Winter 2010 • Volume 72 • Number 1
CONNECTION
A MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF HILLCREST ACADEMY
Introducing
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GREETING
Dear Alumni and Friends, I’ve been sharing some exciting news in recent weeks with alumni and friends of HLA. Here’s pretty much how the conversation goes: (Me) “Hillcrest is working on a 5 million dollar campaign that I thought you’d like to hear about.” (Friend) “Whoa…that’s pretty ambitious. Doesn’t sound like a good time with the economy and all.” (Me) “I know. It’s the largest campaign Hillcrest has ever had. And it does come in a challenging time economically. But here’s the funny thing. We’ve already raised 67% of the goal. Over $3.3 million has been committed to the “Fresh Breeze” Campaign since it was planned a couple of years ago.”
so that everyone can now hear about it and be part of meeting the goal.” This issue of the Hillcrest Connection introduces to the entire Hillcrest family an exciting adventure for Hillcrest Lutheran Academy! Knowing that God’s hand of blessing has been on the mission of HLA since it began over 90 years ago, the time is right to advance and build on this great history. We are ready to move the school forward boldly to impact future generations for Christ. I hope that you will be inspired by the success thus far and interested to know more about the Fresh Breeze Campaign in the pages that follow. Trusting the Lord, and looking forward,
(Friend) “What? You’re kidding. Seriously? That’s unbelievable. That’s amazing!” Steven J. Brue, HLA President (Me) “It is! God’s already blessed this effort with a number of lead gifts, and now only 33% of the goal is left. We’ve just launched what’s called the Public Phase
SO MUCH MORE THAN A DIPLOMA LIVE. LEARN. GO.
Hillcrest CONNECTION
CONTENTS 4 Feature Introducing Fresh Breeze Campaign Banquets
10 Finance Fresh Breeze Gift Table HLA Heritage Society Club Members
12 Campus News Homecoming 2010 Spiritual Formations Week Science & Athletic News New Faces at HLA
19 Alumni News 2010 Memorial Gifts Alumni Updates
Winter 2010 Hillcrest Connection is published quarterly by Hillcrest Academy. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537 STEVE BRUE | President Editor-in-Chief sbrue@ffhillcrest.org RYAN ERICKSON Managing Editor/Graphic Design rerickson@ffhillcrest.org LINDA PATCH Alumni Relations lpatch@ffhillcrest.org HLA TODAY STAFF Contributing Writers DAVID LISTOR Feature Photography
HILLCREST ACADEMY BOARD OF DIRECTORS DWIGHT SCHMIDT | Chair Jamestown, ND DAVE EGGE | Vice Chair Alexandria, MN ROD SCHEEL | Secretary Fergus Falls, MN RICH IVERSON Barnesville, MN ANNIE JACOBSEN Succasunna, NJ KATHY JOHNSON Fergus Falls, MN
J. BURDEAN ROGNESS Eden Prairie, MN
MISSION STATEMENT
LISA SCHULTZ-FRED Fergus Falls, MN
The mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is to equip students in a Christ-centered, Bible-based environment for a life of signiďŹ cance.
OLAV SANDNES Mt. Bethel, PA
HILLCREST ACADEMY PARENT ADVISORY TEAM LISA SCHULTZ-FRED | Board Rep CARLA BJORNLIE LORI HESTENES ANDY LACEY LESLIE JENNEN
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FEATURE
A fresh breeze blows on the campus of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy... It’s a breeze that carries with it the optimism of a strong future. It carries the clear message that teenagers thrive in body, mind, and spirit within the context of a caring Christian community. It’s a breeze that carries the message of countless young voices sharing the same testimony, “I changed!”
their spiritual and personal growth. They too felt the fresh breeze. Maybe it was on choir tour, or while attending a Mission Conference, or through memorable chapel presentations and peer group Bible studies. In recent years, alumni point to a short term mission trip to Mexico as a defining spiritual experience.
It was this same breeze that gave life to an idea at the turn of the 20th Century, over 100 years ago in Wahpeton, North Dakota, that a Lutheran Bible School be founded. The Bible school was led to incorporate a high school curriculum 15 years later, in its new location in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Then, seventeen years later in 1935 the school moved to its current location in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The stately red-brick building (formerly Park Region Luther College) that has been home to tens of hundreds of students, continues as a familiar symbol of a caring Christian community that takes a high-quality, college-preparatory education seriously.
Our vision for Hillcrest Academy has remained unchanged: to provide a quality academic environment in a spiritual setting. This is a place where matters of intellect and faith are explored each day and where the Word of God enables life-changing discoveries. It is also a place where students live their faith, not only on the campus, but as they go into communities and different cultures to experience and to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ with a needy world. The school’s mission to equip students for a life of significance is authenticated by testimonies of those who have felt the impact of Hillcrest alumni around the world. What a joy it would be to hear the stories of the untold number of individuals who have come to Christ because of the lives and witness of Hillcrest alumni.
There is no doubt that alumni and students point to their Hillcrest years as defining moments in
“God’s hand of blessing has been on the mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy since it began over 90 years ago. The time is right to advance and build on this great history. We are ready to move forward boldly to impact future generations for Christ.” Steven J. Brue, HLA President
FEATURE
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FEATURE
Our calling is to continue this focus. Our challenge is to gather and distribute our gifts wisely, providing our students and staff with all that they need to equip themselves for productive lives of Christian service in a world that so desperately needs each of them. We like the feel of the fresh
breeze. It energizes. It invigorates. It stirs vision. And the vision that is being shaped is a vision for students to thrive in a school which witnesses to the presence of Christ in its midst. Foremost in our desire is to eliminate those discouraging areas that would make that fresh breeze feel stale.
This breeze is affecting how we view our campus, showing areas of need that will make Hillcrest a stronger and more vital institution.
The scope of the campaign is five million dollars. It includes retiring the remaining one million dollar debt on the Student Activities Center. It includes the renovation of the Classroom Section in the Hillcrest building, and installing a new heating and air conditioning system in that area, as well as in the entire Hillcrest building. It includes adding endowments for ongoing student scholarships, academic programs, and facility costs.
It includes funding for professional development of staff, salary increases, and curriculum development. And it includes the Annual Fund, the gifts each year that subsidize the operations of the school to help keep tuition costs affordable.
It is very clear to the leadership and staff of Hillcrest Academy that the fresh breeze we’ve experienced is none other than the gracious presence and movement of God’s Spirit. We humbly and gratefully acknowledge the source. And we want God’s Spirit to continue to bless the mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.
FEATURE
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The fresh breeze has already begun to blow across the Hillcrest campus.
$1.7 Million
33% Remains $3.3 Million 67% Received in Cash and Pledges
You can be part of a chain of significant blessings that will keep the momentum going until the $5 million goal is met. Your gift at this time demonstrates your partnership and investment in advancing the mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, allowing more students to be part of the Hillcrest experience. You can be part of something that is much bigger and more powerful than we could possibly imagine. What part will you play in this campaign? Can you provide a one time gift, join one of the HLA Giving Clubs to support the Annual Fund, or make a five-year pledge as you invest in the ministry of Hillcrest? Prayerfully consider your role. God’s hand of blessing is on this exciting adventure! A response envelope is included in this publication for your gift to the Fresh Breeze campaign. Please use it as an end-of-year donation to HLA, or to indicate your ongoing participation in this exciting campaign. God bless you!
The scope of the campaign is $5 million. Capital Projects
$2,900,000 Phase 1 HVAC update @ $975,000 Academic Center Renovation @ $475,000 Phase 2 HVAC update @ $350,000 Eliminate Debt on the Student Activities Center @ $1,100,000
Endowment
$300,000 + Student Scholarships Academic Programs Facility Costs
Academic
$200,000 Professional Development Salary Increases Curriculum Development
Annual Fund
$1,600,000 Five Year Annual Fund Reserve @ $320,000/year
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FEATURE
Introducing Fergus Falls to
FEATURE
A “Fresh Breeze” banquet to kick off the public phase of Hillcrest’s capital campaign was held in the HLA Student Activities Center on Saturday evening of Homecoming weekend. About 125 guests enjoyed an Italian buffet of pastas and sauces, with Caesar salad and breadsticks, prepared by Chef Heath Stocks and the A'viand’s Food Service staff. Hillcrest students served as waiters and waitresses.
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Fresh Breeze Introduced at Pennsylvania Event
Nearly all HLA Board members and Campaign Cabinet members attended the banquet to celebrate a successful quiet phase of reaching over 60% of the campaign goal, and to begin informing the general public of the Hillcrest needs that will be met as a result of this new campaign. President Brue introduced the Campaign Co-chairs, Olav and Gina Sandnes, as well as the other members of the Campaign Cabinet. Following a video presentation of last year’s mission trip highlights in the Dominican Republic, Mr. Gregg Preston, HLA History and Bible Instructor shared how these annual student mission experiences tie in so well with the mission statement of the school, equipping students for a life of significance. Guests received Fresh Breeze brochures and pledging opportunities as President Steve Brue explained the campaign process, identified the 5 major initiatives of the campaign, and gave a progress report to date on the campaign’s success. A full screen audio/visual backdrop managed by Ryan Erickson, HLA Graphics Director and IT Director Jason Walkup greatly enhanced the presentation. Response to the Fresh Breeze appeal was very positive. Over $63,000 was added in cash and pledges to the campaign effort. Special thanks to Linda Patch, banquet coordinator and banquet committee members Kathy Johnson, Linda Brue, Gina Sandnes, Grace Kvamme, Missi Isaac, Debbie Crabtree and Sheri Hohncke. Praise God for adding His blessing to this kick-off event!
The Fresh Breeze campaign was featured prominently on the front page of the Sunday, September 19 issue of the Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
A Fresh Breeze celebration event took place on a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, October 10th at the farmhouse of Olav and Gina Sandnes of Mt. Bethel, PA. Over 30 guests enjoyed a delicious barbeque on the patio, following a Fresh Breeze campaign presentation by Hillcrest President Steve Brue in the Sandnes’ beautifully remodeled barn. Guests received brochures and pledging opportunities, with a generous response of over $36,000 from those invited to participate. Special thanks to Olav and Gina Sandnes, Co-chairs of the Fresh Breeze campaign for their generosity in hosting this very enjoyable event.
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FINANCE
Five Million - An Attainable Goal The magnitude of a campaign goal can seem overwhelming at the outset. Campaigns seek to secure a number of lead gifts during the quiet phase. A model gift table was presented to HLA by the consultant to guide the campaign process. Below shows categories of gifts/pledges received in the Fresh Breeze campaign as of November 2010, and a template of remaining gifts/pledges to demonstrate the attainability of the campaign goal.
Gift $1,000,000 $500,000 $250,000 $100,000 $75,000 $50,000 $25,000 $10,000 Under $10,000
Received 1 1 1 1 1 3 9 18 Many
Needed
Cumulative Total
1 1 3 2 5 6 6 Many
$500,000 $750,000 $1,050,000 $1,200,000 $1,450,000 $1,600,000 $1,660,000*
*Remaining 33% to complete campaign goal.
HLA HL H LA
HLA HL H LA
Heritage society s so oci c et e y
Legacy club c lub b
The HLA Heritage Society acknowledges those who have named Hillcrest in an estate gift.
The Fresh Breeze campaign provides an opportunity for friends of Hillcrest to name the school as a beneficiary in their estate plans. This is one of the ways that donors may participate in the campaign, through a deferred gift. While estate amounts that are designated for Hillcrest are not included in the campaign goal, a record of these future gifts helps to ensure future support for the school. It also gives Hillcrest the opportunity to thank families who choose to name Hillcrest in their estate planning. Already, the Fresh Breeze campaign has on record over $1 million that will be gifted through estate plans. Families who have identified these plans to the school are listed in the HLA Heritage Society. The next issue of the Hillcrest Connection will publicly acknowledge those who have named Hillcrest as a beneficiary in their estate plans. We would love to include any who have named Hillcrest in their estate plans. Please contact President Steve Brue at 218-739-3371 to discuss this further.
The HLA Legacy Club acknowledges individuals and groups whose accumulative giving reaches $25,000 or above. Stanley Arlton Estate Kenneth & Mavis Austin John & Cheryl Backstrom Steve Benjamin Irv & Kay Bergsagel Steve & Linda Brue Keven & Debbie Crabtree Evelyn Ebner Estate Edward D. Jones & Co. David & Val Egge Joel & Barbara Egge Marian Egge Estate Lori Fedje First State Bank of Alex-Carlos Mabel L. Foss Estate Agnes Freeland Charitable Trust Adleide Gunhus G. T. & Ann Gunhus Elling & Barbara Halvorson Richard & Linda Heggland Roy & Barbara Heggland Hillside Lutheran Brethren Missions Interstate Inc. Gladys Jensen
Minnie Nelson Nordic Contracting Co, Inc. Olsoe Charitable Remainder Trust Clara Olsoe John & Donna Olson Wesley & Ruth Orrestad Otter Tail Power Company Ron Powell Donald & Marie Roberts Charitable Foundation J. Burdean & Kay Rogness LaWayne & Bev Rogness Olav & Gina Sandnes Security State Bank Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Ewald & Alice Sems Norma Senum Eleanor Sollie Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Victory Lutheran Brethren Church Viking Construction Corporation
FINANCE Club Membership Club|500 Club|120
Club|1000
75 Club Members
37 Club Members
83 Club Members
Club|2500
Club|5000
Club|10000
12 Club Members
7 Club Members
3 Club Members
A wonderful way to participate in Fresh Breeze is by joining a Hillcrest giving club. Club members support the school's annual fund, a vital initiative of the $5 million Fresh Breeze campaign. Anonymous Geroge & Alice Aase Peter & Katie Aasness Kathi Abel Guy & Beth Adams Erik & Janet Ambjor Hans & Kari Andersen Roy & Marie Barsness Joseph & Susan Battillo Irv & Kay Bergsagel Tim & Mary Bigelow Ethan & Carla Bjornlie Olive Blikstad Joyce Boehland Roger & Kay Borowski Doug & Nancy Bounds Harold & Cathy Brokke Nick & Dahlia Brue Charlie & Carrie Brue Benjamin Brue Matthew & Faith Brue Lindsey Brue Steve & Linda Brue Tom & Kari Brue Titus Brue Thor & Edna Bugge Lorraine Burt John & Larissa Campbell David & Dagney Christenson Scott & Val Christenson Joel & Liz Christenson Lane & Lori Christopherson Keven & Debbie Crabtree Dan & Lita Crowley Dave & Vicki Crowser Sharon Daines Leif & Sonja Dalen Thelma P. Dalene Steve & Kathy Doering David & Val Egge Joel & Barbara Egge Chuck & Penny Eidem Spencer Endrud John Endrud Rich & Jeanene Engebretson Gerald & Sheri Erickson Elroy & Judy Erickson Ryan & Kristin Erickson Micah Erickson Gary & Cynthia Erickson Eric Ewan Carol Featherstone Lori Fedje Lawn Pro of Fergus Falls Allan Fischer Mark & Joan Folden Gay & Carol Folden David & Ruthann Forland E. Thor & Lillian Foss Mark & Joanne Foss Allen & Goldie Foss Masson Family Foundation Kevin & Lisa Fred Sharon Fuhrman Wayne & Ruth Goats GT & Ann Gunhus
(3) Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Lexington, KY Succasunna, NJ East Wenatchee, WA Kirkland, WA Mount Bethel, PA Minnetonka, MN Erhard, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Arvada, CO Campbell, MN Jamestown, ND Minneapolis, MN St. Paul, MN Fergus Falls, MN Vadnais Heights, MN St. Louis Park, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Bloomington, MN Vadnais Heights, MN Willow Street, PA Chicago, IL Edmonton, OK Lynnwood, WA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Everett, WA Fergus Falls, MN Marysville, WA Fergus Falls, MN Bozeman, MT Mt. Bethel, PA East Hartland, CT Fergus Falls, MN Alexandria, MN Fergus Falls, MN Altadena, CA Buxton, ND Loves Park, IL Edina, MN Mukilteo, WA Vancouver, WA Fergus Falls, MN Banning, CA Dalton, MN Fergus Falls, MN New Hope, MN Beaverton, OR Fergus Falls, MN Hillsboro Beach, FL San Jose, CA Fergus Falls, MN Huntington, NY Southold, NY Glastonbury, CT Everett, WA Laguna Beach, CA Fergus Falls, MN Joice, IA Scottsdale, AZ Underwood, MN
Richard & Diane Gunhus Adleide Gunhus Victoria Hackett Roy & Heather Haegeland Elling & Barbara Halvorson Evelyn Hansen Tore & Vivian Hansen Luke & Angela Hansen Greg & Rita Hayek Kim Hazel Joy Headrick David & Beverly Heggen Rich & Linda Heggland Amanda Heggland Paul & Sheri Hohncke Diane Ihrke Gary & Renee Isaac Jeff & Missi Isaac Rich & Karen Iverson Martha Jacobs Herb & Helen Jacobsen Elizabeth Jacobsen John & Annie Jacobsen Ken & Ann Jensen Gladys Jensen Edgar & Myrtle Jensen Tim & Karen Johnson Fred & Elsie Johnson Dennis & Kathleen Johnson Brent & Ruth Juliot Elmer & Julia Kaardal Curtis & Elaine Kavlie Vaughn & Deb Kavlie John & Janet Kilde Kermit & Grace Kvamme Kevin Kvamme Scott & Becky Kvamme Philip & Marilyn Labrosse Andy & Brenda Lacey Jack & Sharon Lacey Paul & Jane Langseth Morris & Myrt Larsen Josiah Larson Victory LB Church Hillside LB Missions Matthew & Sue Leach Frank & Elaine Legerat Brian & Jennifer Leivestad Carol & Michael Lewin Patricia Linson Lloyd & Thelma Listor Steve & Heidi Listor Harry Ludvigsen Joel & Alice Lunde Dennis & Dorothy Madsen Jeffrey & Eileen Mahn Brad & Trena Martinson Luther & Adeline Mathison John & Lisa McAteer Bruce & Irene Miller Jr. Tom & Gladys Moline Tom & Bobbi Monacelli Alice Monsen Wallace & Audrey Ness William & Marcia Nilsen Peter & Lillian Nilsen
Blue Earth, MN Blue Earth, MN San Francisco, CA Lake Stevens, WA Woodinville, WA Snohomish, WA Mount Bethel, PA Edina, MN Fergus Falls, MN Eden Prairie, MN Denver, CO Rothsay, MN New Port Richey, FL Farmington, CT Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Denver, CO Fergus Falls, MN Barnesville, MN Seatonville, IL Mt. Bethel, PA Minnetonka, MN Succasunna, NJ Huntington, NY Staten Island, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Little Falls, MN Boone, IA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Saint Paul, MN Richville, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Williston, ND Fergus Falls, MN Saint Paul, MN Wendell, MN Wendell, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Minneapolis, MN Jamestown, ND Succasunna, NJ Omaha, NE Fairbanks, AK Loveland, CO Keizer, OR Fargo, ND Brooklyn, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Kerhonkson, NY Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Albuquerque, NM Fergus Falls, MN Maddock, ND Mt. Bethel, PA Mt. Bethel, PA Erhard, MN Mt. Arlington, NJ Richfield, MN Fergus Falls, MN East Hartland, CT Brewster, NY
Clara Olsoe Manley & Janet Olsoe John & Donna Olson Wesley & Ruth Orrestad Graham & Priscilla Parker Kevin & Linda Patch Rollin & Beverly Pederson Kenneth & Norma Peeders Frank & Karen Pellegrino Irv & Helen Peterson Ed & Elaine Peterson Wayne & Diane Preston Gregg & Marie Preston Lowell & Paula Quam LeRoy & MaryAnn Quernemoen Nick & Leann Roberts Donald & Marie Roberts Trust Les & LeAnn Rogness Darren Rogness Loran & Lois Rogness Burdean & Kay Rogness LaWayne & Bev Rogness Kevin & Brooke Rogness Glenn & Vonnie Rogness Eugene & Rhoda Rubey Ron & Barbara Samuelsen Dee Sanberg Jack & Rochelle Sand Will Sandnes Olav & Gina Sandnes Lavona Sather Lynn & Matthew Scarfo Rod & Jo Scheel Ernie & Cathie Scheid Nick & Danielle Schmidt Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Ewald & Alice Sems Paul Senum Norma Senum Arlen & Julianne Severson Jane Shulstad Leland Sjule Ed & Shirley Smith John & Tess Soholt Alf & June Soholt Eleanor Sollie Pauline Stalsberg Security State Bank Arna Stedjan Wayne & Nancy Stender Doug & Carol Stender Dan & Eleanore Stenoien Dean & Doreen Stoutland Robert & Lorrette Strack Shawn & Amy Stroud Carol & Aaron Stucker Wai Nam Tam Guy & Amy Taylor Justin & Phyllis Thompson Gary & Dorinne Thompson Borgny & Stan Thompson Nancy Thompson Rosemary Traina Randy & Diane Trettevik Grande Lake Trust Mark & Cathy Tungseth Roger & Amy Twedt Lois Tweten Bruce & Lori Tysver Marvin & Opal Undseth Steve & Lois Undseth Marty & Mim Valder Ruth Vall James & Lucinda VerSteeg David & Lynn Vettrus Shawn Veum Jason Walkup Les Watson Arthur & Marion Wickstrom Rosalie Williamsen Jim & Cheryl Wold Richard & Oddny Wolderich Bette Woodburn
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Seattle, WA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Bellevue, WA Richland, WA Fergus Falls, MN Billings, MT Richville, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Menomonie, WI Wahpeton, ND Chippewa Falls, WI Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Houlton, WI White Bear Lake, MN Fergus Falls, MN Moorhead, MN Fergus Falls, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Underwood, MN Eugene, OR East Hartland, CT Fergus Falls, MN Moorhead, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Mt. Bethel, PA Los Angeles, CA Island City, OR Fergus Falls, MN Fargo, ND Jamestown, ND Jamestown, ND Lehigh Acres, FL Brooklyn, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Esko, MN Pelican Rapids , MN Springfield, MO Laquey, MO Golden Valley, MN Minneapolis, MN Brooklyn, NY Viroqua, WI Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Minneapolis, MN Northridge , CA Rochester, MN Moorhead, MN Paradise Valley, AZ Flanders, NJ Fergus Falls, MN Antler, ND Fergus Falls, MN East Hartland, CT Boca Raton, FL Wharton, NJ Mill Creek, WA Lake Park, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Helena, MT Fergus Falls, MN Salem, OR Fergus Falls, MN Everett, WA Aitkin, MN Richfield, MN Watertown, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Medical Lake, WA Fergus Falls, MN Bangor, PA Rolling Hills, CA
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CAMPUS NEWS
SNAPSHOTS OF SPIRIT HOMECOMING 2010 Fun Colors, Wacky Wigs, and Crazy Styles Hillcrest shows spirit during Homecoming week. By Annalise Boyum
If a visitor were to have walked through the halls of Hillcrest during homecoming week, they would have thought Hillcrest students were a bit, shall we say-Strange? Different? A bit odd? Whatever the word might be, the bizarre outfit choices would definitely require an explanation. Junior Heidi Christofferson thought it was fun to walk down the halls and hear people yell “Hannah Montana!” as she passed by in her shiny shirt and long blonde wig. Each day of the week the students and faculty had a different theme to follow. Monday was the day to choose between hick and nerd, and those that couldn’t choose one or the other became both! Tuesday was the day to choose a future career, like trucker, mom, or doctor. Wacky Wednesday was the day for wackiness—hence the title! Thursday was decades day. Each grade was to dress up in the styles associated with different decades. The Seniors had the 80s, the Juniors-70s, Sophomores-60s, Freshmen-50s and the Junior High and Faculty had the future. As always, Friday was the day to dress in all the red and white you had for School Spirit Day!
(Top to Bottom) Taylor Isaac shows his best "nerd" impression; Zach Nersten and Matthew Fox dress for success on 'future career day'; Lisa Bjorvatn sports a wacky hot dog outfit.
Levi Ell gets painted up for Spirit Day. (L-R) Andrea Christenson, Taylor Brue, Anna Saufferer and Heather Furuseth prepare for a workout -- 80's style.
CAMPUS NEWS
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Painted Faces Hillcrest girls exchange their makeup for war paint to play in the Powder Puff tournament. By Chris Christenson
Hollywood has taught us that girls only play football in movies. Here at Hillcrest, however, that’s proven not to be the case. Following tradition, the girls had their annual Homecoming Powder Puff competition on Friday, October 1. The tournament was held after the Pep Fest, and heightened the anticipation for the Homecoming football game to be held later that night. (L-R) Chloe Ell, Cat Jacoby,Carley Fabian and Talia Pearson watch from the sidelines during the Powder Puff tournament.
Teams were formed by grade, and class rivalry made for some tough playing. In the end though, the seniors came out on top with a welldeserved win. “Our practice paid off,” said senior Heather Frustol, “[it was] a good victory.”
Let’s Make Some Music Homecoming ends on a musical note. By Annalise Boyum
Closing out each homecoming week is the all-school concert. With feelings of butterflies fluttering in their stomachs, many Hillcrest students got dressed up in their concert best, ready for the show to begin at eight o’clock on Saturday evening. The night began strong with the concert band leading the way. After conducting the concert band, Band Director Mr. Doering led the Jazz Band in their performance, including a piece that featured several unique solos. To show off what the band had been learning about jazz improvisation, each soloist made up their solo on the fly with the rest of the band following along. Mr. Doering said, “Everyone did a great job! The homecoming concert is always more challenging because it comes very early in the school year. Many students have only been playing together for a few weeks. The concert band and jazz ensemble both performed their pieces with precision and style, and it will be fun to start preparing for upcoming concert events…” Once the band finished their performance, Vocalize took the stage. Vocalize is a small, select ensemble that specializes in vocal jazz. Following their pieces, Mr. Strom led the concert choir in the night’s final performance. Mr. Strom thought the concert went well. He anticipated that everyone would be excited to perform and that’s always fun for him to see. He added, “It’s always great to do the first performance…then you always know what to try differently in future concerts.”
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CAMPUS NEWS
From Apathy to Action Axis sets the spiritual tone for the year. By Chris Christenson
To start the year on a spiritual note, Campus Ministries invited Axis to come speak to the students during the first three days of school. “The Axis group was a great way to start off the year,” said Student Life Director Wayne Stender. Axis is a group of college grads who have created a ministry for teens based on the theory that “ideas have consequences.” Their goal: to prepare students to “grapple with some of the most influential ideas [on the] planet.” The program they have created is split into six sections (two a day), and is designed to accommodate the short attention-spans of the Facebook generation. The worldviews of postmodernism, Islam, and Christianity were presented in two minute bites, with speakers from the team constantly handing off to one another. Plenty of props and pop-culture references were used to drive the points home. Outside of the sessions, Axis members hung out with students, discussing deep theological questions or just getting to know them. Many enjoyed their easy-going, approachable manner. Stender said that Axis does the best job of meeting students out of any group he’s seen.
David Eaton of AXIS (www.axiswworldview.com) speaks to students in the Chapel.
CAMPUS NEWS
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Shining and Sharing Jesus in Minneapolis By Annalise Boyum Mission Minneapolis, a group of teens that help a sister church in Minneapolis, went on their first trip to the cities over the weekend of October 16-17. Early Saturday morning eight students and Wayne Stender, who organized the event, left Fergus Falls and arrived in Minneapolis at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church at 9am. After arriving, the team met up with the Ebenezer youth group and were told the events for the day. They set off around ten o’clock to fill the doors of the nearby neighborhoods with hundreds of flyers telling about Ebenezer’s upcoming Trunk or Treat, which the Hillcrest students returned to help with on Halloween. Amanda Lundeen said, “I think it was cool how we handed out flyers to so many people for the Ebenezer outreach.” After handing out around 2,500 flyers, it was time to fill their stomachs with a noontime meal prepared by some women from the Ebenezer Church.
Trunk or Treat. Next they took a stroll through the park picking up leaves to press for another one of Ebenezer’s Trunk or Treat projects. After walking the sidewalks of homes and parks, the Ebenezer youth group invited the Hillcrest team to join them for a fun event at an apple orchard.
Following lunch, Matt Oxendale, Ebenezer’s youth pastor, showed the team their next project: Making “My Fun Fall” coloring booklets for the little children that will attend
To end the day, Pastor Todd Mathison, of Ebenezer Church, and his wife Anne joined the Hillcrest team for a flavorful dinner at Hamdi, a Somalian restaurant.
Sunday, the team attended services at Ebenezer and afterwards gave their farewells until seeing them again in two weeks. The team returned to Fergus Falls later in the night after visiting a market and the Mall of America. Hannah Brandon and Sadie Ouse both though it was fun to go and experience so many different cultures and be able to share Christ with them.
It's So Simple By Wayne Stender, Excerpted from the Campus Ministries blog at www.ffhillcrest.org "It's so simple". A quote from one of our Mission Minneapolis students on Sunday following a Gospel presentation as part of our debriefing session. This simple quote chalked up a successful mission project where our students were able to understand the Gospel in a real way. Our students had the opportunity to be "pipe-line builders" for the Gospel as they worked with this weekend's Mission Minneapolis. Mission Minneapolis is a monthly trip offered to Hillcrest students. This trip is part of a joint effort with Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. Students get
to join with the congregation in outreach to the community surrounding Ebenezer. The outreach consists of working at the groundlevel of church ministry, helping with simple tasks like passing out fliers and befriending people in the community. Students also get to join the church as they worship on Sunday mornings, participating in the service by leading the worship time and engaging in conversation during the adult Bible-study and fellowship times.
church. Students passed out fliers and met with people on the street to communicate the safe-and-free trunk-or-treat opportunity.
This past weekend students had the opportunity to work behind the scenes of a large outreach for the
See the video that sparked the "It's so simple" reaction at www.ffhillcrest.org/simple
One of the students commented to me, "It's so simple" after we had gone over the Gospel as part of our debriefing session. This comment has been ringing in my ears as I've been processing what it means for me to communicate this simple message to those God has brought me in contact with.
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CAMPUS NEWS
Fire the Catapults! Hillcrest pre-engineering students bring home top honors in regional competition. By Frankie Sandnes Fifty-four participants, 37 opposing teams of two, one catapult to rule them all! Mr. Jahr’s pre-engineering class went to Saint Cloud Cathedral High School on Friday, Oct 29 for a toothpick catapult competition.
the catapult! Grant Stroud and I got done pretty quickly, and we took third in the competition”, said junior Morten Reksten. How do tooth pick catapults fit into engineering? “The toothpick catapult teaches the design obstacle, gives you an objective, and teaches you how to interpret the alternate design possibilities that all engineers are faced with,” said Mr. Jahr. He went on to say that he really enjoys his first pre-engineering class and he has a lot of fun with them. Hillcrest took home first, second and third place plaques: First Joakim Tafjord, Amalie Breck; Second Ju Chan Kim, Jaeheum Hwang; Third Morten Reksten, Grant Stroud.
The class, consisting of 20 students, had four weeks to create a catapult out of toothpicks, glue and dental floss capable of launching a small steel ball. “I had a lot of fun making
Rise of the Machine By Chris Christenson Early in the morning on Saturday, October 30, the members of science teacher Mr. Jahr’s Robotics team gathered and loaded six weeks of
(Left) Hillcrest Pre-Engineering class poses outside of the competiton hall. (Right, Top to Bottom) Joakim Tafjord launches his award-winning catapult; Students review their work in preparation for launch; Joakim Tafjord and Amalie Breck hold their first-place plaque.
work into their car. The robot that they had been working on for the past month-and-a-half was finally about to take the spotlight, in a competition in Fargo. “We’d actually been there the night before to check the robot in and to go through some compliance checks,” said Mr. Jahr. It had turned out that there were some things they needed to fix, “We had to shorten the arms because our robot was too big. We [also] had to put our name on it, ‘Hillcrest.’” The competition started at 9:00 AM, once all 24 teams had assembled. “Each round was about three minutes,” said Jahr. “They had to Brandon Doering, Aeron Jahr, Cody Joy and Luke Joy work on their robot.
carry out certain objectives. For instance, they had to collect various soccer cones, tip them upside-down and insert them into holes.” The first few rounds didn’t go so well for the Hillcrest team, and they found they were quickly dropping in the rankings. However, after lunch the group changed their strategy and rose steadily to thirteenth place, where they finished the day. With the experience from this competition under their belt, the Robotics team looks forward to next year when they plan to enter again. “It was a very thrilling thing to be a part of,” said Jahr, “[to see] that the guys were able to come through with it.”
CAMPUS NEWS
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Season Finishes Strong With a Trip to Section Championship By Wil Twedt Short. That was what the BerthaHewitt kick was Saturday night. The Comets football team fought off their fears that night with the win over the Bears. The trepidation of the team was palpable on the field. They feared losing to the same team as last year by a field goal. The anxiety of the final seconds of the game came to an end when the ball hit the ground several yards short of the goal post. “I was nervous as they started to drive down the field,” said Coach Brue, “and I had forgotten all about their ability to kick a field goal. When they lined up to kick, I thought, ‘Oh no, this is just like last year.’ But this was different; he was farther out. I didn’t think he could make the kick, and when it went up, I was sure it was good. My heart sank. But the kick was short, and it was just an awesome experience…” It’s been four years since HLA football has made it to a section championship. The last time the Comets played in the Fargodome was in 2001, and the last section championship they went to was in 2006 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. “Six months ago if you would have asked me if we were going to the section championship, I would have probably said no since we lost so many key players from last year. But the returning players have stepped up to the plate, and the new players have been playing very well,” Coach Brue said. About the opportunity to play their long-time rival, Underwood in the
Morten Reksten's kick to end the first half turned out to be the winning score as the Comets defeated the Bertha-Hewitt Bears 24-22.
section championship, Coach Brue said, “They are a motivated team because of [our] earlier victory during the regular season. It’s a fantastic chance for our speedy team to play on the turf, but because it’s such a big stadium, we’re gonna need loud fans.”
Almost the entire school was present at the Fargodome on Friday, Nov. 5, along with many other Comet fans. Although the team fought hard, their season ended in the dome with a 27-14 loss to Underwood.
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CAMPUS NEWS
NEW FACES AT HLA THE HILLCREST FAMILY
CONTINUES TO GROW. MEET
SEVERAL NEW STAFF MEMBERS JOINING THE TEAM THIS YEAR.
BEN BAKER
MEGHAN BERGE
BECKY BRANDON
KRISTIN ERICKSON
Resident Assistant
Resident Life Assistant
Resident Assistant
Resident Director
Ben is an AFLBS graduate from Bloomington, MN. He is working as a resident assistant in the HLA men's dorm while pursuing his Seminary education.
Meghan is a '99 graduate of Hillcrest and lives in Fergus Falls with her husband, Daniel, and their four children.
Becky is the mother of 3 current students at HLA and an '08 graduate. In addition to her role as a resident assistant, Becky works in the Hillcrest Kitchen for A'viands food service.
Kristin is returning to Hillcrest as women's dorm resident director after serving in an assistant capacity during the 07-08 school year. She is an '02 alumna of HLA.
RUTH JULIOT
SETH KINRADE
LISA SEVETZ
LAURA SKARET
School Counselor
Resident Life Assistant
Resident Assistant
Resident Assistant
Formerly a familiar face behind the main ofďŹ ce desk, Ruth has returned to Hillcrest as school counselor. A '79 graduate, Ruth is also the mother of 2 alumni and one current student at HLA.
Seth is from DeWitt, IA. He serves as an assistant in the men's dorm at HLA in addition to working for Inspiration Point Bible Camp.
Lisa comes to Hillcrest from East Hartland, CT. While serving as a resident assistant in the women's dorm, Lisa is pursuing her education for a career in nursing.
Laura is an '02 graduate of HLA from East Hartland, CT. She has worked for several years as a dental hygienist in Connecticut, but felt called to return to HLA to serve in the dorm.
ALUMNI NEWS
2010 Memorial Gifts During the 2010 calendar year, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy was honored to receive many gifts in memory of alumni and friends.
ALUMNI UPDATES 1940's Edna Bugge sends these photos of her husband, Thor Bugge (H'43) and "school buddy" Dave Christenson (H'44, S'53). They are still friends after nearly 70 years. Dave came to visit Thor and Edna recently at their home in Willow Street, PA.
1960’s Luther Frette (H'65) writes: After teaching high school English for forty years in the Grand Forks (ND) Public Schools, I retired in 2009. In October, 2010 I was honored to be inducted into the local
May 28, 2011 10 am
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Gifts were received in the name of: David Christenson of Fergus Falls, MN Judy Egstad of Aitkin, MN Grant Hammond of Minneapolis, MN Herman Hanson of Fergus Falls, MN Selma Langeland of Sparta, NJ Ole Myhre of Mount Bethel, PA Orville Norby of Princeton, NJ Eline Paulson of Temple City, CA Joseph Rangen of Fergus Falls, MN Dean Seaver of LeSueur, MN Ruth Spidahl of Fergus Falls, MN James Stalsberg of Viroqua, WI James Stay of Olympia, WA Lief Sunwall of Fergus Falls, MN Lenore Tonneson of Fergus Falls, MN Ellsworth Torgerson of Fergus Falls, MN Melvin Underdal of Helena, MT Joseph Undseth of Fergus Falls, MN Richard Walvatne of Rochester, MN Julian Wold of Fergus Falls, MN
Alumni Brunch
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April 8-9, 2011 If your church team is interested in participating in HIT 2011, pleace contact Charlie Brue at 218.737.6424 www.ffhillcrest.org/HIT
teacher hall of fame. I regard this distinction as a definite blessing from the Lord following a rewarding career. In retirement, I continue to be active in the music ministry of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church. I certainly have great memories of my three years at Hillcrest and our memorable Class of 1965!
2000’s Liz (Barton H'00) Lund writes: Todd Lund and I were married on May 22nd, 2010 in West Fargo, ND and live in his hometown of Roseau, MN (northern Minnesota, by Lake of the Woods). If you are ever in the area, please look us up!
WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! Send your updates to connection@ffhillcrest.org or submit them online at www.ffhillcrest.org/update
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School Resumes
March 14
Band Concert 7pm @ Bethel
April 8-9
HIT Basketball Tournament
April 8-24
Concert Choir Tour
April 11-25
Easter Vacation
April 26
School Resumes
PAID
Christmas Vacation
January 3
Fergus Falls, MN Permit #14
Dec. 17 - Jan. 2
Non-Profit US Postage
Upcoming Events
Fresh Breeze Campaign Cabinet Olav & Gina Sandnes Campaign Co-Chairs
Lisa Fred HLA Board Member
Randy Trettevik Alumni ‘76
Burdean Rogness HLA Board Member
Keven Crabtree Business Leader
Steve Brue HLA President
Kermit Kvamme Alumni Parent
Nick Roberts Alumni ‘05
Steve Undseth Faculty Representative
Carol Stucker Alumni ‘81
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Dean Stoutland Alumni ‘76
CONNECTION
Dwight Schmidt HLA Board Chair
Hillcrest
Elling & Barbara Halvorson Honorary Co-Chairs
Ways to participate in Fresh Breeze I. GIVE TO THE ANNUAL FUND Give in support of the annual fund over five years or join a Hillcrest giving club. Club membership benefits the annual fund and counts towards your total campaign pledge.
II. GIVE TO THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN A gift in support of one or more of the campaign initiatives or a general gift.
III. INCLUDE HILLCREST IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN A deferred gift in support of the future of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. All campaign gifts will be acknowledged appropriately through Hillcrest publications, including naming in the HLA Legacy Club (accumulative giving that reaches $25,000 or above) and the HLA Heritage Society (estate gifts).