2020, School Alive addresses modern education’s inherent challenges with vision and innovation. Implementing Dr. Lyon’s “Authentic HAMSTER Education” framework, School Alive moves beyond STEM, STEAM, and STREAM to seamlessly blend Healthcare, Art, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Religion, providing students with comprehensive and faith-grounded education. Amidst changing educational landscapes, Dr. Lyon’s revolutionary vision for School Alive remains steadfast, molding future leaders anchored in liberty, truth, and heritage while igniting their individual passions.

Mrs. Suzie Leigh Philyaw is a dedicated educator with a passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. Born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, Suzie embarked on her academic journey at Purdue University, where she pursued her undergraduate studies in Education. It was during this time that Suzie discovered her innate talent for teaching and her unwavering commitment to shaping the future through education. After completing her undergraduate degree, Suzie furthered her academic pursuits by earning a Master's degree in Language Education from Indiana University. Armed with a strong educational foundation and a thirst for knowledge, she embarked on her teaching career, where she has since made a profound impact on the lives of her students.

In the classroom, Suzie is known for her innovative teaching methods, her ability to engage students of all backgrounds, and her dedication to ensuring each student reaches their full potential. She creates a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore, question, and grow both academically and personally. Outside of the classroom, Suzie leads an active and fulfilling life as a wife to Joshua and mother to Judah, Asher, and Adelynn.  She can often be found exploring new places and enjoying the outdoors with them. Suzie also enjoys using her organizational skills and creativity to plan events, whether it's chess club, Battle of the Books, or a community gathering.

In her free time, Suzie finds solace and inspiration in nature, often hitting the trails for a rejuvenating hike. Surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors, she finds clarity and perspective that fuels her passion for teaching and enriches her life as a whole. With her dedication to education, her love for learning, and her zest for life, Suzie Philyaw continues to make a lasting impact on her students, her community, and the world around her. It is her hope that all of these passions and experiences are helpful while serving as Vice President of the Board for School Alive.

Mr. Ronald Scott Lehr, a valued member of the Board of Directors at School Alive, exemplifies leadership deeply rooted in faith and service. Raised in Crawfordsville, IN, and moving to Lafayette in 1999, Scott's journey is one of profound commitment to his community and Christian ministry. As the loving father of three boys—Dustin, Derrick, and JT—and grandfather to a grandson and two beautiful granddaughters, his life is a testament to the strength and love cultivated within a family that cherished serving others. This dedication was shared with his late wife, LeeAnne, whose memory continues to inspire his path. The loss of LeeAnne to colon cancer in 2017 has been a profound chapter in his journey, reflecting his strength and faith through life's trials. Scott's professional ventures, notably founding Great Skates Fun Center in 1999, alongside his leadership roles, such as serving as Director and President of The Roller Skating International, have honed his ability to inspire and guide in both business and community settings.

Scott's spiritual journey, marked by his rebirth in faith at the age of 20, led him and LeeAnne to embrace roles as youth pastors and later, pastors, leaving a lasting impact on many through their ministry. His commitment to serving is further reflected in his significant contributions to the broader Christian community, including his influential roles on the Board of Directors for Camp Destiny and the International Ministerial Association, where he was Chairman for six years and is currently the Vice Chairman. This organization is noteworthy not only for its leadership in ministry but also as the licensing agency for churches and ministers, including Church Alive. Additionally, Scott's involvement as a founding member of the Professional Mentors pilot program for the Lafayette School Corporation underscores his passion for mentorship and community development. His dedication as a Board member and former Director of Finances for the Grace & Mercy Food Pantry, the largest in Montgomery County, emphasizes his commitment to fulfilling both physical and spiritual needs within his community.

At School Alive, Scott's enthusiasm for leading others to Christ and his vision for an education grounded in biblical principles are infectious. His wealth of experience in leadership, unwavering faith, and personal journey of resilience and service contribute significantly to the mission of School Alive. His diverse roles, from opening Great Skates Fun Center to serving on various boards, illustrate a life dedicated to enriching his community and fostering environments where individuals are encouraged to discover their God-given purposes. As Treasurer, Scott’s dedication to stewardship and his comprehensive background provide a solid foundation for guiding School Alive towards its goals, ensuring the school remains a beacon of authentic Christian education in an ever-changing world.

Mr. Harold Raymen Pitts’ story begins in his hometown of Anderson, Indiana. He attended Madison Heights High School, class of 1976 before continuing his education at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, class of 1981, majoring in Public Relations and Theater. Hal was active in many organizations in high school including Youth for Christ, Band, Young Republicans, Chess Club, and was co-editor his senior year of the school anthology “The Buccaneer”. At Ball State Hal was a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity, president of the honor’s dorm Swinford Hall his senior year, and active in many plays and singing competitions. After college Hal was involved with theater groups in Anderson and did stand-up comedy for an event for charity with a theater group in Lafayette.

Hal started forging his retail knowledge while embarking on his scholastic journey. What started as a means to fund education turned into a passion and career. Hal started his first job on his 16th birthday at the local Paul Harris Clothing Store, where he continued to work for the next ten years. He also took the opportunity during summer breaks to hone skill in carpet installation, tile setting, and home construction, at his father’s request to have a trade to fall back on, if retail was not his true passion.  At 18, Hal started working at Pay Less Super Markets, juggling both jobs while attending school. This is where Hal really blossomed his retail career and knowledge. He remained at Pay Less for the next 24 years, working his way up from part time to a management position. Hal’s time at Pay Less helped develop the skills needed to be a well-rounded leader, which led to the opportunity to leave Anderson and help open a new store for the company in Lafayette in 1983. In 2000 Wal Mart recruited Hal to assist in the opening of the first supercenter in the Lafayette area. Wal Mart utilized Hal’s extensive knowledge in the supermarket industry to assist in opening the grocery side as well as the development of the team. Hal continued to build his management expertise for the next nine years at Wal Mart until he felt the need for a change. Hal served in at the Lafayette T.J. Maxx in a management for three years until he moved to his current role of Store Manager at Tractor Supply in 2013.

Hal brings his love for The Lord as well as 50 years of retail experience to assist with the business side of School Alive. His diverse retail background will aid him as he works to ensure the success both spiritually and financially of this endeavor. Hal has enjoyed wedded bliss to Deb (Beeler) Pitts for over 35 years. They have one daughter, Hillary, who is married to Chris Mueller and are the parents of 3 rambunctious boys. Hal and Deb enjoy spending time (spoiling) the grandkids, traveling, looking for great finds in flea markets and antique stores, and helping in different areas of the church. Hal is on the board for the Men’s Ministry and looks forward to helping the church grow and spread The Word.

Dr. Rachel Anne Day earned her undergraduate degree at Purdue University and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University. Over the past 33 years, she has practiced dentistry in Glenview IL, Westborough MA and for the last 17 years in Lafayette IN. Being self-employed for 30+ years, Dr. Day brings with her a depth of business experience and expertise. As a dental care provider Dr. Day is passionate about maintaining her commitment to professional excellence and remains a continual student of the art and science of dentistry. In her commitment to continuing education, Dr. Day has been active in organized dentistry at both the local and state levels in two states, serves as a local leader of an international study club, and has been recognized by her peers with induction to both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.

Dr. Day has been blessed by her career in dentistry and remains passionate about blessing others in her professional circle. This passion is seen as she mentors employees new to the industry, mentors college students who aspire to become a dentist, and as she mentors new colleagues navigating the challenges of being a new provider on the island of self-employment. A continual seeker of knowledge Dr. Day balances her experience of 33 years with the advances afforded to us through research and development to provide her patients with individual solutions and opportunities for optimum oral health.

Dr. Day and her husband, Michael Davis, are the parents of three adult children (all married) who reside in Pittsburgh PA, Seattle WA and Lafayette IN. In her personal time Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband, family, hiking, reading and experiencing anything new.

Born in Clinton, Indiana in 1948, Ms. Connie Lou Basham exemplifies perseverance, hard work, and a deep commitment to community service. Growing up in Lafayette, where her father worked in the mailroom at the Journal and Courier, she spent her formative years learning the value of hard work. The family eventually settled at 3202 Elmwood Avenue, where Connie began babysitting at 12 and working for a local store at 16, becoming the youngest employee at L.S. Ayres. She thrived in academics and extracurriculars, participating in school orchestras, choirs, and student government, laying the foundation for her lifelong passion for leadership and community involvement. Connie pursued further education at Purdue University, which she joined after excelling in high school as a writer, performer, and student leader. Her experiences in the Brownie Scouts and Girl Scouts, and her relationship with her sixth-grade teacher, Jack Otten, who inspired her to embrace every challenge, continued to shape her dedication to service.

In public service, Connie held significant roles, including serving two terms on the Tippecanoe County Council, where she advocated for youth and economic development. She was recognized for her leadership and policy work, having served as Director of the Indiana Association of County Councils and President of the Association for 2004. Her dedication to education led her to establish scholarships aimed at supporting hardworking students and those in need of financial assistance. Connie has consistently championed causes aligned with her Christian values, notably in her work with Indiana Right to Life, where she served as Vice-Chairperson and reorganized local chapters to better support young parents. She played a vital role in developing tax abatement guidelines and advocating for the Tippecanoe Youth Center, showcasing her drive for positive change.

Connie is also known for her warmth and generosity, reflected in her relationships with her extended family and community. From mentoring Purdue College Republicans to being a longtime host parent for the Colt Baseball World Series, she has touched many lives. A devoted mother to her daughter Gretchen and a beloved aunt to her late sister's children, Connie's love for family and community runs deep. She was instrumental in managing Basham Rentals with her former husband John, before shifting focus to other endeavors, including building rental cabins in Tennessee. Her enduring faith and dedication to service are evident in her involvement with Church Alive and various community organizations. Now, she continues her journey of service and advocacy on the Board of Directors for School Alive, embodying a life dedicated to building communities grounded in faith and love.