School News

Student and School Successes Despite a Global Pandemic

Included in last year's CLHSA Annual Report was an article entitled "Academics in the 2019-2020 School Year: Uncharted Territory."

Admittedly—and possibly a bit naively—when writing that article, we believed that there would not be a similar article applicable to the 2020-2021 school year. Yet as we're all too aware, the COVID-19 crisis persisted . . . but so did the CLHSA and its schools.

When it comes to COVID-19, it's far too easy to focus on the negative —the lost time, lost events, lost relationships.

God gives us a gift, however. He gives us the ability to see the duality in every situation. With the bad always comes some good. With hardships always come silver linings. With tests of faith always come unexpected blessings.

In the 2020-2021 school year, our school communities were not immune to the hardships. Yet in the midst of the hardships, successes manifested. Through God's grace, our school communities thrived and grew. Teachers continued to educate, and students continued to learn. Student-athletes continued to compete. Our artists, musicians, vocalists, and thespians continued to create and perform. Our plans for the expansion of our school ministry continued to move forward.

Your unwavering support of our mission makes this all possible. Without the generosity of those listed in this report, the resources and initiatives invested in by Lutheran East and Lutheran West could not have carried our schools through a global pandemic.

We're beyond blessed and proud that despite one of the most monumental challenges in the history of our schools, we remained in a position to deliver the educational experience our students and families deserve.

In the 2020-2021 school year, the CLHSA and our schools: - Offered families the option to have their students attend school in person or remotely through technology that enabled them to tune in to live classes - Secured a State Championship in Boys' Basketball (Lutheran East) - Had a state champion track athlete (Amere Talley ’22, Lutheran East) - Put on two full-scale musical productions (Lutheran West) - Announced the opening of a Lutheran West middle school in 2022 - Held two successful golf outings - Implemented the largest marketing campaign in our schools' histories - Graduated 181 seniors

For this, we are grateful. To you—our community and donors. To each other. To God.

Several of the faculty, staff, and administrators at Lutheran East and Lutheran West shared unexpected blessings that have become apparent throughout the pandemic:

"Students came to school more excited than before the pandemic. They know now what it's like to be prevented from seeing their friends and teachers and taking part in their school community. They want to be here at school, more than ever before."

"Kids are seeing students at other schools who are really struggling through the pandemic and its challenges. They seem to appreciate all the support and resources they have here."

"I have enjoyed seeing the creative expressions that come out of students who are facing the thoughts, challenges, and hardships of COVID-19. Our arts programs are a real and necessary outlet for these young people." "I've seen my students turn to God in a more active way. They pray for each other and for the world more. They have a deeper understand that prayer can elicit change."

"A student's mother told me that she has a hard time determining whether the school has done more for her student or for her entire family at large. She said it amazes her that everyone truly cares about their entire family's well-being."

"I've seen students alter their goals and desired career paths and re-evaluate their life purpose. God is putting all of us through something that allows for amazing growth."

Lutheran East Honors Academy Sends First Class of 4-Year Members into the World

Lutheran East Honors Academy Co-Deans Shelby Drazen and Mary-Kate Begin feel like proud parents.

In May, the first class of seniors to have spent 4 years in the Honors Academy graduated from Lutheran East.

The eleven graduates wore graduation cords denoting their membership in the Honors Academy and were awarded with special Honors Academy diplomas. These students maintained high academic standards, including elevated GPA requirements and participation in Honors level courses. Many were also inducted into the National Honor Society, which recognizes top-performing high school students across the country.

Ms. Begin, Co-Dean, states, "It's so exciting to see them go out into the world and use all the assets and skills they've gained through the Honors Academy. They're in college, pursuing their career ambitions and dreams, and we couldn't be prouder." The Lutheran East Honors Academy, established in 2018, serves to provide high-achieving, driven students with opportunities that will bolster their college applications and challenge them to excel inside and outside the classroom. Alongside elevated academic requirements, The Honors Academy offers students a variety of cultural and community outreach activities, leadership opportunities, and preparation for standardized testing and the college application process.

"The Honors Academy is one of the most exciting programs at Lutheran East. Students who desire to expand their horizons, leadership potential, and spiritual growth have ample opportunity to do so as Honors Academy members," says Ms. Drazen, Co-Dean.

The Honors Academy is made possible through gifts to the Annual Fund, which supports day-to-day operations and programs. To learn more about giving to the Annual Fund, visit CLHSA.org/AnnualFund.

Greetings from Lutheran High School East! The 2021-2022 school year is well underway and we are blessed to welcome more than 320 students to our halls each day. Partnering with our students and their families is an amazing group of faculty, staff, and administrators who are focused on providing the Christ-centered college preparatory high school education that propels our graduates into the future.

Thinking back to our graduation celebration last May, I remember being filled with optimism! Not only was I full of hope for our graduates who were primed and prepared to head off to college, I was also primed and prepared to move beyond the constant hum that COVID created throughout the world. Maybe there wasn’t much substance to that hope—or maybe the future was so bright for our graduates, that everything in that moment seemed to have a sunny outlook. In either case, our graduates have springboarded into the next part of their lives, and COVID continues to be a force impacting nearly every aspect of life, education included.

My experience of hopefulness on that Commencement day has led me to a greater understanding of the word. Christian hope, after all, is not hollow. In fact, the opposite is true. It is bursting at the seams with joyful confidence, and it’s that sort of hope that is a hallmark of our educational ministry at Lutheran East. When a college-prep educational experience is coupled with sharing the love and grace of Jesus, lives are transformed and a brighter future is realized.

It is a blessing to welcome students to Lutheran East, to engage them in faith and education, and to do this work in person. This is different from last year when, out of an abundance of caution and COVID necessity, many of our students learned via remote instruction. I’m incredibly proud of our students and our faculty that pressed on and forward throughout last school year. The educational growth that our students achieved is a testimony to their hard work and the determination of committed educators. Even so, a Lutheran East education is more than academic growth. Although it’s certainly that, it also includes the spiritual and social growth that will shape future generations. To achieve each of those goals, we’re committed to a foundation of in-person learning and health and safety for the 2021-2022 school year.

Educational, spiritual, and social growth have always required commitment and resiliency, because there have been and will always be obstacles that stand in the way. For some students, getting to school is an obstacle which they overcome by getting up earlier, hopping a ride on the RTA, riding a bike, or in 2021, an e-scooter! The obstacle of inconsistent internet access is countered with extended hours at school beyond the bell schedule or at a local library. The obstacle of the cost of education is resolved through the generosity of others that make financial scholarships possible. Some obstacles that our current Falcons face are probably familiar to you from your own days as a student. But new roadblocks and potholes have a way of showing up in innovative ways and in unexpected places. Sometimes it seems as if new obstacles arise just as we are finding solutions to the old ones! Ultimately, however, it’s not the obstacle but the resiliency to overcome the barrier that matters.

Last year, COVID and the far-reaching ripple effects of the pandemic were our constant obstacle. For example, the boys’ basketball team had to take a two-week hiatus in the middle of the season due to COVID exposure. Lost practice time and canceled or rescheduled games became their obstacles. Yet resiliency and determination got them through the shutdown—all the way to our school’s third state championship!

A further-reaching challenge was having many of our students engaged in remote learning. The loss of in-person classroom time and hallway interactions with peers and faculty became their obstacles. Resiliency led to evening study sessions via Zoom, by which students and educators connected virtually to persist in educational advancement. Despite the challenges, the Lutheran East Class of 2021 had a 100% graduation rate. There are obstacles we anticipate and new ones just now taking shape on the horizon. But there’s a resilient and hopeful spirit forming in the lives of our students—hopeful in Christ and in their education to forge ahead towards a future that is bright. This is what it means to be a Falcon. This is Lutheran East.

I’m proud of our school, our students, and our faculty and staff. Through obstacles and opportunities, Lutheran East is strong. Rooted in our tradition and history, we are hopeful about our future. I’ve been praying for that future and that God will continue to guide our steps. Would you join me in that prayer as well? With God’s blessing we will continue to be resilient in the face of obstacles, faithful in times of trouble, and hopeful in the promises of Christ.

Middle Schoolers to Start at Lutheran West in Fall 2022

Lutheran West Admissions has begun meeting with families who are interested in grades 6-8.

Last fall, a Lutheran West Middle School was conceptual—an idea and a vision that we believed could work.

This fall, it's far beyond conceptual. With the research and planning phase complete, a comprehensive marketing campaign centered around the middle school has launched. The Admissions team is guiding families of incoming 6th-8th graders through the admissions process in hopes that in the fall of 2022, they'll become the first middle schoolers to attend Lutheran West.

The concept behind a Lutheran West middle school is that students in grades 6-8 will benefit from Lutheran West's established resources, programs, and facilities. High school programs—including athletics, arts, and the Senney Honors Academy—will be scaled to the middle school level, providing a wide array of options for coursework and student extra-curricular activities.

Students in grades 7 and 8 will also have the opportunity to take selected courses for high school credit, which will in turn create more space in their high school schedules to take Honors, AP, and College Credit Plus courses, as well as more electives and specialized courses that match their interests and goals.

Our hope and prayer for the middle school is that it serves to elevate and expand Christian education in Northeast Ohio.

For continued updates on the middle school and the exciting plans that lie ahead for Lutheran West, visit LutheranWest.com/MiddleSchool.

Families interested in speaking to the Admissions team about middle school enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year should contact Mr. Joel Bahr, Vice Principal for Admissions and Enrollment, at 440-799-8328 or Admissions@LutheranWest.com.

Images: Middle school marketing and advertising

The 2020-2021 school year was an exciting, challenging, and rewarding adventure for Lutheran West students and faculty. The school theme “Don’t conform - be transformed!” was based upon the Romans 12:2 passage which reads, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In a year when the world was both shut down and then slowly emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lutheran West community intentionally and effectively refused to allow a pandemic to deter education.

The year started with the second highest enrollment in school history, with 500 students. Approximately 20% of the student body began the school year online using our synchronous online learning environment platform (SOLE). SOLE was able to facilitate live, real-time learning for students who were unable to attend school in person due to the pandemic. Whether it was a lecture, classroom discussion, science lab, or even culinary arts lesson, students utilizing SOLE were able to see their classmates, respond to their teachers, and even participate in lab work from the safety of their homes. As data continues to emerge post-pandemic, parents, students and educators can clearly see the value of in-person learning. Still, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SOLE platform allowed Lutheran West to provide an educationally rich, Christ-centered experience in a 21st century learning environment for all students last year.

In a year when many schools were incapable of providing extra-curricular activities for students, Lutheran West safely provided a full schedule of athletic contests for all sports teams, the drama department performed two musical productions, the bands and choirs performed four concerts, and clubs found a way to meet virtually. Countless parents shared encouraging messages and their appreciation for the commitment of our coaches and program directors. Their dedication to educational ministry and passion for providing these opportunities to students at a time when it was increasingly difficult to even host an event were warmly accepted and appreciated. A common cliche throughout the pandemic has been, “We’re all in this together!” However, at Lutheran West, those words were proven to be true day after day, game after game, as the year culminated in a joyful in-person celebration at the graduation ceremony in May. Praise God for his faithfulness and protection in all facets of the student experience at Lutheran West!

The unfortunate reality is that the pandemic has created detrimental cognitive effects for students across the United States due to loss of class time and instruction. The US Department of Education found that American students, on average, completed only 87% of their reading curriculum and only 67% of their mathematics curriculum during the 2020-2021 school year. These effects will negatively impact students and our society for generations to come. At Lutheran West however, students attended school every day either in person or live via SOLE, and because of their daily learning, student achievement rates were almost 10 percentage points higher than the state average in reading and almost 20 percentage points higher in mathematics. In May, 100% of the senior class graduated. These academic achievements would not have been accomplished without a determined faculty, devoted coaches, supportive families, and a school community that values its students above all else. “Don’t conform -be transformed!” was the rallying cry for Lutheran West. The unity around that mantra was able to sustain our community during the 2020-2021 school year and will continue to carry us through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Godʼs blessings to you,

MICHAEL WAUGH '02

The Year in Athletics: Lutheran West

Fall 2020: Lutheran West Football finished the Fall 2020 season 4-5, losing to Galion in the playoffs. The team finished the year beating Fairview 40-7. After 6 years as Head Coach, Coach Frank Petroff stepped down (he went 26-33 including 7-3 in 2019). Subsequently, Head Coach John Parrella was hired. Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association Northeast Lakes District award winners included Manny Diaz ʼ22 (1st Team Defense), Michael Reddick ʼ21 (2nd Team Defense), Ken Bell ʼ21 (2nd Team Defense), Eddie Lewis ʼ22 (2nd Team Defense), Xavier Wyatt ʼ21 (2nd Team Offense). Jake Parrella ʼ21 signed with Oregon State University. Volleyball finished 14-9, lost to Buckeye High School in playoffs Talia Felton ʼ21 signed with Cedarville University. Head Coach Jeff Schaef stepped down and current Head Coach Laura Thrasivoulou was hired. Boysʼ Soccer finished 13-6 and won the CVC Metro Title. Their season concluded with a loss to Bay Village in the district semi-final. Greater Cleveland Honors included Braden Lamb ʼ22 (1st Team), Ben Gramz ʼ21 (2nd Team), Tyler DeSimpelare ʼ21 (2nd Team). Girlsʼ Soccer finished 2-8-1, having a fun a memorable season. Cross Country: both the boys and girls finished as conference runner ups. Golf: The girlsʼteam went 12-3, were sectional runner-ups, and advanced to districts. Sam Webb ʼ21 signed with Ashland University. The boysʼ team finished 2nd in the CVC. Jakob Gross ʼ21 signed with Sienna Heights University and was an individual sectional runner-up, also advancing to districts.

Winter 2020-2021: Boysʼ Basketball finished 13-9, ending their season with a loss to Warrensville Heights in the sectional semifinal. Tyler DeSimpelare ʼ21 signed with Spring Arbor University and earned Honorable Mention All State. Coach Jordan Duke was hired as Head Coach of the boysʼ program. Girlsʼ Basketball finished their season 9-10. They beat Keystone in the sectional semi-final and lost to Northwest in the sectional final. Wrestling: Allyssa Pirro ʼ21 won her 3rd state title in a row in Womenʼ s

Wrestling and signed with Indiana Tech. Donovan Palmer ʼ21 placed 3rd at OHSAA state tournament and signed with Baldwin Wallace. Lutheran West hosted the inaugural Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association Regional Championship for Women. Bowling: JT Maslanich ʼ23 qualified for his second straight state tournament.

Spring 2021: Baseball finished 15-7 with the season ending with a sectional final loss to Black River. Softball had 9 wins, which totals more than the past five seasons combined! Eva Luenger ʼ23 broke school record for triples, and the 2021 season marked the first season for Head Coach Amy Sullivan.

Track & Field: The track & field season resulted in several qualifications for regionals, including: Menʼs 4x200 (Manny Diaz ʼ22, Zach Kuhrt ʼ21, Brandon Southgate ʼ23, Alex Vangelos ʼ23); Womenʼs 4x100 (Evelyn Albers ʼ22, Emily Atkins ʼ22, Madison Groppe ʼ21, Hope Kiraly ʼ21; Evelyn Albers in Long Jump; Jack Jedick ʼ21 in Shot Put; Madison Groppe in the 200m.

For Longhorn Athletics information and schedules, visit LutheranWest.com/Athletics and follow Lutheran West Athletics on social media: @LW_Athletics on Twitter; @lw_athletics_ig on Instagram.

Top: Snack food pop art paintings by fine arts students; 2nd Row, L: C Anthony Ghali '21; 2nd Row, R: Lexi Miles and her award-winning artwork; 3rd Row: The cast of The Addams Family; Above: Band students with guest musician Steve Kortkya in February 2021; Right: Boys in the cast of Disney's Newsies; Far Right: Choir Concert

The Year in Arts: Lutheran West

Lutheran West’s vocal music, instrumental music, fine arts, and drama programs were blessed with talented and dedicated student participants during the 2020-2021 school year.

In fine arts, students explored 12 unique courses like Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Digital Photography, Crafts, and more, including a new course in Graphic Design. Art student Lexi Miles earned 2nd place in the Spring 2021 Lakewood Rotary Club / Beck Center for the Arts High School Art Show.

The 2020-2021 school year marked a first—Lutheran West Drama staged not one, but two, full-scale musical productions. In the fall of 2020, students took to the Jochum Performing Arts Center stage in their production of Disney’s Newsies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had been unable to perform the show in the spring of 2020. The cast of Newsies included 18 boys—the most male students ever in a single Lutheran West drama production. Several 2020 graduates were able to come back to participate in the fall productions in the fall, which were recorded and streamed virtually. After Newsies wrapped, focus shifted to the spring 2021 musical, The Addams Family. The show was performed with a limited live audience and included a large senior class, both in stage talent and backstage personnel. Both shows were fantastic successes and showcased Lutheran West’s many talented actors, singers, musicians, lighting & sound technicians, costume designers, set designers, and directors.

Drama students once again participated actively in the Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards and many virtual workshops offered through this program. Class of 2021 member Anthony Ghali was one of 7 actors nominated from 30 high schools in Northeast Ohio for the 2021 Dazzle Awards Lead Actor category for his performance in The Addams Family.

Student vocalists and instrumentalists held seasonal concerts throughout the year. Band students were treated to a visit from special guest Steve Kortyka, a local native and accomplished multi-instrument performer, composer, and music educator. The concert band performed at St. Paul Westlake — the first “field trip” taken by Lutheran West students since the onset of COVID-19.

The Year in Athletics: Lutheran East

On March 21, Lutheran East Boys’ Basketball became the 2021 Division III State Champions with a win over Worthington Christian School (Columbus). The program now boasts two state championships in the past five years, four consecutive regional championships, and six consecutive district championships. Finishing the season with an overall record of 16-3, the boys’ basketball program graduated six seniors who all received college basketball scholarships. Continue to follow Jay Billingsley (Georgetown University), Collin Albert (Notre Dame College), Sirr Hughes (Alderson Broaddus University), Jalen Knott (Alderson Broaddus University), Jared Lary (Lincoln Memorial University), and BJ Busbee (University of Mount Union) in their college careers. Head Coach Sam Liggins LE’05 was named Coach of the Year by the Greater Cleveland Basketball Coaches Association.

The girls’ basketball program will be entering its first season under the coaching direction of Head Coach Melvin Burke, who was hired in April 2021. In August 2021, the girls’ basketball team was invited to see WNBA star Jantel Lavender play in a game for the Indiana Fever. Lavender, a Cleveland native, graduated and played for The Ohio State University and is a former player of Lutheran East coach Melvin Burke. The Lady Falcons hit the road at 6:00 a.m. to head to Indiana for a 1:00 p.m. game start. The girls watched the game in excitement and anticipation of their upcoming 2021-2022 season. While the Fever did not pull off a win, Jantel and teammates were more than happy to take pictures with our Lady Falcons following the game. Jantel then spoke to the girls about the opportunities that playing basketball can bring. She also followed all of the Lutheran East players back on social media and promised to try to attend a practice the next time she was home in Cleveland. The five-hour road trip home was filled with lots of laughs and karaoke, with the girls cheerful and grateful for the experience.

Lutheran East Football welcomed new Head Coach Desean Washington, also hired in April 2021. In the Fall 2020 season, the football program earned its first playoff game win in school history, winning58-35 against Berkshire!

The Falcon Track & Field season was dominated by Amere Talley ’22, who became the State Champion in the 400m. Amere, who is a Lutheran East Honors Academy student with a 4.3 GPA, also placed 8th in the 200m at the state meet and broke the Lutheran East school record for the 400 with a time of 48.41.

Falcon Cheer had a fun and memorable year, cheering during the fall at football games and the winter at basketball games.

During the Fall 2020 season, the volleyball program continued to grow and improve and is thus far enjoying a fun and successful 2021 season.

CORPORATE PARTNERS

CALENDAR YEAR 2021

The CLHSA has introduced a Corporate Partnership program by which organizations can support CLHSA events and initiatives throughout the year.

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

Corporate partners may select from one of three levels of giving with event sponsorships and perks consummate with the selected level. For further information on the CLHSA Coprorate Partnership program, contact Ashley Koza, Director of Development, at 440-356-7155, ext. 3.

BeaconPoint Financial