Parent to Parent Connection

Jason & Jodie Baldwin

Phone: Jason - 989-447-3024

Jodie - 989-327-2323

Email: jayandjode@hotmail.com

The Baldwins have three children: Tyler (MLS ‘18), Ellie (MLS ‘21), and Hannah (MLS ‘25).

We have been blessed to be able to send all our children to MLS. The overall education they have received is fantastic, but the best part is that all the instruction is rooted in the Word of God. The love that the faculty and staff have and show for the students is incredible. It is not a perfect school filled with perfect people, because it is filled with sinners like any place. But the difference with MLS is that God’s law and gospel are used to deal with the challenges that high school students and their parents face. It is a blessing to know that there are many loving Christians who are there for them when they are at school, when we are not there.

We have experienced what it is like to have our children live at home and in the dorm. There are pros and cons to both. We did find that even when they lived at home, due to the amount of extra-curricular activities that our children were involved in, they were often on campus most nights. We cannot say enough good things about MLS, its faculty and staff, and the student body.

Dave & Christina Broekhuizen

Phone: Dave - 734-915-0217

Christina - 734-341-9997

Email: thebroeks@gmail.com

Dave and Christina (Schroeder)

Broekhuizen have 4 sons. Tyler (MLS ‘17), Cole (MLS ‘20), Logan (‘25) and Jake (‘27).

We’ve always encouraged our boys to play a sport each season. It is such an important part of teaching them the lessons of life. They learn about success and disappointment. They learn how to react when they feel things aren’t fair. They learn to lead.

As an MLS grad myself (class of ‘89) and coming from a strong WELS background, I guess you could say there was nowhere else I wanted to send our children. In contrast, my husband Dave was raised Presbyterian, attended public school, and had a different perspective about MLS. At first he wasn’t sure if MLS was the right choice, but over time he saw the strengths the school had, including a strong and supportive culture. As a football coach he now helps the boys develop the values of faith, friendship, sportsmanship, and service both on and off the field.

Going to school with peers of the same faith has been a wonderful blessing for our boys. Sending our boys to MLS has been one of the best decisions we have made as parents. We cannot say enough about how wonderful the school is for helping us raise our boys to be future church leaders. If you are considering sending your son or daughter to MLS and have questions about the school - please do not hesitate to call.

Dane & Joanne Mattes

Phone: Dane - 920-588-7599

Joanne - 920-588-7596

Email: Dane - danemattes@gmail.com

Joanne - joannemattes@yahoo.com

Dane and Joanne Mattes are residents of sunny Tampa, FL. They currently serve as teachers at Northdale Christian Academy, our WELS school operated by Northdale Lutheran Church. Dane is the principal and Joanne is the early childhood director. Dane and Joanne are both MLS graduates (2000). They have two daughters, Carolyn (MLS ’25) and Hailey (MLS ‘27).

It’s not easy sending your children 1,200 miles to attend MLS. However, the blessings of Christian education and encouragement for ministry make it worth it. We have learned a lot about remote parenting, partnering with MLS from afar, and celebrating the time we spend together as a family.

Dane and Joanne would be happy to help any family that is considering MLS or currently attending from a significant distance.

Mike & Brooke Scharrer

Phone: Mike - 248-520-5069

Brooke - 616-822-5030

Email: Mike - Mcscharrer@hotmail.com

Brooke - Bscharrer@gmail.com

The Scharrers live in Wixom, MI and have two boys: Caleb (MLS ‘26) and Zach (8th grade).

We are very blessed to have many MLS families near us. This has made carpooling possible and also provides a good network of parents to bounce questions off of, etc.

We are very thankful for all of the extracurriculars that the kids are able to participate in. It not only keeps them busy, but also teaches many life skills.

Lastly, the thing we love to hear the most on a phone call is ‘Sorry, mom. I have to go. It’s time for chapel.’

Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Having a child at MLS is an adjustment, but one that is made easier with the support of other parents!

Dan & Trish Darling

Phone: Dan - 989-798-5923

Trish - 989-205-2098

Email: Dan - ddarling@oxep.com

Trish - tddarling@dow.com

The Darlings live in Bay City, MI. We have three children ranging from 12-18. Dan is an alumnus of MLS (‘96) and Trish is a graduate of Bay City Central High. Their oldest graduated from MLS in 2023. They also have a sophomore daughter and an eighth grade son. Dan has coached baseball and softball at MLS for several years.

Although our family was close enough to the campus to allow our children to commute, those that are not close enough can feel comfortable and confident that their children are cared for by a group of Christian supporters that can’t be found at a public high school or university. It’s a difficult decision to allow your son or daughter to live away from the comfort of their own home for 4 years, but feel confident that the MLS staff loves your children and has the best Christ-focused attention in store for them.

In any ministry, our pastors and teachers also rely on strong Christian members to assist in their work and the work of the Church in general. MLS gives that strong foundation to support called workers as lay members in their respective congregations. The simple request from MLS is that we encourage our children to consider the ministry as a profession. You can feel confident that your child’s four years at MLS will encourage them to be involved in some ministerial capacity, even if it’s not as a pastor or teacher. There is no substitute for the peace of mind that your child is receiving a first class education, and more importantly, hearing the true Word of God preached to them on a daily basis.

Todd & Sarah Priem

Phone: Todd - 989-233-5354

Sarah - 989-239-8318

Email: Todd - tapriem@gmail.com

Sarah - skschroe@yahoo.com

The Priems are from Bay City, Michigan. Their daughter, Samantha, is a junior at MLS this year. Their son, Joshua, will be an eighth grader at St. John’s in Bay City.

Samantha’s first 2 years at Sem have been such a blessing. We are thankful that she has the opportunity to hear God’s Word every day and can continue to grow in her faith.

She is a dorm student and was busy her freshman and sophomore year playing volleyball, basketball and softball. We try to make it to as many sporting events as possible to cheer for the Cardinals!

Sam had a role in the play last fall and also in children’s theater in the spring. This summer, she took a Project Titus trip to a WELS church in Georgia where she helped with outreach and a robotics camp. She’s also in the Concert Choir, and we look forward to hearing them sing throughout the coming year.

Josh stays busy playing soccer, basketball and baseball. When he’s not occupied with his own games and practices, he comes to watch his sister and cousins play in various MLS sporting events. We look forward to his freshmen year when he and Samantha will attend MLS together.

We feel so privileged to be a part of the MLS family, and hope you have the chance to be part of it someday, too. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about MLS. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. but one that is made easier with the support of other parents!

The decision to send your child to Michigan Lutheran Seminary can be challenging. The parents in this booklet have worked through many of the same questions and concerns that you are likely experiencing. Each one of them would be delighted to have you share your family’s story and to help you think through this important decision for your child’s future. So open up your email. Pick up your phone. That’s all it takes to find out what other parents are saying about Michigan Lutheran Seminary.