Jackson Holzheimer, is an active and involved student at Lutheran High School. He is involved in the technology department, lunch crew, pep club, and assists the athletic director when he is not playing basketball, football, baseball and golf.
When asked if he has any advice for a student considering Lutheran High School, he responded saying, “It’s like a family second to none, the people here are amazing. Having teachers that care for you daily, not just about your school life but also for you as a person.” To those who are unsure if Lutheran High School is the place for them, Jackson believes that Lutheran offers opportunity for you to be involved in more programs than any other school in this area. He said, “you can be involved in anything you can imagine.” Four years ago, Jackson was quoted in the Junior Crusader saying that teachers are friendly and “encourage you with your God-given talents,” and that he was surprised that the teachers were more focused on hands on learning in real-time than just teaching from a book. He responded to his past quote by saying he still believes it. It’s “even more accurate than before. I would like to add that being here for the past three-and-a-half years, Lutheran High has had and will always have a positive impact on my life. Not only educationally, but spiritually as well.” Lake Country Academy’s Marcus Larsen is another example of a student who is making an impact on his community. He is involved, is a leader, and is well-known in the school. Marcus is involved in Band (and formerly jazz band) in every drama that takes place, Forensics, National Honor Society and serves as the President of Interact Club, an affiliate of the Rotary. “Every morning, I’m excited to begin a new day at Lutheran High, to have a chance to interact with all of my teachers and friends. I am always happy to be in Band where I get to play beautiful music with a group of peers. I also love studying the Word of God and learning about the universal Church in Theology. And of course, being able to solve problems with the Tech. Dept. is a great way to end each day before I return home,” Marcus said.
Marcus says that Lutheran High is a great decision, “from the college-prep curriculum to the extracurricular opportunities, you will be well-prepared for whatever you pursue beyond high school. And, of course, Lutheran High establishes for you a firm foundation in God’s excellent Word, a basic and essential way to let His grace pour into your life for the rest of your life.” Ambryn Diener, who was home schooled before attending Lutheran High School, has been heavily involved in both athletics and other extracurriculars. “I am involved in Cross Country, Soccer, Student Council, National Honor Society, Band, Konzertchor, Chamber Choir, Pep Club, and the Spring Musical.” Her energy, she says, comes from the opportunities to be this involved and use her God-given gifts to share with others.
When asked about advice she would give to someone considering Lutheran High School, she said, “DO IT! Lutheran High is a high school that welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds. As a homeschooled student in middle school, I came into Lutheran High not knowing many people, but people welcomed me right away. If you are thinking about attending Lutheran High, I encourage you to get involved in extracurricular activities. These groups within the school will become your second families and will become your peer support system the rest of high school.” If you are not sure she says, “Pray about it. God will lead you where he sees you fit. Before saying no to Lutheran, I recommend taking a tour and shadowing a day during school hours. Students and teachers can also speak confidently and personally from their expereinces at this school.” “I realized how thankful I was for [those who graduated before me], for their welcoming attitudes toward me. Now that I am a senior, I see it as my job to be the welcomer to newcomers.” And even when there is a lot of homework, “it all comes down to time management and how much effort you are willing to put into school.” Matt Walz, is involved in Chamber Choir, National Honor Society, Soccer, Basketball, Track, Konzertchor, Chamber Choir, Spanish 4 and has gone on the choir tour. He believes that being involved is one of the greatest ways to get energy from the Lutheran High experience because of the supportive community.
When asked about advice for someone considering Lutheran High, he said, “Lutheran High is a great school and the most important part is being able to talk about God. Everyone has that in common and it is very beneficial. Faith really is the difference and it makes high school better.” Four years ago, Matt noted the high academic standards and the expectations in choir. And even now, as a senior, he doesn’t dread going to classes, he’s energized for the challenge. “The community [in high school classes and extracurriculars] is much more apparent. Community is often hard to see while you are experiencing it, but looking back, you know it was there.” Mike Scheele poses with family at celebration for 100 wins Mike Scheele, celebrated 100 wins as girls basketball head coach in January. He said, “It was a special moment achieving 100 wins as varsity head coach. Although number 100 focused on that particular night, it was for all of the players that I have coached during my career. And although the wins have been special, the relationships that I have, and continue to have, with my past and current players are more meaningful to me. To God be the Glory." This is Scheele's tenth year as the Varsity Head Coach. He began coaching varsity when his daughter, Ashely, was a senior. Alumni came to the event to celebrate with Coach Scheele
Coach Nick Verhagen poses with his family during a celebration for his 200th win as varsity coach. Nick Verhagen Boys Varsity Basketball coach recently passed a new milestone as the Boy's Varsity Head Coach. After 200 wins he stated, “I am fortunate to have been supported by hardworking assistant coaches [and] many talented student athletes who have committed themselves to our program the last ten years.”
Verhagen, who has now been the Boy's Varsity coach for 10 years, began coaching at Lutheran High School 15 years ago. He noted that it was Coach Todd Dekker who asked him to join his staff in 2006. He replied, [it is] "one of the best decisions I ever made and I am thankful to Coach Dekker for the opportunities I have had since joining the school and program." Verhagen's son, Casey Verhagen, also reached a milestone by becoming the 3rd Crusader to reach 2000 points this season. Casey will be playing for Norther Michigan University next year. On January 28, 2022, the Chamber Choir was one of only three groups asked to perform at the Annual School Choice Day event on the final day of National Lutheran Schools Week and National School Choice Week. This year, the event was hosted at Lambeau Field featuring UW System President and former Gov. Tommy Thompson as the keynote speaker with hundreds in attendance.
“The students and I were very honored to be a part of a great event," said Matthew Thiel Director of Sheboygan Lutheran High School's Band and Choir. "The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program has provided opportunities for many families to have their children receive not only a great education from Sheboygan Lutheran, but receive the Good news of the Gospel every day of their lives for four years. Being able to share what Lutheran High is about both as a way of saying 'Thank you' to those who started the program and as a way to promote the arts and Sheboygan Lutheran High School was wonderful." The choir sang three songs including “Ride On, King Jesus”, “In Dulci Jubilo”, and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” under the direction of Matthew Thiel. The event was held to encourage more schools to enter the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, show legislators how the movement is growing in the state, and recognize the accomplishments of schools, parents, and children working together for the future of education. Serving children during these challenging times has revealed the importance of empowering parents with educational options. |
The Leader's Guide
The Junior Crusader |