Faith clearly shines Justin Vanderhoof When I first came to Lakeside just over two years ago, I received my keys, found my classroom, and sat at my desk and wondered, “Now what?� After teaching grade schoolers for 15 years, the prospect of teaching high school students was a little daunting. Thanks to the welcoming, supportive faculty, however, it did not take long to settle in. Now, nearly halfway through my third year here, it feels like home. Every day, I have the opportunity to form and strengthen relationships with my students, football players, and track athletes. Every day I get to share my faith and see how they live theirs. This is evident in all they do, but especially so during track meets. While coaching football, I do not always have much interaction with the opposing players. In track, however, I get to see them up close. The faith of our students and athletes at Lakeside clearly shines through and contrasts with others in their words, actions, and attitudes. What has impressed me the most about our student body is how they have handled the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the 2020 school year. Our students continue to put their trust in their Savior, even as their lives are continually changing due to their current circumstances. Each day, they come to school with smiles on their faces and positive attitudes. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to foster and nurture that trust every day.
Justin graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran and Martin Luther College. He taught and served as athletic director at Martin Luther Lutheran School in Neenah before joining our English and Social Studies departments. His wife, Emily, is a preschool teacher at TrinitySt. Luke's in Watertown. They enjoy traveling to visit familiy and watching/supporting/ coaching daughters, Madelyn, Noelle and Hannah, in their various sports and activities.
Left: During spring 2020 school shutdown, seniors formed "Lift Teams" and visited teachers' homes in encouragement. Center: Coach V and all spring athletes are looking forward to the day they can return to play like this pic from the Track State Meet 2019. Right: the Vanderhoof family in spring 2020. (He's also pictured bottom right of the grad passage colllage on page 5.)
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