What about? So many boys, so many years

The fam, L-R: Jameson (Carly Paske) LL '22, Mathias '27, Gordy, Jonathan '25, Quinton '30, Danielle, Christian (Lillian Runke) '21

As parents of five boys, Gordy (LL ‘81) and Danielle Schmidt have had their work cut out for them for more than 25 years. Enough said. But there's more. They also dug in deep as Warrior parents, committed to 13 years of tuition—and volunteering and lots of driving. But there’s more! Eight of those years carry double tuition. How can they possibly make that work, putting 5 boys through Lakeside from 2017-2030?

“Years of parenting taught us to be willing to accept any help available to develop well-rounded Christian young men,” Gordy shares. “It's a priority for us to put the boys in circumstances where their faith is cultivated and nurtured.” Danielle shares advice they received from other families in similar situations: “They told us, ‘You just figure it out.’ For us, growing the boys’ faith is the priority. The financial stuff? God helps us figure that out.”

So why is Lakeside worth it? Gordy explains: “The boys could play sports anywhere, get educated anywhere. At Lakeside they have daily devotions and prayers, regular chapel services. Students can lead worship, devotions and prayer. Devotions and prayer are part of every team.” Danielle adds, “Every day there are demonstrations of how faith intertwines with daily life. It’s clear that teachers and staff care about the whole person – faith, academics, physical and emotional well-being.”

Of "particular delight" to Gordy and Danielle have been the boys' Christian friends. An unexpected blessing was that their two alum found their future spouses at Lakeside too. “Knowing worldly challenges couples face, there is reassurance knowing faith is common ground for them and their fiancés,” says Danielle. For so many reasons, for so many years and so many boys, Lakeside is worth it.

▶ This fall, each of the Schmidt boys is involved in the Warrior football program: the two eldest as coaches in the Junior Warrior program, Jonathan on varsity, Mathias on JV & V and Quinton on the 7th grade Junior Warrior team.