CLHSA Annual Report: 2021-2022 Fiscal Year

An Update on The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio

Recently brought into existence in Ohio, Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) give Ohio taxpayers a unique opportunity to use their taxes to benefit student scholarships. The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio (LSGO of Ohio) is now designated as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The LSGO of Ohio’s purpose is to raise scholarship dollars for students to attend Lutheran high schools and elementary schools throughout Ohio, with priority given to students from low-income households.

Contributors to The LSGO of Ohio may qualify for a nonrefundable tax credit for their donations. The tax credit can be applied to their Ohio state income tax liability, dollar for dollar, up to the maximum credit amount (currently $750 or $1,500 if married filing jointly, where each person separately donates up to $750 or more).

More information about The LSGO of Ohio, including how to make a gift, benefits to students, and our work with Christian schools across the State of Ohio, can be found at www.LSGOOhio.org.

In this Issue: read more about how the LSGO of Ohio is truly a “win” for all. PAGE 40

FRONT COVER, BOTTOM

OMNIA 2022 at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

BACK COVER: Lutheran West Drama’s spring 2022 production of Singin’ in the Rain (see feature story on page 8)

THANK YOU to the contributors of text and photographic content to this publication:

Azkalynn Photography (Arlee Reust LW'08)

Jon Behm LW'07

LifeTouch

Orville McEachron Photography

Ryan Pettica Vincent Rush Photography

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Superintendent & CEO............................................................................3

Feature Article - An Open Door: Lutheran East’s New Alumni Office............................4

Feature Article - Pulling Back the Curtain: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Lutheran West Drama Production.........................................................................................8 School News...............................................................................................................................15

Principal's Message & School Feature: Lutheran East

The Year in Arts at Lutheran East: 2021-2022

The Year in Athletics at Lutheran East: 2021-2022

Principal's Message & School Feature: Lutheran West The Year in Arts at Lutheran West: 2021-2022

The Year in Athletics at Lutheran West: 2021-2022

Development News.................................................................................................................21

OMNIA 2022 & Distinguished Alumni Golf Outings 2 Schools, 2 Campaigns Financial Report Philanthropy Report

The LSGO of Ohio: What All Ohio Taxpayers Need to Know

PHOTO:

Photo credit: Orville McEachron Photography

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT & CEO

There is no day that I cherish more each school year than Graduation. I am blessed to be able to celebrate it twice each year, with each one of our schools. Four years of growth, hard work, and dedication culminate in that day for the students of Lutheran East and Lutheran West. As an educator, there are few things more exciting than seeing our students ready to step into the callings and vocations that God has placed upon their lives.

This past May, I was standing in the parking lot and conversing with some Lutheran East parents after the conclusion of Graduation. This couple was reminiscing about their daughter’s initial interview for acceptance into Lutheran East and all that came afterward. Toward the end of the conversation, the mother looked at me and said, “You need to know that our lives have been changed by this school.” She then welled up with tears and gave me a big hug.

Changing lives. That is the power of Gospel-centered education. Our students don’t just learn mathematics, geography, and Shakespeare. They learn to integrate the Gospel into all areas of their lives. It is the type of education that can have an impact not only on the next few years of a student’s life, but it can echo into eternity. It builds a grace-filled community that leads to parents hugging teachers and sharing how not only their children, but their entire families have been changed over a few years. The promise of Lutheran East and Lutheran West goes far beyond what many schools could ever imagine.

In the pages of this Annual Report, I hope that you will see glimpses of the incredible power of the Gospel at work through our schools. 832 students walked our hallways in the 2021-2022 school year and were blessed with incredible opportunities to learn in the classroom, grow in their walk with Christ, discover their gifts and interests in extraordinary extracurriculars, and serve their communities through our service learning programs. This Annual Report is our way of giving you a peek into their world and the work of our schools this past year.

At the same time, I pray that you will see more than just a report on the past year. It is a joy to celebrate the great work that has been done but it is even more exciting to lay a foundation for future ministry that will bless students and families for years to come. You will read about The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio, which is a new way that we are seeking to serve low-income families while supporting Lutheran schools throughout the State of Ohio. You will see the start of the Forward in Faith campaign at Lutheran West, which will transform Christian education on the west side of Cleveland. And you will see the Faith & Future campaign, which will push Lutheran East’s facilities to a level they never have been before.

There is nothing quite like Graduation. As you will see in the pages ahead, we are hard at work to make certain that the schools of the CLHSA will be able to see thousands more students experience those graduation days in the years to come. Thank you for your prayers, your time, and the gifts that you have given to help make the promise of Lutheran education possible in Cleveland!

CHRIS STEINMANN '00 SUPERINTENDENT & CEO

An Open Door:

by Jessica Miller

unseasonably warm day in late October, and I’m sitting across the desk from Ms. Loretta Childs. We’re at Lutheran East, in the newest space in the building— the recently renovated Admissions & Alumni Center. Her office of course houses a desk, a chair, a file cabinet, a bookcase holding Lutheran East yearbooks but the most important part of her office is the door. It says “Alumni Director,” and it’s a door she’s hoping all Falcon graduates will become aware is now open for business.

A brand new position, the Alumni Director is a comprehensive resource for graduates of Lutheran High School East. Ms. Childs is charged with facilitating connections (and reconnections!) between alumni, helping alumni to network and promote their businesses, keeping alumni updated on school news and events, working with class members to plan class reunions, encouraging alumni to return for homecomings and school events, and ensuring that alumni who wish to give back to their alma mater can do so in the ways that mean the most to them.

It’s a big job. But Ms. Childs is up for the task.

She’s also no stranger to Lutheran East. Along with having held roles including Assistant Athletic Director and Main Office Staff, she’s the mother of two Lutheran East alumni Jewell Cotton ’19 and Andrew Cotton ’20. As a parent, she sensed immediately that Lutheran East was the supportive community in which she wanted her children to experience their high school years.

“They weren’t sold right away,” she recollects. “They were nervous about making a change and missing their

friends, but they knew that Mom always had their best interests at heart. It did not take long for them to develop new friendships and to see the importance of attending Lutheran East. Now they’re young adults in the real world- something every parent prays their children are prepared for-and I can say that they truly are. That’s because of Lutheran East.”

As Lutheran East’s first Alumni Director, she’s working to build connections between the school and its graduates so that many more “real world” successes alumni are having can be recognized and celebrated.

“The Alumni Director position is new for us at Lutheran East,” says Mr. Andrew Prusinski, Lutheran East Principal. “We’re beyond excited that we now have someone whose primary responsibility is to facilitate as many alumni connections as possible. This will be a benefit for everyone. We hope our alumni community will use the Alumni Office as a valuable resource for connections, for networking, for events and gatherings, and for school news. Our alumni are an important part of our school community, and our hope is that as they feel a

growing sense of connectedness to their alma mater, they’ll continue to play an active, important, and expanding role in the future of our school.”

Rick Labus, Class of 1961, has worked at Lutheran East since 1999 in capacities including Tuition Manager, Recruitment Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant. He has also given generously of his time, serving on the CLHSA Board of Directors for 18 years and on the Lutheran East Operating Board from 2001-present, with half of those years as Board Chair. Rick was also a founding member of the Lutheran East Alumni Association. He recalls that throughout the years, many members of the alumni community gave their time and resources in making the Falcon family strong and supportive.

“What we haven’t had until now,” Rick says, “is someone in the building every day

It’s an

“Our alumni are an important part of our school community, and our hope is that as they feel a growing sense of connectedness to their alma mater, they’ll continue to play an active, important, and growing role in the future of our school.”

Ms. Loretta Childs with her children, Jewell Cotton ‘19 and Andrew Cotton ‘20, on their Lutheran East graduation days .

whose role is dedicated to alumni outreach and support. As a proud alumnus myself, I’m excited to see what the addition of the Alumni Office does for the school and its alumni.”

The foundation for the Alumni Office was laid in the late 1990s, when a group of dedicated and faithful alumni created the Lutheran East Alumni Association. An excerpt from an archival document outling the history of the Alumni Association reads:

In 1997, Sandy Baumann ’63 met with Principal Dr. Paul Bruhn to discuss the possibility of establishing an alumni association. Sandy had gathered information from parochial and private schools that had active alumni associations, along with input from Cathy Bartlett, Director of Development at the CLHSA. Telephone calls were made to alums (1959-1996) inquiring as to whether they would be interested in activating an alumni association. A meeting held in May 1998, which coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the CLHSA, was attended by many alumni and a foundation for an alumni association was in place. In 1999, the loosely formed Alumni Association sponsored a decade reunion for the Classes of 1959-1969, which was well-received. During the next couple years, a mission statement was created, by-laws were written, an Alumni Hall of Fame was established, a newsletter was produced with Judy (Volf) Chess ’61 serving as Editor, alumni get-togethers were planned during Homecoming, alumni dinners and picnics were held, and alumni mugs and t-shirts were made available. The first officers were elected in April 2001: Sandy Baumann ’63 (President), Rick Labus ’61 (Vice President), Walt Elbrecht ’61 (Treasurer), and Sherrie Tolliver ’74 (Secretary).

Founding Members of the Lutheran East Alumni Association:

Sandy Baumann ‘63

Ron Blum ‘67

Bob Boddy ‘61

Ralph Braun ‘65

Judy (Volf) Chess ‘61

Ruth Ann Eckart ‘63

Walt Elbrecht ‘61

Susan Gorman ‘73

Ken Gross ‘62

Ralph Hansel ‘65

Don Kautzman ‘69

Allan Keller ‘64

Rick Labus ‘61

Gail (Rentschler) Peterson ‘60

Gerry Schalk ‘77

Ewald Sems ‘62

Pat (Boyd) Smirnoff ‘66

Sherry Tolliver ‘74

Peggy (Guenther) Tornstrom ‘60

One of the most important Alumni Association initiatives was the establishment of the Lutheran East Alumni Hall of Fame, which inducted 19 graduates from 2001- 2020. A continuation of the Alumni Hall of Fame, the school’s Distinguished Alumni program, now recognizes alumni who have had significant success in, and/or notable impact upon, their professional fields or communities. Going forward, the newly established Lutheran East Alumni Office will have a significant role in the management of the Distinguished Alumni program. To see a complete listing of Lutheran East’s Distinguished Alumni, please visit www.LutheranEast.org/ DistinguishedAlumni.

Ms. Childs knows that building relationships and connections can take time and perseverence. She is hopeful, though, that alumni will begin to reach out to her just as she’s reaching out to them.

What can the Lutheran East Alumni Office help with?

Connecting and reconnecting classmates

Planning class reunions, including developing a planning committee, securing a venue, planning food & beverages, creating & mailing invitations, and managing event registrations & payments

Did you know that the CLHSA offers $300 toward costs associated with milestone class reunions (10th, 25th, and 50th)?

If your class has a milestone year coming up, contact Loretta to learn more!

Relaying school news, current student news, and updates to the alumni community

Alumni awareness of upcoming school events, including athletic contests, concerts, and admissions events

Facilitating alumni networking and professional connections

Highlighting alumni success stories and alumni in the news

Helping to plan and facilitate alumni events during Homecoming Weekend

Informing alumni who wish to give back to Lutheran East about the multitude of giving opportunities available

What would YOU like your Alumni Office to do? We want to hear your ideas and input!

Ms. Childs says, “The Alumni Office is here, ready and willing to be a fantastic resource for our thousands of alumni. But I can’t be a resource to those alumni I’m not in touch with—so I’m hopeful that through holding alumni events, connecting on social media, and other efforts, I can continually expand our Falcon alumni family. And I hope that the alumni we’re already connected with will help.”

Now that the Alumni Office has been established, Lutheran East wants to ensure that alumni can take ownership of their alumni experience—the Alumni Office exists to serve the Falcon alumni community, and Ms. Childs is open to any and all ways she can be of assistance. She’s ready to help alumni plan their class reunions, to reconnect classmates to attend the Homecoming game together, to make a class gift to the school in commemoration of a milestone reunion year, or to facilitate an alumni networking group.

“I have some exciting ideas. But I want to make sure that everything I do serves the alumni community in ways that they are looking to be served,” remarks Ms. Childs.

If you are a graduate of Lutheran High School East, we encourage you to send Ms. Childs a brief email at lchilds@lutheraneast.org: let her know who you are, what year you graduated, and what YOU would like to see the Alumni Office do within the alumni community.

The Falcon family is out there, making their mark on in their careers, their families, their churches, and their communities. Now, there’s a hub for Lutheran East graduates from all class years to connect, share, and build one another up in the name of Falcon pride and fellowship. And that hub has a home: the brand new Alumni Office at Lutheran East.

ABOVE: the new Admissions & Alumni Center inside the Lutheran East building

BELOW: With the help of the Alumni Office, the classes of 1975-1979 held a multi-class reunion during Homecoming Weekend in September 2022.

Pulling Back the Curtain

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Lutheran West Drama’s Spring 2022 Production of Singin’ in the Rain

by Jon Behm ’07

For three shows

—

roughly 10 total on-stage hours— Lutheran West Drama took the audience back in time nearly 100 years to 1927. From April 8-10, 2022, the cast and crew of Singin’ in the Rain displayed stunning sets, fantastic acting, nimble dancing, and literally made it rain in the Jochum Performing Arts Center.

But how much preparation time do you think went into those three shows — the 10 hours of audience entertainment?

A month? Three months? Six months? Not even close.

“I’d been wanting to do Singin’ in the Rain for about a year,” Lutheran West Drama Director Caroline Pangrace said. “We probably changed our minds five or six times, but I wanted this show to be the musical. The previous year, we had The Addams Family as the spring musical, which is more modern. So in the name of variety, I knew that I wanted something classic.

“We’d been putting in the work on this as a group since mid-December 2021, but I’d been planning and working on it behind the scenes for well over a year.”

Pangrace, who credited her co-director Adam Zehnder ’08 for doing much of the detailed work that freed her to pull everything together, said it was amazing to see the various moving parts of the production come together: the set, the tech, the costumes, the dancing, and—of course—the acting.

“I’m always trying to find ways to push the students to explore their talents, and this show has it all,” Pangrace said. “Lots of sets, tap dancing, singing, some interesting tech challenges. I knew this was a show that would challenge the cast and crew, but one that they could definitely pull off.”

To fully comprehend how a production the size of Singin’ in the Rain could come together, though, you should

understand how each individual part was formed and molded.

The Set

The initial problem Pangrace faced was taking the various settings and backdrops from Singin’ in the Rain and making them fit onto the Jochum stage.

“We have a fantastic performing arts center,” Pangrace said, “but it isn’t a Broadway stage or a movie set. We have space limitations that we need to work through with every show, and this one was no different.”

Going into preparations for Singin’ in the Rain, Stage Manager and 1st Assistant Director Livvy LoPiccolo ’22 was a veteran of five previous LW Drama productions, spending lots of time on set creation. She agreed that the sheer number of settings provided a unique challenge.

“The show has so many different scenes,” LoPiccolo said. “Obviously, we don’t have that kind of space. We had to find a way to make the set double up and work for a variety of scenes.”

LoPiccolo said that one of her key tasks as Stage Manager was to make the scenes and props come to life. While she had many visions in her head, translating them into reality was more work than she had originally anticipated.

“I have so many notebooks filled with ideas,” said LoPiccolo, who made her Stage Manager debut with the Fall 2020 performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “If you went backstage, you’d see sketches everywhere. Different set and prop ideas and how they would fit together to make the show work. Some we were able to put together. Others never made it past the sketching stage. We would tape them on the wall and as they got completed, they would come down.

“It’s a strange obstacle to have so many ideas, but then you have to make adjustments and scrap some because

Sketch of the stage scenery to be built by the set construction/design team

you’re limited on space, materials, or time. But I didn’t view that as a bad thing. It was just another challenge to figure out.”

One way LoPiccolo realized she could save on space was by using the cast themselves to help move pieces of the set while performing on stage.

“It’s not reinventing the wheel or anything,” LoPiccolo said. “But when you have the actors moving the set pieces, it allows you to do more with less.

“Think about having a wall with an interior design on it. If you put that piece of set on wheels, you can turn it. So, your actors are starting a scene inside, maybe getting into a song. Part of the choreography can be to turn the wall and on the back side is the brick exterior of the house. Just by adding wheels to the set, you created two different scenes that seamlessly flowed without the lights having to go out to make the set changes.”

While it’s a great tactic to maximize stage space, a Stage Manager and the behind-the-scenes crew need the actors to fully buy in and understand how and why things work the way they do.

“I knew this was a show that would challenge the cast and crew, but one that they could definitely pull off.”

For actor Luke Wise ’24, one of the stranger parts was having so many moving pieces to the set.

“It’s definitely not anything new to have actors moving set pieces as part of a scene,” Wise, who played Rod, said. “The strange part was doing it while dancing or having multiple people move one piece to a specific spot so that other cast members could move it a few moments later. It was different, but something that was enjoyable to figure out.”

Another way that LoPiccolo managed to maximize the space was through the use of creative lighting — not only the stage lights, but including lights in the set itself. Something as simple as having a light-up sign that read “Monumental Pictures” was invaluable to creating and clarifying scenes.

“It’s a simple thing,” LoPiccolo said. “If the sign lights are on, you know the scene is at the movie set. If they’re off, the background is just another building. We tried to use those kinds of ideas as much as we could to create a lot of variety.”

But that’s just the set. There was also the task of taking the 5-6 props that each character needs throughout the play and keeping them organized backstage.

“Backstage, we have a couple of tables,” LoPiccolo said. “Each actor has a box on those tables with all of their props. I spend a lot of time backstage making

sure those boxes are where they need to be and organized by the time each prop is needed. My goal as Stage Manager is to make sure all the actors have to worry about is getting on stage and hitting their marks, not where their props might be.”

The Tech

For a play set in 1927, the technical equipment needed to bring the show to life was quite extensive. Just ask Joseph Rentas ’23, who was the sound captain for Singin’ in the Rain and integral to the technical aspects of the show.

“This one has been so involved,” Rentas, a four-show veteran of Lutheran West Drama, said. “Compared with other shows I’ve been involved in, there’s just been so much more to do. But I think that’s a good thing. I think it’s really apparent how much work we’ve put in.”

Just how much more in-depth was this show compared to others? In addition to microphones, sound effects, and lighting, Rentas and the tech crew had to find a way to show silent black-and-white films — which also had to be filmed by the cast well ahead of the show dates — in a spot that the whole audience could see it. He also had to ensure lighting would fit with a mobile set. Oh, and there was also the matter of making it rain—again, literally—on stage.

“It was just a bit more work than normal,” Rentas joked.

Rentas, who was also a key part of creating the set before shifting his focus to the tech side of things, said one of the most nerve-wracking parts of his job is the unknown.

“Doing tech is such a weird thing,” Rentas said. “I can only do so much in the months before the show. Most of my tech work has to happen in the last two or three weeks leading up to opening night. I think that’s what makes it so tough and kind of stressful. Everyone else is fine-tuning their stuff and I’m just kind of getting started.”

Rentas said he was fortunate to have some great friends that helped out, particularly when it came to completing the silent films projected on the wall to one side of the stage.

“I helped, but it was mostly my friends who are good with video editing that took care of editing the silent films,” Rentas said.

However, adding the projection aspect to the production created an interesting issue that Rentas had to solve: properly arranging speakers so that not only the

audience, but the actors on stage could hear what was going on.

“It’s silent, but there’s still music in the background,” Rentas said. “We had to find a way to get the sound to the actors so they could know where things were timing-wise. They can’t easily see the projection, so if they can’t hear the music playing, it’s tough for them to know where things are.

“With that element, plus the ‘regular’ tech work of figuring out sound levels and which speakers should have which mics funneled into them, it’s a lot more than I think people realize.”

That is just leading up to the show. On opening night, things were as chaotic as ever for Rentas. In addition to running the soundboard for each show, he wore headphones to take live direction from Pangrace and Zehnder backstage.

“From the time the curtain goes up to the last bow, I’m busy,” Rentas said. “There’s been times where I even have to talk people through how to fix something backstage as I’m physically glued to my spot in the audience working the sound board.”

But what about the rain?

“That took some creative problem solving,” Pangrace said. “I knew I wanted it to rain on stage. How many high school performances have that happen? I knew if we could pull off real rain on stage, it would be one of those moments that people would be talking about for a long time.”

Twice, rain fell on the stage of the Jochum. The first as Don Lockwood, played by Jacob Speicher ’22, closed out the first act by performing “Singin’ in the Rain,” and the second as the show closed with the ensemble singing the same song.

Using sump pumps, PVC piping, a gutter, and a trash can, rain successfully fell and was a true highlight of the performances.

Water was piped from a sink in the wings just off stage into a trash can. That trash can had two sump pumps which pumped the water above the stage into a gutter. Holes in the gutter caused the rain to fall on stage.

That was only half of the trick, though. After all, after the first rainfall, the water couldn’t simply sit on the stage with half the show left to go.

“The set crew designed a platform that the rain fell onto with a slight pitch to it and slits so that the water would drain,” Pangrace said. “It drained into some pipes that led to a garbage can with a sump pump, which would then run the water into the drain of the sink backstage.

“It was definitely a massive project. I’m so thankful to everyone involved with it, because the show truly wouldn’t have been the same without it.”

The Costumes

The fashion of the 1920s had defining characteristics which needed to be reflected on stage. The show’s costume designers were not interested in simply fitting the time period, however. They wanted as genuine a look as possible.

“Everything you see on stage is unique,” costume designer Emelie Kuenzer ’25 said. “We used the movie as our inspiration and tried to stay as true to the outfits as we could.”

That meant the costume design team of 11 students and two adult leaders had to create nearly everything from scratch — with a few thrift store purchases thrown in and then altered to fit the production’s needs. However, despite an attempt to stay true to the classic 1952 movie, Kuenzer and the costume crew quickly realized they would have to make a few sacrifices in the name of functionality.

“In a live play, we often have to do quick costume changes—like less than a minute,” Kuenzer said. “That’s definitely not the case with a movie,

Above: portions the rain “contraption” devised by the student crew with help from parent volunteer Marcus Leatherberry; Below: real rain falling onto the engineered platform built on the Jochum Performing Arts Center stage

where they can do multiple takes and can take their time to make adjustments between scenes. So there were a few cases where we had to go with something different than what was in the movie so that a quick change could happen.”

For Kuenzer, for whom this was only her second play at Lutheran West and first working in costume design, figuring out the intricacies of costume design was a steep learning curve she had to quickly master.

“When I started, I only knew how to use a sewing machine,” Kuenzer said.

Visit LutheranWest.com/Drama for a photo gallery of the Fall 2022 play, CLUE On Stage: High School Edition, as well as updates on the Spring 2023 musical, The Music Man, coming to the Jochum Performing Arts Center Thursday - Sunday, March 30 - April 2.

“I knew if we could pull off real rain on stage, it would be one of those moments that people would be talking about for a long time.”

“Now, I know how do to darts and certain types of seams. I know about the different types of fabrics and what needs to be done for them. It was definitely a big learning experience, and a skill set I will have for my entire life.”

So, when did the costume team start working? Roughly two weeks before anyone else.

“It takes time to create everything we needed,” Kuenzer said. “In this show, the main characters were wearing about 8-10 outfits each, and the supporting cast and ensemble needed 5-6 each. So, we created well over 100 costumes.”

And that doesn’t even include any repair work or adjustments needed in the final rehearsals leading up to the performances.

“It’s a bit different with a musical production compared to a normal play,” Kuenzer said. “There’s a lot of dancing and movement in Singin’ in the Rain, so we had to make costumes that could be looser-fitting and stretch a bit. But you still could have seam rip or need to do some minor repairs.”

It’s not just leading into the performance that the costume team was hard at work — come showtime they were waiting in the wings for any repairs that might be needed.

“The clothes don’t care if it’s a rehearsal a month before the show or opening night,” Kuenzer said. “If it rips, it rips. And when I’m not on stage performing my small role, I’m waiting backstage or in the wings to help with quick costume changes or make any on-the-fly repairs needed.”

The Dancing

The art of dancing is an interesting one. Some people are great. Most people are not. And among all the dance styles out there, tap is not the most popular — particularly among high school kids.

Yet, Singin’ in the Rain required a large cast of high schoolers with minimal

formal dance training to learn to tap dance.

“This might not be the easiest task,” Rachel Haggard ’23 said she thought upon learning that she would be a Dance Captain for the production. “I was just like, ‘Oh. Ok. I think I can do that.’”

As part of her duties, Haggard attended every choreography rehearsal and was integral in not only piecing the dances together, but also mastering each one so that she could teach the cast members.

In other words, she had to know all the dances for every character.

“It was intense,” Haggard said. “It was difficult. There’s a lot of dances in the show, but it’s not just the number of dances. Each character has different moves to do within each dance.”

Learning all the dances was only half of the battle. Teaching them to the cast was the most daunting task for Haggard and her fellow Dance Captain, Ella Pierse ’23.

“There weren’t a lot of people who had a dance background,” Haggard said. “We had to get everyone to understand the basics of tap before we could really get them to learn their specific dances. It took a lot of work, but everyone was willing to put in the effort.”

Additionally, Haggard said that one of the strangest things was correcting her peers.

“I had a notebook in which I took notes on things we needed to work on as a group as well as individually,” Haggard said. “It was a bit weird at first talking with the cast about what they did wrong and what they had to fix, but they took the advice well and everyone understood that it wasn’t a criticism of them, which was fantastic.”

Haggard credits Pierse with handling the bulk of the work, specifically with getting everyone up to speed with tap dance.

“Ella is an Irish Dancer, so she’s been tapping since she was very young,”

Haggard said. “The only experience I had with tap coming in to this show was from Newsies, which we did my freshman year. So, I’m super thankful I had Ella. I don’t think we would have been anywhere near as close to ready as we are without her.”

The Acting

Of course, no musical would be complete without the actors. They are tasked with taking all of the preparation hard work of the crew and bring the show to life on stage.

And, as with the other areas of Singin’ in the Rain, the work put in by the actors was much more in-depth than many other Lutheran West shows.

“On average, I probably put like 5-6 hours in per day into getting ready for this show,” said Wise. “It starts out a lot less, but as we get closer to opening night, I’m putting in closer to eight hours per day.”

Jacob Rentas ’23, who played Cosmo Brown, said that plenty of that time is doing the standard things. You learn your lines and really dig in to figure out who your character is, and how to best portray that person. The true challenge of a show like Singin’ in the Rain, though, comes from the tasks beyond the acting alone.

“With any show, you have to learn your lines and your marks,” Rentas said. “With a musical, though, you have to learn to sing and dance as well. And it’s not just standard dancing, it’s tap, which most people have no idea how to do and need to learn from scratch. Because of that, there was a lot more that went into learning our parts for this show.”

For Rentas, it was singing that proved to be the biggest hurdle. In addition to many duets and group songs, Rentas had one of the marquee songs, “Make ’Em Laugh,” in the first act.

“I’m relatively inexperienced compared to other people when it comes to

singing,” Rentas said. “Last year was kind of my introduction to singing; I had to understand pitches and rhythm and timing. Even now, it’s still a challenge for me. I can get the acting down and the dancing down, but singing is where I had to really focus and take the time to get it up to where it needed to be.”

As with any show, Rentas said it all comes down to trial and error. The difference, though, is you have a lot more to figure out with a musical even though it’s generally prepared for in the same timeframe as any other stage show.

“We found out our roles in December 2021,” Rentas said. “The show was in early April 2022. So, we basically had three months and a few weeks to put everything together. It was a lot, but it was so much fun to do.

“The best part is seeing everything come together. It’s so rewarding to discover the best way to play your own character, but it’s really cool when you see someone else have a breakthrough. We’re all in this together and we’re all finding the way to the finish line as a group. So, when someone else has a breakthrough, the group has one. It’s just a really, really cool collaborative experience.”

Wise agreed.

“You become a family,” Wise said. “It’s awesome to see someone have a breakthrough on something when they were struggling with it. And I think those moments are what motivates all of us. You feed off the energy and everyone—and the final on-stage product—starts getting better.”

While the on-stage and audience spaces in the Jochum Performing Arts Center will remain as is, the Forward in Faith capital campaign being rolled out by Lutheran West in the months to come includes a much-needed overhaul of the backstage areas. Plans include expansion of the scene shop and expansion/renovation of the backstage dressing rooms and bathrooms. If you’d like to hear more about the plans for expansion and renovation, scan the QR code to request a meeting with school administration.

“You become a family. You feed off the energy and everyone starts getting better.”

The 2021-2022 school year followed an incredible arc. The start of the year, which is normally full of excitement and eager anticipation, was instead mired with Covid questions for our school, our families, and our students. Can school take place in person? What happens when someone gets sick? Do we have enough substitute teachers? The questions and possible scenarios seemed endless. The arc, however, continued on with a courageous and caring confidence that we would provide a rich, in-person, Christ-centered, college preparatory education for our students who were themselves marooned in their own Covid questions. We planned and pressed on with determination.

The 61 seniors who began the 2021-22 school year embodied the concept of pressing on with determination. There are a number of characteristics for which we want our graduates to be known: curious, confident, hard-working, determined, growing in faith, and caring, just to name a few. Being equipped with those characteristics doesn’t mean our students will have the answer to every question, but rather that they will have the skills to find solutions to the challenges on the horizon. As a school, we embraced that mindset throughout the 2021-22 school year. We didn’t know the challenges that were going to come our way, but we knew that through the power of a strong education, faith in Christ, and the care of a Christian community, we could overcome whatever challenge arrived. I’m proud to share that all 61 seniors who started the year finished it! In fact, all 61 seniors walked the stage as graduates to join the long proud community of Lutheran East alumni.

The same creative problem solving that helped us navigate the 2021-22 school year also helped us advance our goal of providing students a 21st century educational experience in a building that was built in the 1950s. Looking at our spaces and reimagining how they can be optimized for today’s learners is an awesome and exciting exercise. Through that process, we set out to transform an oversized and underutilized classroom into a modern Admissions Center which also includes a collaborative space for our teachers, and a home for our Alumni Director, even while retaining and right-sizing a classroom! This specific transformation is, in many ways, a microcosm of Lutheran East as a whole. I find myself asking, how can our school on Mayfield Road in Cleveland Heights, with its extensive history, with its challenges, and with its opportunities, grow and change and transform so that the lives of young people can do the same? Our mission is, after all, to change lives through sharing the Gospel of Christ and the power of a quality college preparatory education.

We carried that mission forward throughout the 2021-2022 school year. The successes of the year were many, from our boys’ basketball team making a trip to the State Final Four, our Gospel Choir traveling to perform in Philadelphia and New York City, graduating 100% of our seniors, and seeing matriculating freshmen, sophomores, and juniors find their voices. With the confidence that comes from navigating a year that started with the uncertainty of Covid and finished with the celebration of Commencement, we’re looking forward to the next chapter in the life of Lutheran East. We’re thankful for the opportunity and privilege that God has given us to serve God and students through this educational ministry. Thank you for your continued support and prayers along the journey.

For the Kids and the Kingdom,

ANDREW PRUSINSKI '02 PRINCIPAL, LUTHERAN EAST

The Year in Arts: Lutheran East

The highlight of the 2021-2022 school year for the arts program at Lutheran East was the Schola Cantorum (select choir) spring tour to Philadelphia, PA and New York City, NY. Twenty-seven students made the trip from April 21-23 to perform at Philadelphia’s Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church and three churches in New York City: Abyssinian Baptist Church, The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and worldrenowned St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Director of Choral Activities Mr. Jonathon Turner said of the trip, “Being able to stand in the aforementioned spaces as invited guests in a full concert was an unparalleled experience.”

Between the Gospel Choir and Schola Cantorum, the vocal music department performed more than 20 times throughout the 2021-2022 school year! Along with multiple choir concerts held at Lutheran East, and a performance at the Cleveland Lutheran Educational Endowment Fund (CLEEF) Christmas Brunch (hosted by the CLHSA), notable performances in our local area included performances with the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra.

Mr. Turner also reports that Janelle Walker ’20, a founding Schola Cantorum member, is now a sophomore at Tennessee State University studying Music Education, a path she chose in large part to the experience she had with Lutheran East’s music program.

The Year in Athletics: Lutheran East

Fall 2021 Season

In the fall, the Falcon Football team finished 5-5 overall, advancing to the OHSAA playoffs for the third consecutive year. The 2021 season marked the first season for new head coach Desean Washington. Star running back Rayshon Kennedy ’22 received a football scholarship to Tiffin University.

The Lutheran East Volleyball team went 5-16. New coach Davida Swain was hired in April 2022.

Winter

2021-2022

Season

The Falcon Boys’ Basketball team won their 7th consecutive district championship, their 6th consecutive regional championship, and earned a 6th consecutive trip to the OHSAA State Final Four. At the time of this publication, the 2022-23 team was ranked number 1 in the State of Ohio in Division 3 and 5th overall in all divisions. Three current basketball players hold D1 college scholarship offers, with star player Jesse McCulloch ’24 currently holding more than twenty D1 scholarship offers.

The Girls’ Basketball team was very young in the 2021-22 season, with only three seniors. They finished their season 8-8 overall. 2021-22 was Head Coach Mel Burke’s first season coaching the Lady Falcons. Star point guard Amiyah Donaldson ’22 signed a full scholarship to the University of Charleston. Going into the 2022-23 season, the team will have six returning varsity players.

The 2021-2022 Lutheran East Cheer team was a dedicated and spirited group, helping to cheer on our Falcons throughout the fall and winter seasons.

Spring 2022 Season

The Track & Field team fielded the largest roster in the last five years, with 40 student-athletes. The season concluded with two athletes competing in the OHSAA State Tournament: Amere Talley ’22 (placed 6th in the 100 and 2nd in the 200) and Trayshon Tucker ’22 (placed 11th in the 100).

For more information & updates regarding Falcon Athletics, please visit us online at LutheranEast.org/Athletics and follow our school and teams on social media.

The 2021-2022 Lutheran West school theme, “Restored: Strong, Firm, and Steadfast,” was based upon a passage from 1 Peter 5:10: The God of all grace will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

This passage was selected as a timely reminder. Going into the 2021-2022 school year, we still faced some degree of uncertainty due to Covid. Yet we were determined to move through it together with God’s promise that He will restore us; He will once again make us strong; He will allow us to return steadfastly to our paths and purposes.

It was remarkable to observe the countless ways in which God worked to provide us with restoration, strength, and confidence throughout the school year.

Students, faculty, staff, and administrators returned to school in the fall of 2021 with renewed purpose and appreciation for aspects of our school life that had been “givens” prior to the pandemic: things like in-person classes, social interaction with friends, team practices, theater rehearsals, and the ability to gather together in person for worship. There was cautious optimism that we had weathered the worst of the Covid storm, and we saw restored gratitude for our school community in the eyes and hearts of our teenagers.

Lutheran West programs in athletics, the arts, and student clubs came back with strength and resilience. Students who had, during the previous year, been unable to collaborate with their peers on the field, the court, or the Jochum Performing Arts Center stage once again found themselves able to train, practice, and explore their interests and talents. Strength abounded as our athletes, teams, performers, and student leaders once again thrived in the many opportunities offered to them at Lutheran West.

The school remained steadfast in its strategic plan, unwilling to allow Covid to delay plans for starting a middle school at Lutheran West. During the 2021-2022 school year, it was “all hands on deck” to prepare every aspect of our school to welcome its first group of 6th-8th grade students. I am thrilled to report that in August 2022, Lutheran West marked the first day of school for 80 middle school students, a brand new team of middle school faculty members, and Dean of the Middle School, Mr. Jacob O’Hara ‘07. When asked about the vision for the middle school, which was shaped in the 2021-2022 school year, O’Hara said:

The middle school will build upon the identity of the high school, with the school pride, mission, and traditions of the high school already evident in the culture of the middle school. Middle schoolers, however, have different needs than high schoolers, and come to us at different social and emotional levels. In planning the middle school curriculum, social events, and school culture, we’ve been very cognizant of these differences. The middle school will have its own uniqueness, culture and traditions which are just right for 6th-8th graders. The most important goal in developing the middle school’s culture will be to build a community of kids who love and respect God, and also show that love and respect to one another and in their communities.

Above all, our school theme was demonstrated in the strength and steadfastness our students were shown every single day through the support, mentorship, and encouragement of the Christian men and women who make up our faculty and staff. They led by example, showing our young people what it means to, when faced with adversity, be strong, firm, and steadfast in God’s guidance.

MICHAEL WAUGH '02 PRINCIPAL, LUTHERAN WEST

The Year in Arts: Lutheran West

In Fine Arts, Lutheran West enjoyed an all-time high enrollment in art classes. All classes were full and even more classes were added! Lexi Miles won an Honorable Mention in the Lakewood Rotary/Beck Center Art Show, and twelve LW students had work accepted into this juried show. National Art Honors Society chapter members made Christmas ornaments for shut-ins and residents of the Concord Reserve in Westlake (the former Cleveland Lutheran Home). NAHS also painted murals for Bridge Avenue School (Cleveland), to decorate their classrooms and hallways (pending installation).

For Instrumental Music, 2021-2022 was a year of “firsts” and “new beginnings”: the first full season of Marching Band (and the first year of Marching Band under the direction of Nolan Zubin ’14) and the first Festival of Bands (March 2022) since the onset of Covid. The year also marked the first-ever semester of Beginning Band in Spring 2022, as well as the return of the Choir/Band Pops Concert back to the Rock Gymnasium, where it had been in the past. The Festival of Bands welcomed middle school students from Royal Redeemer, Messiah, and St. Paul Westlake, who played alongside the Lutheran West Concert Band. The Lutheran Wind Ensemble, a group of adult musicians under the direction of Mr. Kevan Stuber, also performed at the Festival of Bands. The Band program commissioned local composer Chris Neiner to compose a new piece for the LW Concert Band, which they premiered at the Festival of Bands. The piece was titled Rocky River Counterpoint. Music department independent study student, Sam Silva ’22 performed the world premiere of his piece All They Ever Say (feat. Stephanie Koglman ’22) at the fall band concert in October 2021. He composed the song, the lyrics, and the backing track used for the performance.

In the Vocal Music program, students put on multiple concerts throughout the school year under the direction of Vocal Music Director Mr. Ken Daniel, including the spring Pops Concert in the Rock. The arts department is blessed to have many talented vocalists who not only participate in the school’s choral groups, but also lend their talents in Chapel and in the drama program.

Luthearn West Drama participated throughout the year in Playhouse Square’s Dazzle Awards. Through this program, our students were able to attend virtual workshops focusing on singing, acting, and dancing with actors from the touring Broadway Series shows that came to Cleveland. The fall play (Nov. 2021) was Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We had several students in the cast who had parents involved in the same play at LW 30 years ago! During the spring musical (Apr. 2022), Singin’ in the Rain, made it actually rain on stage during each show thanks to amazing parent and student engineering. The show featured several tap dancing numbers, one including most of the cast. Only a few students previously had tap dancing experience, but the students worked very hard and the audience was blown away by their performance. In May, we inducted 17 students into our International Thespian Society Troupe. We held our first Jr. musical summer camp for middle school students, performing The Little Mermaid Jr. Over 15 high school students helped out behind the scenes with the set and costumes, as well as coaching and teaching vocals, acting and choreography.

The Year in Athletics: Lutheran West

Fall 2021 Season:

The Longhorn varsity Football team went 8-2, winning the CVC Metro Division Championship (first division title since 2005). In their first post-season appearance since 2005 (and first home playoff game since 2002), they went into playoffs as the #8 seed out of 16 and lost to an outstanding Perkins High School team. Head Coach John Parrella was named CVC Metro Coach of the Year. Other accolades were earned by Eddie Lewis ’22 (CVC Metro Offensive MVP; First Team Northeast Lakes All District); Di’Marion Gill ’25 (CVC Metro Defensive MVP; Second Team Northeast Lakes All District; led the state in sacks). Making First Team CVC Metro were Eddie Lewis ’22, Richard Luecke ’23, Di’Marion Gill ’25, Dom Capretta ’22, Eli Burns ’23, Greg Fuentes ’24, and Manny Diaz ’22. Eddie Lewis also signed a DII scholarship to continue his student-athlete career at Lake Erie College.

Varsity Volleyball ended their season 14-10 overall, 7-3 in CVC Metro, and 2nd in the conference. Sophia Simon ’24 was named to the CVC Metro First Team, and Head Coach Laura Thrasivoulou was named CVC Metro Coach of the Year. The team beat St. Vincent-St. Mary in the sectional semi-final match, losing to Hathaway Brown in the sectional final.

Men’s Soccer went 9-10-1, ending their season against Fairview in the sectional semi-final. The fall 2021 season was the first for new Head Coach Joe Jovanovski. Braden Lamb ’23, Carter Bonacci ’24, Jacob Bacho ’24 were named First Team CVC Metro, with Braden Lamb also earning First Team Greater Cleveland.

Women’s Soccer had a season record of 6-10-1. The team beat Beaumont in the sectional final, but lost to Rocky River in the district semi-final game. Evelyn Albers ’22 was named CVC Metro First Team.

Both the men’s and women’s Golf teams finished 4th in the CVC Metro Division. Callie Wabeke ’22 was named First Team CVC Metro and signed to continue playing at Concordia Ann Arbor. DJ Robinson ’22 was named First Team CVC Metro. Ashton Sopko ’22 qualified for the district tournament, shooting an 83 at the sectional tournament.

In Cross Country, the men finished 2nd in the conference, with 14 of 17 runners PR-ing over the course of the season. First Team CVC Metro honors went to Sam Silva ’22 and Elijah Van Farowe ’22.

Winter 2021-2022 Season:

Men’s Basketball went 17-7 overall and 13-1 in conference play, earning the title of CVC Metro Division Champions. During the season, they defeated Cleveland Plain Dealer #13 ranked Lutheran East, finishing the regular season ranked #25 by the Plain Dealer. The team defeated Rocky River in the sectional final, then lost to Buckeye in the district semi-final (the program’s first district semi-final appearance since 2012). DJ Robinson ’22 and Boubacar Djigo ’23 were named First Team CVC Metro. Djigo was also the CVC Metro MVP, 1st Team Northeast Lakes District, and 2nd Team Division II All Ohio. Head Coach Jordan Duke was named CVC Metro Coach of the Year.

Women’s Basketball had a record of 8-16. Senior Evelyn Albers ’22 made First Team CVC Metro; Albers and Carina Cedeño ’22 were named Honorable Mention All Northeast Lakes District. Cedeño signed with Concordia Ann Arbor.

The Men’s Wrestling program produced a district qualifier for the 22nd straight year. Named to First Team All CVC were Isaiah Alarcon ’22 (190lbs) and Nehemiah Sanderfer ’24 (132lbs).

Women’s Wrestling celebrated its first tournament championship in school history and took 5th place in the OHSWCA State Tournament. The team had 4 state qualifiers and 2 state placers (Catie Kerr ’23 and Parris Willis ’23).

The Longhorns fielded their first Women’s Bowling team since 2016-2017, and took 7th in the North Shore Bowling Conference. Sky Zavatsky ’23 had a 7th place finish in the conference tournament, earned 2nd Team All Northeast Ohio, and took 19th place in the DII sectionals.

Men’s Bowling finished 4th in the North Shore Bowling Conference as Northeast Sectional Champions. They took 5th place in Districts, and were just 1 pin short of qualifying for the state tournament as a team. JT Maslanich ’23 was named First Team All State and First Team All Northeast Ohio, was 1st overall in sectionals, took 5th in the state tournament, led the conference with a 228 average, and finished 1st in the 2022 Ohio Private School Challenge Tournament.

The Cheer program in the fall and winter provided school spirit and excitement at home games. Thanks to all the talented and dedicated young women who cheered during 2021-2022 school year!

Spring 2022 Season:

Track & Field athletes received accolades including First Team CVC 300m Hurdles for Manny Diaz ’22 and First Team CVC 300m Hurdles for Julia Klopp ’23. The relay team of Manny Diaz ’22, Anthony Vangelos ’23, Alex Vangelos ’24, Brandon Southgate ’23 were regional qualifiers in the 4x200m (placing 14th). Alex Vangelos ’24 placed 14th in regionals in the 200m. Evelyn Albers ’22 was District Champion in High Jump, 3rd place in regionals, and a state meet qualifier.

Softball finished their season 4-1, beating Rittman in the sectional semi-final, then losing to Waynedale in sectional final game. First Team CVC Metro spots were awarded to Leslie Sullivan ’24 and Kristen Zak ’22. Zak signed with Ashland University.

Baseball was 9-11 for the season, beating East Canton in the sectional semi -final, with a loss to Manchester in the sectional final. DJ Robinson ’22 and Aaron Blaine ’22 were named First Team CVC Metro. Zack Keller ’22 signed to continue his student-athlete career at Heidelberg.

Athletes of the Year were seniors DJ Robinson and Evelyn Albers.

The CLHSA Rolls Out Three Exciting Partnerships at Both Schools

In the past year, the CLHSA has formed partnerships with three organizations that will each undoubtedly enrich the lives of our students and the culture of our schools.

Paper, an entity that provides 24/7/365 real-time online tutoring, writing review, and academic help, is now available to Lutheran East and Lutheran West students. Paper’s tutors, who are highly educated in their fields and background-checked for student online safety, provide live tutoring through a messaging-based platform that is intuitive and comfortable for today’s students. Paper also allows teachers access to valuable insights that help them to support student progress.

Currently, our schools offer academic support services during the school day, but are limited in capacity and accessibility during off-hours. Paper will supplement students’ in-class learning by giving them access to high-quality, professional academic support services at any time needed.

To learn more about Paper, visit www.paper.co.

The CLHSA has also partnered with World Vision Ignite, a program which actively teaches students how to positively impact and transform the world around them. Ignite aims to show students how to put their faith into action, making a difference for Christ in our world. At the same time, the program emphasizes hard work and dedication in students’ academic studies, resulting in well-rounded, prepared young Christian leaders ready to enter the world and make a difference.

For educators, Ignite provides essential resources such as lesson frameworks, video content, a resource library, problem-based lessons, and grade-specific curriculum guides.

Superintendent & CEO Chris Steinmann ’00 is looking forward to the enrichment that Ignite will provide in the lives of our students, teachers, and families and ultimately, our community and world, stating, “Ignite is truly a one-of-a-kind program that will work seamlessly with the mission of our

schools. Our students will not only have faith education daily through classes, Chapel, and the Christ-centered atmosphere of our schools, but they will now have a toolkit by which they can put their faith and service-mindedness into action. That is something that has immeasurable value for the future.”

World Vision Ignite is a student-focused program of World Vision, a non-profit organization with the stated mission of being “dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.” World Vision is well-known for their student sponsorship program, which provides basic essentials, educational opportunities, and healthcare needs to children in impoverished areas of the world. Through the CLHSA’s partnership with World Vision, Lutheran East and Lutheran West families, employees, and alumni will have the opportunity to participate in sponsorship of student(s) in need worldwide.

To learn more, visit www.worldvision.org/ignite.

Finally, all students, families, faculty, and staff of the CLHSA now have access to CareSolace, which allows more comprehensive access to mental health and counseling services.

At both schools, the School Counseling departments are more prepared than ever before to refer students and families to the ideal mental health provider or crisis care provider. CareSolace takes measures to protect confidentiality and ensures that all contacts are made in a safe, supportive, and accessible manner.

CareSolace works with schools across the country and currently serves more than 3 million students, 12 million families, and 150,000 school staff members.

Administrators of the CLHSA and its schools are committed to promoting health and safety in the lives of our students, their families, and staff both here at school and in their lives at home. We believe that CareSolace will add to the breadth and depth of resources available whenever a member of our community needs this type of support and care.

Learn more about CareSolace at https://www.caresolace.org/.

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, close to 300 guests attended the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association’s annual OMNIA gala, again held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

OMNIA’s purpose is to gather together supporters and friends of the CLHSA and our schools, Lutheran East (Cleveland Heights) and Lutheran West (Rocky River). Proceeds from the event directly benefit the schools and students through tuition assistance and school initiatives.

Guests enjoyed a live band, food and beverages, a silent auction, and remarks from school leadership regarding exciting upcoming initiatives at each school.

CLHSA Superintendent & CEO Chris Steinmann ’00 introduced two upcoming capital campaigns, Lutheran East’s Faith and Future and Lutheran West’s Forward in Faith

The Faith and Future campaign at Lutheran East will raise funds to implement important campus updates, namely the completion of the air conditioning system throughout the building and the re-facing of the building’s exterior. The exterior work will not only provide a modern and appealing aesthetic which will create more visibility and recognition of Lutheran East from Mayfield Road, but it will also provide new windows and more prominent exterior signage. CLHSA administration is now meeting with those interested in hearing more about the Faith and Future campaign and seeing the initial renderings To request a meeting, please complete the short contact form at www.lutheraneast.org/ faithandfuture.

At OMNIA, the 2022 class of

Distinguished Alumni were inducted. Those who received the honor are: 23

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI 2022

To

websites: www.lutheraneast.org/distinguishedalumni

Mr. Jeffrey Black LW’82 Mr. John Blackburn LW’78 Dr. Lisa Chavers LE’77

Mr.

Mr.

outdoor learning space, and more. Administration encourages anyone who is interested in seeing the plans for Lutheran West’s campus expansion, and/or hearing more about the Forward in Faith campaign, to request a meeting by completing the short contact form at www.lutheranwest.com/forwardinfaith.

OMNIA would not have been possible without the generous donations and support of many contributors to the silent auction. To all those who contributed products, services, and/or their time, we thank you wholeheartedly.

We would also like to thank all those who raised their paddles during the “Dollars for Scholars” portion of the evening. This segment centers around giving to student tuition assistance at both schools, so that more families can make Christ-centered education a reality for their student(s).

We’re pleased to share that the event raised important funds to support students, families, and programs at our schools. Thank you to all those who made a contribution, whether through ticket purchases, auction bidding, Dollars for Scholars, sponsorships, advertisements, or giving of their time and talents. Your gifts truly make a difference in the lives of our young people.

OMNIA 2022 Planning Committee

Charlene Coughlin LW’01 (Committee Chair; Lutheran West Operating Board Member)

Melinda Luecke LW’03 (OMNIA Coordinator)

Debi Albrecht LW’85

(Lutheran West Alumni Director)

Andrea (Waugh) Buskirk LW’06

Loretta Childs (Lutheran East Alumni Director)

Joe Gray (CLHSA Assistant Superintendent)

Regina Gray

Ashley Koza (CLHSA Director of Development)

Rick Labus LE’61

Jessica Miller

(CLHSA Director of Communications & Marketing)

Ruth Ninke LW‘65

Judy Pflaum (Lutheran West Staff)

Miranda Pflaum LW’15 (Lutheran West Admissions)

OMNIA 2022 SPONSORS & ADVERTISERS:

The Glidden House

Beacon Point Financial

CORPORATE PARTNERS

2022 CORPORATE SPONSORS:

CALENDAR YEAR 2022

The CLHSA’s Corporate Partnership program allows organizations to support CLHSA events and initiatives throughout the year.

Instead of being contacted to support each individual CLHSA event during a given year, Corporate Partners complete a partnership agreement in January and are automatically considered sponsors for all 3 major events (the Golf Classic in June, the Sagehorn Golf Outing in August, OMNIA in October) plus inclusion in promotion and advertising by the CLHSA and sponsorship of select school athletics and/or arts programs.

Corporate partners may select from one of three levels of giving with event sponsorships and perks consummate with the selected level.

For further information on the CLHSA Coprorate Partnership program, contact Ashley Koza, Director of Development, at 440-356-7155, ext. 3.

CLHSA Golf Outings

The 36th Annual CLHSA Golf Classic was held on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Lakewood Country Club. Over 100 golfers enjoyed a round of golf, refreshments, pre-round lunch and post-round dinner, and contests & prizes, all in support of the schools and students of the CLHSA.

On Friday, August 5, the Sagehorn Golf Outing took place at Mallard Creek Golf Course in Columbia Station. What began as a beautiful sunny day suddenly took a turn before the golfers could even make it through 9 holes, the skies turned dark and a summer thunderstorm rolled in. Despite the uncooperative weather, the event was enjoyable and impactful for our schools!

Thank you to the golfers, volunteers, sponsors, and host courses that make our two annual outings possible.

It’s never too early to plan for golf season in the upcoming year! If you’d like information on sponsorship of our 2023 golf outings, contact Ashley Koza, Director of Development, at 440-356-7155 (ext. 3), or look for detailed sponsorship information and golfer registration to come in the spring.

The 2023 CLHSA Golf Classic will be held on Monday, June 5 at Lakewood Country Club. The 2023 Sagehorn Golf Outing will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023.

SAVE THE DATE for the 37th Annual CLHSA Golf Classic: Monday, June 5, 2023

SAVE THE DATE for the Annual Sagehorn Golf Outing: Friday, August 4, 2023

Complete the contact form at LutheranEast.org/FaithandFuture to request your meeting with school administration.

Complete the contact form at LutheranWest.com/ForwardinFaith to request your meeting with school administration.

Lutheran West to Add Senney Enterprises Business & Entrepreneurship Academy

Through the generous support of Wally and Joyce Senney and Senney Enterprises, a Business & Entrepreneurship Academy will launch for 2023-2034 school year.

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Lutheran West announced that starting with next school year (2023-2024), a new academic program will be available to students.

The Senney Enterprises Business & Entrepreneurship Academy is funded by faithful supporter Wally Senney (Class of 1973) and family, as well as his business conglomerate, Senney Enterprises. Mr. Senney is a excellent example of a Christian business leader and entrepreneur. He began his professional career as a co-op student with Met-Chem Inc., where he then became a full-time sales engineer. After ten years, Mr. Senney had worked his way into a position to buy the company, which now consists of over twenty separate manufacturing companies. Lutheran West would like to thank the Senney Family and Senney Enterprises for their continued support.

The program will serve as one of Lutheran West’s “Centers of Excellence.” These are flagship programs by which the school will provide top-quality 21st century education and experience in areas in which Christian thought leaders will be increasingly important in our modern world. Another Center of Excellence, The Senney Honors Academy, also funded through support by the Senney Family, was established in 2011 and has proven to be an impactful cornerstone of Lutheran West’s academic program.

Development of additional Centers of Excellence is part of the goals of the school’s Forward in Faith capital campaign.

Mr. Senney says, “The Senney Enterprises Business & Entrepreneurship Academy will not only equip students with the knowledge they’ll need to navigate the ever-changing business landscape, but will also develop Christian leaders for the future.”

Mr. Jim Heal, current faculty, will lead the program as the Dean of The Senney Enterprises Business & Entrepreneurship Academy. Mr. Heal offers a unique background in both Christian education

and business, having spent a significant part of his career as an executive at HP and a Vice President at Fidelity Investments, and having also worked in Christian schools. Mr. Heal is confident that the curriculum of the Academy will provide students with a wealth of practical learning opportunities that will demonstrate course content in real-world scenarios.

Along with the announcement of The Senney Enterprises Business & Entrepreneurship Academy, October 14 marked the start of demolition of the Westgate Professional Building (also called the MedWest Building) adjacent to Lutheran West. The CLHSA purchased the property in July 2019. Demolition of the building allows plans for the future expansion of Lutheran West’s campus and facilities to begin to take shape.

To commemorate the onset of the building’s demolition, Lutheran West held a demolition ceremony prior to the 10/14 home football game. Led by the Lutheran West marching band and cheerleaders, those present gathered to sing the school’s alma mater, then shared in counting down to demolition.

Construction equipment took down the first pieces of the building while the crowd watched from a safe distance.

Event attendees then cheered the football team on to a resounding Longhorn victory against Independence. The evening’s festivities concluded with celebratory fireworks over Alumni Field.

Mr. Wally Senney ’ 73 at the Kick-off Event on October 14, 2022

To hear more about how The Senney Business & Entrepreneurship Academy and the campaign will impact Lutheran West and its students, please complete the simple form at LutheranWest.com/ForwardinFaith or contact Director of Development Ashley Koza at 440-356-7155, ext. 3 or akoza@clhsa.org.

The financial data below reflects the operations of our schools for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. An annual audit is conducted by independent auditing firm Barnes Wendling CPAs. The audit report was reviewed and approved by the CLHSA Finance Committee and the CLHSA Board of Directors in October 2022. $11,500,000

The schools of the CLHSA spent on capital expenditures to improve and modernize our buildings. That money came from donor gifts as well as the operating surplus shown to the left.

PHILANTHROPY REPORT

JULY 1, 2021 - JUNE 30, 2022

With each passing year, the role of philanthropic support within Christian schools becomes increasingly important to providing faith-based education. Thanks to the exceptional generosity of our benefactors, Lutheran East and Lutheran West continue to grow and embody our shared mission: Provide an excellent educational experience for students in a Christ-centered environment.

We remain deeply grateful to the thousands of alumni, partners, employees, friends, foundations, and businesses that chose to make an important difference in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Your support is a testament to the strength and dedication of our community, and has a lasting impact on the lives of our students and their families. We thank you for your support!

Mr. Paul Unger and Rev. Janice Campbell Mrs. Carol L. Campbell

Contributions

This listing represents all contributions received from July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022.

Individuals

Dr. Jayna E. Adams

Dr. Rob Adams

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Albrecht, Jr. Mr. Keith A. Anderson Ms. Nancy E. Anderson

Anonymous Gifts Ms. Lori A. Anthony Lt. and Mrs. Douglas W. Apelt Ms. Tiffany Armani

Ms. Marilyn Baber Mr. and Mrs. Joel Bahr Pastor Arthur Baisch

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Balk

Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth Ballas

Mr. Philip J. Bartels

Mr. Noel S. Bartlett

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Bartz

Mr. and Mrs. Alphonso Bates

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Baumann

Ms. Sandra L. Baumann

Mr. and Mrs. Warren Beck

Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Becker Mr. and Mrs. Steven Becker Mrs. Jean Beckman

Mr. and Mrs. Randy Behm Ms. Kathryn J. Behm Ms. Janet K. Behning Mr. Eric Bell

Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Bender Mr. Leonard Benko

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Bennett

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Berghaus Mr. and Mrs. Craig Bester Mr. and Mrs. Corbin Blackburn Mr. and Mrs. John R. Blackburn Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blodgett Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Blossom Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. Boerger Mr. Greg Boerwinkle Mr. and Mrs. Roger Boone Dr. and Mrs. Werner K. Boos Mr. and Mrs. David R. Bowers Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brasseur Dr. and Mrs. Donald C. Braun Dr. and Mrs. Theodore M. Braun, MD Mrs. Paula Brinkmann

Mr. and Mrs. Terrance Brokoff Ms. Diane R. Brueggemann Dr. and Mrs. Paul Bruhn Rev. and Mrs. David D. Buegler Mr. Simon B. Burce Mr. and Mrs. Jack L. Caldwell Mr. and Mrs. Cody Calhoun Mr. and Mrs. Joshua H. Campbell

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. Tad Carper Mr. and Mrs. Jay Carson Mr. and Mrs. Gary Castle Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Childs Rev. and Mrs. P. Mandel Childs Mrs. Nicole Chiles Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ciatti Mr. David Nessl and Dr. Jean Cibula Mr. and Mrs. Dwight A. Clark Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clum Mr. and Mrs. Miles Cobbs Mrs. Jeanette Cole Mr. Dennis J. Corban Dr. and Mrs. Richard Corradi Ms. Charlene A. Coughlin

Mr. and Mrs. George Coulter Mr. and Mrs. Scott Courtney Mrs. Carol K. Cousins Mrs. Marcella B. Cox

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Crites

Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Crosmer Ms. Kim Crumble Ms. Cindy Czarny

Ms. Stefanie D’Angelo Mr. David Darmstadt Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Davis Mrs. Janet Davis Mr. Richard Day Mr. and Mrs. Craig Deppert Mr. and Mrs. James Deppert Mr. and Mrs. Larry M. DeSimpelare Mr. and Mrs. Thomas DeTullio Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Dey Mr. and Mrs. Edward Difiore

Mr. and Mrs. Len Dimitrijevs

Ms. Karen Disch

Mr. and Mrs. David Domin

Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Downer Mrs. Rosemary L. Downing Mr. William E. Drackenberg Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Dzurick Ms. Ruth A. Eckart

Ms. Bonnie Egan Mr. Russell Eging

Mr. and Mrs. William Eickemeyer

Rev. and Mrs. John Eiwen

Mr. and Mrs. Walter K. Elbrecht Mr. John Engelbrecht

Mr. and Mrs. William C. Engelmann Mr. Arthur C. Engelmann

Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd Everson, Jr. Dr. John P Fackler

Mr. and Mrs. William G. Fecht Mr. and Mrs. James L. Fenske Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Fenske Mr. J. Finnegan

Mr. and Mrs. Ernst Fischer

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Fischer Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Fischer

Mr. and Mrs. William O. Fischer

Reverend and Mrs. Charles L. Fischer

Dr. and Mrs. Guy Fish

Mr. and Mrs. John D. Fish

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew K. Fish Rev. and Mrs. Keith L. Forni Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Friedrich Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fronius

Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Fuchs Mr. and Mrs. William Gahr

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Gaskell Mrs. Carole E. Gellings

Dr. and Dr. Gary Genzen Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan D. Genzman Mr. and Mrs. Joel Gesch

Mr. and Mrs. David Geye Ms. Kristen Geye

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gibbons Mr. Ronald G. Golem

Ms. Barbara L. Goodin Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gray Dr. and Mrs. Peter Greco Ms. Norelle H. Gress

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Greve Mrs. Jennifer Grierson Mr. and Mrs. David S. Gutheil Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Haberhern Ms. Evelyn M. Hagedorn Mr. Kevin Hagen Ms. Elizabeth A. Hagen Ms. Diane E. Hail

Ms. Carolyn Hall Mr. Herbert Hampson

Dr. and Mrs. Richard-James Hansen Mr. and Mrs. Edmund A. Harbart Mr. and Mrs. Lee E. Hass Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hasselbrack Mr. and Mrs. K. Dieter Hausmann Rev. Donald M. Hayas Mr. and Mrs. James Healy Dr. and Mrs. Kurt R. Heidmann Mr. Marc A. Heidmann Dr. Louise Hellwig Rev. and Mrs. Philip E. Hemke Mr. and Dr. Wolfgang Hemschik Ms. Linda Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Sieghard Herling Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hess Mr. and Mrs. David Hessler Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hessler Mrs. Esther Hildner Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Hink Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. Hofener Mr. Todd Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Jarrod Holliday Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hollis Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hruska Mr. and Mrs. Jason Hughes Mr. and Mrs. George Hunt Ms. Leslie Hurwitz Mr. and Mrs. Nick Iafigliola Ms. Nancy Ibos Ms. Amber Iwais Ms. Rakayla Iwais Ms. Joan Jabs Mr. David Jabs Ms. Sarah Jabs Rev. Frederick Jabs Mrs. Ardis M. Janke Ms. Diane Jenkins Ms. Catherine Jenny Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne D. Jobst Mrs. Emma Jochum Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Johnson Mr. Keith Johnson Mr. Rodney Johnson Rev. and Mrs. Mark Jolivette Kamisha Jones Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Jones Mr. Anthony M. Jones Mrs. Christa Just

Rev. and Mrs. Christian Just Dr. Kennon Keckler and Dr. Stephanie Kaegi-Keckler

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Kaiser Mr. and Mrs. T. Eric Kaiser Mr. and Mrs. Miles Kanning Mr. Paul T. Kanning Mr. and Mrs. George R. Kapitzky Mr. Roy Karp

Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Kautzman Mr. John Kellogg Mr. and Mrs. John W. Kemper Mr. and Mrs. Dan Kennedy Mr. and Dr. Issa Khouri

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kihm Dr. and Mrs. Jack King Mr. and Mrs. Joseph King Mr. Edward Kirst*

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Kita Mr. Jason J. Kita Ms. Sherry Kita Mr. and Mrs. James H. Klann Mr. and Mrs. Don Klingensmith Mr. Paul J. Knight Mr. and Mrs. Michael Korba Mr. and Mrs. George Koululias Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Koza Mr. and Mrs. Michael Koza Mr. and Mrs. Ken Krauss

Ms. Amy Krieger Mr. Kenneth Krubsack Mrs. Louise Krubsack Mrs. Jane Krueger

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Kunze Mr. Mark J. Kunze Mr. Paul Kunze Mr. Ralph Kunze Mrs. Linda Kurz Mr. Alan E. Kvatek

Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Labus Mr. and Mrs. Warren Landrey Ms. Brandy Lange Mrs. Eunice K. Langner Mr. and Mrs. Roy B. Larks Mr. John Laufer Mr. Robert W. Legg and Mrs. Chia-Fen Chen Mr. and Mrs. Dale Lehrke

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Lembke

Mrs. Beverly Leu Mrs. Mary Levtzow

Dr. Linda C. Lewin

Mr. and Mrs. Norman A. Libby Mr. and Mrs. Marc Liese

Mr. David Liese

Mr. and Mrs. Nils Lindstrom

Dr. Jason Linn Mrs. Jean K. Linn

Mr. and Mrs. Joe L. Linville Rev. and Mrs. Marcus Lohrmann

Mr. and Mrs. Randall W. Luecke Mr. and Mrs. Reed Luecke

Mr. and Mrs. Todd R. Luecke

Ms. Danielle Lusinchi

Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Maechner

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Maier Mr. Elliott L. Manke

Rev. and Mrs. Walther P. Marcis Mr. and Mrs. Ronald P. Marinko Mr. Mark A. Marinko Dr. and Mrs. James W. Markworth

Mr. and Mrs. Dale Markworth Ms. Dawn Martin Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Mather Mr. Keith Matthews

Mr. and Mrs. David McAfee Mr. and Mrs. John McDonnell Mr. and Mrs. Frank McKay Mr. David L. McKee

Mr. David McLafferty Mr. and Mrs. Brian McMahon Mrs. Lois McNabb and Mr. John McNabb Ms. Elaine McRee Mrs. Marjorie Mertz Dr. Arthur Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Garry Miller Mr. and Mrs. James A. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Randolph R. Minnick Mr. John Minnick

Rev. and Mrs. Jerry Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mohorcic Mr. John Moore Ms. Ann Morrison

Mr. and Mrs. Karl W. Mueller Mrs. Dineen E. Mueller

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Myers Mr. and Mrs. Steven Myers Mrs. Barbara Myers Mr. and Mrs. Gary J. Naim Mr. Derek Naim

Mr. and Mrs. Dave Nemeth Dr. Leslie A. Netland Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Neubacher Mr. Paul Neukirch Ms. Mailynh Nguyen Mr. and Mrs. Nilo A. Niccolai Mr. and Mrs. Philip Nicholson Andreas Nielsen Trust Mr. and Mrs. David Ninke Mr. Kenneth B. Novack Mr. and Mrs. Donald Nuce Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nugent Mrs. Liza Oaksford Mr. and Mrs. John C. Ochs Ms. Sara A. Ohmer

Mr. and Mrs. Michael OMalley Nwaka Onwusa Mr. and Mrs. William F. Osborn Mr. William Ott Mr. and Mrs. Theodore R. Pangrace Mrs. Caroline Pangrace Mrs. Louise Papsun Mr. and Mrs. Greg Parriman Mrs. Greta Pate Mr. Michael Pavelek Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Pegels Mr. and Mrs. William Pelger Mr. Michael Pereksta Mr. and Mrs. Dale Peterson Mr. Gabriel Petkac Mr. and Mrs. Rick Pflaum Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pfund Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Pintner Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Pohlod Mrs. Margaret Pohlod Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Poley

The Estate of Mrs. Marilyn Polite Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pongor Mr. and Mrs. Jim Potter Mr. and Mrs. Doug A. Primeau Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Prusinski Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Prusinski Mr. and Mrs. Karl F. Puls

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Ragland Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rambo Dr. and Mrs. John F. Raquet Mrs. Sharon Raquet Mrs. Harriet Rathje Mrs. Dorothy E. Raum Dr. and Mrs. Russell E. Raymond Mrs. Marilynn Rehley

Mr. and Mrs. Warren Reid Mrs. Doris K. Reik

Mr. and Mrs. David A. Reising Mr. and Mrs. Donald Reiss Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Reitz Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Renard Mr. Arthur Resch

Mr. and Mrs. David Ressler Ms. Tanya Ricchi Dr. and Mr. David Rice Mr. and Mrs. James E. Richmond Mr. Nathan Riedel Ms. Ingrid Rinker Mr. and Mrs. John Ripich Mr. and Mrs. Michael Robertson Ms. Theresa Robinson-Quinn Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Roekle Mr. and Mrs. Dennis W. Rohn Mr. and Mrs. Douglas A. Rohn Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Rolik Mr. and Mrs. John Rooney Ms. Kristin Roshkowski Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Roth Mr. and Mrs. Karl Roth Mr. and Mrs. Ted Rothermel Mr. and Mrs. Roger Rovny Mr. and Mrs. Neil* and Beverly Rowe Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ruscher Mrs. June M. Russell Mr. and Mrs. John Schamber Mr. and Mrs. Edward Schefft Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Schiemann Mr. and Mrs. Theodore D. Schiffrik Mr. Nathan Schiffrik and Mrs. Leah Montesano Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Schlacht Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schlifke Mr. and Mrs. Greg Schlotman Dr. and Mrs. Allan H. Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Schmidtke

Ms. Rita Schnedler

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schnittger

Mr. Kurt Schnittger

Ms. Helen Schoolcraft

Mrs. Jean C. Schramke

Ms. Jeanette L. Schroeder Mrs. Geraldine A. Schuett

Mr. Arthur Schwandt, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Scott Mr. and Mrs. George Sedlak Mr. Bryan Seider

Mr. Peter D. Seletzky

Mr. and Mrs. Ewald Sems

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Senney

Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Senney

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sermak

Ms. Judith D. Sherman-Macomber

Mr. Robert S. Shields

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Shimek

Ms. Jill Shimek

Ms. Susan G. Shrader

Ms. Margaret A. Shumate Ms. Sandra Sikorski

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Silk Ms. B Marie Sizelove

Mr. and Mrs. Andy Slack Mr. and Mrs. Tim Smanik Mrs. Nancy Smelko Dr. Lynda B. Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Smith Mr. and Mrs. Phil Smith Mrs. Peggy Snodgrass Mr. and Mrs. David Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Spacek

Mr. Robert C. Specker

Rev. and Mrs. Mark Spelzhausen

Mr. and Mrs. E. Robert Spletzer

Mr. and Mrs. P. T. Spletzer Ms. Elizabeth A. Spletzer Ms. Lorna Springer

Mr. Corey Stefan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Steinberg Mr. Robert Steingass Mr. Roger Steinke Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Steinmann Rev. and Mrs. Andrew Steinmann Mr. and Mrs. Darren Stephens Ms. Arlene B. Steuer

Mr. and Mrs. Barry K. Stockhaus Ms. Elaine A. Stockhaus Ms. Sandra Stranscak Mrs. Sharon Streit Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Stuckert Mr. and Mrs. Stanley R. Swaysland Mr. Lembit W. Sweigard Mr. Henry Thomay Mrs. Doris Thompson Mr. John Tijanich Ms. Christine Torek Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tornberg Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Triplett Mr. and Mrs. Guy Tritico Mr. and Mrs. Stephan Turnbull Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Uhle Mr. and Mrs. Brian S. Upton Ms. Lavonne M. Urban Mr. and Mrs. John Urvan Mr. and Mrs. Michael Valletta Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery L. Vasiloff Dr. and Mrs. Philip A. Venable Rev. Ben Vogel Ms. Mary Wade Ms. Monina Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence R. Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Walters Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Wann Mr. and Mrs. Mark Watson Mr. and Mrs. David Waugh Mr. and Mrs. Michael Waugh Mr. and Mrs. John Webb Ms. Bethany Weiss Rev. and Mrs. Dan Wenger Mr. and Mrs. Dan Wenninger Mr. and Mrs. Robert West Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wetzel Mr. Jack Williams, Jr. Ms. Elizabeth Williams Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Wills Mrs. Jean Wimer Mrs. Karen Winston-Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Wise Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Wisnoskey Ms. Karen Wittrock Mr. and Mrs. Dennis A. Wolf, Jr. Phyllis J. Wulff Mr. and Mrs. David Zabawski

Mr. and Mrs. Larry A. Zehnder Mr. Paul Zehnder

Rev. and Mrs. Jon H. Zehnder

Mr. Michael Zelenkofske

Mr. Wayne R. Zeuch

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Ziegan Mrs. Marilyn Elbrecht Zimmann Mrs. Ruth Ziolkowski

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Zuendel

Foundations, Corporations, and Organizations

The Oliver W. and Emma W. Allen Scholarship

American Roofing

The Jon and Isabelle Anderson Fund AOH, FDN. INC. AT&T Attorney General Bartelheim-Kirchner

The Boeing Company Brooks & Stafford

Carey Construction Group, LLC Chipotle Mexican Grill Cleveland Cliffs

Cleveland Wealth Community of Hope Community West Foundation CoVantage Credit Union Exit Planning Institute

The Fann Family Foundation

Full Faith Gospel Community Church Ganley Chevrolet of Aurora, LLC

Geauga Mechanical

The Gerhard Foundation, Inc.

Gertrude F. Orr Trust Advised Fund Gethsemane Lutheran Church

William H. and Nancy L. Gray Charitable Gift Fund Gollwitzer Trust

Helpful Hearted Providers, Inc.

The Martin Huge, Martha M. Huge, Theodore L. Huge, and Reinhardt E. Huge Memorial Fund

Huntington National Bank

The Jochum Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Jochum-Moll Foundation

Joshua and Caleb Leadership Center

Kemper House Strongsville

The Krill Co., Inc.

The Laub Foundation

The Robert and Richard Luecke

Lutheran Scholarship Fund

Lutheran Church Extension Fund

Lutheran Church Extension FundOhio District

Malloy & Esposito Funeral Home & Crematory

Modern Chiropractic & Wellness

The Nehring Family Foundation

New York Life

Petros Homes

Pierstorf Memorial Fund

Premium Metals, Inc.

Progressive Insurance Foundation

QAB3 Insurance LLC

Reitenbach Properties, Inc.

Robert C. Leu Gift Fund

The Kenneth W. Scott Foundation

Sherwin Williams

Shore Haven Lutheran Church

St. Paul Lutheran Church Statement Limousine LLC

Terrestrial Brewing Company LLC

Thrivent Financial

Thrivent Financial - BeaconPoint Financial Group Twist Creative, Inc. UBS

Unity Lutheran Church Wallace and Irene Bronner Family Charitable Foundation

Wegman Hessler West Side Roofing

Although we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, in a publication of this nature, omissions and errors may occur. Please be assured that any omission or error is unintentional, and please make us aware so that we can correct our records.

Honor and Memorial Donations

This listing represents all gifts received in honor or memorial from July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022.

In Honor

In honor of Ms. Sandra Baumann Mr. and Mrs. Tim Smanik

In honor of Mr. James Fenske Mr. Simon B. Burce

In honor of Mr. Donald Greve Mrs. Jean Beckman

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blodgett Mrs. Paula Brinkmann Mr. and Mrs. Joel Gesch Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Greve Mrs. Esther Hildner Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne D. Jobst Mrs. Jane Krueger Mrs. Jean K. Linn Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Rolik Mrs. Sharon Streit Ms. Karen Wittrock Mrs. Ruth Ziolkowski

In honor of Mr. David Jabs Ms. Joan Jabs

In honor of Ms. Rebecca Jabs Ms. Joan Jabs

In honor of Dr. Jessica Khouri Mr. and Mrs. Theodore D. Schiffrik

In honor of Mr. Ralph Kunze Mr. and Mrs. John R. Kunze

In honor of Mr. Roger Luekens Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schlifke

In honor of Mr. Rebecca Luekens Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schlifke

In honor of Mr. Sandy Weisman Luekens Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schlifke

In honor of Mr. Michael Waugh Mr. and Mrs. Larry M. DeSimpelare

In honor of Mr. Nolan Zubin Mrs. Christa Just

In honor of Lutheran East Class of 1972 Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pfund

In honor of Lutheran West Class of 1972 Mr. and Mrs. Lee E. Hass

In honor of Ohio Lutheran Teachers Mr. and Mrs. Dale Lehrke

In Memory

In memory of Ronald A. Apelt Lt. and Mrs. Douglas W. Apelt Mrs. Ardis M. Janke

Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne D. Jobst Dr. Kennon Keckler and Dr. Stephanie Kaegi-Keckler

Mr. Edward Kirst* Ms. Elaine McRee

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Parriman

In memory of Mr. William E. Behrendt Mr. and Mrs. Gary Castle

In memory of Ms. Marge Boenker Ms. Elaine A. Stockhaus

In memory of Mr. Kevin Bolin Mr. Jack Williams, Jr.

In memory of Mr. David C. Burtzlaff Lt. and Mrs. Douglas W. Apelt Mr. and Mrs. Dan Kennedy Mrs. Jean K. Linn Ms. Elaine McRee Mr. and Mrs. Karl F. Puls

In memory of Mr. Ralph Deppert Mr. and Mrs. Craig Deppert

In memory of Ms. Lillian S. Engelbrecht Mr. and Mrs. Steven Becker Mr. John Engelbrecht

In memory of Arch “Bud” Feather Mr. and Mrs. Dan Wenninger

In memory of Mr. John Gorman Mr. Paul Unger and Rev. Janice Campbell

In memory of Mr. Ozell Harris Mr. Jack Williams, Jr.

In memory of Mr. Robert Hawkins Mr. Jack Williams, Jr.

In memory of Ms. Heidi Heinrich Mr. and Mrs. William Gahr

In memory of Mr. Robert Herrmann Mr. and Mrs. Dennis W. Rohn

In memory of Connie Hoffman Mr. Todd Hoffman

In memory of Mr. William Hunger Mr. and Mrs. Craig Deppert

In memory of Mr. Allan Just Mrs. Christa Just

In memory of Mrs. Shirley Karp Mr. Roy Karp Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pongor Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Ziegan

In memory of Mrs. Carol Kunze Mr. Mark J. Kunze Mr. Paul Kunze

In memory of Mr. Richard Linn Dr. Linda C. Lewin Mr. and Mrs. E. Robert Spletzer

In memory of Mr. Sam Myers Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan D. Genzman Mrs. Barbara Myers

In memory of Mr. Donald Neubauer Mr. and Mrs. Terrance Brokoff Mrs. Jeanette Cole Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd Everson, Jr. Ms. Carolyn Hall Ms. Leslie Hurwitz Mr. Paul J. Knight Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Labus Mr. and Mrs. David McAfee

Mr. Keith Matthews Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mohorcic Mrs. Harriet Rathje Mr. and Mrs. John Schamber Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Silk Ms. Sandra Stranscak Mr. and Mrs. Guy Tritico

In memory of Mr. Richard Papsun Ms. Elaine A. Stockhaus

In memory of Ms. Kathryn Petke Mr. and Mrs. Edward Schefft

In memory of Ms. Diane (Janmey) Pipik Mrs. Jean K. Linn

In memory of Rev. George Pohlod Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth Ballas

In memory of Ms. Kristen Radke Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Albrecht, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Scott Berghaus Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne D. Jobst Mrs. Jean K. Linn

In memory of Mr. Charles A. Raquet Mr. and Mrs. Nilo A. Niccolai

In memory of Mr. Arnold Rathje Mrs. Harriet Rathje

In memory of Ms. Laura Requarth Mrs. Jean Beckman Mr. and Mrs. Warren Beck Ms. Janet K. Behning

In memory of Mr. Neil Rowe Mr. and Mrs. David R. Bowers

In memory of Ms. Brenda Schamber Mrs. Harriet Rathje

In memory of Elmer & Lillian Schiemann Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Schiemann

In memory of Jeannette Ann Schnedler Ms. Rita Schnedler

In memory of Dan & David Schuster Mrs. Greta Pate Rev. and Mrs. Mark Spelzhausen

In memory of Dan Schuster Rev. and Mrs. Mark Spelzhausen

In memory of Ms. Mary R. Skyrm Mrs. Harriet Rathje

In memory of Mr. Joseph Smelko Mr. and Mrs. Dale Peterson Mrs. Nancy Smelko

In memory of Mr. Thomas Somerville Ms. Sandra L. Baumann Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Bender Ms. Ruth A. Eckart Ms. Linda Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Doug A. Primeau

In memory of Mr. Norman Stockhaus Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Albrecht, Jr. CoVantage Credit Union Mr. and Mrs. Barry K. Stockhaus Ms. Elaine A. Stockhaus Mrs. Louise Papsun

In memory of Mrs. Felissa Trauring Lt. and Mrs. Douglas W. Apelt

In memory of Mr. Steven M. Uffelman Mr. and Mrs. Randy Behm

In memory of Ms. Alma Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Sieghard Herling

In memory of Lawrence & Ann Wallace Mr. Lawrence Wallace

In memory of Mr. Derek Whitmore Mr. Jack Williams, Jr.

In memory of Ms. Hattie B. Winston Mrs. Karen Winston-Carpenter

In memory of Mr. Donald R. Zehnder Mrs. Jean K. Linn Mr. and Mrs. Karl F. Puls Mrs. Harriet Rathje

Thank you

to all those who made contributions in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Because of you, we are able to fulfill our mission of providing Christ-centered education in a 21st century learning environment to students at Lutheran East and Lutheran West.

Your gift to The Triumph Fund directly supports tuition assistance at Lutheran East and Lutheran West. Gifts can be split 50/50 or directed to your school of choice.

Become a Triumph Fund Sustaining Member by making an annual commitment of $500 or more to The Triumph Fund.

Learn more and give online at

CLHSA.org/

TriumphFund

The Triumph Fund, our tuition assistance program, provides valuable financial support for families so that they can afford to send students to Lutheran East or Lutheran West. This listing represents our Sustaining Triumph Fund Members, who have pledged a gift of $500+ annually to The Triumph Fund.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hofener

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Hubeler

Mr. David Jabs

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Janke

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony M. Jones

Mr. and Mrs. Allan Just

Mr. and Mrs. Miles Kanning

Mrs. Louise Krubsack

Mr. Kenneth Krubsack

Ms. Judith Kucera

Mr. Ralph Kunze Mr. Alan E. Kvatek

Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Labus Mr. David Liese

Rev. and Mrs. Walther P. Marcis

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Albrecht Mr. Keith Anderson Mr. Noel Bartlett Mr. and Mrs. Michael Becker Mr. and Mrs. Randy Behm Mr. and Mrs. John Blackburn Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Braatz Dr. and Mrs. Paul Bruhn Mr. Alexander Bules Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. Tad Carper Ms. Nicole Chiles Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clum Mr. and Mrs. William Cogar Mr. and Mrs. Walter Elbrecht Mr. and Mrs. William Engelmann Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Fenske Mr. and Mrs. James L. Fenske Ms. Peggy Forni Mrs. Donna Gahr Mr. and Mrs. Joel Gesch Mrs. Gayle E. Gibbons Mr. Walter E. Graber Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gray Dr. and Mrs. Peter Greco Mr. Donald Greve Mr. and Mrs. David Gutheil Rev. Donald M. Hayas Ms. Linda Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hess

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald P. Marinko Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Mather

Mr. and Mrs. John McDonnell

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Meilander Mr. Randolph R. Minnick

Dr. Leslie Netland

Mr. and Mrs. William Osborn Mrs. Margaret Pohlod

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Prusinski

Mr. and Mrs. Karl F. Puls

Mrs. Sharon Raquet

Mrs. Harriet Rathje

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Reiss

Mr. and Mrs. James Richmond Ms. Ingrid Rinker

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Robertson Mrs. Irene Shimek

Dr. Richard Schiming

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Schlotman

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schnittger

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Steinmann

Ms. Arlene Steuer

Mrs. Ruth Stover

Mr. Mark Thomay

Mr. Joseph Tolonen

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Uhle

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Waugh Mrs. John Webb Ms. Karen Wittrock

Estate Planning: Peace

of Mind in an Uncertain World

2020 is a year that many will never forget. The year taught us lessons, some welcome and some unanticipated. Most of all, though, we learned that the unexpected can happen to anyone. Being prepared for the things we can control is extremely important, especially during times when we do not know what the future may hold. One thing each of us can control is our estate plan. An estate plan, also known as a will or trust, is a collection of legal documents that set forth how you want your assets to be distributed when the Lord calls you home. These crucial documents will also map out how you want people you have appointed to handle health and financial decisions if you become unable to do so during your lifetime.

If you are like most, you have been dreading this task and putting it off until later in life. The majority of us have strong feelings about who should inherit our money, real estate, personal possessions, and other assets—and who shouldn’t. But sadly, many people pass on without ever putting their wishes in writing.

It is never too early to start planning or creating an estate plan. Putting an estate plan in place is among the most important things you can

do for your loved ones, leaving them with clear instructions as to your final wishes.

It is also crucial to keep your estate plan up to date. The estate plan that was appropriate for your family and financial situation 10 or even 5 years ago may no longer fit your circumstances. A well-organized estate plan can significantly ease the burden on those left behind, while poorly executed documents or lack of planning can exacerbate loved ones’ grief and trauma and add unnecessary expense.

It is easy to get overwhelmed during this process-which is likely why 65% of families do not have an estate plan in place.

A comprehensive estate plan can help you feel more confident about the future, knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of and that the legacy you leave behind is the one you intend.

To make this process easier for you, the CLHSA has contracted with SFC Estate Coaching to help those in our community prepare for their futures. The system is in place to help you complete your estate plan in 60-90 days. We have found the coaches from SFC Estate Coaching to be exceedingly professional, willing to answer all of your questions, and eager to help you feel comfortable while navigating through this planning process.

If you are interested in learning more about this process, please visit: www.clhsa.org/estateplanning

These are some of the critical components you should consider for your estate plan:

Will and/or Trust

Financial Durable Power of Attorney

Healthcare Directives Guardians for Minor Children

The LSGO of Ohio: What All Ohio Taxpayers Should Know

by Dr. Randall W. Luecke, CPA Executive Director, The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio

Never heard of an SGO?

You’re not alone—they’re new in Ohio. Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) have been around in other states for many years, but they’re finally in Ohio, approved last year by Ohio’s legislature.

What is an SGO?

Scholarship Granting Organizations are remarkably simple. They are religious or nonreligious 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that do two things: (1) raise scholarship funds from donors, and (2) disburse scholarship funds to students, primarily from kindergarten to grade 12.

How do they work?

Contributions up to $750 (or $1,500 if married filing jointly) to an SGO are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar nonrefundable tax credit on the donor’s State of Ohio tax return. A tax credit is superior to a charitable deduction from a tax-paying standpoint because it reduces the income tax liability of the tax donor.

Who should consider donating to an SGO in Ohio?

Anyone who wishes to use their taxes to support academic scholarship, especially among low-income students. A contribution to an SGO results in a nonrefundable tax credit on your Ohio income tax return, as opposed to a charitable contribution deduction on your federal return. Tax credits reduce the taxpayer’s income tax liability dollar-for-dollar, whereas the charitable deduction is worth only cents on the dollar, AND only apply in the event that the taxpayer itemizes on their federal tax return.

Is the tax credit the same as a tax deduction?

No, it’s better! A tax deduction reduces your taxable income, while a tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar (up to $750 per person or $1,500 if married filing jointly, where each person separately donates up to $750 or more) credit for your donation. The nonrefundable tax credit is then applied against any taxes you owe to the State of Ohio.*

What is the Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio (LSGOO)?

The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio’s purpose is to raise scholarship dollars for students to attend Christian schools throughout Ohio. The LSGO of Ohio makes it possible for Ohioans to contribute funds to be allocated to the participating school(s) of the donor’s choice. The schools then allocate the scholarship funds, with priority given to students from low-income households.

Can contributions be earmarked for a specific school?

Yes! Donations can be designated for donor-specified school(s), if the school(s) participate in the LSGO of Ohio program (you can find a listing at LSGOOhio.org/ participating-schools). Lutheran East and Lutheran West are both participating schools, as are many Lutheran grade schools. Donors to the LSGOO also have the option to give an undesignated donation that will support schools and students in the Lutheran system based upon need. Scholarships resulting from ALL contributions will be prioritized to students from low-income households.

Who benefits from the LSGOO?

Students & Families: Donations to the LSGOO make private Christian education a reality for more students and families. Ohio’s Lutheran Schools: Donations to the LSGOO allow schools to offer more tuition assistance to families who want to be part of their school communities.

You, the Ohio Taxpayer: Donors to the LSGOO qualify to receive a nonrefundable tax credit* for their donations, which will be applied to their Ohio income tax liability, dollar for dollar, up to $750 per person (or $1,500 if married filing jointly, where each person separately donates up to $750 or more).

Where can I learn more and make my donation?

Visit LSGOOhio.org to learn more about the Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio and to make your contribution securely online.

Those wishing to take advantage of this giving opportunity for the 2022 tax year should make their donation on or before December 31, 2022.

Questions?

Contact Dr. Luecke at rluecke@clhsa.org.

* The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio is not a tax advisory organization. Please consult with your tax professional to determine how this giving opportunity may impact your individual tax situation.

WIN WIN WIN

for students

& families

Donations to the LSGO of Ohio make private, Lutheran education a reality for more students and families.

for Lutheran schools

Donations to the LSGOO allow schools to offer more tuition assistance to more families.

for you as an Ohio taxpayer

Donors to the LSGOO qualify to receive a nonrefundable tax credit* for their donations, which will be applied to their Ohio income tax liability, dollar-for-dollar, up to $750 per person (or $1,500 if married filing jointly, where each person separately donates up to $750 or more).

SUPPORT STUDENTS’ LUTHERAN SCHOOL TUITION WITH YOUR TAXES.

The LGSOO’s purpose is to raise scholarship dollars for students to attend Lutheran schools throughout Ohio.

Scholarships will be prioritized for students of low-income households.

SGOs (Scholarship Granting Organizations) are NEW: they were recently brought into existence in last year’s Ohio legislative session.

You, the taxpayer and donor, can select the particpating school(s) to which you’d like your donation to be directed.

The LGSOO is a recognized charitable organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

LEARN MORE AND MAKE YOUR DONATION ONLINE AT LSGOOhio.org

THE LEGACY SOCIETY

The Cleveland Lutheran High School Association is fortunate to have dedicated benefactors supporting its mission, including many who have chosen to secure its future through legacy gifts.

To express our appreciation for this committed group of donors who have remembered the CLHSA, Lutheran East, or Lutheran West in their estate plans, we established The Legacy Society. Members of The Legacy Society are part of a community of supporters who have declared that the mission of the CLHSA is one they wish to support into perpetuity.

In the future, their legacy gifts will play a critical role in the growth of our two Lutheran high schools, serving the needs of the hundreds of students. We invite you to join them by remembering us in your will or trust.

CONTACT

To learn more how we can help you with starting your estate plan or about how easy it is to include the CLHSA, Lutheran East, or Lutheran West in your estate plans, please visit www.clhsa.org/estateplanning or contact Ashley Koza, Director of Development, at 440-356-7155, ext. 3 or akoza@clhsa.org

Snapshots & Save the Dates

WE HOPE YOU’LL JOIN US FOR THESE 2023 EVENTS:

CLHSA Golf Classic at Lakewood Country Club - Monday, June 5, 2023 Sagehorn Golf Outing at Mallard Creek Golf Club - Friday, August 4, 2023

OMNIA - October 2023 (date TBD)