July 2020
a publication of Lakeside Lutheran High School Volume 9: Issue 11
LLHS FED eration CONnection
920-648-2321 • info@llhs.org • 231 Woodland Beach Rd. Lake Mills, WI 53551
to the class of 2020 These are my comments directed to Lakeside’s Class of 2020 at this year’s graduation. I extend my words to all graduates in our federation.
Jim Grasby is principal of Lakeside Lutheran. Reach him at 920.648.2321 or jgrasby@llhs.org
It wasn’t supposed to end this way. In recent weeks, everyone’s lives were overturned. Many lost their jobs. Busy schedules were vacated and then made busy again in other ways. Pandemic, social distancing, and the new normal are today’s buzzwords. Face masks, shortages, and uncertainty about life are what we face today. No, it wasn’t supposed to end this way. Yet, the Class of 2020 is not the first group to think or utter these words. There have been other upheavals throughout history that quickly reshaped society: the 1950s polio scare, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Great Depression, to name several. In a matter of minutes or days, the fragile flow of life—as we know it—can be overturned or even destroyed. It has happened before. It will likely happen again. No, it wasn’t supposed to end this way. Nearly 2,000 years ago, a group of bewildered men huddled behind locked doors. Their rabbi had been arrested, tortured, and crucified. They may well have wondered if they were next. All likely felt guilt since they deserted their Master in his hour of need. One, particularly, may well have felt this pain most keenly because his actions fulfilled the very words of his Master’s prophecy. Among them, there was fear, uncertainty, and perhaps even the sentiment, “No, it wasn’t supposed to end this way.” Then, the risen Savior entered that room. He stood among his disciples with visible nail marks in his hands and a spear slash in his side. He spoke words that were most unexpected. Instead of chastising and berating those who failed him, he said, “Peace be with you” (Matthew 20:19). These were ordinary words of greeting. Yet, they bear extraordinary meaning. In John’s gospel, Jesus explained peace. It’s not the peace “as the world gives” (John 14:27). It is peace from the forgiveness of sins that he earned for all. It is the assurance that whatever happens “will [not] be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). “Peace be with you.” This was the Savior’s greeting to those confused men. It assured them that their sins were forgiven. It gave
them courage to meet the challenges, trials, and death threats they would face in the coming years for preaching the gospel. The Savior’s promise of peace was their sure hope in dark and uncertain times. Jesus’ words of greeting are also for us. Like believers of all times, you and I have the assurance of our Savior’s forgiveness. No matter how unsteady our lives become or how unsure our future appears, we have the same peace that Jesus spoke to his disciples. We know that God loves us, has made us his own through baptism, and will see us through whatever the future brings. Some might still be tempted to say, “No, it wasn’t supposed to end this way.” The end of senior year of high school should have been a time of fun, celebration, and joy. Yet, it wasn’t this year. The events of the pandemic are so close to us that we cannot see the larger picture. But, God can. He will use all that has happened in the past months to praise and glorify his name and even serve as blessings for all who trust in him. Congratulations, Class of 2020. You have made it! It did end in the way it was supposed to. You will receive your high school diplomas. Most importantly, you have the certainty of your Savior’s forgiveness with the peace that can never be taken from you.
“Peace be with you.” God bless you always with Jesus’ peace. Amen.
With the unusual end to the school year came an unusually high number of “virtual” events and special video compilations. To see any of these celebrations and recognitions, visit the Lakeside YouTube channel at @llhstechclub
lakeside good news E notes 55 Have you checked out our Instagram page? We’ve been paying special homage to the Class of 2020 there. Visit @yourllhs on Insta to celebrate graduating seniors as they wrap up high school in such an unusual way. 55 On June 9, faculty used Lakeside vans to collect textbooks throughout the federation using bus route stops. 4 routes and 19 stops later, those 8 staff brought back more than 1,200 texts and 300 library books to be sorted and documented by another dozen+ staff members. We heard from many how appreciative families were to be saved a trip into Lake Mills. 55 35 seniors reported over $684,076 in college scholarship and grants for 2020-21 from individuals, organizations, and the schools they applied to attend. Of 92 grads, 84 plan to go to uni or tech school; 4 plan to join the military; and 4 will go right to work. 11 are headed to Martin Luther College to prepare for ministry. 55 June brought a one-year call to Mrs. Kristi Bredendick of Fort Atkinson to serve as our part-time Family and Consumer Science (FACS) teacher. The call replaces Mrs. Erin Koschnitzke’s work since her family is moving. We thank her for her faithful service. 55 The end of the school year also brought the end of Mrs. Darice Brumm’s service in Lakeside’s Extended Learning Center after 22 years. ELC director Ruth Hirschfeld says, “She has impressed and helped countless students with her matter-of-fact, unassuming, no-nonsense demeanor.”
Dozens of former students and families reached out to thank her via email and social media. If you’d like to add your message, email office@llhs.org or send a card to the LL office— we will pass it along! 55 Warrior Math Team advisor Todd Hackbarth reports that “our mathletes were most certainly blessed by God in an unbelievable way this school year.” LL took first place among all varsity teams in MLC’s national WELS “Meet Math” competition. Then, the very competitive Madison Area Math League, who picks a first and second team all-league saw, on the JV level, freshman Isaac Winters (St. Luke, Watertown), and sophomores Austin Schwab (St. Paul, Fort), and Will Popp (Our Redeemer, Madison) chosen for All-League First Team. Sophs Jayden Thundercloud (St. John, Jefferson) and Aaron Lindert (St. Luke, Watertown) were chosen for All-League Second Team. Winters was Lakeside’s top scorer on the JV level. Senior Trevor Geerdts (Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, Madison) was tops on varsity. 55 TheWarrior music department, led by directors James Buege and Glen Pufahl, announced music awards and recognized the accomplishments of 25 student musicians for the 201920 academic year, including the National School Choral Award®, the highest honor for high school choral performers, to senior Madelyn Plitzuweit (St. Matthew, Oconomowoc); the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award®, awarded to the outstanding jazz musician at each high school nationwide, to junior Nick Yaroch (Zion, Columbus); the Woody Herman Jazz Award®, also to honor outstanding jazz students, to senior Jadyn Duddeck (St. John, Cold Spring); and the John Philip Sousa Band Award, said to be the most prestigious band award given to a high
Did you hear? In its first 5 days back open with limited hours, the store that has our LLHS students and ministry as its purpose and passion brought in over $24,000 in sales!! Some Twice is Nice volunteers have been unable to return this summer. Warrior family, how can we help? Anyone willing to help—teens, adults, families, male, female—should contact day managers Sharon or Mary Lou at 920-648-5156 to ask when help is needed or offer times when you are available. Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this immediate need! school band member, to senior Gilbert Haw (St. Paul, Lake Mills). See more awards, names and details on our blog llhswarriorstories.wordpress.com
55 Warrior Band members and alum began performing mini-concerts outside nursing homes and similar facilities around the federation in June (with social distancing), allowing musicians to use their gifts to serve our communities. These 25-minute “pep band”
sessions feature songs such as the Star Spangled Banner, Louie Louie, Sweet Caroline, On Wisconsin, Beautiful Savior and more. We are grateful to the Seims, a band family from St. Stephen, Beaver Dam, for arranging these concerts that are bringing joy to many.
learn more at llhs.org/boosters
contact info:
920-648-2321 • office@llhs.org 231 Woodland Beach Rd. Lake Mills, WI 53551