ANNUAL REPORT
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FISCAL YEAR 2022 - 2023
P U B L I S H E D FA L L 2 0 2 3
In this issue: 11 new Distinguished Alumni Inducted [ Read more on page 24 ]
Table of Contents Feature Article: A Tale of Two Trips...............................................................................................................................4 Feature Article: History Made...........................................................................................................................................8 Feature Article: Christian Community in Practice.........................................................................................................12 Lutheran West’s Middle School in Year One..................................................................................................................13 Lutheran East Principal’s Message...................................................................................................................................14 Lutheran East Athletic Recap: 2022-2023 School Year...............................................................................................15 Lutheran West Principal’s Message...................................................................................................................................16 Lutheran West Arts Recap: 2022-2023 School Year.....................................................................................................17 Lutheran West Athletic Recap: 2022-2023 School Year...............................................................................................19 Graduation 2023..................................................................................................................................................................22 OMNIA and Distinguished Alumni 2023......................................................................................................................24 Development Updates........................................................................................................................................................28 Financial Report...................................................................................................................................................................30 Philanthropy Report............................................................................................................................................................31 Alumni Event Recaps..........................................................................................................................................................38 Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio................................................................................................40
Superintendent’s Message This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association. The depth and breadth of ministry done by our schools over the decades is breathtaking. It has been a real joy to pause and look back on all that has happened for our schools and in the lives of the students who have walked our hallways. It is also stunning to see how much has changed all around us! In 1948, the average price of a gallon of gasoline was $0.26. Milk was $0.92. Tuition at Lutheran High School was $150. Things have certainly changed over the past 75 years! What has not changed, however, is our commitment. The CLHSA prepares and equips students to excel in service, leadership, and learning while living as disciples who are rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. We have been doing that each school year since 1948. In these 75 years, we have had more than 45,000 students pass through our schools—and each one of them has been pushed to maximize their learning, encouraged to serve their community and challenged to step into leadership roles while being surrounded by the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout their school day. While many things have changed over the years, that will never change. While celebrating 75 years is exciting, we are also working hard to lay the foundation for the next 75 years of Lutheran secondary education in Cleveland. This past year has seen three of the largest initiatives in our history—each with the goal of growing what we do and who we serve. Lutheran East’s Faith & Future campaign and building renovations have not only changed the look of our building, they will allow the school to continue on its trajectory of growth and revitalization. Lutheran West’s Forward in Faith campaign has been an incredible success. You can drive by our building on Linden Road and see the new wing of the school going up. Soon, we will be able to accommodate 900+ students on campus! The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio is transforming Lutheran education not only at our schools but throughout the State of Ohio by allowing donors to direct their Ohio income tax to scholarships for students to attend Lutheran schools throughout the state. In each of these initiatives, the CLHSA is planning for the future of our schools with an eye toward helping support Lutheran education on a broader scale. Those big initiatives all took place while, on a smaller scale, incredible things were taking place at each campus. We launched a middle school at Lutheran West. When you look at the schools together, we had the most successful athletics year in CLHSA history. The arts programming at Lutheran East continues to grow. The thriving drama program at Lutheran West received the most critical praise it has ever seen. All of these things combine to give our students the most educational and co-curricular opportunities that we have ever offered. 75 years into our ministry, the future has never looked brighter for the schools of the CLHSA. In the pages ahead, you will see the stories that you are supporting. You will see the impact that is happening in the lives of our students and the lives of the adults with whom they interact. I hope you are blessed by reading it, just as our community is blessed daily by your prayers and financial support. In Christ, CHRIS STEINMANN ’00 Superintendent & CEO, The Cleveland Lutheran High School Association 3
A Tale of Two Trips Lutheran East students took two unforgettable trips in the spring of 2023. The Schola Cantorum performed and walked through history in our nationʼs capital, while a group served and ministered in the Dominican Republic. During spring break in April 2023, the Lutheran East Schola Cantorum (the school’s select choir group) made a special trip to visit and perform in our nation’s capital. The group of twenty-three Lutheran East students performed on the Marble Stairs of The Lincoln Memorial, the very place where the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963. They also performed at St. John’s Church in Lafayette Square and The National Museum of African-American History and Culture. While on the National Mall, they we were able to visit the Washington Monument, The Jefferson Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial, The World War II Memorial, and The Vietnam Women’s Memorial. The group visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which sits across the D.C. tidal basin from The Jefferson Memorial. The memorial, completed in 2011, features a largescale stone carving of Dr. King. The overall theme for the memorial's design comes from his “I Have A Dream” speech: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” While in Washington, D.C., the group took a tour of Morgan State University. They were welcomed to sit in on a rehearsal for the university’s world-renowned choir, as well as perform for them. While at Morgan State, Dr. Eric Conway, Chairperson for Fine and Performing Arts, auditioned two Lutheran East seniors (Class of 2023). Mikayla Brown ’23 was admitted into the choir and awarded a $5,000 scholarship! She is currently in her freshman year at Morgan State, majoring in Vocal Arts. (continued on next page)
“I felt so blessed to be able to take this trip. It was so much fun, and a great learning experience at the same time.” - Madison Garel-Reid ’23
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‟The kids were engrossed in everything: their music, their adventure, and the significant locations we visited. It was truly awesome to witness.” - Mr. Jonathon Turner, Lutheran East Director of Choral Activities
Students and chaperones also toured Howard University during the school’s “Spring Homecoming,” at which students were able to explore academic programs, Greek life, and the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) collegiate experience. Students who went on the trip said it was an amazing experience to travel with their Lutheran East classmates and to share their talents with new audiences. They felt blessed to have the opportunity to go on this adventure and are thankful for all of the donors and school personnel who helped to make it possible.
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A Tale of Two Trips, continued In May 2023, a group from Lutheran East travelled to the Dominican Republic via a mission trip organized through a program called Meeting God in Missions. Back in Northeast Ohio, we were blessed to receive daily updates from Principal Mr. Andrew Prusinski, who accompanied the the 14 students and 5 faculty members, administrators, and chaperones on the trip. Below are excerpts (slightly paraphrased for concision) from Mr. Prusinski’s daily email updates: May 21, 2023: We began our first full day with a two-hour service at a local church. Haniyyah, a student, commented afterward that “When I got to the Domican Republic, I had culture shock, but being here and going to church makes it feel like home.” We spent the remainder of the day hiking up a trail ending in a beautiful view, enjoying a meal together, and planning Vacation Bible School lessons for the local children. May 22, 2023: Today was our first day of service, helping people in a local sugarcane village. Part of our group spent time in the village engaging children in VBS-style activities. The language barrier is a challenge, but the universal language of play (and help from our interpreters) made for a fun day! The other half provided an area health center with a fresh coat of paint, and several students commented that it was so meaningful to see their hard work have an immediate impact. Dinner was tremendous—we all enjoyed a Dominican meal of mashed potatoes, beef and carrots with gravy, and broccoli before winding down with planning sessions for tomorrow. May 23, 2023: God shows up each day in new ways! Our sub-groups today in the sugarcane village continued their VBS ministry and facility upgrades. We then headed to a school for deaf students and learned about the school’s impact in the local community. Then, we were blessed to attend an evening service conducted mostly in Haitian Creole. In the middle of the service, the power went out! The congregation continued to sing through the darkness, louder and louder. Just as the song concluded, the power was restored—it was a truly emotional and impactful moment as we witnessed the power of Jesus being our literal and figurative ‘light of the world.’
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“When I got to the Dominican Republic, I had culture shock, but being in here and going to church makes it feel like home.” - Haniyyah Walls ’23
“It’s like we’re learning just as much from them as they’re learning from us.” - Nevaeh Parker ’24
May 24, 2023: Today, our sub-groups switched worksites. Though the work with the children and the manual labor task of painting are, on the surface, quite different, I actually feel they have a lot in common. Through both projects, we are making a difference that will last beyond our trip. The impact is beyond the food and shoes we’re able to provide, it’s more than the smiles and laughs echoing through the village when we jump rope or play baseball. It’s an impact in the hearts and minds of the children as they learn Scripture and hear words of love from our students. As may of our students have commented, “It’s like we’re learning as much from them as they are from us.” May 25, 2023: Our morning started with a group project: sorting hundreds of pairs of shoes for the Meeting God in Missions team to distribute to those in need. Later in the day, we headed to the beach and then back to the city of Hato Mayor to enjoy authentic empanadas and ice cream. In the city, we saw families out to dinner, couples getting ice cream, artisans selling their goods, kids laughing and playing in the park—not unlike what we might see on an average summer night in our Northeast Ohio communities. It was an experience for our group that will help us to look at the world and humanity with more loving and accepting eyes. May 26, 2023: Today was our final day in the Dominican Republic. We enjoyed a memorable morning worship service today, during which a Meeting God in Missions employee named Joel led us in singing and left many of us speechless. Arriving at the sugarcane village, we again formed sub-groups, with half finishing up the painting project and the other half leading VBS in the village. We had loaded up a truck with rice and oil that we had purchased, along with the shoes we sorted yesterday, to give to families in the sugarcane village. In the afternoon, we set to distributing the items. The range of emotions felt by us and the recipients was beautiful. Who knew that a simple act of providing shoes to those without them, and food to those who are hungry, could stir up such overwhelming feelings? God, throughout Scripture, uses everyday basic items to take on greater meaning and inspire a true difference. After an emotional and exhausting final day of mission work, we had our own Lutheran East talent show and broke into small groups to discuss our experiences on the trip, what we’ve learned, and what sentiments we want to bring back with us to shape our lives going forward. Here in the Dominican Republic, “Gloria a Dios” is used often in conversation. Meaning “Glory to God,” it is now part of our group’s everyday language. It’s a simple phrase of honest gratitude, that regardless of our location in the world or the native language we speak, we can say to give thanks to God for his mercy and goodness. Gloria a Dios! 7
History Made.
For the first time in the 75-year history of the CLHSA, both Lutheran East and Lutheran West competed in the State Final Four men’s basketball tournament. It’s March 11, 2023, and the Lutheran West Longhorn men’s basketball team is in Bowling Green, securing the Regional Championship (Division II). In the history of Lutheran West Athletics, there have only been three other teams to win regional titles: the 1976 women’s basketball team, the 1998 men’s basketball team, and the 2003 volleyball team. The Longhorns head off the Van Wert Cougars, winning 55-37. With this win, they’re one of the top four teams in their division in the entire state of Ohio. They’re packing their bags and heading to Dayton to finish their historic season with an appearance in the State Final Four tournament. Across town, the Lutheran East Falcons are packing their bags for the same trip south. Having just secured their own Regional Championship (Division III) with a 84-50 victory over #2 seed Cuyahoga Heights, they’re once again headed to the State Final Four. It’s the program’s eighth consecutive district championship; its sixth consecutive regional championship. They came home with the state title in 2017 and 2021, with an unfortunate question mark in the “2020” column; the playoff season cut short due to the pandemic. For the first time in its 75-year history, the CLHSA is sending teams from both of its schools to the biggest show in Ohio high school men’s basketball. Matt Goul, reporter for Cleveland.com, published an article on 8
March 13 under the title: East Side or West Side? How about both? Table for Two in Dayton with Lutheran Schools.
“We all work so hard together all season, knowing that this is the moment we’re working toward but not knowing for sure that it’ll arrive. This time, it did.”
Superintendent & CEO of the CLHSA Chris Steinmann is a Lutheran West graduate. He also spent twelve years at Lutheran East as a teacher and as Principal. When he arrives in Dayton on Friday, March 18, he’s beaming with pride and eagerness to see both of the schools for which he cares so much represented on a state-wide stage.
The Longhorns take the court, facing off against Dayton’s own Chaminade Julienne High School. A back-and-forth nail biter of a game until the end, the Longhorns come out on top with a Matt Meyer ’25 basket with a mere two seconds left on the clock. Inside the University of Dayton arena, Longhorn players, coaches, cheerleaders, fans, families, and faculty/ administrators cheer wildly. Back north in Rocky River, a group of Longhorn supporters are watching the game live from a watch party at the school, organized for students, faculty, and staff.
Head Coach Jordan Duke recalls the moment he knew his team was headed for the championship game, an achievement that had never before been reached in Lutheran West history. “It was surreal,” says Coach Duke. “We all work so hard together all season, knowing that this is the moment we’re working toward but not knowing for sure that it’ll arrive. This time, it did. I told the kids after the game that their God-given talents, their resilience, their hard work, was all paying off—that they deserved to be in the final game.”
“I’m blessed to have been a player on the 2005 Lutheran East state championship team, and now coach for three more state titles.” - Lutheran East Head Coach Sam Liggins ’05
When the celebrations wane for the Longhorns, there’s another game on the Friday docket. Lutheran East is in the building, ready to take on their Division III semi-final matchup: the Harvest Prep Warriors (Canal Winchester, OH). The Falcons soar past the Warriors in a 65-44 victory, securing their spot in the final matchup on Sunday. Led by Lutheran East cheerleaders and faculty members, the Falcon spirit is palpable throughout the game. Lutheran West players and coaches are also in the stands, supporting their fellow CLHSA team. Chris Steinmann commented, “It’s truly an unbelievable experience to see both of our schools represented in a state championship game on the same day. I’m incredibly proud of both teams, coaching staffs, and school communities. Although Lutheran East and Lutheran West are competitors if they face off during the regular season, both teams sat in the stands to support one another for their state tournament games, as did many faculty, staff, and families from both schools. That’s amazing to be a part of.” It’s Sunday, March 19, and both teams are preparing not only for game day—but for the overwhelming, emotional stage that is game day at the state finals. First up is the Division II state championship game, which pits the Longhorns against Akron Buchtel High School. At halftime, with a score of 30-27 favoring Lutheran West, and the large crowd inside The University of Dayton Arena is buzzing with nervous excitement. In final seconds that are truly heartbreaking, Lutheran West’s would-be game-tying buzzer beater gets video-reviewed and subsequently called off, and Buchtel takes the state title with a final score of 51-49. 9
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“Both teams sat in the stands to support one another for their state tournament games, as did many faculty, staff, and families from both schools. That’s amazing to be a part of.” - Chris Steinmann '00 Ryan Miller, Lutheran West Athletic Director, is crestfallen but proud. “At this level of play, playing for a state championship, it’s truly anyone’s game. We fought hard and were in it all the way; it just didn’t end in our favor. I’m beyond proud of the team and the coaches. Finishing the season as state runner-up is incredible and a moment in history for our school.” Later that day, Coach Sam Liggins LE’05 leads his team onto the hardwood to warm up for the Division III state championship game. For several players, it’s the third time in as many years taking the court in Dayton at the OHSAA state final game. In 2021, they took a trophy back to Mayfield Road. In 2022, they fell just short. They’re calling this 2023 Final Four appearance their “road to redemption.” A talented Ottawa-Glandorf (Ottawa, OH) joins them on the court and the Falcons open up a 30-21 lead going into the locker room at halftime. Lutheran East’s shooting accuracy and resilience enable them to capture the program’s fourth state title (2005, 2017, 2021, and 2023). Following the celebrations, Anthony Jones, Lutheran East Athletic Director, said “We did exactly what we set out to do this season— capture another state title and bring it back to
Lutheran East. It’s something special to see the hard work these kids put in all season pay off in such a huge way.” Assistant Superintendent Joe Gray, who has been with the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association for 15 years, is confident that our Lutheran school communities will once again be making a trip to Dayton in the coming years. “While we’re of course disappointed to come within a split second of possibly bringing two state championship trophies back to Cleveland instead of one, we’re so proud of both teams and beyond humbled to have had this amazing experience for our kids and for our schools. The state championship arena hasn’t seen the last of these two Lutheran schools from Northeast Ohio.”
The Lutheran East Falcons men’s varsity team 2023-2024 home opener is Wednesday, 12/6 at 7:30 PM (JV at 6:00 PM; Freshmen at 4:30 PM). The Lady Falcons’ home opener is 11/29 at 6:30 PM (JV at 5:00 PM) vs. Gilmour. The Lutheran West Longhorns men’s varsity team opens their 2022-2023 campaign against the Trinity Trojans on Friday, 12/1 (game time 7:00 PM; JV at 5:30 PM). The women’s varsity team will open their 2022-2023 season on the road against Independence on Monday, 11/27 at 6:30 PM. Full schedules can be found on the school websites at LutheranEast.org/Athletics and LutheranWest.com/Athletics.
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Christian Community in Practice How a Lutheran West staff member found the community she didn’t know was waiting for her in the United States.
Zeqine Yzeiraj didn’t know quite what to expect when emmigrating from her home in Albania to the United States. ‘Zecky,’ as her name has affectionately been transformed so that her new American friends and colleagues can more easily pronounce it, expected a culture adjustment when stepping off the plane. She expected—or least hoped—that she’d be able to carve out a life in this, the land of opportunity. What she didn’t expect was that she’d almost immediately find a caring community of people that helped her adjust to her new life in America, with everything from employment to English language lessons to the path to U.S. citizenship. That community was Lutheran West. Zecky had been working in the ‘MedWest’ Building adjacent to Lutheran West when the building was set to be demolished. That’s when John Ragland, Lutheran West’s Director of Facilities, hired Zecky as a member of the facilities management team at West. “She spoke almost no English,” John says. “And I was certainly not fluent in Albanian. But we communicated in any way we could manage. She was diligent and hard-working, and I valued her contribution to our team from the beginning. I would often pick her up for work in the morning, as she did not have a vehicle. I began to learn about her—her life in Albania, her family, her faith, and her hopes to become an American citizen. I knew that God was urging me to help her achieve that goal in any way I could.” John began helping Zecky set up English language lessons and determine the steps to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. 12
“Then a really cool thing happened,” he says. The Lutheran West faculty and staff rallied around Zecky. They volunteered to stay after school to help her practice her English. Zecky says that, in particular, was extremely helpful because everyone has a unique manner of speaking. Some people speak more quickly than others; some people have slight accents; some people speak more quietly or more loudly. Having the opportunitiy to practice listening to and speaking with a wide variety of English speakers was crucial to her ability to pick up the language. Faculty and staff helped Zecky study for her U.S. citizenship test, and several of Zecky’s colleagues attended her naturalization ceremony. The entire school community proudly cheered during a Chapel service when John Ragland announced that Zecky had passed her test and was now a naturalized citizen of The United States of America. Zecky, who is a lifelong Christian, believes that God brought Lutheran West into her life. “I miss my family in Albania every single day,” she says. “But having my Lutheran West family makes my life so much easier.” Zecky has moved into a new apartment and her next goal is to be able to bring her husband from Albania to live with her here in the United States. She adds, “Iʼd like to express my thanks and gratitude for my nephew, Arlindo Ahmetaj, and his family, who also live in the United States and have been incredibly supportive of me.”
Lutheran Westʼs Middle School: Year One With the first year of middle school in the books, Lutheran West is serving more families than ever before.
On August 24, 2022, Lutheran West opened its doors to students in grades 6 through 8 for the very first time. Eighty students began school as the very first middle school Longhorns. The day included a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting, attended by Rocky River city officials including Mayor Pam Bobst and Chamber of Commerce staff members. Rev. Dr. David Buegler delivered the dedication speech. The addition of middle school allows Lutheran West to deliver quality Christcentered education to more families in Northeast Ohio. It also enables students to benefit from Luthearn West’s already-established academic, athletic, arts, and facility resources. The curriculum for grades 6-8 is designed to provide an immersive educational experience in which they take every course on their schedules―even electives― every day of the week. They are also able to take high school level coursework during their eighth grade year, preparing them more fully for Lutheran West’s high school curriculum and positioning them to be able to accommodate AP courses, College Credit Plus courses, and more electives into their schedules as high schoolers. With the addition of middle schoolers also came the addition of middle school faculty. Lutheran West now employs 7 full-time faculty members dedicated to middle school classes, as well as a full-time School Counselor for middle school students and families. Although the middle school joins the long history and traditions of Lutheran West, administration has worked to ensure that it has its own culture and traditions, too. Head of School Joel Bahr says, “We’re incorporating middle school experiences into the curriculum, like 6th Grade Camp in the fall. We’re also working to add more and more athletic, arts, service, and leadership opportunities for middle schoolers. We also know that middle school aged students have unique needs—academically, sociallly, emotionally, and more— compared to their high school counterparts.” 13
Greetings from Lutheran East! The 2022-2023 school year, shaped by the “Faith & Future” building campaign and project, was remarkable in so many ways. The “Faith & Future” moniker reminds me of God’s faithfulness, and, throughout the year, this phrase took on a deeper meaning for me and for Lutheran East as we encountered various challenges and embraced new opportunities. “Faith & Future” is a simple phrase that is rich with meaning for our school community, and in that context, I’m excited to share some of the highlights from the 2022-2023 school year with you. Let’s start with the plans. The planning, when it came to the largest campaign and building project in our school’s history, started long before there were any visible signs of construction. Isn't that how it is in faith and in life? We often find that God was at work in our hearts long before our lives brought forth its fruit. At Lutheran East we start each new year with a day of orientation for our new students. Our new Falcons are a nervous teenage combination of fear and confidence. Some students have a long-term plan, and for others their long-term planning ends at lunch. Many of our new Falcons are excelling in the classroom, in the choir loft, or on the athletic field long before walking our halls at Lutheran East. Others are looking to take small steps towards growth. We don’t know what the future holds, but we are confident that God is faithful and is at work in the plans that led them to attend Lutheran East. I have a clear picture of what Lutheran East looked like when construction really got going on the “Faith & Future” project. Picture this: the windows and exterior facade along Mayfield Road were all but removed. It looked like our building was closer to being knocked down than it was to being transformed through renovation. Again, isn’t that how it is in life and in faith? Our students, committed to academic, social, and spiritual growth, can sometimes look like they’re under construction as they take steps towards becoming the men and women God has created them to be. Thankfully, God has given us eyes to see beyond the dust of construction and on to the new creation. It was in mid and late summer when the visible signs of a renovated Lutheran East began to emerge as new windows were installed, the facade upgraded, lighting added, trees planted, and masonry repaired. Time and hard work leads to transformation! That’s a truth that our students know deeply. Change happens incrementally, sometimes it’s imperceptibly slow, often it’s marked by starts and stops, and it certainly doesn’t follow a linear path. However, when we stick with the plan, work diligently to overcome the obstacles in front of us, and press on towards the goal, we get to see the results of the growth that we’ve worked tirelessly to bring about. For me, it’s not a picture of a building that comes to mind, but rather a picture of the Class of 2023 that emerges, 72 graduates strong, equipped for the next step in life! Renovating an old building and educating a young person have some real parallels. Thank you for your role in both of those endeavors. Your support of our school and our students through your gifts of time and money, your prayers of thanksgiving and supplication, and your words of encouragement and care have made a huge difference in the life of Lutheran East and in all the lives that Lutheran East touches. God is at work in Algebra class on the first day of school, in the Dominican Republic on our annual mission trip, on the basketball court for early morning practice, in the auditorium for our times of worship, and in the graduation cheers of commencement. That’s Lutheran East. That’s the 2022-23 school year. That’s Faith & Future. In Christian Service, ANDREW PRUSINSKI Principal, Lutheran East 14
Please scan the QR code to the right to learn more or make a gift to the ongoing Faith & Future capital campaign:
SCHOOL NEWS
Year in Athletics: 2022-2023 Fall 2022 Season The Falcon Volleyball team finished the Fall 2022 season with a notable improvement upon the previous year. With a record of 8-14, the team earned more wins than in the past two seasons combined. In Football, the young Falcon team of many freshmen finished the season 4-6, looking forward to building upon their experience in the next few years.
Winter 2022-2023 Season The Girls’ Basketball team finished with a 10-14 record. They won a playoff game (the sectional final) against Beaumont, finishing their season with a loss to St. Vincent St. Mary in the district semi-finals. For a season that was riddled with injuries, their relative success was commendable. The Boys’ Basketball program took its 7th consecutive trip to the State Final Four Tourament and earned its 4th state championship in school history (2005, 2017, 2021, 2023). Their overall record was 22-5. Two graduating seniors are now playing at the collegiate level: Nelson Johnson Jr. signed with Central Georgia Tech and Cody Head signed with Division I Lipscomb University. Jesse McCulloch ’24, returning for the 2023-2024 season, committed to Michigan State University. The Falcon Cheerleading program provided school spirit and energy at fall and winter athletic contests, including making the trip once again to Dayton, filling the arena with Falcon spirit for the State Final Four men’s basketball tournament.
For more information & updates regarding Falcon Athletics, please visit us at LutheranEast.org/Athletics and follow our school and teams on social media.
Spring 2023 Season In Track & Field, a Lutheran East school record was broken in the 4x100 relay by a team of Marie Gray ’26, Taylor Gray ’26, Imani Robinson ’23, Zariya Carmichael ’25. Their new record is a time of 0:51.91. Regional qualifiers in individual events were Imani Robinson (100m and 200m) and Hunter Forte ’24 (400m).
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Greetings from Lutheran West! Fall, to me, means a season of giving thanks and reflecting on what God has provided in my own life, in the lives of my loved ones, in the lives of our students, and in the trajectory of our school. This fall, there’s so very much to be thankful for. In my own life, I feel so blessed to now be serving as Principal and Head of School at Lutheran West. Having grown up in Northeast Ohio, I am relishing the opportunity to establish roots and community for my own family here. I am blessed each day to come to work and be surrounded by faith-filled colleagues, students, and members of Lutheran West’s wide network of alumni and friends. In the lives of my loved ones, I am thankful to work and serve alongside my wife, Jade, and my father-in-law, Tom, both of whom work for Lutheran West and Lutheran East. I am filled with joy at seeing my children thrive in their Lutheran grade school, discover the amazing things in and about Cleveland, and make friends who may someday join them as Longhorns. I am most thankful for the blessings in the lives of our students—students who come to Lutheran West from a multitude of backgrounds, and who care for one another in Christian community inside and outside the walls of our school. Lutheran West is a blessing in the lives of each and every one of them. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing how God uses Lutheran West to transform their lives and to set them on a path for success and fulfillment. Finally, I am awestruck at the blessings in the direction of Lutheran West. The current school year (2023-2024) marks the largest student body in school history with 673 students in grades 6-12, with 557 high schoolers and 116 middle schoolers. To serve them, we also have the largest faculty and staff in school history, with 86 members. Because of this amazing growth, we’re in the midst of a large-scale building expansion made possible through the Forward in Faith capital campaign. Through the faithfulness of so many people throughout the school’s long history, we’re now in a position to grow our school like never before. The expansion that has been underway this year is the largest facilities expansion in school history, and by the time it is complete, Lutheran West will not only be able to accommodate 900 students in grades 6-12, but will also be able to provide those students with state-of-the-art spaces that facilitate learning, exploration, and growth. I invite you to scan the QR code below to learn more about the Forward in Faith capital campaign. I would also be happy to take you on a tour of the building, so that you can see the renovation and expansion taking shape. Blessings to you and your family, JOEL S. BAHR Principal and Head of School Lutheran West 16
SCHOOL NEWS
Year in Arts: 2022-2023 Vocal Music
Lutheran West vocal music students in Bel Canto, Chorale, and Middle School Choir held three concerts during the 2022-2023 school year. Choral groups additionally performed offsite at the CLHSA Christmas Brunch in December (a combined performance with Lutheran East's Schola Cantorum select choir group) and at Cedar Point's Festival of Music in May, where the Chorale earned a 'Superior' award. Bel Canto led chapel worship every other week throughout the school year and led worship at Sunday services for Shorehaven Lutheran, Messiah Lutheran and Bridge City churches on Sundays during the second semester.
Instrumental Music
Student musicians played and performed in 4 instrumental groups in 2022-2023, including Marching Band, Concert Band, Middle School Band, and Beginning Band. Instrumental groups showcased their talents at the Winter Concert in December, the Festival of Bands in March, and the Pops Concert in May.
Visual Arts
The 2022-2023 school year saw the most studio/visual arts courses ever offered at Lutheran West. Students at the high school level could choose from 11 courses, while middle school students selected from 3 course offerings. Students continue to develop original, creative work through a variety of media. 15 students entered the Lakewood Rotary Club/Beck Center Annual Art Show in the spring. Lexi Miles ’23 won an award for the second year in a row. She and numerous others went on to study visual art at the college level. The Art Department also added a second full-time art teacher, Marissa Adams ’08, after Chelsea Britt ’08, who has been our Graphic Design teacher for the last 4 years, moved on to a full-time ministry position. The Art Department continues to grow both in the number of students that participate and the depth of study.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Year in Arts: 2022-2023 Drama Lutheran West Drama enjoyed another successful year in 2022-2023, with over 80 students participating in the drama program, including middle schoolers. The fall play, Clue On Stage [ High School Edition ], was a humorous take on the classic murder mystery board game. The show was unique in the history of Lutheran West Drama in that every role was double-cast, meaning that there were two distinct casts who each performed two of the four dates during the November 2022 show weekend. Immediately after the wrap of Clue, Drama students began preparing for the spring musical, The Music Man. Between set construction and design, costume design and creation, lighting and sound, and more, behind-the-scenes crews worked diligently all winter to prepare the stage and backstage for a successful production. The large cast and crew successfully performed the musical on four show dates in late March/early April. The Music Man earned Lutheran West five Dazzle Awards nominations. The Dazzle Awards is a program of Playhouse Square that recognizes excellence in musical theater in Northeast Ohio, with nominations/winners in twelve categories selected by a panel of independent judges who attend the productions in person. Lutheran West’s 2023 nominations were: Best Choreography Execution, Best Costume Design, Best Ensemble/Chorus, Best Supporting Actress (Rebecca Leist ’24 as Eulalie McKecknie Shinn), and Best Supporting Actor (Jacob Rentas ’23 as Marcellus Washburn). Through the Dazzle Awards program, Lutheran West student thespians also had the opportunity to participate in workshops, master classes, dance/choreography intensives, and more with professional stage actors, voice coaches, and choreographers.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Year in Athletics: 2022-2023 Fall 2022 Season The Longhorn varsity Football team went 9-2 in the regular season, securing the Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC) Metro Division Championship for the second season in a row. Making it to the 2nd round of playoffs, this was the furthest any football team in school history has gone. Richard Luecke ’23 earned CVC Metro Division Offensive Player of the Year; Head Coach John Parrella earned CVC Metro Division Coach of the Year. CVC First Team Offense recognition was earned by Richard Luecke ’23, Eric Willard ’24, Erik Morales ’24, and Lamar Scott ’23. CVC First Team Defense honors went to JoJo Ravenel ’24, Eli Burns ’23, Greg Fuentes ’24, and DQ Bradley ’25. Varsity Volleyball had a record of 19-4, finishing 2nd in the CVC Metro Conference. First Team league recognition was earned by Sophia Simon ’24. Morgan Morely ’24 and Paige Schiedemantel ’24 earned Second Team recognition, while league Honorable Mention honors went to Ary Garcia ’24. In Women’s Soccer, the Longhorns finished the season 2-12-1. CVC First Team recognition was earned by Sydney Holliday ’24. Longhorns Men’s Soccer went 12-6. Head Coach Joe Jovanovski was named Greater Cleveland and All Ohio Private School Coach of the Year. Braden Lamb ’23 was named CVC Metro Division Player of the Year, plus was named to Division II All Ohio Second Team. In the CVC, First Team honors went to Braden Lamb ’23 (also Greater Cleve-
land First Team), Aiden Schultz ’23 (Greater Cleveland First Team), Carter Stanazcyk ’24 (Greater Cleveland Second Team), and Evan King ’25 (Greater Cleveland Honorable Mention). CVC Second Team honors went to Carter Bonacci ’24 (Greater Cleveland Honorable Mention), Jacob Bacho ’24 (Greater Cleveland Honorable Mention), and Moe Oubassa ’23. CVC Honorable Mention recognition was given to Nate Zbozien ’24 and Christian Ramos ’24. The Men’s Golf team earned several league recognitions, including CVC Second Team for Eric Dill ’24, Ray Pavlick ’26, and Trey Kemper ’26; CVC Honorable Mention for Anthony Coray ’23 and JJ Hughes ’25. The Women’s Golf and Men’s and Women's Cross Country teams enjoyed rewarding fall seasons, competing throughout Northeast Ohio. Fall Cheerleading provided leadership in school spirit at football games and throughout the school community.
Winter 2022-2023 Season With a 2nd place finish in the District, Men’s Bowling advanced to the OHSAA Division II State Tournament where they finished 4th in the state. Season Record 13-2. Finished 2nd in the Division II North Shore Bowling
Conference. Senior JT Maslanich finished with the league top average of 228. Advanced as a team to the State Tournament for the first time in school history. Finished 4th in the state as a team at the Division II level. Women’s Bowling finished 5th in the Division II North Shore Bowling Conference with a record of 10-7. Led by Sky Zavatsky ’23 with an average of 160, game high of 231.
SCHOOL NEWS
Year in Athletics: 2022-2023 Winter 2022-2023 Season, continued The varsity Women’s Basketball team had a season record of 5-8. In the CVC, 2nd Team honors went to Aliciana Medina ’26 and Honorable Mentions to Ava Adya ’27 and Ce Grant ’24. The team captured second place in the Brookside Invitational at the beginning of the season. Men’s Basketball had its winningest season in school history, finishing with a record of 25-4. They also advanced further than any other men’s basketball team in school history, finishing the season as OHSAA State Runner Up. The Longhorns captured the District Championship, then with a subsequent 53-37 victory over Van Wert for the Regional Championship, the Longhorns secured a spot in the State Final Four in Dayton. In a tight game, they then won the state semi-final vs. Dayton’s Chaminade Julienne and battled back and forth with Akron Buchtel until the last seconds of the state final game.
Other notable wins included victories against St. Ignatius, Mentor, Sandusky, Ottawa Glandorf, and Gilmour. Head Coach Jordan Duke was named CVC Metro Coach of the Year. Jayson Levis ’24 was named CVC Metro Player of the Year, First Team All District, and Division II Second Team All Ohio. Derek Fairley ’24 earned First Team All District and Division II Second Team All Ohio. Levis and Fairely were both also named to the CVC Metro First Team. Matthew Meyer ’25 earned CVC Metro Second Team and All District Honorable Mention. Joshua Meyer ’25 earned CVC Metro Honorable Mention and All District Honorable Mention. Dylan Bartchak ’24 was recognized with CVC Metro Honorable Mention. Men’s Wrestling had a dual meet season record of 6-10. They won an exciting “Dual in the School” match versus Rocky River 36-30 with a pin at heavyweight by Carter Sanborn ’23. Five wrestlers placed at the sectional tournament, with Wes Larson ’25 and Luca Mead ’24 becoming District Alternates. Nemo Sanderfer ’24 was named 1st Team CVC Metro Division.
Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Longhorn Athletes of the Year: Catie Kerr '23 - Women's Wrestling JT Maslanich '23 - Bowling
For Longhorn Athletics information, schedules, and sponsorship/advertising opportunities, visit LutheranWest.com/Athletics and follow Lutheran West Athletics on social media: @LW_Athletics on X / Twitter @lw_athletics_ig on Instagram
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In Women’s Wrestling, the team had a 6-0 dual meet record. They too won the “Dual in the School” match versus Avon Lake (39-30). They finished in the Top 10 in seven tournaments including runner-up finishes at The Lady Longhorn and The Lady Viking Tournaments. Catie Kerr ’23, Nat Rodriguez ’23, and Paris Willis ’24 qualified for the OHSAA State Tournament. Senior Catie Kerr set the school record for most takedowns in a season (48) and career (116), fastest pin (:15), most pins in a season (33) and a career (70), most wins in a season (42) and most wins in a career (93). Junior Paris Willis was named a Cleveland.com All-Star. The team won the OHSWCA All-Ohio Academic Award with a cumulative GPA of 3.67; seniors Catie Kerr and Nat Rodriguez were named Academic All-Ohio. The wrestling program is also thrilled to share that the future of the sport is bright, as Cali Otero ’28 was the Ohio state champion at the junior high school level and is looking to defend her title in the 2023-2024 season!
Spring 2023 Season The Longhorn Women’s Track and Field team finished 5th at the CVC Championships. 2nd Team (Shot Put) went to Madelyn Jenkins ’24; 2nd Team (Discus) to Marin Roshkowski ’25.
In Men’s Track and Field, the team finished 4th at the CVC Championships. Richard Luecke ’23 earned 1st Team (Shot Put). 2nd Team honors went to Luke Donahue ’24 (800M), Alexander Vangelos ’24 (4x100M Relay), Anthony Vangelos ’23 (4x100M Relay), J’Leon Isom ’25 (4x100M Relay), Brandon Southgate ’23 (Long Jump), and Richard Luecke ’23 (Discus). The varsity Softball team finished their season 3rd in the conference with a record of 7-7 overall and 2-4 in conference play. CVC accolades went to Leslie Sullivan ’24 (1st Team), Larissa Sullivan ’24 (Second Team), Emmy Hayes ’26 (Honorable Mention), and Giselle Cedeño ’23 (Honorable Mention). The varsity Baseball team finished the season with a record of 6-3 (8-2 in conference play), earning a 2nd place finish in the conference. Conference honors went to Adam Flachbart ’24 (1st Team), Bryce Groppe ’24 (First Team), Steven Alferink ’26 (1st Team), Eric Dill ’24 (2nd Team), and Jacob Montagu ’25 (Honorable Mention). Division II All-District honors were also awarded to Eric Dill and Adam Flachbart. 21
180 Graduates in the Class of 2023
In May 2023, the CLHSA celebrated the commencements for 180 graduates of Lutheran East and Lutheran West. 72 graduates received diplomas from Lutheran High School East in a graduation ceremony held on May 18 at Second Ebenezer Baptist Church. The graduation speaker was Mrs. Jennifer Carter, M.S., Lutheran East Class of 1990 and 2023 inductee into the school’s Distinguished Alumni. Mrs. Carter is the founder of Biashara, Inc., the parent company to Oak Tree Learning Centers, an acclaimed educational organization that supports students and parents, particularly in disenfranchised communities. She is a published author and speaker. The class speakers were Haniyyah Walls and Davion Fitzpatrick. The Class of 2023 chose a verse from Colossians 2:6-7 to inspire their class theme: “Rooted in Christ. Growing in faith.” Congratulations to Lutheran East’s newest alumni! At Lutheran West’s commencement on May 26 at Grace Church in Middleburg Heights, 108 graduates received diplomas. The graduation speaker was Ms. Charlene A. Coughlin, Lutheran West Class of 2001 and 2023 inductee into the Lutheran West Distinguished Alumni. Ms. Coughlin, who is now President and Partner at TWIST Creative, one of Cleveland’s premier marketing and advertising agencies, spoke to the class about how Lutheran West will always be ‘home.’ Student addresses were given by the two Christian Stewardship Award winners: Jaipaul Singh and Noelle Hanchuk. Principal Michael Waugh ’02, ending his tenure as Principal, delivered a farewell address.
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On Saturday, October 14, 2023, the CLHSA’s annual OMNIA fundraising gala was held at the Hilton downtown. OMNIA’s purpose is to gather together supporters and friends of the CLHSA and our schools. Proceeds from the event directly benefit our students and programs.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI 2023 At OMNIA, the 2023 class of Distinguished Alumni were inducted. Those who received the honor are:
Guests enjoyed a live band, food and beverages, a silent auction, remarks from school leadership regarding each school’s capital campaigns and renovation projects, and commemoration of the CLHSA’s 75th anniversary. Members of the Class of 2023 Distinguished Alumni, who were recognized at OMNIA, are listed below in alphabetical order by last name: Jennifer (Brown) Carter LE’90 received her BS from Wittenberg University and MS from Neumann College. Prior to her career, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer English teacher in Kenya. She founded Biashara, Inc., the parent company to Oak Tree Learning Centers, an acclaimed educational organization that supports students and parents, particularly in disenfranchised communities. Carter serves on several boards and committees, is a published author, and holds seminars for educators and business owners. Lutheran East was blessed to have her as its commencement speaker for the Class of 2023’s graduation. Jennifer is married to Leighton Carter, a fellow Lutheran East classmate, and they reside in Southern California. Charlene A. Coughlin LW’01 attended Bluffton College, studying Communications, Marketing, and PR. She has had a notable career in marketing and advertising, working for some of Cleveland’s premier agencies. Charlene is President & Partner at TWIST Creative. She is an expert in verticals including B2B, B2C, retail, education, nonprofit & community organizations, and more. She has been named an Adweek Executive Mentee and Woman Trailblazer, and is a speaker/ voice writer for Adweek. Charlene has served as Vice President of Programming for the American Advertising Federation Cleveland, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Lutheran West Operating Board as well as Chair of the OMNIA committee. Charlene was the commencement speaker at the Lutheran West graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023.
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Mrs. Jennifer Carter LE’90
Ms. Charlene Coughlin LW’01
Mr. Clyde Elbrecht LE’63
Dr. Arlene Nash Hayne Dr. James Heidmann LW’82 LW’67
Mrs. Viola Hessler LE’74
Mr. Mark Minnick LW’70
Mr. Jonathan Reitz LE’85
Mr. Greg Steinberg LW’91
Col. Ronald Schwachenwald LHS’56
Dr. Micah Wells LE’07
To read extended biographies for each Distinguished Alumnus (this class along with all previous), visit the Distinguished Alumni pages of our school websites:
LutheranWest.com/ DistinguishedAlumni
LutheranEast.org/ DistinguishedAlumni
Clyde Elbrecht LE’63 attended Kent State University and later earned his graduate degree from Wheaton College. Elbrecht worked for Campus Crusade for Christ and The Billy Graham Association, focusing on teen and high school ministry, starting ministries overseas and facilitating technology for the Gospel to be heard around the world. Subsequently, Elbrecht was called to business and—through his ventures— aims to use his business success and resources to give back through ministry. Elbrecht and his family and employees offer ministry and practical assistance to organizations throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Dr. Arlene (Nash) Hayne LW’67 has had an incredible career in nursing and healthcare administration. She is a graduate of the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing, the University of Cincinnati with her BSN, and the University of Alabama with her MSN and PhD. She has managed emergency rooms, ICUs, and nursing staffs numbering 300+. Dr. Hayne is the author of textbooks and industry publications, and has been a sought-after consultant for hospitals and other organizations on strategic planning, leadership development, organizational assessment, and education. She was an esteemed professor of Nursing Administration at Samford University in Alabama. Dr. James Heidmann LW’82 holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo, a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, and a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Heidmann is the Chief of NASA’s Turbomachinery Branch, leading a $300 million annual investment by NASA in development of air vehicle technology. He is the author of 20+ published research papers/journal articles on aircraft engine turbomachinery. He was named Fellow of the American Society of Mechnical Engineers, and received Purdue University’s Outstanding Mechanical Engineer award. Dr. Heidmann is an accomplished marathon and half-marathon runner. Viola Hessler LE’74 attended Valparaiso University, earning a degree in Accounting. She worked for the accounting firm Peat Marwich (currently KPMG), and served as a manager in the mortgage banking division at TransOhio Savings Bank. Viola became a dedicated mother to four children and impactful member of the Lutheran community in Northeast Ohio. She spent years serving on the CLHSA Board of Directors and the schools in other capacities, such as in the drama department, in the CLHSA office, and as a Moms in Prayer leader. She has given her time and talent to Bethany Lutheran, serving as the Director of Christian Education and pioneering the church’s children’s programs.
Mark Minnick LW’70 attended Concordia Junior College (Ann Arbor) and Concordia Senior College (Fort Wayne). He built a successful career in the manufacturing industry, and his business entities now operate four manufacturing facilities and five distribution centers in Indiana/Northeast Illinois. In the 1990s, Mark earned a Masters of Divinity from The Lutheran School of Theology and established two not-for-profit entities in the Fort Wayne area: an entertainment music venue and a ministry program called Come2Go Ministries. His work in ministry is focused on outreach and taking action to serve others. Jonathan Reitz LE’85 is the CEO and Director of Education at FLUXIFY in Cleveland, which provides coaching development and training for individuals and organizations. He is a member of the International Coaching Federation, and through the IFC, he holds industry certifications and serves on the organization’s Artificial Intelligence task force. He has been a sought-after speaker at industry events and conferences. Prior to his current endeavors, Jonathan enjoyed a career in radio and television. He is active in church ministry (locally and nationwide) and serves as a member of the board of Building Hope in the City. Colonel Ron Schwachenwald LHS’56 is a graduate of the original Lutheran High School (downtown). After graduating from the University of Tampa with a degree in Business, Ron entered the United States Army and served our nation for 35 years. His impactful projects with the Department of Defense and in other notable assignments are too numerous to count. He is a decorated veteran with an incredible number of awards and achievements. Ron has worked as a civilian in government, non-profit, business, and community organizations. He has been a consultant for both for-profit and non-profit organizations in Northeast Ohio and generously gives his time and insight to community, civic, and veterans’ affairs organizations. The CLHSA commmunity thanks Ron and his family for their service to our country.
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Gregory Steinberg LW’91 is a graduate of Cleveland State University with his BS in Finance and an MBA. His notable professional career included serving as the Chief Financial Officer for Cleveland-based American Greetings. He has been a speaker and consultant in the finance and banking industry, covering topics such as strategy, leadership, and capital allocation. After American Greetings, Gregory shifted his focus and now teaches business courses at the University of Akron and John Carroll. He is a dedicated and involved Lutheran community member, having served on boards and committees for Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries and the CLHSA (currently as President). Gregory also serves on the boards of FM Global (one of the world’s largest commercial property insurance firms) and the Cleveland Triathlon Club. Dr. Micah Wells LE’07 excelled academically and athletically at Lutheran East and was a member of the school’s first state championship basketball team in 2005. He attended Tennessee State University, where he studied Health Sciences and Therapeutic Studies and subsequently earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Howard University. Dr. Wells lives and works in Washington, DC, where he is the founder and CEO of The Micah Touch Sports Performance and Physical Therapy Services. His focus is on improving the overall athletic performance and recovery of athletes at all levels. Dr. Wells is the Vice President of the American Physical Therapy Association’s DC chapter.
Thank you to the 2023 OMNIA Planning Committee: Charlene Coughlin LW’01 (Committee Chair, Lutheran West Operating Board Member); Debi Albrecht LW’85 (Lutheran West Alumni Director; Loretta Childs (Lutheran East Alumni Director); Teri Gonska; (CLHSA Staff); Joe Gray (CLHSA Assistant Superintendent); Rebecca Jabs (Lutheran East Faculty); Ashley Koza (CLHSA Director of Development); Jessica Miller (CLHSA Director of Communications & Marketing); Ruth Ninke LW’65; Jena Olsen (CLHSA Staff); Judy Pflaum (Lutheran West Staff); Miranda Pflaum LW’15 (Lutheran West Vice Principal of Admissions & Enrollment)
OMNIA 2023 SPONSORS & ADVERTISERS: Diamond Sponsor:
Centerpiece Sponsor:
Valet Sponsor:
Bar Sponsor:
BeaconPoint Financial
75TH ANNIVERSARY FILM & GALLERIES At the OMNIA fundraising gala, guests viewed the premiere of a short film commemorating the 75th anniversary of the CLHSA and its schools. The film was researched, edited, and produced by Christian James LW’23, a budding filmographer and content creator. Christian developed his love for filmography and storytelling while a student at Lutheran West. With the help of Lutheran West’s Senney Enterprises Business & Entrepreneurship Academy, Christian formed his own LLC entitled “Chris the Creatorr” (find him at @christhecreatorr) and is now building his business while studying filmography at Tri-C. Also in commemoration of 75 years, OMNIA attendees viewed display boards highlighting a sampling of yearbook photos from each decade of our history. Galleries containing these photos are also available for online viewing. View the 75th anniversary video created by Christian James ’23 and the "decade by decade" photo galleries at CLHSA.org/CLHSAat75 or scan the QR code to the left.
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DEVELOPMENT NE WS
FORWARD IN FAITH More students. More opportunities.
Campaign Numbers:
30,000 square feet of building space being added
3
new STEM labs, which will be the hub of the STEM Academy
15
new classrooms / academic spaces to accommodate enrollment growth
Building expansion to accommodate up to
900
students in grades 6-12 Conceptualization of
3
new Centers of Excellence: the Senney Enterprises Business & Entrepreneurship Academy*, The Arts Conservatory, and the STEM Academy
“Forward in Faith is a result of extensive research, planning, and prayer. The time is now to undertake this large-scale project so that we can position Lutheran West to expand its ministry and serve more students. ” - Chris Steinmann '00, Superintendent & CEO
“The building expansion is well underway, but the capital campaign will be ongoing—Lutheran West needs its community to learn more about the expansion plans and prayerfully consider a campaign gift." - Ashley Koza, Director of Development
* Launched in 2022
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DEVELOPMENT NE WS
“Upgrading and modernizing our facilities only has positive effects on our students and faculty. Modern, bright, comfortable spaces ensure that students and faculty are excited to come to school and eager to learn together.” - Andrew Prusinski, Lutheran East Principal
“While the renovations are complete, fulfillment of the project's financial needs stands at 65% completion. With your help, we can reach the finish line of this important project! Lutheran East needs you— its community of faithful supporters—to complete the capital campaign.” - Ashley Koza, Director of Development
Campaign Numbers:
100% 100% 919
of windows replaced (from original 1958 windows), leading to improved regulation of building temperatures, reduced noise from outdoors, and a modern exterior aesthetic
of the building air conditioned, equipped with an increased power supply, and outfitted with energy efficient lighting
linear feet (100%) of the building's exterior facade refaced, creating a new modern exterior look
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foot-long illuminated sign denoting "Lutheran High School East"
65% completion of campaign's financial needs
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FINANCIAL REPORT
The financial data below reflects the operations of our schools for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. 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 2023.
Revenues & Expenses Employee Retention Credit 9.4%
Management & General 9.1%
Fundraising 1.5%
Investment Income 8.3% Other 1.2%
Program Services 89.4%
Tuition & Fees 44.9%
Government Aid 16.4% Apportionment 1.1% Tuition & Fees 18.7% Tuition & Fees Contributions Apportionment Government Aid Other Investment Income Employee Retention Credit TOTAL REVENUES
Stay Connected
$9,164,164 $3,821,984 $219,466 $3,340,266 $246,128 $1,702,224 $1,888,496 $20,382,728
Don’t miss news and updates from the CLHSA, Lutheran East, and Lutheran West! @CLHSA @LutheranEast.org @LutheranWest @TheCLHSA @LutheranEast @LutheranWest @CLHSA @LutheranEast @Lutheran_West
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Program Services Management & General Fundraising TOTAL EXPENSES
$13,747,017 $1,390,528 $232,827 $15,370,372
Philanthropy Report July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
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. We remain deeply grateful to the thousands of alumni, partners, employees, friends, foundations, and businesses that chose to make a difference during the past 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!
Contributions This listing represents all contributions received from July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023.
Individuals Dr. Jayna E. Adams Dr. Rob Adams Mr. Bruce E. Albers Mr. Martin L. Albert Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Albrecht Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Albrecht, Jr. Mr. Keith A. Anderson Ms. Nancy E. Anderson Ms. Lori A. Anthony Lt. and Mrs. Douglas W. Apelt Mr. Mark R. Apelt Mr. Joe Aquilia Erin Arbeznik Mrs. Barbara J. Arther, RN CMCN Mr. and Mrs. Walter R. Avdey Mr. and Mrs. Joel Bahr Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Balk Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ball Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Balla Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth Ballas Mr. Noel S. Bartlett Ms. Sandra L. Baumann
Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Becker Mr. and Mrs. Randy Behm Mrs. Eldora Behning Mr. Eric Bell Mr. Sean Bell Ms. Amanda Bell Mr. Leonard Benko Mr. and Mrs. Scott Berghaus Mrs. Irma Berghaus Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Bernd Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey R. Black Mr. and Mrs. Corbin Blackburn Mr. and Mrs. John R. Blackburn Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Blackburn Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blodgett Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. Boerger Mr. and Mrs. Roger Boone Dr. and Mrs. Werner K. Boos Mr. and Mrs. David R. Bowers Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Brauer Ms. Diane R. Brueggemann Dr. and Mrs. Paul Bruhn Mr. Benjamin Bruns Rev. and Mrs. David D. Buegler Dr. Alexander Bules Mr. Simon B. Burce Mr. Stephen Byrne and Ms. Robin Ratliff Mr. and Mrs. Jack L. Caldwell Mrs. Carolyn Calhoun
Let’s Chat. Ashley Koza, CLHSA Director of Development akoza@clhsa.org 440-356-7155 As Director of Development, I work with those who want to make a difference by to giving back to the CLHSA, Lutheran East, and/or Lutheran West. Donors often have questions. I'll help walk you through your individual giving preferences and goals.
Mr. and Mrs. Joshua H. Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cappiello Mr. and Mrs. Tad Carper Ms. Helen Casselberry Ms. Carolyn Castle Ms. Lisa C. Chavers Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Childs Mrs. Loretta Childs Rev. Mandel Childs Rev. P. Mandel Childs Mrs. Nicole Chiles Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ciatti Ms. Beth A. Clapper Ms. Shirley Clark Ms. Timerra Coleman Mr. and Mrs. David K. Conrad Mr. and Mrs. Martin Cool III Dr. and Mrs. Richard Corradi Mr. and Mrs. Scott Courtney Mrs. Carol K. Cousins Mr. Morgan F. Cox Mr. Kevin Creutz Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Crosmer Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Crouse, Sr. Mr. Ricardo Crumble Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Culley Ms. Cindy Czarny Ms. Stefanie D'Angelo Mr. David Darmstadt Mr. and Mrs. James Darrow
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Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Davis Mr. and Mrs. Terrence Davis Mrs. Janet Davis Ms. JDʼAna Davis-Dillard Mr. Richard Day Mr. and Mrs. Craig Deppert Mr. Timothy B. Dewald Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Dey Mr. and Mrs. Neil H. Dickman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Difiore Mrs. Darlene Dimitrijevs Mr. and Mrs. Russ Dobos Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Downer Mr. William E. Drackenberg Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Duran Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Dzurick Ms. Ruth A. Eckart Ms. Bonnie Egan Mr. and Mrs. William Eickemeyer Rev. and Mrs. John Eiwen Mr. and Mrs. Walter K. Elbrecht Mr. David Elbrecht Mr. and Mrs. William C. Engelmann Mr. Arthur C. Engelmann Ms. Brittany Erdmann Mr. and Mrs. Aaron A. Esposito Dr. John P Fackler Mr. Thomas Farinacci Mr. and Mrs. William G. Fecht Mr. and Mrs. William R. Fecht Mr. Adam Felten Mr. and Mrs. James L. Fenske Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Fenske Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Fink Reverend and Mrs. Charles L. Fischer Mr. and Mrs. John D. Fish Rev. and Mrs. Keith L. Forni Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fronius Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Fuchs Mrs. Christina J. Garik Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gartman Mr. and Mrs. James W. Gaskell Mr. and Mrs. Carl B. Gehrman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gent Dr. and Dr. Gary Genzen Mr. and Mrs. Joel Gesch Mr. and Mrs. David Geye Ms. Kristen Geye Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gibbons Mr. Bruce W. Glawe Mr. Ronald G. Golem 32
Ms. Barbara L. Goodin Mr. and Ms. David Grafton Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gray Ms. Maria Gray Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Greve Mr. Donald Greve Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Grider Mr. and Mrs. Donald Griffin Mr. and Mrs. David S. Gutheil Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Haberhern Dr. and Mrs. Oliver Hackett Rev. and Mrs. Steven Hackmann Mr. Kevin Hagen Ms. Elizabeth A. Hagen Dr. and Mrs. Richard-James Hansen Mr. and Mrs. Lee E. Hass Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hasselbrack Mr. and Mrs. K. Dieter Hausmann Ms. Emilie Hausmann Mr. Van Hayne and Dr. Arlene Hayne Ms. Janet Hayward Mr. and Mrs. James Healy Dr. and Mrs. Kurt R. Heidmann Mr. and Mrs. Duane Hein Dr. Louise Hellwig Rev. and Mrs. Philip E. Hemke Mr. and Dr. Wolfgang Hemschik Ms. Linda Henderson Mr. and Mrs. David Hessler Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hessler Mrs. Esther Hildner Mr. Ken Hill Mr. and Mrs. Edward Himmelein Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Hink Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Hirsch,Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. Hofener Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Hubeler Mr. and Mrs. Jason Hughes Mr. and Mrs. George Hunt Ms. Amber Iwais Mr. David Jabs Ms. Joan Jabs Ms. Sarah Jabs Rev. Frederick Jabs Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Jackson Mrs. Ardis M. Janke Ms. Christina Jennings Ms. Catherine Jenny Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne D. Jobst Mrs. Emma Jochum Mr. Keith Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Jones
Mr. Anthony M. Jones Mr. Peter L. Jones Mr. and Mrs. David Jurgens Mrs. Christa Just Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Kaiser Mr. and Mrs. Miles Kanning Mr. and Mrs. George R. Kapitzky, CPA Mr. Roy Karp Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Kautzman Ms. Shirondah Keath Mr. and Mrs. John Kedzior Mr. and Mrs. Christopher A. Keller Mr. John Kellogg Ms. Jennifer Keppler Mr. and Dr. Issa Khouri Mr. James Kincaid Dr. and Mrs. Jack King Mr. and Mrs. Joseph King Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Kita Ms. Sherry Kita Mr. and Mrs. James H. Klann Mrs. Donita Klein Ms. Annette L. Klein Mr. and Mrs. Don Klingensmith Mr. and Mrs. William H. Knaggs Mr. Paul J. Knight Mr. and Mrs. Michael Korba Mr. and Mrs. George Koululias Mr. and Mrs. Ken Krauss Mr. and Mrs. H. John Kreinheder Mr. Kenneth Krubsack Mrs. Louise Krubsack Mr. and Mrs. Brian Kuhar Mrs. Barbara Kuhlman Mr. and Mrs. John R. Kunze Mr. Ralph Kunze Mr. Alan E. Kvatek Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Labus Mrs. Eunice K. Langner Mr. and Mrs. Roy B. Larks Mr. Robert W. Legg and Mrs. Chia-Fen Chen Mr. and Mrs. Dale Lehrke Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Lemke Mr. Scott Leu Mrs. Beverly Leu Ms. Rebecca Leu Mrs. Nicole Levy Mr. and Mrs. Marc Liese Mr. David Liese Ms. Dominique Lindsay Mr. and Mrs. Nils Lindstrom
Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Linenkugel Dr. Jason Linn Mrs. Jean K. Linn Mrs. Jeanne Livingood Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Longhenry Mr. Collin Lowry Mr. and Mrs. Randall W. Luecke Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Lyons Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Mack Ms. Kimberly-Marta Mack Ms. Shauna Mack Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Maechner Ms. Eleanor Maier Mr. Elliott L. Manke Mrs. Mary Anne Manlet Mr. and Mrs. Ronald P. Marinko Mr. Mark A. Marinko Dr. and Mrs. James W. Markworth Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Mather Mr. and Mrs. Richard Matlus Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mayo Mr. and Mrs. Frank McCormick Mr. and Mrs. John McDonnell Dr. Lawrence McNamee and Dr. Sharie McNamee Ms. Elaine McRee Mr. and Mrs. John C. Meerdink Ms. Barbara A. Meilander Dr. Arthur Miller Mr. and Mrs. Garry Miller Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Miller Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Minner Mr. and Mrs. Randolph R. Minnick Ms. Diane Mirola Rev. and Mrs. Jerry Mitchell Mr. John Moore Mr. and Mrs. Hart T. Morrison Mr. and Mrs. William R. Moses Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Mueller Mrs. Dineen E. Mueller Ms. Holly A. Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Myers Mrs. Barbara Myers Ms. Cynthia Nagy Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Naugle Mr. and Mrs. Dave Nemeth Dr. Leslie A. Netland Rev. and Mrs. Lance A. Netland Mr. Paul Neukirch Mrs. Kathy Neumann Mr. and Mrs. Philip Nicholson Mr. and Mrs. David Ninke Mr. Kenneth B. Novack
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Ochs Ms. Sara A. Ohmer Mr. and Mrs. William F. Osborn Mr. William Ott Mr. William Paganelli Mrs. Shirley Palur Mr. and Mrs. John F. Pangrace Mr. and Mrs. Theodore R. Pangrace Mrs. Caroline Pangrace Mrs. Louise Papsun Mr. and Mrs. Greg Parriman Mrs. Greta Pate Mrs. Ruth Paul Mr. Michael Pavelek Mr. and Mrs. William Pelger Mr. and Mrs. Dale Peterson Mr. Gabriel Petkac Mr. and Mrs. Frank Petroff 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 Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pongor Mr. and Mrs. Jim Potter Mr. Peter Powell Mr. and Mrs. Gary Preston Mr. and Mrs. Doug A. Primeau Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Prok Ms. Darine Prok Rev. and Mrs. Myron Prok Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Prusinski Mr. and Mrs. Karl F. Puls Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Purcell Mr. and Mrs. John H. Ragland Ms. Katherine Ramos Dr. and Mrs. John F. Raquet Mrs. Sharon Raquet Mr. John Rathje Mrs. Dorothy E. Raum Mr. and Mrs. Greg Raymer Mrs. Marilynn Rehley Mr. and Mrs. Warren Reid Mrs. Doris K. Reik Mr. and Mrs. David A. Reising Mr. Donald Reiss Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Reitz Mr. and Mrs. David Ressler The Rev. and Mrs. Jon Reusch Dr. and Mr. David Rice Mrs. Mary Kay Riggen Ms. Ingrid Rinker
Mr. and Mrs. John Ripich Mrs. Sarah Roark Mr. and Mrs. Michael Robertson Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Roekle Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Rolik Mr. and Mrs. John Rooney Mr. and Mrs. John Rosenberg Ms. Debra Roski Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Roth Mr. and Mrs. Ted Rothermel Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ruscher Mrs. Marilyn Scherler Mr. and Mrs. Theodore D. Schiffrik Dr. Richard C. Schiming and Dr. Patricia Hargrove Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schlifke Mr. and Mrs. Greg Schlotman Dr. and Mrs. Allan H. Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. James Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Schmidtke Ms. Rita Schnedler Mrs. Lori A. Schneider Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schnittger Mr. Kurt Schnittger Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Schoenbeck Mrs. Jean C. Schramke Ms. Jeanette L. Schroeder Colonel and Mrs. Ronald Schwachenwald Mr. August Secue, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Senney Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Senney, III Mr. Robert S. Shields Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Shimek Ms. Susan G. Shrader Mr. Margaret A. Shumate Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Silk Mr. and Mrs. Jay A. Simko Mr. and Mrs. Andy Slack Mrs. Nancy Smelko Mr. and Mrs. Phil Smith Ms. Celia Smith Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Spacek Mr. and Mrs. Seth Spiegel Mr. and Mrs. E. Robert Spletzer Mr. Richard Staimpel Mr. and Mrs. Brent J. Stehlik Mr. Arthur D. Stehlik Mr. and Mrs. Robert Steinberg Mr. Robert Steingass Mr. Roger Steinke Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Steinmann
33
Rev. and Mrs. Andrew Steinmann Mr. Darren Stephens Ms. Arlene B. Steuer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Stibrich Ms. Elaine A. Stockhaus Mr. Walter Stokes Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Stuckert Ms. Kinyatta Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Thomas Dr. Diman Todorov Ms. Christine Torek Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tornberg Rev. and Mrs. Allen R. Trapp Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Trausch Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Triplett Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Turnbull Mr. Jonathon Turner Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Uhle Mr. Joe Verciglio Mr. and Mrs. John T. Vetrovsky Ms. Judith Victor Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Volchko Mr. Christopher Vonhof 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. Michael Waugh Ms. Cheryl Wawrzyniak Mr. and Mrs. John Webb Ms. Bethany Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Carl K. Williams Mr. Jack Williams, Jr. Ms. Elizabeth Williams Ms. Christine Wills Mrs. Jean Wimer Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Winkelbauer Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Wise Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Wisnoskey Mr. Brian J. Wisnoskey Mr. and Mrs. William Witt, Jr. Ms. Karen Wittrock Mr. & Mrs. and Mrs. Dennis A. Wolf, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick L. Wolfe Ms. Ruth Woods Mrs. Phyllis J. Wulff Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Zehnder Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Zehnder Mr. Paul Zehnder Rev. and Mrs. Jon H. Zehnder Mrs. Kathryn A. Zetts 34
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Ziegan Mr. Thomas Zink and Rev. Beth Hewson Ms. Judith A. Zink Mr. and Mrs. Mark Zollos
Foundations, Corporations, and Organizations A&F Foot Care INC The Oliver W. and Emma W. Allen Scholarship Andreas Nielsen Trust Barnes Wendling CPAs, Inc. Bartelheim-Kirchner Brooks & Stafford Carey Construction Group LLC Cleveland Wealth Clum Creative Media, Inc. Community of Hope Community West Foundation Concordia University Ann Arbor Crossroads Foundation Educational Furniture Exit Planning Institute Full Faith Gospel Community Church Geauga Mechanical Gollwitzer Trust Henry and Shirley Scheuermann Memorial Fund Jochum-Moll Foundation Joshua and Caleb Leadership Center Lutheran Church Extension Fund Lutheran Church Extension Fund Ohio District The Nehring Family Foundation Malloy-Esposito Funeral Home & Crematory Messiah Lutheran Church Pete & Pete Container Service, Inc. Petros Homes Pierstorf College Fund Progressive Insurance Foundation Robert and Shirley Schmidt Fund Robert C. Leu Gift Fund The Kenneth W. Scott Foundation Sherwin Williams St. Paul Lutheran Church TDA - ThenDesign Architecture The Boeing Company The Fann Family Foundation The Gerhard Foundation, Inc.
The Huge Memorial Fund The Huntington National Bank The Jochum Charitable Foundation, Inc. The Jon and Isabelle Anderson Fund The Krill Co., Inc. The Laub Foundation The Robert and Richard Luecke Lutheran Scholarship Fund Thrivent Financial Thrivent Financial for Lutherans UBS Wallace and Irene Bronner Family Charitable Foundation West Side Roofing Wiemels-Hiros
Honor and Memorial Donations This listing represents all honor and memorial gifts received from July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023. IN HONOR OF
In honor of Ms. Kelly Conway Dr. Lawrence McNamee and Dr. Sharie McNamee In honor of Mr. James Fenske Mr. Simon B. Burce In honor of Mr. Donald Greve Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Greve In honor of Mr. David Hessler Community West Foundation Jochum-Moll Foundation In honor of Mr. David Jabs Ms. Joan Jabs In honor of Ms. Rebecca Jabs Ms. Joan Jabs In honor of Mr. Ralph Kunze Mr. and Mrs. John R. Kunze In honor of Mr. Ronald Marinko Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Davis In honor of Mrs. Debra McDonnell Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Lemke In honor of Mrs. Linda Potter Ms. Elizabeth Williams In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Schiffrik Mr. Joe Aquilia Rev. and Mrs. Myron Prok
Ms. Darine Prok Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Prok Mr. and Mrs. John Rosenberg
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Gloria Czarny Ms. Cindy Czarny
In memory of Rev. and Mrs. Werner and Louise Jurgens Mr. and Mrs. David Jurgens
In honor of Mr. Nolan Zubin Mrs. Christa Just
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Ruth Deppert Mr. and Mrs. Craig Deppert
In memory of Mrs. Shirley Karp Mr. Roy Karp
In honor of Lutheran East Class of 1972 Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pfund IN MEMORY OF
In memory of Mrs. Sylvia Albers Mr. Bruce E. Albers Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Albrecht, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cappiello Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Culley Mr. and Mrs. Neil H. Dickman Mr. and Mrs. William G. Fecht Mr. and Mrs. Joel Gesch Mr. and Mrs. David Hessler Mr. and Mrs. Edward Himmelein Mr. and Dr. Issa Khouri Mr. and Mrs. James H. Klann Mrs. Jean Linn Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Linenkugel Mr. and Mrs. Theodore R. Pangrace Mr. and Mrs. Karl F. Puls Mr. and Mrs. John C. Meerdink Ms. Diane Mirola Mr. and Mrs. Hart T. Morrison Mr. and Mrs. Theodore D. Schiffrik Mr. and Mrs. Greg Schlotman Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Shimek Ms. Karen Wittrock In memory of Mr. Frank Behning Mrs. Eldora Behning In memory of Ms. Gail Behning Mrs. Eldora Behning In memory of Ms. Marcia Bell Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth Ballas In memory of Mr. Kevin Bolin Mr. Jack Williams, Jr. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore and Marie Brauer Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Brauer In memory of Mr. and Mrs. David and Esther Burtzlaff Lt. and Mrs. Douglas W. Apelt Mr. Mark R. Apelt Ms. Elaine McRee Mr. and Mrs. Greg Parriman
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Carl and Esther Dey Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Dey In memory of Mr. Ralph F. Ehlert Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fronius Mrs. Ardis M. Janke Mrs. Greta Pate In memory of Mr. Ozell Harris Mr. Jack Williams, Jr. In memory of Mr. Robert Hawkins Mr. Jack Williams, Jr. In memory of Rev. Donald Hayas Mr. Bruce E. Albers Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Albrecht Mr. and Mrs. Walter R. Avdey Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth Ballas Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Bernd Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blodgett Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. Boerger Mr. and Mrs. Aaron A. Esposito Mr. and Mrs. William G. Fecht Mr. and Mrs. David Hessler Mr. and Mrs. Don Klingensmith Mr. Ralph Kunze* Mrs. Jean K. Linn Mr. and Mrs. Dave Nemeth Mrs. Kathy Neumann Mr. and Mrs. William Pelger Mrs. Margaret Pohlod Mr. and Mrs. Greg Raymer Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Rolik Mr. and Mrs. Theodore D. Schiffrik Mr. and Mrs. Greg Schlotman Ms. Susan G. Shrader Ms. Elaine A. Stockhaus Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Volchko In memory of Ms. Heidi Heinrich Mr. and Mrs. Jack L. Caldwell In memory of Mrs. Donna Hink Mrs. Margaret Pohlod In memory of Mr. William Hunger Mr. and Mrs. Craig Deppert In memory of Mr. Robert Janke Mrs. Ardis M. Janke
In memory of Mr. John W. Kellogg Mr. Sean Bell Ms. Christina Jennings Mr. Peter L. Jones Mr. John Kellogg Dr. Diman Todorov Ms. Ruth Woods In memory of Mr. Edward Kirst Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Albrecht, Jr. In memory of Mr. John Kocab Mr. and Mrs. David K. Conrad Mr. and Mrs. John McDonnell Mr. and Mrs. Brent J. Stehlik Mr. and Mrs. John T. Vetrovsky In memory of Mrs. Mary Jane Krumreig Mr. and Mrs. K. Dieter Hausmann Ms. Emilie Hausmann Mr. and Mrs. Ronald P. Marinko In memory of Mr. Howard Kuhlman Mrs. Barbara Kuhlman In memory of Mr. Richard Linn Mr. and Mrs. E. Robert Spletzer In memory of Mr. Robert Luecke Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Mueller In memory of Mr. Karl Mueller Mr. Bruce E. Albers Mrs. Ardis M. Janke In memory of Mr. Paul ‘Sam’ Myers Mrs. Barbara Myers Mr. and Mrs. Theodore R. Pangrace In memory of Mr. Richard Papsun Mrs. Louise Papsun In memory of Ms. Jane E. Pase Mr. and Ms. David Grafton In memory of Mr. Robert Paul Mrs. Ruth Paul In memory of Rev. George Pohlod Mrs. Margaret Pohlod Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Silk In memory of Mrs. Harriet Rathje Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Albrecht, Jr. Mrs. Irma Berghaus Ms. Shirley Clark Dr. John P Fackler Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Jackson Mrs. Eunice K. Langner 35
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Nicholson Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Purcell Mr. John Rathje Ms. Ingrid Rinker Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Silk Rev. and Mrs. Allen R. Trapp
Important Update About:
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Walter and Viola Schefft Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Poley In memory of Mr. Ralph Scherler Mrs. Marilyn Scherler In memory of Rev. E.W. and Helen Schnedler Ms. Rita Schnedler In memory of Jeannette Ann Schnedler Ms. Rita Schnedler In memory of Mr. Joseph Smelko Mr. and Mrs. Dale Peterson Mrs. Nancy Smelko In memory of Mrs. Maureen Staimpel Mr. Richard Staimpel In memory of Ms. Laura (Tolbert) Steving Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Ziegan
Please note that as of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, giving to The Triumph Fund will be replaced with giving to The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio.
What you need to know:
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Norman and Barbara Stockhaus Mrs. Lori A. Schneider
All gifts to the LSGO of Ohio are gifts to tuition assistance.
In memory of Ms. Mary Alice Tomko Mrs. Mary Kay Riggen
Donors may still specify that their gifts be directed to Lutheran East and/or Lutheran West.
In memory of Mr. Steven M. Uffelman Mr. and Mrs. Randy Behm Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Wise In memory of Ms. Alma Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Silk In memory of Lawrence & Ann Wallace Mr. Lawrence Wallace In memory of Ms. Joyce Warnke Mr. and Dr. Wolfgang Hemschik In memory of Mr. Derek Whitmore Mr. Jack Williams, Jr.
For donors who are Ohio taxpayers, giving to the LSGO of Ohio may result in a state tax credit for the donor. For donors who are NOT Ohio taxpayers, giving to the LSGO of Ohio will be exactly like giving to The Triumph Fund. You will still be able to claim your donation as a federal tax deduction.
In memory of Mr. Paul Wittstock Mrs. Greta Pate In memory of Mr. Stephen A. Zink Ms. Judith A. Zink
Thank you to all those who made contributions
during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Because of you, we are able to continually and faithfully work to fulfill our mission. Although we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, in a publication of this nature, omissions and errors may occur. Be assured that any omission or error is unintentional, and please make us aware so that we can correct our records. 36
Learn more about the LSGO of Ohio on Pages 40-41 or visit
LSGOOhio.org
T H E LEGACY S O C I ET Y 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 37
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Events: Lutheran East
Lutheran Eastʼs new Alumni Office planned and hosted several events during the 2022-2023 school year, with more events to come in 2024. Lutheran Eastʼs Alumni Office hosted several alumni events during the 2022-2023 school year and the summer of 2023. In the fall of 2022, two multi-class reunions took place: the Classes of 1975-1979 gathered in September, while the Classes of 1970-1974 got together in October. In early June, the Class of 1963 celebrated their 60th class reunion and invited their friends in the Class of 1964 to join them. They attended the Cleveland Guardians home game, a Playhouse Square production of Moulin Rouge, and held their reunion dinner at the Hofbrauhaus Cleveland. In July 2023, the Classes of 1980-1990 gathered for a multi-class reunion weekend. Activities included TopGolf, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, bowling, a family field day at Lutheran East, individual class gatherings, and a Chapel service.
To inquire about upcoming reunions for your class, to help plan a reunion or other alumni event, or to update your contact information with the Alumni Office, contact: Loretta Childs Alumni Director 216-382-6100 lchilds@lutheraneast.org 38
LutheranEast.org/Alumni
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Events: Lutheran West
The summer and early fall of 2023 was a season full of reunions for Lutheran West alumni. In July, the Class of 1998 held their 25th class reunion, gathering at Gibbs Butcher & Brews/Jimmy's Place Upstairs in Olmsted Falls. On Saturday, August 12, the Class of 2003 met to celebrated their 20th class reunion beginning at LHSW with an open gym and a school tour. They reconvened at Old River Tap & Social in Rocky River for their reunion dinner. On the same day, the Class of 2013 gathered for their 10th class reunion at The Clevelander downtown. Lutheran West Longhorns in the Class of 1973 returned for Homecoming Weekend to celebrate their 50th class reunion. On Friday, September 29, they took a tour of the school and learned about the large-scale building expansion now underway, then enjoyed a pre-game tailgate dinner and the Homecoming football game. On Saturday, September 30, the group took a city tour of Cleveland (thank you to Statement Limousine, owned by Karl Guenther ʼ08) and held their reunion dinner at The Clifton Club in the evening. The weekend wrapped up with a Sunday Chapel service on Sunday on the campus of LHSW. The same weekend, the Classes of 1983 and 1993 gathered for their 40th class reunion and 30th class reunions, respectively. They too attended the Friday activities centered around the football game, then held their reunion dinners Saturday evening. The Class of 1983 gathered at MELT Bar & Grilled in Avon (owned by LW alumnus Matt Fish ʼ91) and the Class of 1993 gathered at Old River Tap & Social in Rocky River. Weʼd like to thank the six reunion planning teams who made these celebrations possible!
To inquire about upcoming reunions for your class, to help plan a reunion or other alumni event, or to update your contact information with the Alumni Office, contact: Debi Albrecht ʼ85 Alumni Director 440-333-1660 dalbrecht@lutheranwest.com
LutheranWest.com/Alumni 39
WIN
for students & families Donations to the LSGO of Ohio make private Christian education a reality for more students and families.
WIN
for participating schools Donations to the LSGO of Ohio allow schools to offer more tuition assistance to families who want to be part of their school communities.
WIN
for you as an Ohio taxpayer Donors to the LSGO of Ohio qualify to receive a non-refundable 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.
* The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio is not a tax-advisory organization. Please consult your tax professional to determine how this giving opportunity may impact your individual tax outcome. 40
SUPPORT STUDENTS’ TUITION WITH
YOUR TAXES. The LGSO of Ohio’s purpose is to raise scholarship dollars for students to attend Christian schools throughout Ohio ranging from Pre-K through high school. Scholarships will be prioritized for students of low-income households. SGOs (Scholarship Granting Organizations) are NEW: they were recently brought into existence in the 2021 Ohio legislative session. You, the taxpayer and donor, can select the participating school(s), including Lutheran East and Lutheran West, to which you’d like your donation to be directed. The LGSO of Ohio is a recognized charitable organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
LEARN MORE AND MAKE YOUR DONATION ONLINE AT
WWW.LSGOOHIO.ORG
Q&A with the Director of The LSGO of Ohio
Joshua Malave LW’08 Q: What’s the catch? A: There isn’t one! This program really is as good as it sounds. It’s a way for Ohio taxpayers to give in support of scholarships at schools that mean something to them, while qualifying for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit* against their Ohio state tax liabilities. Q: Can I make sure my donation goes to the school(s) of my choice? A: Absolutely. As long as the school(s) is a Participating School with the LSGO of Ohio, you can designate your gift to one or more school. The funds will be placed into an account for distribution as scholarships to families at the school(s) you select when you make your gift. Lutheran East and Lutheran West are both Participating Schools. For a complete list of Participating Schools, visit LSGOohio.org/Participating-Schools. Q: How much should I give in order to maximize my tax credit? A: This is a question best answered by your tax professional, who can give you a full picture of your individual tax situation. For many LSGO of Ohio donors, a gift of $750 (individual) or $1,500 (couple filing jointly) is beneficial. However, consulting your tax professional before determining your gift amount is the best course of action.
Q: How do the Participating Schools allocate the scholarship money? A: Per guidelines by the State of Ohio, funds given as gifts to an SGO (Scholarship Granting Organization) like the LSGO of Ohio must be prioritized for students from low-income families. Families can apply for an LSGO of Ohio scholarship with their child's school. Q: How is the LSGO of Ohio different from other scholarship opportunities schools may offer? A: Depending on the school, various scholarships and/or tuition assistance may be available, including merit-based scholarships and state programs such as the EdChoice Scholarship and Cleveland Scholarship programs. The LSGO of Ohio is unique in that it adds an additional means of tuition assistance for schools to offer to families, while also providing a tax credit* to donors. Q: How can I support the CLHSA's schools through the LSGO of Ohio? A: Donors to the LSGO of Ohio can specify the Participating School(s) to which their donation should be directed. Lutheran East and Lutheran West are both Participating Schools can can directly benefit from your gift to the LSGO of Ohio. Have additional questions? Josh would be happy to answer them. He can be reached at jmalave@clhsa.org.
Making Your Gift is Simple 1
Discuss this giving opportunity with your tax professional, especially if this is the first time you’re giving.
2
Scan the QR code:
or visit LSGOOhio.org and click ‘Donate’
3
Complete the simple giving form before you file your taxes. You’ll receive a gift acknowledgement from the LSGO of Ohio that can be used for tax purposes.
* The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio is not a tax-advisory organization. Please consult your tax professional to determine how this giving opportunity may impact your individual tax outcome.
I gave to
The LSGO of Ohio for the first time in 2022 and I’m happy to report that I received the tax credit as indicated. It’s such an easy way to support the Lutheran schools I care deeply about, while enjoying an added benefit for me as a taxpayer!” - Gary Naim LWʼ86
41
Snapshots & Save the Dates
W E H O P E YO U ’ L L J O I N U S FO R T H E S E 2 0 24 E V E N T S : CLHSA Golf Classic at Elyria Country Club - Monday, June 3, 2024 Sagehorn Golf Outing at Grey Hawk Golf Club - Friday, August 9, 2024 OMNIA - October 2024 (date TBD)
NON-PROFIT ORG PRSRT.STD US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 2634 CLEVELAND OH 44101
3870 LINDEN ROAD | ROCKY RIVER, OHIO 44116 CLHSA.ORG
PARENTS OF ALUMNI: If your child is no longer at this address, please help us stay in touch by notifying us of his or her new address. Thank you.
To update your mailing address or be removed from our mailing list, please contact the CLHSA office at 440-356-7155.