Lakeside Lutheran Legacy 2026 issue 1

2026 | issue one

The

Legacy

Published semiannually for Annual Fund Supporters of Lakeside Lutheran High School llhs.org | 920-648-2321 x2217

Pause, then Pursue!

For the most part, I like to keep moving. Having a lot on my plate—whether working or playing—is often fuel for me. Honestly, a school theme that encourages me to “pursue” seems to fit like a glove.

I must admit, however—witnessing my firstborn fly through his senior year—student, musician, athlete, servant-leader, teenager through and through—there were times I felt like I couldn’t move fast enough to keep up. As I watched him walk across that graduation stage this spring to enter the ranks of “Forever Warrior,” I needed to pause. So many “lasts” at Lakeside Lutheran, so many “firsts” on the way—did we make the right choices? Is he filled with good experiences, happy memories? Is he ready for what’s next?

Our answer is a resounding yes! As we continue this journey—Jack O himself or any of the other 5,748 LL alum, we remain grateful for the faithful support of the LLHS family and confident in God’s continued guidance. We celebrate the blessings already received while looking ahead with excitement and trust, knowing the Lord will continue to provide for the future of the Oppermann family, the entire class of 2026, and the full mission and ministry of Lakeside Lutheran High School.

Rooted in Christ and united in purpose, our Warrior family will continue to PURSUE the mission God has entrusted to us with faith, confidence, and gratitude. That mission is lived out daily through the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, families, alumni, and supporters who faithfully champion Christ-centered education.

Every prayer, word of encouragement, or act of generosity helps create opportunities for students to thrive spiritually, academically and personally. Together, we are investing in more than buildings or programs; we are investing in young people whose lives are being shaped by the gospel and prepared for Christian service.

Relish your summer pauses and pursuits!

Matt Oppermann, LLHS Mission Advancement Director The Legacy is published twice yearly by the Mission Advancement Office of Lakeside Lutheran High School; content is intended for Annual Giving Society members. Correspondence and address changes may be sent to The Legacy, 231 Woodland Beach Rd., Lake Mills, Wis. 53551, or e-mailed to generosity@llhs.org Editors: Bari Vredeveld & Kimara Winters Photos: Softball photos on cover & p. 6 by TJKWolf Productions. Softball pics on pages 4 & 8 and back cover, Grand Event pics p. 3, Spring Reception p. 9 by Sarah Strawn. All others: LLHS staff or contributed.

2

15 years of Grand calls for a fiesta So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. Galatians 3:26 How festive and fun was April 18, 2026—a grand night of fellowship and fundraising! Your partnership means everything to us. Because of you, more than $240,000 was raised for Christian education and Lakeside. Donors, guests, volunteers, and online participants—we couldn’t do it without the involvement of many!

GE15 by the numbers…how GRAND! • 400+ photos from our celebration at llhs.smugmug.com/LLFamily • 400 participants (288 in-person guests and 112 virtual registrants) • 100+ student and adult volunteers • 225 auction items • 200 auction donors • 20 income infusers and donation opportunities

We look forward to Grand Event 16 on April 10, 2027—save the date!

3

Chi

Fellowship

Members of the Chi Fellowship, through the fruit of the Holy Spirit, have provided a single gift of less than $1,000 during the last year to Lakeside Lutheran High School. With the Greek letter Chi so evident in our churches and schools, your association with this fellowship is a reminder of God’s love, and every gift is significant to Lakeside.

As a thank you for your gift we offer you a subscription to The Legacy and invite you to attend a fellowship event.

To remain a member of this Chi Fellowship we encourage you to renew your annual support each year, or prayerfully consider joining the Rho or Kentro Fellowship.

Chi Fellowship Giving (465 Members)

Total Gifts $25,152 December 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026 (does not include $244K for Grand Event)

*Other may include

Athletics, FFA, LL Foundation, Music, Operation Go, Transportation and more!

Let the wise listen and add to their learning. Proverbs 1:5 4

Mila Ewerdt Lakeside has provided so many opportunities to me in the years that I have been here. In my junior year, I was given the chance to participate in Operation GO, a program that allows students to travel all around the United States and share God’s Word. I was privileged enough to go all the way to Alaska! This is just one of the many things that Lakeside offers.

I love how the small class sizes make you feel seen and valued. There are numerous clubs and activities that you can join outside of school too. My personal favorite was Teens for Christ, where you can do things like help people with disabilities, and fundraise for charity. I loved playing soccer, and the school spirit is amazing during football and basketball season.

The teachers here are super encouraging and I have always felt supported in my future career path. This fall I plan to attend Martin Luther College to become an elementary school teacher, and I am so grateful for all the ways that Lakeside has prepared me for my future. M*

Mila and her family are members at St. John’s, Watertown.

In addition to her time in OpGo working with youth at Faith Lutheran Church in Anchorage, Alaska, in summer 2025 (pictured below with her Warrior team and Faith Pastor Chris Ewings [at left]), Mila was selected to submit one of her senior artworks > in the Capitol Conference Art Show in Madison this spring (could it have been inspired by her time in AK?).

5

Rho

Fellowship

Members of the Rho Fellowship, with the Lord’s guidance, have provided multiple gifts totaling less than $1,000 within the last year to Lakeside Lutheran High School. The Greek letters Rho and Chi form the symbol for Christ. This symbol, displayed in the center of our school seal, serves as a reminder that Christ is the center of our faith at Lakeside. Through this faith we return our blessings to continue His work.

As a thank you for your gifts we offer you membership in the Rho Fellowship, a subscription to The Legacy and also invite you to attend the fellowship events that have been planned for you.

To remain a member of the Rho Fellowship we encourage you to renew your support each year, or prayerfully consider joining our Kentro Fellowship.

Rho Fellowship Giving (188 Members) Total Gifts $13,302 December 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026 (does not include $244K for Grand Event)

*Other may include

Athletics, FFA, LL Foundation, Music, Operation Go, Transportation and more!

6

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

Brecken Jimenez Some of my best Lakeside memories are definitely those I built from being a part of the basketball team. We had some great seasons and really bonded off the court every year. As an athlete, a lot of my friends come from the sports I was involved with, and I made great friends that I will stay in touch with for a long time.

My other favorite part of attending Lakeside is seeing teachers and faculty members around the building that genuinely care about you as a person. Whenever I’m walking the halls, all of the faculty members seem to have a smile on their face and enjoy being here. They will laugh and joke around with you. Even when serious conversations need to be had, you don’t feel afraid and feel comfortable talking to them as well.

I plan on going to Martin Luther College to become a teacher. My decision was highly impacted by teachers here; I’m very intrigued by ministry. I believe that the teachers and staff here at Lakeside have set me up very well for my next steps in college and life.

Brecken and his family are members at Peace in Sun Prairie. At right, he shows one of his contributions on the Warrior basketball team and plans to continue playing at MLC. At left, he was blessed to receive the Ryan Zweifel Memorial Scholarship in encouragement of his study toward the public ministry, presented by Dave & Joanne Zweifel at Awards Night in May. Another opportunity to be with friends came as he was voted onto prom court this spring (below left).

7

Kentro

Fellowship

Members of the Kentro Fellowship have offered a gift or returned a commitment card to Lakeside Lutheran High School of $1,000 or more for the year. The Greek word, Kentro, meaning center, leads us to reflect on Christ as the center of our lives. Through Him we receive these blessings and are encouraged to offer them up to His glory.

As a thank you for these blessings you have shared, we offer you a subscription to The Legacy and invite you to join us at several fellowship events in your honor.

To remain a member of the Kentro Fellowship we encourage you to renew your gift annually through the enclosed commitment envelope.

Kentro Fellowship Giving (146 Members)

Total Gifts $729,975 December 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026 (does not include $244K for Grand Event)

*Other may include

Athletics, FFA, LL Foundation, Music, Operation Go, Transportation and more!

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement. Philemon 7 8

Join the April parties!

Rho/Kentro Dinner & a Show

🎭

A popular annual tradition—our Rho & Kentro Giving Society members are invited to a light supper and complimentary tickets to see the spring Friday theatre production

Twice is Nice Workers Dessert & a Show Who deserves a Sunday afternoon treat more than our beloved Twice is Nice store workers and board members? No one! Sweets for the tireless and a Sunday matinee

🍬

9

My gift to support Christian education

Leaves of Legacy

2027 Annual Giving Society Chi Fellowship *one-time gift

Rho Fellowship *two or more gifts

Kentro Fellowship

*gift of $1,000 or more *Chi, Rho, and Kentro gifts exclude memorials/tributes.

Distribute your gift(s) to any/all of the following areas: General Operating Financial Aid

By His Design Building Fund Foundation Other (you name it!)

Use the enclosed envelope visit llhs.org/giving or scan with your smartphone camera:

10

Located in the lobby of the east school entrance, our Leaves of Legacy tree is a symbol of deep roots bearing much fruit for the future, a recognition of support for quality Christ-centered education.

Individual leaves are engraved with individual and family names and shine like the light these donors have provided for the future of our ministry here at Lakeside Lutheran.

We give thanks to God for those who share our vision and have left a legacy to Lakeside, including a recent legacy gift from the Helen Limp estate.

Our prayer is for you to please consider sharing your legacy with us in the form of a deferred gift.

For more info, e-mail generosity@llhs.org.

Save the Dates!

02 26/27 LLHS Mission Advancement Events 8/21/26 ?Appreciation Night|Groundbreaking

(FB game v. St Croix Central begins at 6 pm)

9/30/26 10/9/26 11/4/26 1/23/27 3/3/27 4/10/27 4/23/27

Grandparents Day (Freshmen) Homecoming “Alum Zone” Gathering Veterans Day Observance Giving Society (Kentro) Winter Dinner Grandparents Day (Seniors) 16th Annual Grand Event Giving Society (Rho & Kentro) Reception & Spring Theatre 4/25/27 Twice is Nice Theatre “Thank You” ~For information about any event~ call Jess at 920-648-2321 x2230 or e-mail jmeyer@llhs.org

Thank you for supporting your Lakeside Lutheran High School. ?Special note for Appreciation Night in 2026:

Since game start is earlier due to opponent travel time, supper in the south cafeteria begins at 4:30 pm!

Plus, Giving Tuesday is December 1 this year!

11

(photo: Warriors are the No. 2 seed in 2026 WIAA D2 postseason play.

LLHS Mission: Educate • Encourage • Equip

2026 | issue one

​Electronic Service Requested

llhs.org | 920-648-2321

Mission Advancement Office 231 Woodland Beach Road Lake Mills, WI 53551

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Lake Mills, WI Permit 89