Cadets Magazine | Spring 2023

CADETS SPRING 2023

MAGAZINE

IMPACTING GENERATIONS TO COME alumni prepare future students through student teaching

C E L E B R AT I N G Y E A R S O F S E R V I C E | D E D I C AT I O N O F T H E GY M F L O O R | R E U N I O N S & A L U M N I A W A R D S

a word from...

F

irm in the Faith…with Christ at the Center has been our theme this school year, highlighting the portion of our mission statement that points to our goal of making disciples of Jesus. In our theme verse, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Paul encourages us to walk wisely as a believer of Jesus and, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”

These words are encouraging and a blueprint to me as I reflect personally and as a leader of CLHS. Do I always act in a way that holds to Jesus’ teachings? Am I faithful in all situations? Do I live courageously? The answer is, of course not.

As an imperfect sinner I often fall short of these goals. However, as a redeemed child of God, I can live strengthened with the truth of Christ every day, and better yet, share it with those around me!

I am humbled and thankful for the tremendous ministry and service Concordia Lutheran High School provides to our students, our families, and our community. Teachers, counselors, and staff work faithfully in their calling to teach courageously, while students have worked faithfully with trust and diligence in their learning, and experiences at Concordia.

A few highlights this school year include exciting basketball and volleyball games on the new Eugene Parker Court, the BLAST assembly in February, and the resumption of students visiting from Lüdenscheid, Germany in our German-American exchange program (GAPP,) which we hosted at CLHS in the spring and look forward to our visit next year with them in Germany. Our JROTC continues to thrive in excellence with outstanding leadership development and programing, highlighted by raiders, rifle, robotics, and drill. We had successful Fine Arts tours with the band and string orchestra traveling together through Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, while our choir toured Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York with a trip to New York City as the turnaround location — and the ensembles ending their tours with outstanding home concerts.

Concordia has been blessed and is extremely thankful for the ministry and service of retiring faculty members, Mrs. Pam Rusher and SFC (Ret) Alan Conrad at the end of this school year.

I pray that as you enjoy this edition of the CADETS Magazine that you see Christ working in what we do here and see his love shining through the students, faculty, and staff. We are not perfect all the time, yet we have a Savior who lifts us up, renews us daily, and provides us with faith, wisdom, courage, strength, and love.

Enjoy, and go Concordia!

CADETS

MAGAZINE

Spring 2023 | Vol. 31 | Issue 2 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

Alaina Stellwagen ’17 Grant Writer

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

Patrick Frerking PRINCIPAL

2

Cover: Provided photos of Alexa Hoover ’19 who is doing her student teaching in Alaska.

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

We had a wonderful and inspiring assembly in February for Black History Month. We were joined by Tiffini Grimes ’01, Arin Knox Hodges ’02, Chanell Ridley ’06, Austin Knox ’10, Claude ’72 and Johnnie (Kennie ’73) Grimes, James Irvin Ridley ’75, Ron ’74 & Karen Knox and our friends with BLAST (the Black Lutheran Alumni Scholarship Team) who shared about their lives, careers and challenges.

in this issue features

5 9 12

5

GAPP at CLHS

8

CELEBRATING YEARS OF SERVICE

12

IMPACTING OUR WORLD FOR CHRIST

22

RECOGNIZING OUR ALUMNI

German Exchange program returns after hiatus

Two long-time faculty members retire

Graduates learn the art of teaching

Awards presented to deserving Cadets

sections 4-7

NEWS & ATHLETICS

10-11

CLASS OF 2023 PLANS & AWARDS

17-20

ALUMNI NOTES

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | SPRING 2023

3

Washington joins an elite group of 1,000 point makers

By Samantha Hoffman ’23

S

ometimes a single player stands out from the team. For Concordia one of the stand out players was Tom Baack.

Baack graduated from Concordia in 1964, and he was an outstanding player.

Baack currently holds the top record for most points at Concordia and held the city scoring record for more than 30 years.

There have been many people close to his record, but he still holds the most at 1,623 points. Concordia has had only 11 players throughout the years that have hit the goal of 1,000 points for the boys and girls teams, but this year one more player hit that benchmark. That player was junior Ajani Washington.

“It was a really historical moment.

That is something that is difficult to do, and it shows because of its rarity here at CLHS,” said head basketball coach Phil Brackmann. “It was neat to see Ajani’s

abilities grow from his freshman season through his junior season and hit such a special milestone.”

Washington has hit many milestones in his basketball career, but 1,000 points is probably the biggest. He commented that the adrenaline rush you get from achieving anything this big is massive.

“When the shot first went in, I could only think about how badly I wanted it for so long,” Washington said. “Hitting a milestone like that is something you dream about growing up as a basketball lover. I spoke it into existence since my freshman year at Concordia. When I scored 500 points in only my sophomore season, I knew it could really happen, all I had to do was work for it. In that very moment when the shot went in, it was such a pure relief. My hard work paid off.”

Junior Ajani Washington celebrates with this teammates after scoring his 1,000th point this season.

Cella Kaiser ’25 contributed to this story.

Gym floor dedicated in honor of Eugene Parker

By Ashley Wiehe clients in athletics and entertainment, including Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, and Rod Woodson.

He was also inducted into the Concordia Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 during its inaugural year and is a member of the Indiana Eugene Parker's son, Brandon Parker, speaks during the gym floor Basketball Hall of Fame. dedication ceremony.

Parker passed away in n Dec. 9, Concordia dedicated the 2016 following a battle with new gym floor in honor of an alum kidney cancer. who left a lasting legacy on the “Playing with Eugene was just high school. amazing. All of the teammates loved him,” The Eugene Parker Court is named said Greg Rehberg, Concordia Director in memory of Eugene Parker, a 1974 of Alumni and Donor Relations and a alumnus, who was a standout basketball teammate of Parker’s at Concordia. “What player at Concordia and then later at Eugene did was he made you better. In Purdue University. He continued to other words, he would always challenge carry his faith and servant heart into his you — dribble better, shoot better, pass business and life. He founded a sports the ball better. But he was also a very good agency where he served professional friend, and he would always take care of

O

4

you. To have the court named in his honor means a lot to us.”

The original 1963 gym floor was replaced this past summer. This $1 million gym renovation effort will also bring about new bleachers, new lights, sound system, scoreboards, and funding for a special endowment to provide annual maintenance to sustain the facility for generations to come. The new sound system is being installed around Christmas thanks to donations from friends of Concordia. The bleachers will be replaced this October.

Parker’s family was in attendance for the dedication ceremony along with the Russ Quilhot family who were significant donors of the gym floor. Charles Quilhot, representing the Quilhot family, spoke of the alum’s love for the high school and what this naming would have meant to him. If you'd like to be involved in this project, please contact Matt Konow or Greg Rehberg.

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

NEWS & ATHLETICS

GAPP program returns to CLHS, inspires new generation of Cadets

By Ashley Wiehe

S

ince 1985, the German American Exchange Program — or GAPP as it is called around the halls of Concordia — has been providing life-changing experiences for hundreds of Cadets.

After a short hiatus because of COVID, GAPP returned this year with 20 students visiting from Lüdenscheid, Germany.

“It has been great to get this experience, and learn so much about my exchange partner,” said Philipp Kullmann, one of the German students who stayed with freshman Charlie Lang.

As part of their visit from March to April, the students went to Chicago, a TinCaps game, area restaurants, and other activities. They spent every day going to classes with their Concordia students, and then had the opportunity to go on Spring Break with them.

“The best part about this GAPP visit is 100 percent learning about German culture, showing them American culture, and finding out all the similar and different things,” said sophomore Cillian Hoover. “I love playing card games, playing board games, and just interacting and talking about slang and culture. It’s just amazing.”

For many alumni, the experience has created lifelong friendships.

For Brenda (Kiess) Hoffman, Class of 1990, and her exchange student, Claudia Ludwig-Baum, their friendship has led to participating in each other’s weddings and visiting each other again for the 25th anniversary of their first GAPP trip.

“We’ve always kept in contact,” Hoffman said. “I’ve seen her boys grow up, and she’s seen our boys get married.”

“My favorite memories from my visit to Concordia as an exchange student were how friendly and welcoming the students, faculty, and staff were and how Brenda and her family were such wonderful hosts who gave so much to me during my time at Concordia,” LudwigBaum added.

With the program back without COVID restrictions, the Concordia students are now getting ready for their visit to Germany next year — something they look forward to and cherish.

“So glad we’ve gotten to be a part of it,” said freshman Charlie Lang. “It has been so much fun, and I cannot wait to go to Germany.”

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | SPRING 2023

Top: The GAPP students and their hosts smile for a photo during their visit.

Middle: Brenda (Kiess) Hoffman, Class of 1990, left, smiles with her exchange student, Claudia Ludwig-Baum, who came for a visit to Concordia in April to remember their GAPP years.

Bottom: Freshman Charlie Lang, right, and his exchange student, Philipp Kullmann, smile for a photo at the beach during spring break.

5

DECA students compete internationally

HOSA students qualify for nationals

Concordia’s HOSA: Future Health Professionals competed in the state competition in April, and three students are advancing to nationals. Senior Jon Tapp earned third place in Behavioral Health and freshmen Beata Peperkorn and Emma Bledsoe earned third place in CPR/First Aid. The club also earned a membership growth award for a 30-member increase this year at state. The number of students competing this year is almost doubled from last year. In addition, the chapter was recognized for raising the highest amount for the National Service Project, Be The Match. The chapter raised more than $1,000 for Be The Match during a dress down day at CLHS in October.

Four DECA Business Club students represented the high school at the international competition in Orlando, Fla. from April 2226: junior Lily Dry, Principles of Business Management and Administration; Freshmen Kathryn Crook, Principles of Marketing; junior Abby Scheiderer, Accounting Applications; and sophomore Jack Habegger, Restaurant and Food Service Management. Some “firsts” for CLHS DECA included Kathryn Crook making the international stage for recognition of her exemplary test score in Principles of Marketing. An additional “first” was Jack Habegger’s chosen pin design for Indiana. Each state and country has a student-designed representative pin, and these pins are actively traded throughout the competition and conference.

Students qualify for state skills competition JROTC Robotics finishes second at worlds

Congratulations to our JROTC Cadets who competed at the World Championships in VEX Robotics at the end of April.

They competed with four robots down in Dallas, Texas. They came into the competition as the reigning JROTC World Champs for 2021 and 2022, and were able to compete in the high school division this year. They came in 2nd in worlds for JROTC, and also brought home the Design Award - Innovation Division, Design Award - Spirit Division, Innovate Award, and Think Award.

Concordia students who attend Anthis Career Center participated in a Skills USA competition in Fort Wayne. Four of our students took first place in the competition. These students were invited to the state competition on April 15.

Congratulations to: Senior Sydney Reed – First place in Cabinetry Senior Landon Kaschinske – First place in Welding Senior Brennon Burget – First place in Masonry Senior Troy Zimmerman – First place in Metal Sheeting/HVAC

Junior wins Glass Spike Award

Junior volleyball player Jersey Loyer took home the 2022 Glass Spike Award. The award recognizes the most outstanding volleyball player in the Summit Athletic Conference (SAC). The award is voted on by SAC coaches.

6

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

NEWS & ATHLETICS

Chamber Choir named state runners-up

The “Maroon Standard” Chamber Choir had their best performance of the year at the Jazz State Finals on Friday, March 17 and were state runners-up! As one of eight selected state finalists, they performed a three-song set of: “Words,” “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” and “The Song is You" for a panel of nationally recognized musician adjudicators.

They were one of the top performances of the evening earning a standing ovation, many professional compliments, and ultimately recognized as the 2023 State Runner-Up in Vocal Jazz.

A Cappella earns 3rd at state

The A Cappella Choir brought home third place at the state competition. This is their ninth year of qualifying for state, and they were the smallest school competing. In all, 16 choirs from around the state competed.

CLHS awarded Northeast Indiana Athletic Officials Association Sportsmanship Award

Congratulations to all athletes, coaches, and spectators involved with Concordia’s athletics on receiving the first Northeast Indiana Athletic Officials Association Sportsmanship Award.

This award was given to Concordia as a result of the efforts as a school to support officials in their endeavors to make high school athletics a positive experience for athletes. It encapsulates everything that the high school wants to be about as an educationally-based athletic program.

Swimmer beats 26-year school record

At the swim sectionals this year, freshman Kellyn Cook (far left) broke a 26-year-old school record in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:20.93. The team as a whole finished third at sectionals. They were also SAC champions this year.

Freshman competes at state in gymnastics

Freshman Remmington Tallent advanced to the State Gymnastics Meet on the Beam this season. She scored a 9.275 which qualified her automatically for the state meet. She finished seventh overall in the Beam.

Yearbook wins Excellence Award

The 2021-22 yearbook staff earned a Jostens National Yearbook Program of Excellence award. The staff received the bronze award for their sales and coverage of the student body. The National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body while helping students develop 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, and information and communication technologies (ICT) literacy.

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | SPRING 2023

7

Top: Pam Rusher smiles with her boys, James and Isaiah.

Above: Pam Rusher always has a smile on her face.

Right: Pam Rusher smiles with Jared, the Comfort Dog.

Rusher retires after 33 years of service with a ‘welcoming smile’

By Ellie Walters ’25

P

am Rusher, a 1979 Concordia graduate, attended Suburban Bethlehem before spending four years at Concordia alongside her older brother and younger sister. It was important to her parents that she received a Christian education, and Concordia became somewhat of a family tradition as she later enrolled her own boys, Isaiah (’21) and James (’23) Rusher, and then began teaching the next generation of Concordia Cadets as a health and physical education teacher. She retires this year after teaching for 40 years (since 1990 at CLHS).

After high school, Rusher pursued her love for both health and athletics at Ball State University. By her junior year of college, she recognized teaching as a career path. After graduating from Ball State in 1983, Rusher started teaching, and soon, a position to teach PE at CLHS opened up.

“God had a hand in all of it,” she remarks after spending the past 33 years as an admired Concordia teacher. “Here was a better opportunity to teach and share God’s word at the same time, which was something instilled in me all the time.”

As she taught, Rusher’s main goal for her students was to help them find an activity they enjoyed so they would stay active.

“Being active makes it simpler to continue on a good life and carry out God’s mission,” she said. “Why wouldn’t you support that healthy, strong attitude?”

Through the years, she has accumulated so many fun memories with her students and fellow staff. She reminisced about faculty TinCaps games, lip syncing contests perfected

8

with costumes and choreography, and even kissing a pig during a pep rally.

“That was the fun part,” she recalls, “just getting to know those people and laughing at the silly things that we did. It comes back to a family, a Christ-centered family.”

She has also created lasting memories with her students.

“She just has the perfect personality and welcoming smile,” said junior Alexa Jones. “Our conversations brighten my day and make my week. She's definitely one of those teachers you just click with. I love her.”

“Miss Rusher has taught me that not everything has to be taken so seriously and life can be enjoyed,” added freshman Elyse Mertz. “She is always smiling and has a joyful personality, and I hope I can be as bright and happy as her when I get older.”

Rusher promised her youngest son, James, that they would “graduate” Concordia together, and that’s exactly what she plans on doing at the end of this school year. In retirement, she intends to continue teaching driver’s education for another year and serving the Jared, Comfort Dog Ministry. She looks forward to having more time to visit her two boys in college, and watching Wabash College football or flying with her son at Purdue.

“My retirement plans include continuing the ministry of Jared and his mission and exploring avenues that I haven’t been able to experience, such as, spending time with friends in the U.P., traveling, and watching the family grow through my children as they take on new adventures,” Rusher said.

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

Far left: a photo of SFC Al Conrad from his U.S. Army days.

Middle Top: SFC Al Conrad demonstrates a fireman's carry on a student in a yearbook photo from 1998.

Middle bottom: SFC Al Conrad salutes the JROTC Cadets at the Tournament this year for the final time.

Above: SFC Al Conrad leads a JROTC class in 2012.

SFC Conrad leaves a legacy of service with the JROTC program

By Morgan Cox ’24

S

FC (Ret.) Alan Conrad has faithfully served the Concordia family as a JROTC Army Instructor for 29 years. He and his wife, Gyneth, are alumni from the graduating Class of 1977, and both have committed abundant time and energy into making Concordia’s JROTC program highly successful.

Conrad enlisted in the U.S. Army right after his graduation from Concordia. He served for 17 years in active duty, as well as continued service through the instruction and mentoring of JROTC students — in all, a total of 46 years of dedication to others.

“Every year is unique, and has great memories with it — the kids, the smiles, the laughter is what I remember most,” he said.

A special moment that he noted was Concordia’s Cadets in Cadence Auction in which the Cadet Battalion honored him with a song and celebration of his retirement. Another memory was of an outstanding Battalion Staff who went in uniform to his mother’s funeral.

Returning to Concordia’s JROTC program was something special for Conrad and something that he always wanted to do.

He credited the opportunity to SGT Miller.

“What I really liked the most was hanging out with SGT Miller,” he said. “By the time you were a senior, you could walk into the armory where his office was, sit down, drink coffee with him, and it was just spectacular. I always thought when I graduated, I knew I was going into the army, that I wanted to come back and be SGT Miller. That’s what I wanted … I told the instructors who were here (while I was serving) that they only had until I retired, then I was coming back and taking their job.”

Because of an early retirement option from the Army, Conrad was able to return to his alma mater. “(SFC has always been a) standard-bearer for the traditions of Concordia Lutheran High School. He’s proud of being part of this history as both a Cadet and an Instructor,” said MAJ John Sheaffer, who works alongside Conrad in the JROTC program.

He added that Conrad's experience as an instructor at Concordia was especially significant because of his personal history as a student at the school.

“SFC is a major part behind all of our experiences and events that we have had through CLHS,” said junior Daisy Buell, a current LET III Cadet. “With him, I have learned the value and importance of respect, honor, organization and especially selfless service.”

They are then putting their skills to work in the real world.

“The program taught me a lot about being a leader in everyday life, and the experience brought me out of my shell.

From SFC Conrad I learned about the importance of initiative and how I can apply myself to benefit the community,” said 2021 graduate and JROTC Cadet Evan Cox. In retirement, Conrad looks forward to spending time with grandkids, traveling with his wife, and catching up on his fishing.

The Cadets know that his legacy will continue to live on within the JROTC Program, always striving to reach that standard of service that he exemplified throughout his time at Concordia.

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | SPRING 2023

9

Congratulations

Mia Albright-Malone Madelyn Allman Colson Asher Su Aung Amity Austin Marissa Barger Reegan Bell Allison Bennett William Beverly Joe Boway Nicholas Bronson Benjamin Brown Brennon Burget Cameron Cage Noelle Cardenas Andrew Castens Konrot Chan Manoikrot Jonathan Clem Bubba Craig Andrew Cumberland Logan Dekker Ayden Doan Bryce Dohrmann Marissa Dziak Colton Ehle Rebecca Ellerbrock Elise Emenhiser Karsten Enustun Makenna Erpelding Aleeza Estupinan Gavin Fegley Patrick Flaningan Sierra Gibson Trinity Gonzalez Olivia Greener Kyle Grisez Robert Gross Devin Hairston Chance Harris Christian Harris Sareena Harris-Arzate Alexis Hartman Grant Hayworth Abigail Heaston 10

Jackson Heibeck Werner Heimlich Addison Heller Gabe Hetler Dakota Hitzemann Sophie Hoem Samantha Hoffman August Hoover Curry Jackson Paige Jackson Ulysses Jackson Yebin Jeong Aiden Johnson Katie Jones Addison Kaiser Ruth Kaiser Landon Kaschinske Henry Kelley Maddox Krocker Faye Kropf Ty Lawrence Anellah Lichtenstiger-Jones Amy Linan Charlotte Loechner Emma Lunz Leah Lusk Ethan Madden Evan Mallory Jacob Mann Alexander Marshall Makia Martin Channing Matha Elijah Mattox Elliot McBride Madison Mee Andrew Messmaker May Moe Jocelyn Moellering Tyler Moher Evan Moloney Benjamin Mueller Shihab Musa Salha Mussa Annaka Nelson

Alison Nutter Jordyn Nygaard Oluwatunmise "Tim" Okeowo Maxwell Park Maya Racz Wyatt Raney Avery Rang Charles Reddinger Sydney Reed Brayden Reid Garrett Reinking Abigail Rhodes Makayla Richardson Morgan Rohde Riley Rubrake James Rusher Ayden Salway Luke Sappenfield Eric Saunders Andrew Scheiderer Sophie Schuller Henry Scruggs Kyle Sheets Joseph Smithson David Speckhard Jacob Stir Caleb Stratton Jon Tapp Joseph Tapp Madeline Tate Alan Ter Molen Kathryn Thompson Cole Tweedy Campbell Twomey Mariana Villalobos Cameron Wade Mark Wade Matthew Wade Olivia Walker Keller Whicker Maddux Wright Kevin Zehr Emma Zimmerman Troy Zimmerman

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

class of 2023

MARTIN FISCHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP MAXWELL PARK The Martin Fischer Memorial Scholarship is a four-year, $32,000 college scholarship for a student entering the humanities.

CARL F. GALLMEIER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP MORGAN ROHDE

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

BUTLER UNIVERSITY MAJOR IN PHARMACY

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, DOUBLE MAJOR IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND ELECTRICAL/CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

KELLER WHICKER

CAMERON CAGE

The Carl F. Gallmeier Memorial College Scholarship is a $1,500 fouryear annual college scholarship for students attending a Lutheran college or university to prepare for a career in Christian Education or the pastoral ministry.

HERBERT BIRKMAN SENIOR DEPARTMENT AWARDS

ADDITIONAL AWARDS

Theology Jocelyn Moellering

Physical Education Chance Harris

Vocal Music Morgan Rohde

German Award Charlotte Loechner

English Dakota Hitzemann

Mathematics Cameron Cage

Visual Arts Elliot McBride

Spanish Award Emma Zimmerman

Business Andrew Scheiderer

Science Dakota Hitzemann

Media Arts Maxwell Park

AP Statistics Award Dakota Hitzemann

Theatre Arts Devon Hairston

Up & Coming Artist Award Charlotte Loechner

Family & Consumer Science Social Studies Carmarion Craig Campbell Twomey JROTC Mia Albright-Malone

Instrumental Music Jacob Mann

Senior Plans Ball State University Butler University Concordia University Ann Arbor Columbia College Chicago Concordia University Nebraska Concordia University Wisconsin Creighton University Franklin College Grace College Hope College Huntington University Hutchinson Community College Indiana University Fort Wayne Indiana University Indiana Tech Indiana Wesleyan University

International Business College IUPUI Ivy Tech Community College Kent State University Lift Academy Manchester University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Miami University - Ohio Michigan State University Northern Michigan University North Central College Ohio University Purdue Fort Wayne Purdue University Ravenscroft Beauty College Rudae’s School of Beauty

Person Growth in Art Award Kathryn Thompson

Savannah College of Art and Design Seton Hall University Taylor University The Ohio State University Trine University University of Cincinnati University of Michigan University of Saint Francis University of Utah Wabash College Wartburg College Wheaton College

Workforce: Electrician Dog Grooming Biohazard Cleaning Heavy Equipment Technician Construction Masonry Tool and Die Playing Hockey Millwright Steamfitter and Pipe-fitter EMT Racing or Pit Crew

U.S. Marines U.S. Air Force Indiana Air National Guard

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | SPRING 2023

11

The Future of

Education

Alumni prepare to impact the next generation of students Educators make the difference

A

t Concordia Lutheran High School, we celebrate our role in preparing servant leaders. For 88 years, the faculty and staff have nurtured students who went on to find success in all sectors of life here in Fort Wayne and around the world.

Trade vocational professionals, service men and women, doctors, lawyers, accountants, business owners, engineers, scientists, social workers, newscasters, entrepreneurs, and so many more all had their beginnings as Cadets. Each would have their own story of how a Concordia teacher, coach, or staff member took the time to know them personally and sparked an interest and conviction to use their unique gifts as servant leaders.

Educators make the difference. Concordia has a rich tradition of excellence in its staff that continues to this day. In my time as a Concordia student, names like Jordan, Luepke, Massucci, Lebeau, Bahr, Fluegge, Ihssen, and many others helped to shape my path. I attribute much of who I am and how I serve to the influence of my teachers and coaches.

Which teachers influenced your story? How did they challenge you? Inspire you? Hold you accountable? Show grace?

At a time when information is more readily available than ever but truth seems harder to discern, we need teachers to prepare the next generation for a changing tomorrow. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Teachers are privileged to be part of a student’s journey toward lifelong learning. Today, we strive to develop 12

critical thinking, discernment, character, and a nurtured faith within our students In the face of all the challenges in education today, teachers are true believers. They believe in their students even when they may not believe in themselves. They lead and guide step by step — truly a great act of optimism.

At Concordia, we are encouraging our students to explore the opportunities to serve in education and the church through a newly developed elective course titled, “Education Professions.” Learn more about this course on page 15. We hope to inspire those for whom this vocation might be a life calling by raising awareness and providing classroom experiences. While not everyone enrolled in the class will go on to be a teacher by profession, it is an exposure to methods of instruction and the learning process that can be valuable in any field.

We are proud of the many teachers and church workers who are former Cadets. We highlight some of those who recently completed their student teaching experience in the following pages. These are students who are preparing themselves to mold minds and shape lives, just like the teachers who poured into them. Watching our recent graduates step into lives of service provides a great reason for optimism.

I’m humbled and thankful to work side-by-side with the highly qualified and dedicated educators that currently serve at Concordia. Our Concordia family can be proud of how our teachers and staff continue the tradition of excellence in Christian education.

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” ~ Henry Adams.

Go Cadets!

Jacob Pennekamp ’92 HEAD OF SCHOOL

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

Kennedy Trice ’19 Allisonville Elementary School, Indianapolis, Ind. Ball State University Elementary Education “I love the fact that I get to learn every day and try new things. It is amazing being able to make connections with the students and learn from my mentor teacher. I feel the impact I am making on my classroom and the impact they have made on me. …

Growing up, I never had any teachers that looked like me. Now that I am pursuing education, I understand the importance of representation and diversity in the classroom. I feel that I have been called to be that representation for other black students, which is why I am very passionate about teaching in a diverse community.”

Alexa Hoover ’19 Anchor Lutheran School in Anchorage, Alaska Concordia University Chicago - Lutheran Elementary Education degree with a minor in Theology and Middle Grades Literacy Endorsement “Building relationships with all of my students has by far been my favorite part about student teaching.

Having the platform to create lessons that cater to my student’s interests as well as incorporate the skills and theories that I have learned throughout college has been amazing! In addition, I am also so thankful for the opportunity to student teach in beautiful Alaska. Even if it is 3,700 miles away from home, I have really enjoyed exploring a new part of the country that I otherwise would not have been able to experience! …

Ever since I was a junior camp counselor growing up, I have always had a passion for working with kids. I love the positive continued on page 14

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | FALL 2022

13

continued from page 13

Michelle Frerking ’18

impact that teachers had on me as a child; therefore, I hope to make a difference in the lives of my future students. In the Lutheran school system, I not only will help my students develop academically, socially, and emotionally, but have the privilege to guide them as they grow in their faith and teach them about Jesus and the Gospel.”

Hayley Grisez ’19 Greater Lafayette Career Academy in the Automotive Service and Motorsports Classes, West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue University West Lafayette Engineering Technology Teacher Education (ETTE) “I am constantly learning something new! While working at the Career Academy fits my Engineering and Technology background, I get to grow my automotive and motorsports skills. I also love the excitement my students get when they are learning something new. You can see their “lightbulb moment,” and they make/do some pretty amazing things when you connect that to something they are passionate about. Building relationships with students and getting to be there to see them grow and get to know them every day is one of my favorite things.”

Brooke Hockemeyer ’18 Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas (Fall 2022) Concordia University Chicago, Secondary Math Education with a Middle Grades Endorsement “I enjoyed building confidence in my abilities under the leadership of my cooperating teachers while having fun with my amazing students. … I always knew that I wanted to enter a mathrelated field, and during my senior year I would often help my friends with their math homework. My math teachers at CLHS were incredible and helped me to realize that I could make a difference in students’ lives by being a teacher in a subject area that I love.”

14

Concordia Preparatory School in Baltimore, Md. (Spring 2022) Concordia University Chicago Middle Grades Education: Literacy & Science and Lutheran Teacher certification (Class of 2022) “I loved being able to finally connect with students and learn from other teachers!

Learning about teaching is nice, but nothing compared to a real-life experience with students. My mentor teachers and the other teachers at Concordia Prep were encouraging, supportive, and so helpful. … I initially didn’t want to pursue education, but God has a way of leading you to where He is calling. My parents have been a great inspiration to me throughout their career as educators, as have the teachers I’ve had throughout my life and at CLHS.”

Susan Habegger ’19 Martin Luther High School in Greendale, Wis. Concordia University Wisconsin, English & Secondary Education with a Theology minor “The best part is finally getting to try teaching!

COVID interfered with a lot of my field experience, so I’ve spent the past three and a half years learning about what I should do in a classroom without any way of trying things out. With student teaching, I get to try things, figure out what works, and learn what I like and dislike as a teacher. … A large part of (choosing education) was my love for English and my desire to have a job. I was afraid of solely majoring in English, so I added education to make sure I could work after graduation. During college, though, I realized that Lutheran education is where my passions intersect. It’s the only place where I can talk about English, share my love for Jesus, and be involved in theatre all at the same time.”

Bethany Zeckzer ’18 Lincoln Lutheran Middle/ High School (Fall 2022) Concordia University Nebraska K-12 Vocal and Instrumental Music Education, Lutheran Teacher Diploma (graduated December 2022) “My favorite thing about student teaching was taking everything that I hypothetically talked and

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

learned about for the past four years into use — teaching real students instead of imaginary students is so much more fun! … Becoming a teacher is something that God has been putting on my heart from a very young age. He continued opening and closing doors, leading me to studying music education at Concordia Nebraska.”

Andy Klage ’19 Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind. Indiana UniversityBloomington, Social Studies Secondary Education “My favorite thing about student teaching is that I have been able to develop strong and positive relationships with my students. With being in the classroom full-time as a student teacher, I have such a great opportunity to get to know my students and build a strong rapport with them. I love being able to talk to them about not just U.S. History and Economics but also their extracurricular involvement, their jobs, or the latest news in the sports world. I’ve also gotten to know the other social studies teachers at my school very well and consider them both my friends and mentors, furthering that relationship-building aspect of student teaching that has been so rewarding. … I have always enjoyed school and think that having good teachers is incredibly important for students. I was blessed to have great teachers throughout my education, and they inspired me to pay that service back to others and make an impact on future students. I also have always really enjoyed U.S. History and thought that teaching was the perfect outlet for that passion.”

Eli Ernst ’18 McCutcheon High School in Lafayette, Ind. Purdue University, Social Studies Education “(The best part of student teaching is) being able to collaborate with several teachers from different backgrounds and gain knowledge about the work environment. … I chose education as my career path because I always loved school and the teachers that motivated me, so I wanted to learn to be like teachers that cared to push me to be the best version of myself.”

Concordia course prepares students for teaching before college classes From Chris Murphy ’81 Teaches Education Professions Class

T

he Education Professions course was designed to help students explore the possibility of teaching as a future vocation. Because it is a year-long course, we are also able to delve into other church-related careers, as well. Each week, a guest speaker joins our class and shares their personal journey of how they became involved in ministry. These speakers are teachers, camp directors, pastors, guidance counselors, and administrators — a huge variety of vocations. The students spend time in our textbook, “Becoming a Teacher,” learning more about what is involved in becoming a teacher. They get the opportunity in the fall and in the spring to actually teach in our Lutheran elementary schools. They do this through our local Junior Achievement program. They teach 2nd-5th graders for five weeks. They also spend time at St. Peter’s Lutheran School, working with the kindergarten-2nd graders on two of their Fun Fridays.

I believe this class has been highly successful.

Students hear regularly from professionals in the field what it is like to be a teacher. I also share my story and personal experiences in the classroom. Students have a very full understanding of this wonderful vocation.

Above all, they learn to understand what God’s calling is and how this applies to their lives.

This is the second year for this course, and we are already seeing an increase in the number of students who are choosing to enter the teaching ministry. I am tracking students from this class and keeping in contact with them, as well as a large group of our college seniors who are currently student teaching. As most of our speakers will attest to, the biggest influence in their following of this career path is a nudge or tap on the shoulder from a trusted adult in their life — someone who sees something in them that they perhaps cannot see themselves. Once they have been encouraged, they learn to listen to God’s voice, and see if, indeed, this is a path they should consider.

For me personally, this is a great way to give back to our future teachers. To see our Lutheran schools continue well into the future, we need the young people of today to step up and work alongside their teachers of today. It is very fulfilling to see students choose this path and be able to encourage them along the way. God has blessed me in so many ways, and it is amazing to see Him work in the lives of these young people.

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | SPRING 2023

15

You Are a Blessing to our Students Y

our continued generosity and unwavering support has impacted every one of our Concordia students this year! Your gifts allow us to daily “... pursue Christ-centered educational excellence ...” that makes an impact not only in this life, but also in the life to come as we “.... equip individuals for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ.” Here are just a few of the ways your gifts support our ministry here at our high school: ✝ New photo and camera equipment for the Fine Arts Department ✝ New batting and pitching mats for our Baseball and Softball programs ✝ A Cappella retreat ✝ Bus rentals for our Band and JROTC programs ✝ Treats for our faculty and staff from the Mom Squad ✝ Travel and expenses for our DECA and HOSA competitions ✝ Annual Choir tour

There is still work to be done to help us reach our goal of $300,000 for the Family of Funds, and we need your help. Every dollar raised between now and June 30, 2023 brings us one step closer to making the following projects a reality for our faculty, staff, and our students. Please prayerfully consider making an impact in the following areas: ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

New instruments and repairs for our Band program Mixing, printing, and firing equipment for our Art room Teacher Appreciation JROTC equipment Area of Greatest Need, including Student Scholarships

Contact info: Matt Konow, Chief Advancement Officer (260) 483-1102, ext. 251 mkonow@clhscadets.com

GIVE NOW AT WWW.GIVETOCADETS.COM 16

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

ALUMNI notes

1940s

1980s

Patricia (Snider ’46) Stouse retired from her role of gathering names for a full-page ad in local newspaper for Wabash County Pro-Life.

Michele (Young ’86) Gordon and husband George celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2022.

1990s

1970s

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

Ron Dreyer ’71 and wife Deborah (Wickliffe ’70) celebrated 50 years of marriage on Feb. 3, 2023.

Harry McGinnis ’72 and Cindy (Nix ‘72) Zent-Wall posed for a fun photo at their 1972 class reunion held on Sept. 17.

Robin (Stuber ’76) Pease retired from PHD, Inc. on Sept.

30, 2021, after 42 and a half years of service. She still coaches the girls golf team here at CLHS.

Two World Championships in one month, David Daggett ’78, of Daggett Shuler Attorneys at Law in Winston Salem competed in the Ironman 70.3 (Half Ironman – 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run) World Championship in St. George Utah. Daggett was first over 60 in the Ironman Executive Challenge. This race was just three weeks after Daggett competed in the iconic Hawaii Ironman World Triathlon Championships (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) for the ninth time.

Lara (Raskosky ’96) Moake visited with HOSA students in March who were preparing for their Clinical Laboratory Science event. Lara is a Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Dupont Hospital. She shared her knowledge on preparing and staining blood smears and completing a physical examination of urine with the students.

Ryan Ross ’97 from the FBI was at CLHS in March to speak with government students about his work.

Russ Jehl ’98 spoke to our government class in February about his work as a Fort Wayne city councilman.

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | SPRING 2023

17

ALUMNI NOTES

2010s

On January 20, we held Nostalgia Night in honor of our champion wrestling teams. We recognized our four wrestling sectional championship teams of 1967-68, 1982-83, 1985-86, and 1986-87. Those in attendance were: (front row) Jeff Smith ’88, Coach Bill Ihssen, David Lebeau ’86, Erik Lebeau ’98, Jim Link ’86, Jamie Jones ’91, Landon Jones ’21, Xavier Sheehan ’21, Gavin Sherk ’21, Ryan Monce ’08, Zac Davis ’16, Chris Gick ’20, Tom Dettmer ’88, Matt Konow ’91, (back row) Eric Hoffman ’87, Ron Kruse ’89, Mike Stout ’86, Brian Wagner ’86, Don Goeglein ’87, Lance Hoffman ’86, Zac Adair ’19, Noah Asher ’16, and Scott Twomey ’91.

On Feb. 4, 2023, Rev. Ethan Spira ’10 baptized friend and fellow CLHS classmate William Baker’s daughter Melody Rose Baker.

Pictured are Pastor Ethan Spira, William Baker, Melody Rose Baker and Will’s wife and mother to Melody, Rachel Baker.

Jacob Bickel ’14 will graduate from Trine University in May 2023 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Kristin Lytal ’16 will graduate from Manchester University with a Doctorate in Pharmacy in May 2023 and will start her residency in June. They are also engaged to be married.

Lydia (McMurray ’14) Busick and husband welcomed their second child in November 2022. In February 2023, Lydia started in labor and delivery as an RN at Parkview.

2000s

Emma Nagy ’16 is teaching at Concordia Middle School in Chiayi, Taiwan. She will teach English, facilitate Bible studies, connect with students and teachers after school, developing relationships so that the Gospel will spread.

Alexis Sherrod ’17 and husband David welcomed their first child, Sophia, on January 31, 2023.

Adam Corner ’03 recently retired as a Chief from the U.S. Navy after serving faithfully for 20 years. He and his wife Audrey (Katt ’05) Corner will be returning to Fort Wayne with their children to continue with the next chapter. The children are already enrolled in Holy Cross and will look forward to following in their parents, grandparents, and greatgrandparent's footsteps as future Cadets.

Seth Bennett ’04 was recognized as a Forty under 40 recipient by the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly.

Luc Casagrande ’06 and wife Kelli are pregnant with their 4th child due this June. They have two boys, Maddox and Rowan, and one girl Paisley. They are waiting until birth to find out the gender of their final child.

18

Jacob Gottlieb ’17 and Ethel Taylor ’17 were united in marriage on Dec. 16, 2022, after seven years of dating. They met in Mr. Chris Gieschen’s biology class their freshman year and started dating their junior year of high school.

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

Abbey (Bentz ’17) Hinojosa and husband Alex welcomed their first child, Eleanor, in February 2023.

Abbey Brennan ’18 placed fourth overall and led Taylor University to a NAIA Cross Country National Championship in the Fall 2022.

Congratulations to Bethany Zeckzer ’18, a student at Concordia University Nebraska and winner of the 2022 Richard Hillert Award in Student Composition for her SATB a cappella choral setting, “An Evening Prayer.” Her composition will be performed at the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians 2023 conference in Philadelphia.

Brooke (Messmann ’18) Krueger graduated with highest distinction from Purdue Fort Wayne in May 22 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. In August 2022 she started as the 4th grade teacher at St. John Lutheran in Kendallville. She married her husband, Caleb Krueger, on Dec. 17, 2022 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne. Her husband is the site director at Camp Lutherhaven, where they live on site with their dog, Groot.

Libby Hetler ’18 Constituent Services Coordinator, spoke in April to government students about her work for Indiana Gov. Holcomb’s office.

Robert “RJ” Gevers ’19 won a national legal studies competition through the Academy of Legal Studies in Business.

A student at Indiana University, he was one of six students from around the country to present their research papers in person during the annual conference.

Nancy Gao ’19 was one of ten Chinese students who came to CLHS almost five years ago.

She returned to China the summer after her senior year at CLHS for several weeks but has never been able to return to China again because of COVID and other logistical problems. She enrolled at Purdue in the fall 2019 and was baptized on Labor Day weekend of her freshman year at Concordia Lutheran Church. She has been a faithful attender at University Lutheran Church at Purdue and at Concordia Lutheran Church when in Fort Wayne. Nancy finished her undergraduate studies with a double major in accounting and finance in three and a half years, graduating on Dec. 17 of last year. She is now enrolled in graduate school at Purdue and will graduate again next December with her master’s degree in accounting. Last summer, she interned at Crowe Financial and will intern there again this summer before entering full-time employment at Crowe in January of 2024 following her graduation

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | SPRING 2023

19

ALUMNI NOTES

The Concordia Invitational Tournament took place in January and CLHS alumni (2016 -2022) from Concordia Nebraska, Wisconsin, Chicago and Ann Arbor gathered to catch up and cheer on their respective colleges. Those in attendance were Anna Maxson ’22, Grace Hedtke ’21, Gloria Maxson ’20, Grace Pennekamp ’20, Callie Hoover ’21, Katelyn Nix ’21, Kaylee Frerking ’21, Rhaya Kaschinske ’21, Maddie Gerig ’20, Kathryn Castens ’19, Mary Pennekamp ’20, Hollie Johnson ’21, Ruth Alliger ’16, Nathan Pennekamp ’21, Luke Neuhaus ’20, Mason Kaschinske ’19, Bethany Zeckzer ’18, Andrew Schroeder ’20, Colby Miller ’20, Caleb Zeckzer ’20, Nathan Zeckzer ’22, and Evan Moloney ’23.

2020s

Erica Judt ’20 attended chapel and enjoyed lunch with Concordia’s Honors Academy students as they toured Grove City College in Grove City, Pa., in the Fall 2022. Mrs. Luanne Erdos, Honors Academy Director, is a graduate of Grove City College. Those Honors Academy juniors in attendance were: (front row, left to right) Erica Judt, Sydney Reynolds, Lydia O’Dell, Emma Jansing, Luke Bieberich, Lizzie Crook, Luanne Erdos, (back row, left to right) Joshua Castleman, Anthony Minnich, Josh Maxson, Max Adair, Kyle Jane (CLHS science teacher), and Alex Jones.

Elle Fritcha ’20 was named the WHAC Player of the Week at Concordia University Ann Arbor for their tennis program.

Erin Flaningan ’21 recently moved to Tennessee to start flight school in Nashville.

20

2021 graduates Luke Bentz, Grace Hedtke, and Hollie Johnson served on a mission trip in Fort Myers, Fla., during spring break 2023 along with other students from Concordia University Ann Arbor.

Paige Rogers ’21 returned to CLHS in March to speak about her life as a professional race car driver. She drives with Rev Racing, which fields minorities and females inside the sport of NASCAR and pushes for diversity and inclusion efforts. She spoke to students about her journey and how Concordia set her on her current path.

Michael Slack ’22 had his second script, “The Night Shift,” published.

His first published play, “Right on Time,” made its theatrical debut on Concordia’s very own stage. Michael was able to locate and contact someone who bought “The Night Shift” and discovered it will be featured in a staged reading sometime next year. Michael shared, “It’s surreal to think of total strangers putting on my work.”

Andy Deng ’22 medaled in the Junior Grand Prix Final Event in Italy in Figure Skating in the pairs category.

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | SPRING 2023

21

THE 2023 ALUMNI AWARDS

The Concordia Lutheran High School Alumni Awards recognize and honor outstanding achievements of alumni who have made significant contributions to their community or have been instrumental in serving the high school.

HONOR OUR GRADUATES

Do you know of a graduate who would be a great candidate to receive one of our three Alumni Awards? Or maybe a past athlete or coach who deserves to be in our Athletic Hall of Fame?

Submit a nomination online at www.clhscadets.com/alumni.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD Rev. Lewis King, 1992

R

ev. Lewis King, a 1992 graduate and Urban Outreach Pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, is being recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his achievements since graduation. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor given to a Concordia graduate. It recognizes graduates who have demonstrated an ongoing dedication to Christian principles and the church, with both lifetime and personal achievements.

In addition to his work in the ministry, Rev. King is the Director of Northeast Indiana Neighborhood Engagement (NINE). Through this organization, he works with churches and schools to conduct outreach and create disciples beyond the four walls of the church.

In the community, Rev. King leads a Mayoral initiative called Fort Wayne UNITED Ten Point Coalition. Through his leadership, this program supports local youth and their families by navigating the causes of trauma and negativity in the community. The coalition helps remove roadblocks and build strong relationships that bring hope for a brighter future.

Rev. King’s journey began when he graduated from Kenny’s Academy of Barbering in Indianapolis. He was a barber for more than 25 years where he discovered his calling to serve families.

He went on to graduate from Concordia Theological Seminary.

It was in King’s Barbershop where a community Bible study grew into King’s Community Outreach. This ministry is still going strong, meets weekly, and now feeds thousands in the community and surrounding areas each year. Rev. King loves to preach, teach, and raise up our future leaders.

He also serves on the Fort Wayne Mayor’s Opportunity Advisory Council, Safe Housing & Building Advisory Board, PrayerWorks Advisory Board, and several other boards in the city.

22

He is a Leadership Coach, Speaker, and author of The Reinvented Man, A Journey to Raising Kings. This is a powerful book that inspires men to become what God has called them to be and raise up our young men to become kings.

Rev. King is a devoted husband to wife, Joy, and proud father to his sons Addison and Zyon, with a true passion for community advocacy and enrichment. He dedicates this award to his parents William R. King and Theola King.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Mr. Philip Amt, 1964

M

r. Philip Amt, a 1964 graduate and a retired Lutheran educator, is being honored with the Distinguished Service Award because of his dedicated support, activity and service to the ministry of CLHS. Mr. Amt is a humble servant who has served Lutheran schools as a teacher, educator, and volunteer for many years. He worked as a teacher and administrator in Texas, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, New York, and Indiana, including at St. Paul’s Lutheran School and Bethlehem Lutheran School in Fort Wayne.

He found his inspiration and support to work in Lutheran education from his family. He said that his wife, Suzanne, “always understood and supported the demands of an educator in our Lutheran schools.” His father, Arthur Amt, was a Lutheran school teacher and principal who, he said, “was a person I could count on when it came to seeking advice and counsel.”

As a volunteer to the church and community, he served on school boards, committees, Sunday School and VBS, the Allen County Non-Public School Association, and Parks and Recreation Committees. He also has been an announcer for Lutheran school events, including at Concordia. In addition to

CADETS MAGAZINE | THE MAGAZINE OF CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

being an announcer and statistician for CLHS sporting events, he also served the high school on the anniversary committee and as an association delegate.

In his years as an educator, Mr. Amt was honored as the “LAEE Teacher of the Year” and the “Indiana District Teacher of the Year” in 1999. His son, Jon, is a 2000 graduate of CLHS.

NEALE M. SHANK AWARD Mr. Thomas Starks, 2013

M

r. Thomas Starks, a 2013 graduate and Director of Property Management at First Companies in Grand Rapids, Mich., is being awarded the Neale M. Shank Award. The Neale M. Shank Award, named in honor of an alumnus who died while serving in Iraq, honors those younger than 40 who have made significant contributions to their given career, community, church or the high school.

At CLHS, Mr. Starks was a standout basketball player and was the AAA Arthur L. Trester Award winner (Mental Attitude Award) during his senior year. He went on to Spring Arbor University where he continued his basketball career as the captain for two years and an Academic All-American during his sophomore, junior and senior years. As a student, he also was a Presidential Ambassador for the university’s president and a member of the Student Alumni Council. He graduated in 2017 with a degree in Business Administration and Management with a focus in Entrepreneurship. He was recognized as the Business Administration Student of the Year for his graduating class.

Mr. Starks started his career at Ash Brokerage in Fort Wayne as an Internal Regional Protection Specialist, and for the past five years, he has been working at First Companies in Michigan. In his community, he has been able to volunteer and work as a certified MHSAA official where he is able “to give back and encourage a lot of young people so that they too can be very successful if they use sports for the right purposes,” he commented. He also volunteers with A.Y.A. youth collective as well as a local Christian school where he sits in the classroom to give teachers time for a break. At his work, he is also the cochair of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board. With his wife, he has also been able to work with a group called Winning at Home that is a counseling and coaching program to help people with their struggles at home.

JROTC HALL OF HONOR Mrs. Gyneth Shaefer Conrad, 1977

M

rs. Gyneth Schaefer Conrad graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in 1977.

Gyneth married SFC Alan Conrad, CLHS JROTC instructor, in 1979. While in the Army, they lived in Fayetteville, N.C. (Fort Bragg) and then at Fort Gulick, Republic of Panama.

While in Panama their first child, Bryan, was born. The Conrad Family returned to Fort Bragg in the spring 1986 where she soon became involved in both her church as the Church Treasurer and the 7th SFG (A) Family Support Group (FSG).

As the A Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th SFG (A) FSG Representative, she initiated and hosted the monthly hotdog sales, Gyneth raised more than $2,000 for the FSG Fund.

Gyneth was the principal organizer of several activities for the 2nd Battalion including Christmas parties and Halloween parties for the children of deployed soldiers.

Upon Gyneth’s return to Fort Wayne, she quickly immersed herself into the activities of the CLHS Cadet Battalion. Finding a place as the surrogate mother of multiple cadets over the years. Gyneth coached the CO-ED Drill team for numerous years, sewed uniforms for the team as well as serving as the primary female chaperone on drill meets, the fall and spring campouts as well as multiple summer camps. She towed trailers, helped to launch and recover kayaks, and cooked for more than 30 cadets each evening.

As part of the CLHS JROTC Booster Club, Gyneth planned and supervised the Kaptain Kaydet Sarsaparilla Surprise booth for more than 15 years, increasing the menu from root beer floats to include apple crisps and fried onions stacks. Between 2001 and 2012, Gyneth raised more than $75,000 for the Cadet Battalions activities.

Gyneth has impacted the lives of more than 400 cadets as a surrogate mother and friend. In 1998, Gyneth began feeding the cadets at drill meets to alleviate costs and was inspirational in setting up the JROTC Booster Club Scholarship funds, building both the scholarship and JROTC endowments through yearly Booster Club profits.

Gyneth currently is a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church (Soest) and resides in Hoagland, Ind., with her husband Alan. Together they have two children, Bryan (’03) (Kate) Conrad and Angela Conrad (’06) and three grandchildren, Kolten, Harrison and Oliver.

WWW.CLHSCADETS.COM | SPRING 2023

23

1601 St. Joe River Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46805

www.clhscadets.com

Alumni Weekend 2023 Thursday, September 21st Alumni Golf Outing Chestnut Hills Golf Course 10:30 AM Registration & Lunch 12:00 PM Shotgun Start Sponsorships & Registration: www.golf4cadets.com

Friday, September 22nd Chick-fil-a, Food Trucks & Spiritwear

Saturday, September 23rd

Sunday, September 24th

upcoming Reunions - 2023

Alumni Continental Breakfast

Class of 1973 - 50th Reunion Class of 1983 - 40th Reunion Class of 1988 - 35th Reunion

10:00 AM CLHS

Alumni Worship Service 10:30 AM CLHS School Tours following the Service

For up to date Reunion information please visit our website www.clhscadets.com/class-reunion

5:30 PM Zollner Stadium

Homecoming Football Game vs. South Side 7:00 PM Zollner Stadium

Alumni After-Party 8:30 PM Turners Pizza, Wings, etc., Cash Bar

SAVE

DATE alumni weekend 2023 THE

September 21-24