Cadets Magazine | Fall 2022

CALLED TO SERVE

ALUMNI CHOOSE CHURCH WORK FOR THEIR VOCATIONS

a word from...

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

“Concordia Lutheran High School pursues Christcentered educational excellence that equips” is the opening phrase of our school’s mission statement. We strive to equip students well academically. Our students consistently score in the top tiers of Advanced Placement courses. We equip our students with the skills and characteristics to enter their future vocations with competency. We equip students with an understanding of community, helping them to learn to engage and care for one another in love.

But above all else, at Concordia we boldly proclaim the Gospel truth, nurture faith, and seek to establish our students on the firm foundation of the truth found in God’s Word. Then together, “firm in the faith,” our students are equipped for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ, as demonstrated by the alumni featured in this issue.

I am proud of the good work our faculty, staff, and students are doing. Among all the ways we prepare students for their future, Concordia is uniquely positioned to develop future teachers, pastors, and leaders for the Church. As we begin this 2022-2023 academic year, we celebrate the ways that God continues to bless the ministry of Concordia Lutheran High School.

Our Concordia family has incredible influence. It is difficult to go anywhere in our community and not cross paths with a Cadet graduate, a CLHS family member, or one whose life was touched by our school’s mission. Now more than ever, Concordia’s mission is critical to helping raise a new generation of Christian leaders for their families, our churches, and community.

We are blessed to stand on the shoulders of generations of Concordia faculty and school leadership who stood firm in the faith and provided the mission and vision for our school for more than 80 years. In response to this legacy and the foundation they helped form, we boldly move forward in our strategic initiatives to ensure that the mission and vision for Concordia remains faithful to our calling and compelling to our community for generations to come.

May the Lord bless and keep you as you also stand firm in the faith. With Christ at the center, we move forward into this academic year with confidence and courage, prayerfully seeking to do everything in love.

Go Cadets!

Leaning on Jesus,

Jacob Pennekamp HEAD OF SCHOOL

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Jacob Pennekamp ’92

PRINCIPAL

Patrick Frerking

CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

Matthew Konow ’91

MAGAZINE EDITOR

Ashley Wiehe

MAGAZINE DESIGNER

Julie Babb

ADVANCEMENT STAFF

Wendy Bentz Director of Development Services

Greg Rehberg ’74 Director of Alumni and Donor Relations

Jenny (Hallien) Grisez ’93 Development Assistant

Dawn Schuller Director of Admissions & Retention

CLHS MISSION

Concordia Lutheran High School pursues Christ-centered educational excellence that equips individuals for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Concordia Lutheran High School 1601 St. Joe River Drive Fort Wayne, Ind. 46805 www.clhscadets.com

Cover:

Blythe (Harkenrider) Barreto, Class of 2009, photo provided by the LCMS Youth Ministry.

Concordia's Marching Band and many band alumni had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., for the band tour last year and march in the National Memorial Day Parade.

Concordia’s Rifle Range receives full digital upgrade

At Concordia, the rifle team has more than a 100-year history, dating back to 1906 with the original Concordia College. From the official dedication of the high school in 1935 to new buildings in 1952 and 1963, the rifle range has been a staple for CLHS, including earning multiple City, State and National Titles over the years. This fall, that range is seeing new life.

By Ally Bennett ’23

the athlete can see each shot's impact on the target immediately after it is fired. A main computer ties all the firing points together so the Range Officer or Coach can see in real time what each shooter is doing. Additionally, a 54-inch monitor hangs from the ceiling to allow spectators to watch the competitors during a match.

Through the gracious donation from Mrs. Toni Murray, the CLHS Rifle Range is getting a full $50,000 upgrade, including a new painted floor, rejuvenation of the current soundproofing, and a new Olympic Games quality digital target system complete with computerized targets. This now makes Concordia the only high school with a rifle range of its kind in the area.

“It’s already made a huge difference with how I coach, how the shooters can see what their shots are; it’s amazing when you’re shooting,” said SFC Al Conrad, coach and JROTC Instructor for the rifle range, crediting Pam (Miller) Reinking, Class of 1981, for making the connection with the donor.

The new system for the range is manufactured by Sius, a Switzerland based company. Each target system consists of an electronic target that tracks the shot of the athlete through both laser and sound to improve the accuracy of scoring, and an individual monitor so

“Shooting is a very precise sport. It requires the athlete to make the same movements every time,” Conrad said. “(This new system) takes us up to the next level of shooting.”

Senior Garrett Reinking, the Rifle Team Commander for the 2022-2023 school year, is excited to see the increased recognition for the range.

“It’ll give the shooters the best opportunity for the best training in a high school program. It will look nicer and draw more people into the shooting sports,” Reinking said. Concordia currently has 12 members on the freshman, JV and varsity teams.

From a commander's standpoint, he hopes to have a few people place in the top finishers in every rifle match they attend.

Over the years, the rifle range has provided a unique opportunity for Concordia students to compete in air rifle competitions and has allowed for many alumni to go on to compete on the national stage.

For instance, graduates such as Thomas Lorenzen (1975), Luke Shank (1998), Robin (Goodwin) Cartwright (1999), and Erin (Lorenzen) O’Neil (2006) have ranked in national competitions including Indiana Junior Smallbore Champion, National Air Rifle Champion, and NRA Lifetime Master and Distinguished Rifleman awards. Luke Shank graduated from Concordia as a Junior Olympian and went on to be a member of the U.S. Naval Academy’s Rifle Team. As a graduate of 1999, Robin Goodwin was a state champion in 1998 and went on to shoot for the state of Alabama. U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Erin (Lorenzen) O’Neil recently was awarded the 2021 Interservice Individual Rifle Champion title as the best rifle shooter in the Armed Services.

The digital targets are already in place and the painting of the floor and the soundproofing of the walls will happen later this fall. Ken Finner, Class of 1975, who put in the new gym floor, will be doing the red, white and blue painting of the range floor.

Sophomores Aiden Hockemeyer, left, and sophomore Alana Herczeg line up their shots on the new targeting system. The screen in front of them lets them know the accuracy of their shot.

Welcoming our new teachers and coach

Rhonda Freeman

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

Rhonda Freeman is not a new face at Concordia, but she is one of our newest teachers this year. She is teaching after volunteering at the high school since 2018.

Bethany Fonseca SPANISH TEACHER

Bethany Fonseca started this year as a new Spanish Teacher. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Grace College in 2019.

Vicar Kevin McGladdery VICAR AND THEOLOGY

TEACHER

Vicar Kevin McGladdery is teaching theology this year while Pastor Hoham is away. He is currently halfway through the M.Div program at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne.

Jeanine Tietz ENGLISH TEACHER

Jeanine Tietz is our new English teacher for the 2022-23 school year. She is most loving being able to incorporate faith into her lessons plans after working at a public school for a number of years.

Micah Middendorf

HEAD GIRLS

SOCCER COACH

Micah Middendorf has served as a soccer coach at multiple colleges and high schools, most recently as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Concordia University Chicago.

Continued prayers for Pastor Hoham while deployed

Greetings in Christ Jesus! Prior to the end of this past academic year, I temporarily departed CLHS to deploy to the Middle East with my Army Reserve unit where I serve as their Chaplain. During my time away I have been blessed to provide Word and Sacrament ministry to people from all over the world, and to teach new believers who desire to learn more about the Christian faith. It has been an amazing experience to see all that Christ is doing among His people, even as they live and work so far away from home.

My days typically consist of providing pastoral care and counsel for soldiers and leaders, as well as visiting the sick and injured. Military deployment can be

an isolating and lonely experience, and being able to share the love of Jesus with soldiers who are homesick, hurting, or scared has been a highlight of my time as a pastor. Additionally, I serve as the ethical adviser to the unit commander, and I advise unit leaders on matters relating to morals, ethics, and morale as they make decisions that affect our soldiers and the mission. I also conduct Divine Service every Sunday as pastor of the base chapel, teach a weekly Bible study, and offer a confirmation class for several people who are interested in the Lutheran faith.

Throughout my time here, I continue to be extremely grateful to my Concordia family for all of your prayers and support. My ministry here is an extension of CLHS and our mission to develop lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, and I wish I could share all the myriad ways in which our school has impacted the lives of our soldiers over the past several months. Much of the pastoral care I provide here has been inspired by our CLHS

practices and programs, and many of the resources I use to teach and advise during deployment are the same that I use in my classroom. I have had several people unfamiliar with Concordia who, based on what they have seen during our time here, have been impressed with the high level of religious education provided by our school. That is not a reflection on me, but on Concordia and your commitment to Christian education.

I have enjoyed seeing pictures and updates on social media as CLHS begins a new academic year. While I cannot be there in person, I continue to keep you all in my prayers and look forward to when I return and rejoin our wonderful faculty. May God continue to bless the Concordia family as we work to raise up the next generation of disciples of Jesus Christ.

Go Cadets!

Rev. Theodore Hoham ’07 CPT(CH),

U.S. Army

2022 Athletic HALL OF FAME

JIM DOHRMANN

TRACK & FIELD AND FOOTBALL

Jim Dohrmann, a 1975 CLHS graduate, was a four-year letter winner in track and field. He was a two-time NEIAC Conference champion in the 100- and 220-yard dash. He was seventh in the state in the 440-yard dash in 1975 and was the most valuable runner for CLHS in 1974 and 1975. He was also selected as a Lutheran AllAmerican in 1975. Notably, he held the quarter-mile record at CLHS for 25 years.

In football, he was the 1974 team captain as well as a twoyear letterman. He was All-SAC Honorable Mention in 1974.

Following graduation from Concordia, he was a four-year starter on the Indiana State University track team. He was AllMissouri Valley Conference in 1977.

In his career at Eli Lilly as a pharmaceutical representative, he was selected as the Midwest Top Sales Representative and was named in the Top five percent nationally in sales.

TIM FALKENSTERN

BASKETBALL (PLAYER AND COACH), TRACK & FIELD, AND CROSS COUNTRY

Tim Falkenstern, a 1990 graduate, was a multi-sport athlete at CLHS in basketball, track and field, and cross country. He also coached the girls basketball team at Concordia.

As a basketball player, he was an SAC Tournament Champion and a Sectional and Regional Champion during the single-sport era. As a senior, he was All-SAC, a team captain, and the MVP Awards recipient. He earned three letters in basketball.

In track, he was a four-time state meet participant and was ranked No. 1 in the state for the 300-meter hurdles in 1990. He was the 300-meter hurdles regional champion in 1989, and received the team Top Sprinter Award as a junior and the Team

Captain Award as a senior. He earned four letters in track.

In Cross Country, he was All-SAC Second Team as a junior and earned three letters. He was also the McMillan Award recipient as a freshman.

As a coach at CLHS from 1994-2003, he led the girls basketball team to the SAC Tournament Championship, an SAC regular season championship, two Sectional championships, and one Regional championship.

ANDREW HEATH TRACK & FIELD AND SOCCER

As a 1999 graduate, Andrew Heath guided the soccer team to back-to-back Sectional Championships during the 1997 and 1998 seasons. He was the starting goalkeeper and captain of the team.

In track and field, he was a member of the first boys team in Concordia’s history to win an IHSAA State Championship in 1999. He competed in the high jump and cleared a height of 6-feet, 6 inches to earn seventh place and three points for the team, which earned him All-State honors.

He also earned the Edward R. Brackmann Award during his senior year.

After graduation, he went on to the University of North Carolina-Asheville on an athletic scholarship. He was a starting goalkeeper on their NCAA Division 1 soccer team for four years. They won the Big South Athletic Conference Regular Season Title in 2001, and he was named to the Big South Athletic Conference All-Tournament team and was Second-Team AllConference. He was also a member of the track team at UNC Asheville and was on the All-Time Top 5 list for High Jump for many years. He still holds the UNC Asheville soccer record for the most shutouts in the NCAA Division 1 era.

After graduating from college, he received his law degree from Indiana University McKinney School of Law in 2006 and later the Nottingham Law School in the United Kingdom in 2021.

From 2017-2021, he served as a Superior Court Judge, and since 2021, he has also been the Director of the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

THE

CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME AWARDS, RECOGNIZES, AND HONORS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF ATHLETES, COACHES, AND OTHERS WHO HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AND HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN PROMOTING THE GROWTH OF ATHLETICS AT CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL.

JONATHAN LAPSLEY FOOTBALL AND TRACK & FIELD

Jonathan Lapsley, a graduate from the Class of 2004, achieved many accomplishments as a member of the football and track teams.

During his junior year football season, he was a First Team All SAC Wide Receiver. He was also Second Team All SAC (outside linebacker), News-Sentinel All Area Team (wide receiver), First Team All-State (wide receiver), the Game Night Newspaper Rising Star Award for most outstanding junior, and Game Night Fantastic 50 Team Member (wide receiver). He also broke every receiving record in school history with 77 receptions for 1,448 yards and 15 touchdowns.

In track, he was New Haven – Man of the Meet during his sophomore year, winning the 100-meter dash, 4x200 relay, long jump and high jump. During his junior year, he was the SAC Champion in the 4x400 relay, a Sectional Champion in the 4x400 relay, and earned third place at the State Championship in the 4x400 relay. He also holds Concordia’s school record in the 4x400 relay. In his senior year, he placed 8th at state in the 4x400 relay.

After graduation, he went on to Central Michigan University in a full scholarship where he was a two-year starter as an outside linebacker. He finished his college career with 61 tackles and two interceptions.

TYLER LEMERT SWIM (PLAYER AND COACH)

Tyler Lemert, a 2007 CLHS graduate, was a four-year letterman for the swim team at Concordia. He was four-year All-SAC member, seven-time All-American, and had six Top 3 finishes at the state meet. Notably, he was the state champion in the 200 freestyle relay in 2005 and the 100 breaststroke in 2007, where he broke the state record

(which he held until 2014). He was the Prep Sports swimmer of the year in 2004 and 2007 and was awarded the IHSAA Performance of the Year in 2007 for the 100 breaststroke. He also received the Edward R. Brackmann Award in 2007.

Tyler was an assistant coach for the Concordia Boys and Girls Swim Team from 2018-2022 and helped to lead the boys swim team to four SAC Conference titles in a row.

Professionally, he has worked for Conduent Business Services since 2014. He started out as a Medical Review Analyst and eventually began travelling to different hospitals across Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas. In 2022, he was promoted to Manager of Business Development.

DANIEL SCHMIDT FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, AND BASKETBALL

Daniel Schmidt, a graduate from the Class of 1968, was a fouryear member of the football team. He played varsity for three years and was a three-year letterman. He was the starting quarterback during his junior and senior years and led the team to a 9-1 record his senior year. Concordia was the CoCity Champion, the school’s only City Football Championship. He was the First-Team All-City Quarterback his senior year.

He also played varsity baseball for two years and played basketball for three years, including one year on varsity with one letter. He was the Sertoma Citizen Athlete Winner his senior year.

He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wabash College in 1972 where he played and lettered in varsity football for two years. He then graduated with a D.D.S. from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1976. Following graduation, he started a family dental practice in Auburn, Ind., and continued that for 46 years. During that time, he served as the District Dental Society President (2004-2005) and as the District Dental Education Foundation President (2008-2014). He also was named the DeKalb Hospital Board Chairman from 2005-06 and was a founding board member of the St. Martin’s Health and Dental Clinic for Uninsured Residents of DeKalb County (2005-2022).

Throughout this magazine, and on these two pages in particular, you will see reports on the 2021-22 school year. This includes information about our students as well as reports on our financials. You can see the full Annual Report online at www.clhscadets.com/apps/pages/annual-report-21-22.

2021-22 IN REVIEW

The 2021-2022 income statement reflects a modest operating gain for last school year. The success is mostly due to the fact that all of our student scholarships and awards were fully funded, a major milestone that had not occurred at CLHS in quite a long time.

The continued support and generosity of our donors, the overwhelming success of last year’s auction, SGO contributions for scholarships, and a growing number of donations to the Cadet Fund make a big difference. We celebrate the Lord’s provision for our ministry!

Firm in the Faith … with Christ at the Center!

Hello Concordia. It has been a very exciting start to this school year with chapel and classes meeting without COVID restrictions, our largest freshmen class in a number of years, and a wonderfully talented and caring faculty, including four new faculty members. I invite you to visit Concordia for a look at our renovated Study Center and new gymnasium floor. We are blessed and have much to be thankful for.

Much of what a student does in school is built upon previous learning, experiences, and traditions. A good lesson plan often starts by identifying what we already know, builds with “what do I want to learn?”, and takes further shape with “how do I achieve that learning?” So too is Concordia Lutheran High School. Concordia’s ongoing history of 87 years continues to build upon our founders who purposely placed the educational and co-curricular programs of our school, upon the firm foundation of Christ, His word, truth, and forgiveness! Concordia’s influence and reach is far beyond the ’05 zip code. Through the Holy Spirit we witness the awesome work and blessings of our alumni in exciting and thoughtful ways, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I am grateful for the faithful influence of Concordia alumni who are

members of our awesome faculty and staff: Phil Brackmann, Sgt. Al Conrad, Karolyn (Davis) Dillman, Mark Dolde, Sean Gibson, Jenny (Hallien) Grisez, Rev. Ted Hoham, Karen Johnson, Nancy (Wietfeldt) Koehler, Mark Koehlinger, Matthew Konow, Betsy Ladwig, Kevin Macke, Stephanie Marks, Chris Murphy, Kim Nash, Jacob Pennekamp, Jennifer (Reynolds) Porath, Greg Rehberg, Gary Reinking, Tim Reinking, Pam (Eastman) Rusher, Debbie Schumm, Aaron Spencer, Jenny (Keck) Wade, and Sarah (Jacobus) Wenzel. I also wish a word of thanks to a few dear friends who are Concordia Alumni that I was blessed to serve with in the overseas ministry of our church: Earl Westrick, Mike (& Lou) Weber, and Steve Winkelman. Thanks be to God! I know you will enjoy reading about our alumni stories, their mission and ministry in His name.

Go Concordia!

PRINCIPAL

Left: Peer ministers greet freshmen as they enter for the first day of school.

Above: Students fill the hallways, which were quiet only the day before.

Page 11

Top: Seniors are ready for their final year at CLHS.

Left: Jacob Pennekamp, Head of School, high fives students for the start of the first day of school this year.

Right: Students play games at the Freshman Retreat as a way to get to know each other.

T R UE C AL L I N G

CLHS LAYS FOUNDATION FOR ALUM TO ENTER CHURCH WORK

By Ashley Wiehe

For many Concordia alumni, serving the church after graduation is a natural transition. Many serve as pastors, deaconesses, music leaders, or Lutheran school teachers (many even back at CLHS). It’s truly a calling, and they see Concordia as laying that foundation for their future career.

For Blythe (Harkenrider) Barreto, Class of 2009, she found her path at CLHS. It’s led her into education at Lutheran schools across the country, teaching at a Concordia university, and serving overseas in Slovakia for three and a half years.

“I can honestly say my time at CLHS made me the teacher I am today,” she said. “I loved my time in high school and am forever thankful for the foundation of faith and preparedness for my vocation that was gifted to me by caring teachers and administrators.”

For Barreto, she saw the impact that the teachers at CLHS had on her life and she wanted to do the same for other students. She currently teaches theology online for Orange Lutheran in California and is an adjunct professor for the Department of Theology and Ministry at Concordia University St. Paul.

“The theology faculty really shaped my career path moving forward. Mr. Reinking made lessons interesting, Mrs. Friedrich demonstrated servant leadership, and Dr. Gudel introduced me to World Religions (one of the classes I teach now),” she said. “The teachers also looked like they just genuinely enjoyed their calling, like Mr. Murphy living life on purpose and exuding joy; or Ms. Nash coming to our soccer games to cheer us on. They made me want to find my purpose and passions, which is definitely serving in Christian education, as well.”

Barreto sought out her calling after graduating from CLHS by receiving her bachelor’s degree from Concordia University Chicago as a Director of Christian Education and a master’s degree in religion from Concordia University Chicago.

“When I was at CLHS I was scared to pursue church work because I knew the LCMS Call process might take me elsewhere, and I only ever wanted to move back to Fort Wayne,” said Barreto, reflecting on her career. “My vocation has since taken me to call many places home (Chicago, LA, UK, Slovakia, Texas, Florida, and even a summer in Israel), and I have been blessed to travel to 39 countries in the process.”

Notably, Barreto joined many CLHS students and alumni at the National Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas this summer, but not as an attendee, but as a speaker. She was asked to be a Bible Study leader, presenting to 4,000 kids every day of the Gathering.

“This was my first Gathering experience. I had never been before,” she said.

Barreto encourages others who may be thinking about going into church work to take the leap because you never know where God will lead you.

“If you feel the call, then go for it. It’s a challenging vocation, but incredibly rewarding and an exciting adventure,” she said. “I look back, and it’s amazing to see how God has provided for our family and has been at work in my life, even when I didn’t recognize it. … I’m so grateful that CLHS taught me to keep Christ at the center and find joy in my vocation.”

continued on page 14

Left: Blythe (Harkenrider) Barreto, Class of 2009, poses in a photo provided by the LCMS Youth Ministry.

Top: Baretto smiles with students in her class.

Above: Barreto led a Bible Study presenting to 4,000 kids every day of the National Youth Gathering this past summer in Texas.

Many of our alumni have made the decision to go into Church Work after graduating from CLHS. They are working as pastors, teachers, administrators, and so much more. They are using their talents through leadership, music, art, and working with children. Here are a few of their stories.

SARAH (SAMPLE) SMITH, 1997

SECOND GRADE TEACHER AT EMMANUEL-ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL, FORT WAYNE, IND.

What led you to your current occupation?

“I always loved working with children and wanted to pursue a career that would support my commitment to love, marriage, and family. After graduating from college, I accepted a first grade teaching position in the public school system. After 15 years, God nudged me to accept an opportunity to teach at Holy Cross, which also happened to be the same school my children attended. It was the best decision of my career! There is no greater reward than sharing your faith with children and teaching about the love of Christ. I love being a teacher and I love the Lutheran Ministry.”

What was your education after Concordia?

“I attended Indiana University, Bloomington and the Fort Wayne Campus to pursue a Bachelor in Science of Education. I was a first-generation college student.”

What did you love most about CLHS?

“What I loved most about CLHS was the friendships, both new and old, that I made along the way of my school career. … It was more than an education. It was being immersed in a culture that nurtured my soul for a lifetime. I am very grateful, but even more so after experiencing education without faith in a public school system.”

ETHAN SPIRA, 2010

SENIOR PASTOR AT LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN WESTFIELD, IND.

What led you to your current occupation?

“The summer before my junior year of high school, God made it clear through several people and circumstances that my future was serving His Church.”

What was your education after Concordia?

“I ended up at Concordia University Wisconsin. I tried Elementary Education for a semester and quickly knew that, while it was a good route, my focus needed to be in congregation ministry. The Dean of Students signed off on a Bachelor of Arts program I crafted for Applied Theology and Servant Leadership. After graduation I attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne for my Master of Divinity and received my Ordination.”

What did you love most about CLHS?

“There's no shortage of stories from my time at CLHS! The groups I was part of and the skills I learned still help me today, but it really was and is the relationships that laid the foundation of who I am. Rev. Joe Gudel and Mrs. Sandy Friedrich were great supporters as I considered church work. Mr. Will Neumeyer and Mr. Aaron Spencer gave me the freedom and tools in the video lab to grow in my creativity and responsibility. Mr. Chris Murphy and Mrs. Dianne Moellering taught me more than I could appreciate at the time as a member of the theater and drumline, not just about performance but about faith and attitude. I do a disservice to not name more, because every teacher did have an impact in some way. And this doesn't even touch on the friends made! I'll say a special shout out to Will Baker, Eric Dewell and Zach Reynolds who are still my brothers a dozen plus years since graduation.”

JAKOB BERGER, 2005

PASTOR AT SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THOMPSON FALLS, MONT.

What led you to your current occupation?

“Some of my colleagues knew right away that they wanted to be a pastor. I had no idea, and I kept vacillating about it, even in the seminary. But what led me there were

various experiences and influential people: being selected to serve on the inaugural Koinonia project, being chosen to be the chaplain of the JROTC battalion, interacting with classmates at the Anthis Career Center, the principal there at Anthis, the principal at CLHS, and my pastor.”

What was your education after Concordia?

“I went to Ivy Tech to study business and accounting, then transferred (via their agreement) to IPFW. Eventually, I switched majors and graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies with a Religious Studies minor. I then got an M.Div degree at the Fort Wayne seminary (CTSFW), serving vicarage at Imperial, NE. Currently, I am slowly working my way through a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies with an online program.

What did you love most about CLHS?

“I loved the people there: students, faculty, and staff. The teachers especially challenged me to think about my faith, its importance, its meaning, and how to apply it to everyday life.”

JENNIFER PORATH, 2012

DIRECTOR OF BANDS AT CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL, FORT WAYNE, IND.

What led you to your current occupation?

“I believe it was my sophomore year in high school that I decided I wanted to audition for Drum Major for the marching band. Before that, I was honestly

terrified of being in the spotlight like that, but eventually I came around to the idea. That year, I was not selected, but I quickly learned how much I love to conduct. Then for my junior and senior year, I was selected to be one of the Drum Majors. My confidence grew and became more comfortable with the teaching/ leading aspect. And through that role, my passion for music and praising God really

blossomed. My band director, Mrs. Dianne Moellering, also played a tremendous role in developing those skills and passion. She encouraged everyone to not only be the best musician possible, but also the best person and representative of Christ as possible. She demonstrated and modeled firsthand what it's like to be Christ's hands and feet, but also how crucial it is to keep Christ at the center, which is exactly what Concordia is all about. … It was something I loved being a part of, and I couldn't wait to share the same emotions with my future students.”

What was your education after Concordia?

“After graduating from CLHS, I attended Concordia University, Nebraska to receive my Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with the Lutheran Teacher's Degree.”

What did you love most about CLHS?

“I loved the community that CLHS provided and fostered. I was mostly involved with the Fine Arts — band, choir, and drama, so that's where most of my friends came from. Many of those friends, I am still in contact with today because of all the time we spent together in high school. The teachers were (and still are!) wonderful. They would go out of their way to help and would answer every question that was asked.”

NEW SPACE, NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN IN THE STUDY CENTER

This summer, Concordia renovated the Study Center to provide more space for the growing number of students with unique learning needs, issues with accessibility, or help in the classroom. Three rooms now provide opens spaces and accessibility for students to learn and obtain help with their studies.

Top: Three rooms allow the teachers to work with more students throughout the day.

Bottom: New furniture and equipment allow the students more opportunities to learn in a way that works best for them.

Top: Lisa Sherrod, Study Center director, works with two students in the newly renovated space.

Middle: Students now have wider spaces to study and work.

Bottom: The new renovations provide bright spaces for students to study and learn. LEFT

Your Generosity Creates an Eternal Legacy

Thanks to your continued generosity to our high school, your support creates a lasting impact in the lives of our students! Your gifts allow us to continue our storied tradition of high-quality, Christ-centered education. Here are some examples of how your support of the Cadet Fund this school year will impact the lives of our students:

✝ New vehicle for the band

✝ Athletics equipment

✝ A diamond digger / field drag for baseball/softball

✝ New track hurdles

✝ Cross country conditioning equipment

✝ Scorers table

✝ Sound system upgrades to include monitors

✝ New flooring for the stage

✝ Updates to our rifle range

Mr. Matthew Konow CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

“I am excited to join the team as the Chief Advancement Officer. In this role, I’m responsible for the design and implementation of the high school’s program of advancement including fundraising, marketing, communications, and admissions. I also work with the Concordia Educational Foundation and its strategic objectives and outcomes, which includes annual giving, capital campaign fundraising and endowment fund development. I look forward to working with the Concordia family and our network of dedicated donors to advance the mission and vision of our cherished high school. My wife and I, as well as our daughters, have benefitted from the rich education Concordia provided us to achieve our goals and the firm faith foundation to spread our Lord’s Gospel message as He has led us on the path He has prepared. I can’t wait to learn from our alumni and donors from their own time and experience with our high school as we continue to invest in such a valuable resource for generations to come.”

$600,000

Alumni, neighbors work to preserve Concordia’s history

By Ashley Wiehe

As the pieces of the 1963 gym floor were being pulled up, Concordia graduate Phil Amt began to think of all of the memories — the games won and lost, the rifles spun and the rifles dropped, and the Concordia pride shared through generations of Cadets.

From there, the plan began.

Amt pulled together two of his neighbors, Ed Reitenour and Tim Rupley (both of whom had no prior connection to Concordia); Tom Steinhauser, a friend from his same graduating class in 1964; and Steve Schnorr, a 1974 Concordia graduate and a friend of Eugene Parker, of whom the gym floor is named. Together, they began the hard work of cutting,

sanding, and grinding the pieces of the original floor to share with others who spent so much time on the gym floor over the years. The pieces are now for sale.

“As I did this, I thought, ‘Did I run on this part of the floor? Or take a shot from this spot?’” Schnorr said. “It’s a labor of love.”

“It’s nostalgia and brings back fond memories of high school,” Steinhauser said.

After 59 years, the gym floor in Concordia’s “Cage” was replaced this summer through the generous support of donors, many of whom were close to Eugene Parker.

“(Eugene) meant a lot to me. We were close friends. He was a star basketball player, but more importantly, he was a personal friend and a great colleague,” Schnorr said. “I was so excited that the floor was being named after my good friend.”

“This floor had a lot of memories for us, and I know it had a lot of memories for the alumni that came after us,” Amt added. “A lot of blood sweat and tears went into this place, and we’re very proud of it, and I thought maybe others would want a piece of that history, as well.”

Amt and his team cut down the planks of the original floor, and those are now available for sale to support the continued renovation of the gymnasium.

“I hope that (our Concordia family) values it, and I hope they reflect on it,” Amt said. “I have a piece of history.”

For Amt, Steinhauser, and so many other alumni from that time, the installation of the 1963 gym floor meant that the Cadets could finally have true home matches. Their fans could watch them on their own court and cheer them on to victory from their own stands.

“We never had a gym before,” Steinhauser said. “Our home courts were Bishop Luers and North Side and the Seminary. To have a court that was yours was really neat.”

So, cut after cut, they kept memories alive. Saw blade after new saw blade, they brought back nostalgia. And with every nail that was pulled and every edge softened, they preserved another moment of Concordia’s history.

“I looked at the gym floor, cutting each piece, thinking there are so many lives that touched that floor, particularly how it relates to our weekly worship at Concordia. Not only all the sporting events that occurred, but the concerts, the gym classes, the graduation ceremonies … I’m hoping the alumni would feel the sentimental value and memories and would want a piece of that history in their homes,” Schnorr said. “I hope that our alumni step up and want a piece of this history and help us fund the next piece of Concordia’s history.”

If you’re interested in purchasing a piece of the 1963 gym floor, please contact Greg Rehberg, Director of Alumni and Donor Relations, at grehberg@clhscadets.com.

Through the work of amazing alumni and neighbors of Concordia, we have pieces of the original 1963 gym floor for sale. Watch the video to learn more and contact Greg Rehberg at grehberg@clhscadets.com to learn more.

1964 alum Phil Amt (second from right) pulled together two of his neighbors, Ed Reitenour (middle) and Tim Rupley (far left), Tom Steinhauser (CLHS 1964, far right), and Steve Schnorr (CLHS 1974, second from left) to cut and shape the pieces of the floor.

ALUMNI notes

Stay in touch with your classmates! Send your Alumni Notes to alumni@clhscadets.com

1950s

For graduation, June 6, 1957, the 73 members of the graduating class of Concordia Lutheran High School (Class of 1957) selected as its class motto “God is Our Guide, As Onward We Strive.” Twenty-one of 48 living classmates and seven family members convened on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, to celebrate 65 years since graduation. The Brookside Lake Club House in Fort Wayne was the site for the eighth five-year reunion of the first four-year class to graduate from Concordia Lutheran High School, Maumee Avenue and Anthony Blvd. Classmates from California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida, and Indiana joined their friends of “The Fort” to reminisce old times and share trivia of their current lives. An “all-in favor” vote to strive for a 70th year reunion in 2027 was passed. The closely-knit class remain friends forever! First Row

L-R: Janet Terry Peters, Laurel Hawthorne Stockamp, Judy Heemsoth Rupel, Marilyn Woerner Schultz, Annette Reiter Schmacher, Annette Grohrock

Fortmeyer, Janis Dietz Stobart, Sandra Volmerding

Henry. Second Row L-R: Ed Saffen, Carl Albersmeyer, Paul Korte, Rosalyn Cozad Arnett, Sharon Grady, Carol Borcherding Van Camp, Kay Krueger Evans. Third Row L-R: Keith Franz, Jerry Helmke, Tom Stockamp, Gary Duesel, Lowell Zelt

Karen (Stein ’59) Strom and husband John’s first great-grandbaby was born in March in Bangkok, Thailand where their grandchildren are missionaries.

1960s

The Class of 1960 held its class reunion on Homecoming Weekend. Those in attendance

were Rosie Doenges

Blazek, Diana Gehring

Kruse, Del Dreyer, Jan Walda Dreyer, Joan Kidd

Clauss, Gloria Verweire

Nash, Sandy Stultz

Cecchini, Judy Brandt Novak, Darlene

Radesk

Leiendecker, Jan Walda

Dreyer, Ginny Gotsch Flora,

Suzy Hartman, Del Dreyer, Steve Hartman, Judy Brandt Novak, Rob Leiendecker, Deb Kruse, Stan Kruse, Karen Oldsen, Bob Oldsen, Judy Bengs Tennison, Carol Witte Bitner, Judy Brandt Novak, Roger Panning, Don Bohn, and Sue Dettmer

David McCollister ’63 retired from teaching, serving seven years at Our Savior in Bronx, NY and 40 years at Lutheran High School North in St. Louis, Mo.

Paul Herrmann ’64 stopped into the high school and surprised Jacob Pennekamp ’92 and Matt Konow ’91 with a special gift. Paul wanted to donate this refurbished piece of the old gym floor to the alumni showcase in our main hallway. “I wanted the kids and the staff here to know how much Concordia means to me,” Paul said.

Steve Bercot ’65 retired on Dec. 13, 2019, and he continued to work part time until Dec. 31, 2021.

Sandra (Tuschling ’69) Robart and her husband moved into a large retirement village in Grand Rapids, Mich., buying a beautiful garden apartment only a few doors down from where her parents had lived for many years! It felt like coming home!

1970s

Members of the Class of 1970 celebrated turning 70 together. Pictured from left to right are Mike Page, Leroy Schaefer, Dave Wick, Tim Starke, Paul Dicke, Dan Kruse, Barry Harmeyer, and Ron Ahrens.

The Class of 1972 held its 50th class reunion on Homecoming Weekend.

Jane (Liby ’75) and Phil Borchelt ’72 have retired from W.C. Borchelt & Sons. Jane retired this year after more than 30 years and Phil retired in 2019 after 45 years. They are enjoying their 13 grandchildren with number 14 due in October. Their oldest grandchild is planning on attending CLHS next year. They celebrated their 44th anniversary in September. God is good!

Mark Ripke ’73 retired and moved back to Colorado.

Theresa (Goeglein ’73) Pierce and husband, Bob ’73 retired in the Spring. They are proud grandparents of two current Cadets, Abby Wagner ’24 and Gage Thompson ’26.

John Buuck ’74 retired from Indiana University Athletics/The Cuban Center after 28 years of service.

The Class of 1975 held its reunion on 1975 gathering during Homecoming Weekend at the Lucky Moose. Those in attendance were Steve Schlund,

Cindy Spohr, Trina Glusenkamp Gould, Carol Seddelmeyer

Stiles, Dave Biggs, Melanie Hershberger Robertson, Jean Graft

Beery, Ken Finner, Kevin Gallmeier, Marc Pape, Janet Jackson, Chris Sauer, Dan Carr, Jody Lepper, Christina Winkler, Ida

Smith Kaiser, Chris Franke Hudson, Marie Kamprath James, Bill Nix, Marti Wright, and Tim Muntzinger.

Cindy (Gunkler ’79) Hesterman’s daughter Ashley got married in July and Cindy became CEO of Vistage Florida in August.

1980s

The Class of 1980 held a reunion during Homecoming Weekend. Mr. and Mrs. Don Luepke and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Weiss blessed the Class of 1980 with their presence and words of wisdom. The venue was at the TinCaps Stadium.

Renee (Mueller ’82) Marinko opened a Kilwins, Chocolate, Fudge and Ice Cream store with her husband in downtown Fort Wayne.

Becky Grim ’86 began a new job working at Brotherhood Mutual Insurance.

1990s

Diana (Johnson ’90) Fulton was named Supervisor of Technology Network Support Services at Fort Wayne Community Schools. The position oversees leveraging digital technology for staff and students within the district.

Robert Myers ’91 accepted the position of Director of Mission Development on Jan. 1, 2022 at Lutheran Military Veterans and Families Ministries, a local non-profit whose mission is to provide free care and counseling to veterans. Bob still works part-time as an estate planning attorney in Fort Wayne.

Amanda Borne ’92 earned an associate degree in massage therapy at Ivy Tech Community College in 2007.

Lance Thies ’93 finished his Master of Business Administration degree coursework.

Stephanie (Long ’94) Scheele has been named the executive director of the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.

Sarah (Sample ’97) Smith is the new second grade teacher at the ESM Getz Road Campus. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Mrs. Smith is a graduate of St. Peter’s Lutheran Grade School, Concordia Lutheran High School and Indiana University. She is enjoying her 21st year of teaching having previously taught first grade at FWCS and Holy Cross. When not teaching Mrs. Smith enjoys reading, traveling, and working out at FW Cycle House. She also loves spending time with her family and her fur baby Sargent Peppers.

Jeff Wiehe ’97 went from being a chef to a news reporter at WANE-TV.

Holly (Schneider ’98) Terry shared a picture of seven CLHS graduating classes in one family, spanning from the class of 1961 to 1998. God is certainly faithful. Those in picture from left to right are Holly, Heidi (Schneider ’95) Elseroad, Doug Reinking ’87, Pamela (Reinking ’84) Core, Jennifer (Dehaven ’72) Bryan, John Reinking ’68, Linda (Reinking ’65) Schneider, Judy (Reinking ’61) West, and Bill West ’61.

2000s

Tiffini Grimes ’01 was named to the Sports Business Journal “Forty Under 40” class of ’22. These 40 execs were recognized for excellence and innovation in their careers, all before the age of 40.

David Hamann ’03 began working for OmniSource as a truck driver.

Jessica (Goeglein ’05) Arnett and husband, AJ ’04, welcomed their third child.

Jakob Berger ’05 and wife Kaelene celebrated the birth of their third child, Lydia Ann Berger, on April 11, 2022.

Peter Ahlersmeyer ’06 moved to Fenton, Mich., to serve as a pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Elizabeth (Spira ’07) Hoham and husband Ted ’07 welcomed baby #4 in April of 2021.

In Memoriam

Walter Ostermeyer 1946

Colleen (Kleeburg) 1946

Rowlette

Erna (Meyer) Schwartz 1946

Vernon Doehrman 1947

Paul Schumacher 1948

D. Elaine (Meyer) Thomas 1948

Elinor (Grote) Doenges 1949

Evelyn (Fathauer) Frank 1950

Elsa (Ehrhardt) Reiter 1950

Loide (Luebke) 1950

Shutes/Olson

Ruth (Rodenbeck) 1951

Remetta

Franklin Rettig 1951

Eric Meyer 1952

Victor Bobay 1953

Frederick Sheets 1953

Margaret (Schaper) 1954

Cleveland

Shirley (Davis) Myers 1954

Marilyn (Fiebig) Ribandt 1956

Suzanne (Lahrman) Rusch 1956

James Schlund 1956

Nola (Roberson) Bandor 1959

Wayne Baughman 1960

Thomas Rodenbeck 1960

Robert Breimeier 1961

Charles Judt 1961

Delores (Jackemeyer) 1961

Kikuchi

Anne (Hartman) Horstman1962

Ronald Walter 1963

Tim Wiedman 1964

Betty (Belles) Collier 1965

David Bear 1967

Kenneth Buuck 1970

Paul Gerding 1971

Edward Miller 1975

Terry Hattendorf 1977

Janet Shearer 1978

Michael Vonderau 1979

Leanne (Shedd) Byron 1980

Gregory Runge 1986

Karla (Schmidt) Hough 1988

Gregory Luchnenko 1989

Matthew Wenthe 1993

Michael Lilly 1995

Kristin (Shoemaker) 1998

Corneliusen

Lindsay (Mallers) Kuhn 2000

Ross Nichols 2010

Steven Fisher 2014

Ezra Lanotte 2014

Coralie Tiefel 2023

Danielle (Jackson ’08) Frecker completed a Human Resources degree in December of 2021 and began a job as a Talent Development specialist in January of 2022.

2010s

Austin Knox ’16 visited Mr. Tim Reinking’s government class this fall to talk about how the township government services impact our community. He is the Wayne Township Trustee.

Daniela (Moeller ’13) Watanabe married Michael Watanabe on Oct. 9, 2021.

Andrew Bower ’16 moved from a two-year contract in the Florida Keys as an entertainer at Hawks Cay Resort to an acting contract for the summer at Yellowstone Playhouse right outside of Yellowstone National Park in Island Park, Idaho.

Shania Kelly ’17 graduated from Central State University with a degree in Journalism and Digital Media. Shania graduated with academic honors and was a member of the women’s basketball team. Shania is engaged and will marry Raymond Smith.

Min “Johnny” Kyaw ’17 is expecting a little one in January of 2023. He is legally changing his name to Jun Forger. He is now the Junior Art Director at Majestic Steel USA.

Victoria (Miller ’17) and Cole Hayward ’17 married in June of 2022. Victoria is the daughter of Phil ’82 and Penny Miller.

MaKayla Grayson ’17 graduated from Ball State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services with concentrations in Social Work, Sociology, Interpersonal Development and Human Psychology Development.

Shelby (Prows ’17) Gick married Jonathon Gick ’18 on May 30, 2021. She started working at North Side High School and then received a job at Woodlan Jr/Sr High School during the school year. She is now teaching full-time Algebra 1 and Geometry at Woodlan and loves her job.

Bryce Kanning ’17 graduated from the Indiana State Police 82nd Recruit Academy in June. The Fort Wayne Post welcomes Trooper Bryce Kanning to the ranks of District 22. Prior to being accepted into the State Police Recruit Academy, he worked as a confinement officer at the Whitley County Sheriff's Department. Alongside his commitment to serving his community as a State Trooper, he is also currently enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he serves as infantryman at the ANG Armory in Bluffton, Ind.

Kylie (Steele ’17) Bailey graduated in 2021 with her bachelor’s degree and will graduate in 2023 with her master’s degree.

Gabriel Kramer ’17 completed an internship at the Lurie Center for Autism in Lexington, Mass., with Christopher McDougle ’77, MD in the Summer of 2019. He graduated summa cum laude from Hillsdale College with a bachelor's degree in Biology in December of 2020 and began medical school at IU School of Medicine in August of 2021. He married Clara Kramer in January of 2022 and baby Kramer is due in October of 2022.

Nicole Chappell ’18 began a deaconess internship (through Concordia Chicago) at LCMS-International Center in St. Louis, Lainey Bentz ’19 graduated from Ball State in May of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English and minors in Strategic Communications and Spanish. She began working as a copywriter at BIG (Brand Innovation Group) in Fort Wayne following graduation.

2020s

Mia (Garnett ’20) Wall is married and they will be welcoming their first child, a son, soon.

Amelia Turnbull ’20 has a new job as the midday news anchor and morning traffic anchor on 95.3 MNC, Michiana’s News Channel. She also was a guest news anchor at WOWO 1190 AM 107.5 AM during the summer.

Cailyn Volkert ’21 graduated from the esthetics program at Ravenscroft Beauty College.

2022 graduates

Dontrell Johnson and Mahelat Lee received the first B.L.A.S.T. (Black Lutheran Alumni Scholarship Team) Trailblazer Award Scholarship on June 19. Pictured are Dontrell and Mahelat with Peggy (Greer ’54) Calloway and Richard J Ridley, Jr. ’56, who were the first two African American CLHS graduates and for who the Trailblazer Award is named after.

In the Junior pairs competition in U.S. Figure Skating, Andy Deng ’22, and his partner, Cayla Smith, won gold with a combined score of 137.23, punching their ticket to the Junior Grand Prix Final in December.

CONCORDIA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

The Concordia Educational Foundation (CEF) was founded in 1959 by 15 Fort Wayne Lutheran laymen who passed the hat to help families in need at Concordia. Incorporated that same year as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and through the Lord’s blessings, it now manages $18,788,147 in gifts and has established more than 200 endowments. And, through the strong investment management of the Investment Committee and the Board of Directors, have grown those gifts to $18,988,215 as of June 30, 2022.