LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
The Herald Summer 2017
Runge Revealed MEET DR. ALAN RUNGE, THE NEW LHSA PRESIDENT It's Miller Time! Saying goodbye to longtime band instructors John and Ellen Miller PAGE 7
Changing Lives One Note at a Time
Not Wasting Away in Margaritaville
PAGE 14
PAGE 15
North alum Ronnie Notch's music program goes national
Catching up with South alum Peter Mayer
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Farewell from Bill Cochran
THE HERALD
INTERIM PRESIDENT “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 It seems like yesterday that I began my service
The Herald is produced in the winter and summer of each year by the Lutheran High School Association of St. Louis for the families, friends, and alumni of
MEET THE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION'S NEW PRESIDENT
Lutheran High School (Central), Lutheran High School North and Lutheran High School South.
as Interim President of the Lutheran High School Association. I give thanks and praise to God for allowing me to have this wonderful experience! I will continue to thank Him for the blessings that have been a part of my ministry with the LHSA.
Contact
When I began last August my focus for the year was to celebrate the opportunities that lay before us. Certainly, those opportunities included:
ALUMNI COORDINATOR •
Runge Revealed
Cheryl Ehrhard cehrhard@lhsastl.org 314-833-2909
The hiring of Alan Runge to be the President of the LHSA. He brings a wealth of experience that is going to take our high schools to a higher level of quality.
He has voluntarily jumped out of an airplane. He also flies them. He has rappelled hundreds of feet into darkness to go exploring. He has kayaked into the mouths of caves. He sails, and he enjoys diving through old shipwrecks. “I’ve never been cage diving with sharks, but I’ve definitely swum with my share of things that could eat me!” said Alan Runge, who moved from Hong Kong to St. Louis last month. “After I got married, and especially now that we have Elijah (his five-year-old son), I’ve promised Sherri to tone down much of my risk-taking activities.”
Amanda Schoedel aschoedel@lhsastl.org 314-833-2908
Runge, 51, is an adventure enthusiast and enjoys the adrenaline of free falling or squeezing into dangerous, tight spaces. He is attracted to difficult challenges. And he is ready to dive in as the new President of the Lutheran High School Association.
died on the cross and rose from the dead taking our place, so that by believing that
Submissions
we have eternal life! We are bold to share that saving message with all we come in
Share your story! Submit your photos,
Restoring the schools to viable enrollment levels and fostering a culture of giving are among his first objectives. Facilities, as well as the relationship between the two schools and the association, also top the list.
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The initiation of the strategic planning process that will set a stage for growth and quality in the years to come.
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The opportunity to better connect with our alumni. Plans are in the works to
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
better cultivate those relationships. I want to say thank you to all the parents, grandparents and families for making the sacrifice to send their children to Lutheran North and South. It is our distinct privilege to work with your students. I thank you for your continued support. The greatest ability we have as the LHSA is to be able to share the saving Gospel message with our students on a daily basis and in every situation that arises. Jesus Christ suffered and
contact with! I thank God for Lutheran schools.
articles and updates for inclusion in the next issue. Email: communications@lhsastl.org
I want to say thank you to everyone that has supported LHSA with their time, talents and gifts. The tuition alone does not cover all the expenses incurred in operating our Lutheran high schools. Your financial support helps us to be able to serve all our students. I ask you to continue to support our Lutheran high schools with your prayers and financial gifts. God has big opportunities that lie ahead for us! Thank you again for the support you have given to me this past school year. Thank you
s! u w o l l fo
“He is growth oriented,” Schultz said, “and we look forward to his leadership as we embark on a new strategic plan which, God willing, will include among other things, new and enhanced facilities.”
for the support you have given to Lutheran North and Lutheran South. To God be all the Glory! In His Service,
LHSNSTL.ORG LHSNSTL
LHSNSTL
LHSNSTL
Dr. William D. Cochran Interim President
LHSSSTL.ORG
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LHSSSTL
LHSSSTL
LHSA Board of Trustees President Jonathan Schultz described Runge as a visionary, who strives for excellence in every facet of school life.
As head of one of the world’s largest international schools, Runge helped grow Hong Kong International to a school with two campuses, four buildings, and a college-sized budget, endowment and staff. He was responsible for campus leadership, strategic planning, and relations with alumni, parents and partner organizations. The decision to leave Hong Kong, where he
LHSSSTL
had served for three years, was a difficult one, Runge said. But his wife and son were experiencing health problems in the metropolis that - like many Asian cities - is plagued with pollution. Elijah underwent five surgeries for ear, nose and throat problems, which continued to worsen. He missed half of the school year due to illness, and needed some developmental support like speech therapy. Runge decided it was time to come home. Born in Kansas City, Runge is a native Missourian. He attended Saint Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia and then Concordia University Nebraska, where he played football, swam and sang in an a cappella choir. Through 16 years of post high school education at Kansas State University, Miami University and the University of Nebraska, he has five degrees, including an MBA and a Ph.D. He loves school. “I guess you could say that I am just insanely curious and just want to understand everything,” said Runge. “I just love learning and the whole learning process.” Runge taught at Concordia University - St. Paul, where he developed a degree called Information Technology Management. He was the Academic
Dean and later Dean of Academic Affairs at DeVry University. He was the Provost and Senior Vice President for Concordia University Texas, where he was part of building an entire new campus for the university. “Working with people that share the same beliefs, philosophy of education and faith is a huge benefit,” Runge said. “I've been blessed to have always found places that share these elements with me and to have worked with strong Christian supervisors and colleagues.” Now back in the United States, Runge is learning to drive on the right side of the road again. True to his roots, he is a die-hard Royals and Chiefs fan, but is excited to have a NHL team to support. He is anxious to fill himself on barbecue and Mexican food, two of his favorites that were hard to come by in Hong Kong. “I would love to experience a gooey butter cake,” he said. “It sounds delectable.”
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SAVE THE DATE
Thank you!
Cheers to 60 Years! CALLING ALL LHSS FRIENDS & ALUMNI...LHSS is turning 60! This year Lutheran South is celebrating its 60th year of ministry, and we want to see YOU back at school. Throughout the year we will be welcoming you back at various school events. Stop in and watch a game or see a play. We can't wait to have you back on campus and reconnect with us. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 13! We would love a large alumni presence at our homecoming football game this year. We would especially like those alumni from the FIRST graduating class of LHSS to attend. We'll have goodies, food and fellowship prior to the game and will also recognize all alumni in attendance. Please mark your calendars now! We can't wait to see you.
Friday Night Lights Due to an extremely generous and unexpected gift from Lutheran North alumnus Bill LaMothe (LN '72), significant upgrades are coming to the Crusader Stadium with the addition of field lights and scoreboard replacement. Mr. LaMothe’s designated donation is funding the entire cost of these exciting upgrades. Very soon, the Bill LaMothe Field and the Petersen Memorial Track will take on new life and improve our already amazing campus! Anticipated project completion is prior to our first home football game on August 26, 2017.
September 10th Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus at Concordia Seminary Thank you to everyone who
A luncheon will follow. All are invited to attend.
attended the 30th Annual Golf Scramble in April. The event was attended by 104 golfers and raised $22,374. We want to especially thank our sponsors, who made this event possible.
GIVE STL DAY AND SPRING APPEAL
Ways to Give
INSTALLATION SERVICE FOR PRESIDENT DR. ALAN RUNGE
30TH ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE
September 22nd Congratulations to our winning Golf Scramble team, for the second year in a row: Gary Mantei (LN '73), Jim Manion (LS '61), Toz Barry and Bummer Barry.
NORTH VS. SOUTH FOOTBALL GAME
Lutheran North
Give STL Day, an online giving campaign for nonprofits throughout St. Louis, raised $6,500 for our schools. Our spring appeal mailing generated another $6,500. Any amount--whether $10 or $1,000--was appreciated.
September 24th LUTHERAN SOUTH 60TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE
Lutheran South
ONE IN CHRIST BREAKFAST
IRA ROLLOVER
More than 200 people attended the One in Christ Breakfast in March, pledging more than $45,000 for our schools.
THE SHIELD SOCIETY This year, the federal government passed the charitable
The Shield Society honors donors for annual and lifetime
giving provision called the “IRA Rollover.” This provision
support of the Lutheran High School Association. Annual
allows individuals age 70 1/2 to “roll over” their annual
membership is granted to donors with qualified gifts
required minimum distribution (RMD) from their IRA
totaling $1,000 or more during the calendar year. Lifetime
directly from the account administrator to the Lutheran
membership is granted to donors making qualified gifts of
High School Association or other qualified charity.
$25,000 or more. The Legacy Circle honors donors who have made or established an estate or planned gift to the
Individuals benefit by satisfying their RMD and do not
Association.
incur the income tax associated with it. The provision allows up to a $100,000 transfer from an IRA. Additional withdraws for more than the RMD are permissible as long as the total tax benefit does not exceed $100,000.
ANNUAL GIVING LEVELS
taxes by rolling over their RMD to ministry should contact forms or other paperwork that is required to authorize the transfer. Individuals who have questions or wish to distribute their rollover gift to multiple LCMS ministries may do so by contacting the Association’s partner in ministry, the LCMS Foundation. Contact gift planning counselor Kirk Mueller at (314) 7044389 for more information.
Silver........................$2,500 to $4,999 Gold..........................................$5,000 +
Individuals interested in making a gift and reducing their their account administrator immediately. Often there are
Bronze.....................$1,000 to $2,499
LIFETIME GIVING LEVELS
Member.....................................$25,000
Partner.......................................$50,000 Fellow......................................$100,000 Benefactor.............................$250,000 Patron.....................................$500,000
Visionary.........................$1,000,000 +
Donate online anytime: LHSASTL.ORG/GIVE
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October 6th LUTHERAN NORTH HOMECOMING
Annual Naming of the Gyms
October 7th The Lutheran South community remembered fellow Lancer, Henry Manu, naming the gym in his honor. A member of the class of 2017, Henry died in a drowning accident last summer. Lancer parents Matthew and Christine Bacon purchased the privilege to name the gym at the 2016 LHSA Fantasy Faire Auction. The plaque was presented to Henry's aunt, Sunita Manu.
The Crusader community remembered Marjorie Klein, mom to seven Lutheran North graduates. Two of Marjorie's sons, Clayton and Karl Klein, attended chapel to name the gym in her honor. The Klein family purhcased the Name the Gym privilege at the 2016 LHSA Faintasy Fair Auction.
LUTHERAN NORTH HALL OF HONOR DINNER
Sheraton Chalet - Westport Lutheran North will induct its second class for the Hall of Honor. Sixteen new members will be honored this year on Homecoming weekend. For more information, please contact Cheryl Ehrhard at cehrhard@lhsastl.org or Tim Brackman at tbrackman@lhsnstl.org.
October 13th LUTHERAN SOUTH HOMECOMING
November 18th DINNER AUCTION
The Doubletree Hotel Westport Look for more information in the mail in September. If you have an item you would like to donate, please contact Cheryl Ehrhard at cehrhard@lhsastl.org.
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Two LHSA Teachers Inducted into St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame
It's Miller Time! SAYING GOODBYE TO TWO BELOVED EDUCATORS At the final concert for the Lutheran South Wind Symphony, Nolan Hoang stood in line with tears in his eyes. The 17-year-old trumpeter waited to shake the hand of his conductor - the man who guided him from Hot Cross Buns to Sleigh Ride. The man, who for the last time waived his baton to keep him on beat. John Miller. “To think about how much time in their lives they’ve spent doing this,” Hoang said, “it’s incredible.”
Retired Lutheran North teacher, coach and athletic director Mike Russell was inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame this spring. Russell was the head baseball coach at Lutheran High School North for 39 years, retiring in 2013. During his tenure, he won 16 district championships, seven sectional championships, and six ABC League championships. He was also an assistant baseball coach at Lutheran North for two years. In 1998 and 2012, Russell won the Hal Whitaker Coach of the Year Award presented by the Greater St. Louis Association of Umpires. He is a member of the 500 Victories Club of the National High School Baseball Coaches Association. In 2006, Russell was inducted into the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He is also in the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He was the head football coach at Lutheran North for 24 years, winning four state championships. Russell taught physical education at Lutheran North and also served as the Athletic Director for more than 30 years.
KUDOS!
Reinitz Wins Coach of the Year 6
Retired LHSS teacher and coach Roy Pfund was inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame this spring. Pfund was the head baseball coach at Lutheran High School South from 1962 to 1988, winning over 70 percent of his games. He won six league championships, six district titles, and two sectional championships. In 1981, his Lutheran South team finished third at the Missouri State Tournament. Pfund was the assistant baseball coach at Lutheran South from 1991 to 1995. He served as Athletic Director, supervising the construction of new athletic fields at Lutheran South. He also coached basketball and football. After his retirement, he volunteered as the pitching coach for the Lutheran South baseball program. He is known as “Mr. Pfundamentals” for he has been a great teacher of the game of baseball. As a teacher at LHSS, Pfund taught science courses until his retirement from full-time teaching in 2000; he taught part time until 2004 and continues to serve as a substitute. He also continues his contribution to the Lancer baseball program, serving as scorekeeper under son and coach Steve Pfund (LHSS '78). In 2015, Pfund received the Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Lutheran South volleyball coach Carol Reinitz was awarded Class III Coach of the Year and honored for her milestone of 500 wins at the MSHSSA Volleyball Banquet in Columbia this spring. Reinitz led the girls volleyball team to a state championship title this past fall. It was the first state volleyball championship in school history.
After 19 years of countless concerts, early morning rehearsals and five trips to Walt Disney World, John and Ellen Miller have retired. The Millers moved to St. Louis from the Chicago suburbs in 1998 to take over the Lutheran South and grade school band programs. Throughout their years here, they estimate they have taught more than 1,500 students from 13 different schools. In addition to the prestigious Wind Symphony at South, they have conducted the jazz and pep bands, grade school bands and the Junior Winds program for outstanding middle school performers. “We try to use our talents to God’s glory,” said Miller, 63. Each year, the wind symphony embarks on a tour to showcase the musicians’ outstanding talent, performing in places like Florida, Colorado, and Texas. During the Millers' first year on tour, a blizzard hit, shutting down the highway on the way home from Washington, D.C. The students were ushered onto one bus so that emergency responders could use the second bus for triage for motorists injured in a multi-car pileup. Forced to wait out the storm, the band took up residence in a high school gym-turnedemergency shelter set up with cots. Without missing a beat, literally, some students took to
the stage for an impromptu concert entertaining the displaced motorists. “We don’t go north as much anymore,” Miller said with a laugh. In 2009, in what Miller described as a career highlight, the Wind Symphony was selected to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Conference. South was one of five high schools selected from 145 applicants to perform, and it was the first time a parochial school had been selected for this honor. “They are high-achieving, hard-working kids,” Miller said. “There is no room for slackers here.” In the early mornings at South, while some students were still in bed and some teachers had not had their morning coffee, the jazz band started rehearsal with a familiar pencil salute. “I salute you my fellow musicians,” Miller always began. And the shrill of F flats, C sharps and “whatever your favorite note is” filled the Kuhlmann Center. “The ones that stick with it, they have self
discipline,” Miller said. Many of the Millers’ students have gone on to have careers in music, some performing and others teaching. Student Evan Sanft is following in Miller’s footsteps. After learning to play trumpet at Green Park Lutheran School to performing in South’s jazz band, Sanft is returning to help continue the legacy of his former director. “The way they did their program fostered a level of musicianship,” said Sanft, 28, who was previously a band director in Northrop, Minnesota. “It has influenced my own teaching.” Sanft will be joined by Jennifer Reynolds, a recent graduate from Concordia University Nebraska, who will work with the elementary school students. Matthew Janssen, who has worked with the Millers for 11 years, will take over as band director at South, and Mary Petrillo will continue to assist Janssen in the elementary schools. The Millers plan to continue to use their musical abilities through accompaniments, private lessons and perhaps, substitute teaching. As Miller said to his students at the close of every rehearsal, they now say to him: “Go with God.”
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LUTHERAN NORTH
Athletes in Action Five Lutheran High School North basketball players traveled to China this
was created by junior Tom Xu. Xu, who is from ShenZhen, China, had been
July to lead basketball camps, play games against Chinese teams, and learn
exploring ways that he could connect his American classmates with people
through cultural exchange.
in his family’s hometown of Shantou, China and decided that basketball was the answer.
The program, titled Pioneers Association of Sports and Scholars (PASS), “The goal of PASS is to create a cultural bridge between diverse cultures through the interaction of people from many different walks of life—just like Lutheran North,” said Xu.
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Xu was joined by Jordyn White, Jalen White, Marcus Smith, and
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Max Ahuja and led by Ali Thomas, the international program director. Over the course of seven days, the students taught basketball clinics and camps, played against local teams, were interviewed by local news stations, tried local foods, and experienced daily life in rural China. The group is already exploring opportunities to grow the program next summer.
Under the Sea Class of 2017 FAST FACTS
71
graduates
6,424.5
saved to serve hours completed last school year
$7.3 million
offered in scholarships and grants
It was hotter under the water for senior Alexa Haliburton, who spent the summer on stage in The Muny's production of The Little Mermaid. You may have seen her dancing alongside Ariel as a member of the sea chorus. Haliburton got the part through The Muny Teens program, which auditions young local talent to perform alongside Broadway professionals in the theater’s productions. Haliburton is a lifelong dancer who has been performing in Muny shows since she was seven. This was her fifth production.
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Crusader Candids 1. Sophomore Rebecca Roth received an "excellent" rating (II) for her piano solo at the MSHSAA State Solo & Small Ensemble Festival. 2. Lily Kate Burreson and Alexander Paul perform a duet as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf in the spring production of Into the Woods.
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Fourteen graduates were honored for exhibiting exceptional Christian character traits. 4. The 2016-17 school year saw the formation of the Higher Praise Dance Team, created to share Christ's message in ways that cannot be expressed through song alone. 5. Nineteen Crusader students, grads, parents and teachers toured Europe in July. They visited five
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countries in ten days.
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21 Graduates Commit to College Athletics 5
LUTHERAN NORTH Chris Avery..................................................Football at Quincy University Aqeel Glass.....................................Football at Alabama A&M University Devin Hart.........................................Football at Missouri Valley College Jordan McDowell.................Football at Garden City Community College Andrew Parker.............................Track & Field at Missouri Valley College Bryce Pease............................Track & Field at Southeast Missouri State Kyrell Roberts.......Football at Northwestern Oklahoma State University Jordan Sommerville.....................Football at University of South Dakota
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LUTHERAN SOUTH
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1. South senior Carl Paetow earned a sixth place medal in the 126-lb weight class at the state wrestling championships. 2. The Lutheran North girls basketball team made school history, making the state final four the first time in program history. The Lady Crusaders finished the season third in state with a record of 23-9 and won the district title along the way. 3. LHSS Sophomore Zach Shirley finished 13th at the state boys golf tournament with a total of 153 after two rounds. He finished fourth in sectionals and won the district tournament. 4. The Lutheran South baseball team took second place in the state championship, ending the season with a record of 23-9. The Lancers defeated Westminster in the semi-finals, ending a 17-game losing streak against the Wildcats. 5. South senior John Yaeger broke 1,000 career points as a member of the varsity boys basketball team this year. Yaeger is the 13th player in Lutheran South history to reach this milestone and is currently the 10th leading scorer in school history.
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Jacob Bacon..............................Soccer at St. Charles Community College Samantha Brinkmann....................Volleyball at Missouri State University Austin Cheeley..........................Baseball at Jefferson Community College Abby George....................................Softball at the University of Missouri Jacob Hartmann.................................Volleyball at Fontbonne University Leketor Member-Meneh.............Volleyball at the University of Missouri Donald Meyer.............................................Soccer at East Central College Kenny Paetow..................Track & Field at Concordia University, Nebraska Sarah Rivers.........................................Volleyball at Westminster College Noah Stone....................................Baseball at Arkansas State University Landon Waller...........................Basketball at Missouri Baptist University Meredith Wernig.............................................Softball at SIU-Carbondale John Yaeger...............................Basketball at Missouri Baptist University
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5. The Lutheran South Lancerettes won second place in dance precision at the state competition at the St. Charles Family Arena. More than 100 schools competed in six divisions. 6. The Lutheran North girls track team placed sixth in state. Jordyn White aided the team, finishing fourth in the 100 meter hurdles, fourth in the long jump, and fifth in the triple jump. Also medaling were the 4x100 and 4x200 meter relays, which both placed second. 7. South Senior Leketor Member-Meneh broke two school records during the last game of her career. She broke the career scoring record with 1690 points. The previous record, set by Robyn Gerber, was 1680 points. Member-Meneh also broke her own single-season scoring record of 678 points, set last year. She finished this season with 684 points. 8. LHSS Junior Riley Schelp took sixth in the 3200 meter run and seventh in the 1600 meter run to make the podium at the state track meet. Junior Emma Lind also medaled, landing a sixth place finish in long jump.
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LUTHERAN SOUTH
Lancer Highlights 1. Sixteen Lancers traveled to England, France and Germany this summer with history teacher Nathan Johnston. 2. Seniors
Castlewood State Park last summer. Manu, an
Trevor Fiala, Johanna Schulz and Meredith Meyer received the 2017 Christo Servis (You Serve Christ) Award, which recognizes students who make significant contributions through service to their church, school and community and are positive influences in the spiritual atmosphere at South.
immigrant from Liberia, was supported by CFNA
3. Eleven choir and band students earned an "exemplary"
swim lessons for the refugee kids,” said Carol
when his family moved to the U.S. “The tragic drowning of Henry and Samuel on June 25, 2016, sparked a desire for greatly needed
rating (I), the best possible score, at the MSHSAA State Music
Buckman, CFNA founder and educational advisor.
Festival. Among the entries was the saxophone quartet of
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“The positives were Lutheran South kids learned a
Lauren Chong, Jacob Stork, Andrew Finer, and Alec Gannon. 4. Anna Renner and Grace Koehn perform in the spring production of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown!
Swim Team Makes a Splash with Refugees
Class of 2017
lot more about refugee kids. There was a mutual amount of love and growing, and it was a huge amount of fun.” In addition to the swim team, more than a dozen other students from Lutheran South helped with the project under the direction of swim coach Cathy Wietfeldt.
FAST FACTS
The Lutheran South girls’ swim team put their
The goal of the program was to teach basic life-saving skills, such as how to float and
skills to good use, providing free swim lessons to
how to tread water.
refugee children this year. More than 30 children
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from Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA)
“For those with little to no experience, we were just trying to get them comfortable
graduates
participated in the four-week program, learning to
with the water, so in the case of an emergency they don't have to panic, and they'll
blow bubbles, flutter kick and eventually swim across
know what to do,” said swim team member Riley Schelp. “For the more advanced
the pool.
kids, we introduced them to the different types of strokes and drills.”
saved to serve hours completed last school year
The initiative was inspired by the passing of Henry
The lessons were held on Saturdays at Affton High School, where the swim team
Manu, a South student, and his friend Samuel
practices. Pool costs were offset by a memorial donation from the family of Stacie
Neal, who both drowned in the Meramec River at
Belew (LHSS '98), who was a member of the swim team during her years at LHSS.
14,000+
$8.8 million
offered in scholarships and grants
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Lancer Highlights
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National Honor Society Receives National Award
Lancers Score Big on National Spanish Exam
The National Honor Society at Lutheran South was one of ten chapters recognized nationwide for its service to the community. The National Association of Secondary School Principals awarded South’s NHS the Outstanding Service Project Award this spring.
An unprecedented number of Spanish students at
The award recognizes the efforts of NHS members who partnered with Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), an organization in St. Louis that meets both the physical and spiritual needs of refugees who are new to the St. Louis area. In addition to tutoring and helping spruce up CFNA’s facilities, NHS members raised more than $1,500 to buy Christmas presents for six CFNA families. Students also organized Valentine’s and Easter parties for the children at CFNA, all the while sharing the gospel and showing Christ’s love.
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Lutheran South excelled at the National Spanish Exam, designed to test students’ proficiency in the language. Twenty-six students received medals for their achievements in Spanish: 12 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze. Three students placed in the 99th percentile. Of the 48 South students who took the exam, 42 received an honorable mention or better.
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Not Wasting Away
Changing Lives One Note at a Time
IN MARGARITAVILLE
He has played lead guitar alongside Jimmy Buffett for 28 years, but Peter Mayer never tires of singing about that lost shaker of salt.
film in college, participated in the program and said it taught him how to be a team player. “It reinforced how to work with people,” said McBride, 17. “You can be the most talented person in the world, but if nobody can work with you, it’s useless.”
It started with an Xbox. Ronnie Notch wandered into the Microsoft Store in the Saint Louis Galleria to buy the game console in 2014. Six months later, he was meeting with senior executives about starting a music program with the company. Three years later, that program is available in Microsoft stores from Miami to Los Angeles.
Notch hopes to reach 600,000 in 28 cities by the end of the year.
The concept was simple: provide children with music education, empowering them to be confident in a creative business environment. Oh, and it's free. “You want them to have real life experiences and expose them,” said Notch (LN ’02). “I think about how inspiring he (Tim Brackman) was and how inspiring it was for me to learn these vital skills.”
Notch has always had a passion for music. During his teenage years, he DJ’d at a local skating rink. Later in college, he traded in his turn table for a music production system. He is an accomplished producer and owns King of Twelve Recordings. But it wasn’t always easy. Both he and his wife, Tiffany, experienced pitfalls along the way. Their goal with Notes for Life was to teach kids at a younger age how to avoid those obstacles.
Students participate in an 8-week program, where music is the backdrop, but they learn everything from public speaking while pitching an idea to marketing while conducting a demographic study. Many of the instructors across the country are friends of Notch’s from Lutheran North, and the curriculum is used in school districts from Chicago to Dallas. Notch just finalized a plan with Saint Louis University to provide high school students the same handson opportunity through a program called the University of Empowerment.
The program is called Notes for Life Arts & Technology. What began with six students from Ferguson, Hazelwood and Florissant has grown to 380,000 students across the country. And
With laptops and electric keyboards, students collaborate on everything from creating a commercial to writing a song. Lutheran North grad Nate McBride, who is interested in studying
“We provide these awesome experiences that have never been done before,” Notch said. “Entertainment and education – that is the playing field.”
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“This whole thing has been organic,” said Notch, 33. “The cool thing is it hasn’t been commercialized, and we have literally been able to say this is something that has been built with a student-first mentality.”
“I love to play, and I live to play, and when I play those chords I just play them the best I can,” said Mayer, 59. “You become part of something bigger...It’s new every night.” Mayer just hit the stage with Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre this July. He has played guitar with James Taylor, Don Henley, Paul Simon and Ringo Starr. He has been featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, the Today Show and performed at the White House for Bill Clinton’s 49th birthday. But he got his start on a much smaller stage at Lutheran High School South. “I have great memories there,” Mayer said of his alma mater. “St. Louis was my home for 35 years or so. I love the heritage and history there. Every street has a memory, and some of (my) songs were born on those streets. Every time I go back, I don’t care if it’s a shopping mall or a church, I see someone from my class of 1976.” Born in India to Lutheran missionaries, Mayer moved to St. Louis in 1966. His father was a
pastor, conducted the choir and played the piano and organ. His mother loved to sing. “We sang a lot and had a lot of music in our family,” said Mayer, who now lives in Nashville. “That’s a real Lutheran thing to do.” He credits South music teacher Henry Engelhardt with encouraging him to pursue his passion. A self-described “long haired, kind of silent, mostly in a dream world kid,” Mayer played clarinet and saxophone in band, but took guitar lessons on the side. An advanced music theory class changed how he looked at music. “I knew I wanted to do music as my career,” Mayer said, “and it opened up my understanding.” Mayer attended Webster University to pursue a degree in music, but dropped out after two years to play guitar fulltime. He formed the band PM (his initials) with his brother, Jim, and friend Roger Guth. The trio was signed by Warner Brothers Records and in 1988, their single “Piece of Paradise” charted to number eight on Billboard. That same year, Jimmy Buffett was looking for a band, and they jumped on board. Mayer spends up to a half of every year on the road, riding on Buffett’s plane and touring the world. He describes Buffett as “vivacious,” “funny,” and “a really great guy” who brings
“happiness to so many people.” One of his fondest memories was during a rehearsal for a charity event at Buffett’s home when Mayer met one of his heroes. As he was strumming his guitar, he saw a lanky man bounding for the stage. “He jumped on stage and held out his hand, and said ‘I’m Paul McCartney,’” Mayer recalled. “I said, ‘Dude, I know who you are. You’re the reason I play music.’” Mayer was raised on The Beatles in Britishinfluenced India and much of his music reflects the melodies of his upbringing. He has released 13 albums, including two that are solely songs of faith and a holiday album entitled “Stars and Promises.” He performs his Christmas music every year at the Sheldon Concert Hall and is currently working on a new album with his son, Brendan Mayer. “He’s just a gem of a musician and a person both,” said Joe Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill in University City, where Mayer performed in the famous Duck Room earlier this summer. “The fact that he has toured the world and is still enjoying it says a lot. The fans of St. Louis always look forward to him coming back.”
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husband. Email: gigerslandt@gmail.com
Alum Notes 50s John Heinicke (LHS '54)
husband Steve live in Las Vegas, NV. Her family includes siblings Susan Kitrel (LS '66) and Dennis Kitrel (LS '66) and daughter Christina House (LS '97). Email: lvlin.stv@gmail.com
Linda Engelbart Cunningham (LS '77) lives in Glen Garner, NJ. Email: cunninghamlinda59@gmail.com
lives in St. Louis. Email: jheinicke@sbcglobal.net
John “Skip” Mueller (LHS '56) has been blessed to serve the Lord for 52 years. Skip is retired and lives with his wife Barbara in Ft. Wayne, IN. They have three children and eleven grandchildren. Four generations of his family have been educated at Addison Lutheran Teachers Seminary/Concordia-River Forest/ Concordia University-Chicago. Skip taught for 20 years in various grades 1-8. He served as the Minister of Music/Worship at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Ft. Wayne for 42 years, retiring in 2006. Presently, he directs the Men's Chorus and is the coordinator of the Senior Ministries at Holy Cross. He was awarded the Te Deum Laudamus Heritage Series Award in 1998. He also conducted the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra with its children's choir. Email: jandbmueller@frontier.com
Janet Witbrodt McRae (LHS '58) moved back to St. Louis after being gone since 1970. She spent the last 33 years in Colorado. She’s enjoying rediscovering all the things to do in St. Louis. Janet’s brothers are Paul Witbrodt (LS ’63) and David Witbrodt (LS ’63). Email: janetamcrae@gmail.com
60s William Wesche (LHS '64) married his wife, Linda, at Unity, Bel-Nor on August 9, 1997. They would have celebrated their 20th anniversary this month. William has six stepchildren, 25 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. Linda was called to be with her Lord on March 2, 2017. She was 67.
Linda Kitrel House (LHS '68) retired from the US Postal Service. She and her
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70s
Simone Cummings (LN '85)
Lutheran South Class of 1977 celebrated its 40th reunion on June 10. About 40 alums and 30 spouses traveled from nine states to attend the celebration!
Jim Crane (LN '72) was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on January 29. Jim is the owner of the Houston Astros and played baseball for the University of Central Missouri. He is a member of the inaugural class of the Lutheran North Crusader Hall of Honor.
80s
associate dean of Academic Quality Assurance for the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology and an associate professor in the Business Department at Webster University, was appointed the new dean of the Walker School of Business & Technology at Webster University. Cummings has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s in Health Administration from Washington University in St. Louis and a PhD in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her siblings are Albert Cummings (LN '86) and Valerie Cummings Zanders (LN '87).
90s
Pictured, from left: Steve Hinch (LN '72), Dennis Lueck (LN '72), Jon Mueller (LN '03), Bill Ehrhard (LN '72, Paul Crisler, Bill LaMothe (LN '72), Tim Brackman, Jim Crane
Greitens. Chatman is the general counsel for the Missouri Department of Agriculture. He was previously an attorney with Armstrong Teasdale, LLP in St. Louis. He served as the leader of the firm’s agriculture and biotech practice group, working on legal disputes involving animal health, life sciences and agricultural issues, as well as regulatory compliance, commercial litigation and employment litigation. From January 2015 until January 2016, Chatman served as a deputy director for the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Chatman previously served on the St. Louis Science Center Board of Trustees, the St. Louis Agribusiness Club Board of Directors and has served on search committees for the University of Missouri.
Eric Eckhoff (LS '95) is the new principal at Messiah Lutheran School in Independence, MO. He and his wife Sarah live in nearby Raytown, MO.
00s Steven Purcell (LN '01) received a promotion in February. He is now the head athletic trainer for the Chicago Fire professional soccer club. Steven joined the Fire as the assistant athletic trainer at the start of the 2016 season. He holds a Master of Science in kinesiology from Indiana University Bloomington and a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in athletic training from Concordia UniversityWisconsin. His siblings are John Purcell (LN '99) and Megan Purcell (LN '05).
(LN '72), Gary Mantei (LN '72), Carl Holschen (LS '64), Jim Manion (LHS '6)
Sherry Schuelke DeZura (LN '76) was remarried for five years. Her husband Mike was killed by a drunk driver last year. Sherry now spends time doing short-term mission work and ministering to women transitioning from prison. Her siblings include Al Schwelke (LN '75), Mary Schuelke Benke (LN '76) and Brian Schwelke (LN '78). Email: mikeyd@centurylink.net
Kimberly Ueltzen Williams (LN '77) lives in St. Louis, MO. Her family includes mother Judy Mick Ueltzen (LHS '58), brother Timothy Ueltzen (LN '80) and uncle Larry Ueltzen (LN '66). Email: kimleew@aol.com
Gary May (LN '81) has been named the new chancellor at the University of California-Davis. Previously, he served as the Dean of the College of Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. Gary is a member of the inaugural class of the Lutheran North Crusader Hall of Honor.
Leona Davis Gigers LN ('81) is retired and lives in Florissant, MO, with her
Darryl Chatman (LN '92) was appointed to the University of Missouri Board of Curators in 2017 by Governor Eric
An American Place and Monarch, is launching Grace Meat + Three in the Grove. The rustic, farm-décor restaurant opens this month at 4270 Manchester Road, home of the old Sweetie Pie’s.
Rick Lewis (LS '02) is opening a new restaurant in St. Louis, following the success of his hot chicken joint, Southern. Lewis, who has worked at LoRusso’s,
Linda Steinbrueck Clark (LS '05) and her husband Chris announce the birth of their first child, Theodore Gerhart Clark, born on March 24, 2017. Chris graduated from Concordia Seminary-Fort Wayne in May 2017. The Clarks will be relocating to Cullman, AL, where Chris will serve as the Associate Pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Linda’s family includes father Ken Steinbrueck (LS '73) and sisters Beth Steinbrueck (LS '08) and Jan Steinbrueck (LS '14).
Dana Stelmacki Eller (LS '05) attended college at Missouri State University for three years and finished at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, earning a bachelor’s degree in management and human resource development. In 2016, she decided to start her career in real estate. She is now licensed and has been practicing residential real estate full time for a year at Lou Realty Group, opened three years ago and owned by Lucy Hauser Feicht (LS '08). She was awarded the “Rising Star Five Star Real Estate Agent” in St. Louis through Five Star Professional. In her first eight months, she was able to work with four buyers who were also Lutheran South grads. Dana is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the St. Louis Realtors Association. She also volunteers on the Realtor Membership Network Committee and is certified as a pricing strategy advisor. Dana and her husband Mike have a home in
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Crestwood, MO. They met while attending school at Missouri State and share a passion for traveling, being outdoors and spending time with their family and dog, Mack. Dana’s family includes mom Cheryl Crump Stelmacki (LN '76) and brother Dave Stelmacki (LS '02).
Lydia Hohenstein (LN '13) graduated in May 2017 from Saint Louis University with a master's of science in nursing. She will be working in the St. Anthony’s Medical Center emergency room in St. Louis. Lydia’s family includes parents Tom Hohenstein (LN '78) and Elizabeth Gruenberg Hohenstein (LN '79) and brothers Ben Hohenstein (LN '06) and Zack Hohenstein (LN '18).
Kelsey Mansfield (LN '13) graduated from Maryville University in May with her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. She will be working at Barnes Jewish Hospital on an orthopedic floor.
Alex Schutte (LN '13)
Anna Cooksey Duncan (LS '09) received a master’s in public policy from George Washington University in May. She received an Honor Graduate (4.0) Award, Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award and Student Leadership Award. While at GWU, she worked for several education policy non-profits and for the US Government Accountability Office. She began work as a Federal Human Capital Consultant with Deloitte this summer. Anna is celebrating three and a half years of marriage to her husband Stephen Duncan. They live in the DC metro area. Anna’s sister is Sarah Cooksey (LS '13).
10s Jake Brackman (LN '13) graduated from the Lacy School of Business at Butler University in May with a double major in Finance and Management Information Systems (MIS). Upon graduation, he moved to Irvine, CA, where he works as an Associate Financial Analyst FLDP within Johnson & Johnson's Finance Leadership Development Program. Jake’s brother is Josh Brackman (LN '10).
NEW JOB? NEW ADDRESS? GETTING MARRIED? EXPECTING?
Keep Us Updated! 18
graduated from University of Notre Dame in May with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and minors in Japanese and the Glynn Family Honors Program. He will be continuing at Notre Dame for one more year as a graduate student for an MS in management. Alex recently took a tour through New Zealand and Sydney, Australia. His brother is Paul Schutte (LN '11).
Sarah Cooksey (LS '13) graduated from Truman State University in May with a degree in Public Communication. She is currently seeking a full-time position in the St. Louis area. Sarah’s sister is Anna Cooksey Duncan (LS '09).
Amanda Kube (LS '13) finished her Bachelor's degree at Washington University in St. Louis in May 2017. She double majored in Psychological and Brain Sciences and Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics, and minored in Children's Studies. Now she’s working toward a master's degree in Data Analytics and Statistics in WashU's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences which she should receive in May 2018. She will be applying to PhD programs in Data Science to begin in the fall of 2018. Amanda’s sister is Katie Kube (LS '15).
a degree in Entertainment Industry Studies in December 2016. In January, she started a full-time professional internship through the Walt Disney Company at Disney/ABC Television Group in Burbank, CA, where she was working in the Alternative Series, Specials, & Late Night department. Grace just moved to Orlando, FL, to remain working for Disney in a new professional internship which started in mid-June. She will be working in the Casting Department of Disney Live Entertainment, which is responsible for casting all the theme park characters, singers, dancers, performers, etc., for Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Lines, Tokyo Disney, and other Disney parks around the world. Working for Disney has been a dream of hers for so long, and she hopes to remain with the company for years to come.
In Memorium OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WE HAVE LOST.
ALUMNI
home on March 25, 2017, just 17 days shy of his 90th birthday.
Margarete Huebener Hinrichs LHS '50
Rev. Faszholz was a teacher and coach at Lutheran High School
Edith Schrieber Burgdorf LHS '51
Central and Lutheran High School South from 1958-1978. Over
W. James Kirchoff LHS '53 Paul Beyreuther LHS '56 Edward Kellman LHS '56
Will Willis (LS '13) completed his degree at Saint Louis University in May, receiving a dual BA in German and Economics. This fall he will be attending law school at SLU, hopefully ending in the field of international human rights law. He will also be teaching the T1 class for 3-5 year olds at the German School Association of Greater St. Louis. His siblings are Sarah Willis (LS '06) and James Willis (LS '07).
REV. JOHN "JACK" FASZHOLZ entered his heavenly
Walter Hick LHS '50
Patricia Das Fiedler LHS '58 Carol Fruend LHS '58 Gloria Metz Eberhart LS '66 Scott Hemmy LN '85
the years, Faszholz coached baseball, basketball, football and soccer, and served as athletic director. Upon his retirement from South, he taught and coached at Concordia CollegeAustin, Texas, specializing in health, physical education and theology. Rev. Faszholz was an amateur free agent pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, played on the St. Louis Cardinals' farm club team and was a member of the Rochester Red Wings. He went
Kevin Peters LN '02
on to wear jersey number 41 as a St. Louis Cardinal in 1953.
Matthew Meyer LN '05
His 12-season career, mostly in the Minor Leagues, included
Christopher Wright LN '06 Andrew Bischoff LS '13
starting pitcher in National League play against the New York Giants in the 1950's. He also won more games than any other pitcher in the franchise history of the Rochester Red Wings.
Jan Steinbrueck (LS ‘14) While playing the game he loved, he continued to study,
finished 9th place in discus for Concordia University-Nebraska at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
completing his pastoral training at Concordia Seminary in St.
FACULTY
Louis. Over the years he assisted numerous congregations in pastoral roles.
Maya Cody (LS '15) qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship in Oregon with her 4 x 100 relay team from the University of Missouri – Columbia.
Renetha Dickson (LN'16)
TOM RECK, a longtime teacher at Lutheran South, died April 22, 2017. After 47 years at LHSS, Reck retired at the end of the 2014-2015 school year. He taught all levels of English and was
THOMAS PHILLIP JOHNSON was called to heaven on
instrumental in preparing Lutheran South students to write
July 21, 2017. Johnson taught civics and coached football and
effectively in college.
basketball at Lutheran South from 1962-1965. Johnson left the classroom in 1965 to join Concordia Publishing House.
nicknamed "Shug," is proving herself on the
Over the years, he served as head football and baseball coach,
He went on to serve as company president at two different
court at the University of Tulsa. The basketball
athletic director, faculty chairman, and English department
manufacturing companies, one of which earned the distinction
standout at Lutheran North was ranked No.
chairman. He monitored the clock for Lancer home football and
of Small Business of the Year.
25 by ESPN HoopGurlz. As a freshman guard,
basketball games and coordinated the Faith In Action program.
Grace Mohs (LS '13)
Dickson averaged 6.9 points per game and has
graduated early from Belmont University with
had three double-figure scoring games.
We want to know what you've been up to since graduation! As we continue to update our database, keep us informed of changes and new information by completing the alumni update form at lhsastl.org/alumni-updates or by contacting Cheryl Ehrhard, Coordinator of Alumni Relations, at 314-833-2909 or cherhard@lhsastl.org. This is especially important if there are changes or corrections to your name, address, phone or e-mail.
Grounded in knowing Jesus as his Savior, Johnson had Reck was honored as the Metro Area Football Coach of the Year
determination coupled with humility, compassion, and a
in 1984, named to the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches
wonderful sense of humor. Throughout a career that spanned
Hall of Fame in 2008, and received the Emerson Excellence in
classrooms to boardrooms, he taught, mentored, led, and
Teaching Award in 2013.
coached countless people, encouraging them to be their best.
"In Memoriam" lists individuals reported to LHSA from January 1 to July 31, 2017
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Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
St. Louis, MO PERMIT NO. 724
5401 LUCAS & HUNT, SUITE 103, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63121-1599 Address Service Requested
Putting Faith into Action Lutheran North and Lutheran South students follow Christ's example of service to others through bi-annual Faith in Action Days.
1. Suzanne Budrovich laughs with her buddy at Lutheran South's 4th Annual Special Olympics track meet. 2. Anthony Krato and Jackson Yi lend a hand at the Pagedale Family Support Center food pantry during North's Faith in Action day in April. 3. Zairai Moore removes brush at Wayside Community Garden during Lutheran North's Faith in Action day in April.
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