Upload
others
View
2
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Lutheran High School
of Kansas City
A Semi-Annual Publication
of The Lutheran High School of KC Volume 1 Issue 1
LHS Class of 2014 (Largest in school history) pose for a final photo
In This Issue
An Executive
Exhortation
Faculty Additions
Strategic Plan
Announced
LHSKC Music Tours
Tennessee
Alum-Knight Steve
Dispensa
En Executive Exhortation
As a teacher of English, words have
always fascinated me. So what is in a
few words? Really? Read on and dis-
cover. What is “The Knight Life” all
about? We are hoping that this publica-
tion informs, inspires, and energizes our
community about the past, the present,
and the future of this place we refer to
as The Lutheran High School of Kansas
City. Let’s start with a few words we
often associate with LHSKC. The words
comprise one of the greatest Christian
school tag lines I have ever ob-
served…… ”preparing lives for today,
tomorrow and eternity”. Succinct, brief,
visionary, powerful, and humbling all at
the same time., these words clearly ar-
ticulate what LHSKC has been, is, and
will always be.
First, there is the preparation. High
school is a crucial time in a young per-
son’s life. This is where the established
values of faith, family, and life are daily
reinforced in the classroom, on the ath-
letic field, and in the hallways. The pre-
paring means a strengthening of faith, a
solidifying of values, and the encourage-
ment of putting faith into action. “Today”
emphasizes the concept of a 21st centu-
ry education for our youth. Challenging
students with the latest technology, uni-
versity dual credit courses, experiential
learning, online opportunities, and an
ever-improving faculty constitute the
preparation needed today to enter high-
er education and/or the work force. The
word “tomorrow” also implies a readi-
ness to embrace change in our ever
changing world. LHSKC needs to be a
fluid institution free from the mire of a
system no longer viable, an institution
visioning upward and onward toward the
realms of the unknown, the uncharted
waters we call “the future”. LHSKC
needs to always strive to be a high
school not afraid to challenge its stu-
dents, its parents, and its alums in order
to be the very best educational institu-
tion possible. We do not need to think
“outside the box”, we need to under-
stand there is no box that can contain
our Lord. Omniscient, Omnipresent,
and Omnipotent. There is no boxing
Him in, no limiting Him.
Finally, “and eternity”, well doesn’t that
just say it all? Each and every day in
our school students are immersed in the
Word of God. Christ’s Gospel of love
and forgiveness is not only taught, but
the idea is lived in the hallways, the
(Continued on page 2)
He has given His all for us so we
might now shine in His love and
forgiveness. That is what life is all
about…and that is what “The
Knight Life” at LHSKC is all about
today, tomorrow, and forever.
The Lutheran High School of Kansas City
12411 Wornall Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64145
Preparing lives for Today, Tomorrow, and ETERNITY.
The year of the knight
We begin another publication…and as we approach LHSKC Year #35, this needs to be considered the year of the Knight.
So, thus, it has been proclaimed. 2014-15 “The Year of the Knight”. Surviving thirty five years as an organization is no
small feat. It should be recognized and celebrated and we intend to do that. Beginning with an alumni celebration connect-
ed to our fall Homecoming festivities and later in the year conjoining with a capital campaign charting the course for the
next five to ten years at LHSKC, we will celebrate. We will celebrate Christian education serving families in the greater
Kansas City area for 35 years. The Knight Life will be used to communicate upcoming events, outstanding accomplish-
ments, our mission focus and many other interesting and pertinent facts about the ministry of LHSKC. The goal is for you,
the reader, to stay connected to LHSKC and to greater understand and appreciate who we are, what we are doing, and
where we are headed. This publication will inform you, remind you and inspire you. We want to bring in alumni information
and highlights from our supporting church groups. The publication will only be as good as the information submitted and so
the hope is that compelling information will be submitted from time to time. You may also visit our website and submit con-
tact information or items of interest for the LHS community.
The Kansas City Lutheran High School is the only Lutheran High School in this metropolitan area. This is why we continue
to refer to LHSKC as “The Lutheran High School of Kansas City”. We should be the shining star of Lutheranism in this ar-
ea. We have a metro KC population of over 2.3 million people and ONE Lutheran High. Contrast that statistic with St. Lou-
is with a population of 2.75 million and they boast four area Lutheran Highs and the Seminary. The point here being is that
we Lutherans should embrace our Lutheran High School as one of our sole unifying institutions.
Think of other Midwest cities. Chicago has Concordia University Chicago, Milwaukee has Concordia University Wisconsin,
Detroit has Concordia University Ann Arbor. Let us be loud and proud about who we are as Lutherans and embrace our
tradition and heritage of Lutheran education through this place, LHSKC.
Knight Moves The 2014-2015 school year at LHSKC is filled with some exciting changes for
our community. Three new teachers will be added in the areas of religion,
math, English and music. Please welcome our new teachers when you get the
opportunity.
Aaron Bruening Aaron is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and has earned his
Master’s degree in Math from KU. He will teaching in the area of upper level
math and will also be serving as our boys’ varsity basketball coach. Aaron
began teaching in 2000 at Lee’s Summit North. Other stops along the way
included Ladue Horton-Watkins (St. Louis), Pembroke Hill, and Summit Chris-
tian Academy. His coaching career includes time at William Chrisman, Wash-
ington University in St. Louis, Rockhurst University, and Pembroke Hill. Last
season he coached our JV girls’ basketball team. Aaron, his wife Cristie and
four children attend St. Matthew in Lee’s Summit. We are excited to add his
experience and expertise to our faculty this year.
Peter Olson Peter is a Kansas City native who attended Holy Cross Lutheran School in the
Northland and graduated from The Lutheran High School of Kansas City in
1992. In 1997 he earned his undergraduate degree from Concordia University
Chicago and then his Master of Music degree from Northwestern University,
Evanston, Illinois in 2002. He has taught in both public and Lutheran schools
in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. In 2006 he moved back to Kansas City
where his family resides. He is a member of Christ Lutheran, Platte Woods
where he serves as music director. We are thrilled to have one of our alums
return to lead our music program at LHSKC.
J’Nae McCoy J’Nae is a 2013 graduate of Concordia University Nebraska. She is an English
major with an emphasis in ESL. Her father is a pastor in Blairstown, Iowa.
J’Nae did her student teaching at Lutheran South in St. Louis. Her background
in languages make her a valued addition to our school. She will also be
coaching in the area of girls JV basketball this coming year. J'Nae was
married in early June to Briar McCoy, also a Concordia graduate, and will be
residing in Olathe.
Did you know?
LHS graduating clas-
ses annually score
among the highest in
the Kansas City area
on ACT tests.
LHS has impacted the
lives of over 600
graduates and 22%
have gone into church
work careers.
The Class of 2014
boasted 35 graduates
- the largest in school
history.
LHS Seniors accepted
over a half million in
scholarship dollars in
2014.
LHS is accredited by
AdvancEd (formerly
North Central Accredi-
tation), National
Lutheran Schools
Accreditation and
Missouri Nonpublic
Schools Accreditation.
LHS offers dual
college credit classes
through Concordia NE
and the University of
Central Missouri.
Alum-Knight
Spotlight
Steve Dispensa ‘95
Steve Dispensa, Lutheran High School Class of 1995 , is currently a develop-
ment manager at Microsoft, overseeing Windows Azure Multi-Factor Authentica-
tion, formerly PhoneFactor, and helping to evolve Active Directory for the cloud
computing age.
A gifted computer scientist, in 2001 Steve co-founded PhoneFactor, an authenti-
cation system which uses phone calls to verify identity. The company quickly
became a leader in multifactor authentication (MFA) solutions. The innovation
and significance of PhoneFactor’s work in authentication solutions was interna-
tionally recognized when Microsoft announced it had acquired PhoneFactor on
October 4, 2012.
Steve served on the Board of LHSKC from 2007 through 2012 and also serves
on the UMKC School of Computing and Engineering Undergraduate Computer
Science Degree advisory board, providing SCE input and feedback on its com-
puter science programs from an industry perspective.
Steve publishes and speaks occasionally on data security. He and his wife Su-
zanne (formerly Suzanne Sherman, Class of ’95) reside in Seattle, WA. They
have three children, Charlotte, Phoebe, and Oscar.
The Dispensas - Steve, Suzanne, Charlotte, Phoebe and Oscar - atop
Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic Mountains. “Achievers and Believers” - Emily Patterson, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Allie Cambi-ano, Rosie Hall, and Martha Sanchez
One other change has occurred this sum-
mer. Alice Hinrichs has been reassigned to
the position of business manager for the
2014-15 school year. Previously Alice
had taught math at LHSKC for 5 years.
Alice replaces Jolene Shumway who
served in the business office for the last
nine years. LHSKC would like to thank
Jolene for her dedicated work at the high
school. God’s Blessings.
classrooms and on the athletic fields. This is
not to say that our students do not sin. As
Paul stated we are “the chief of sinners”, but
we also bask in the grace of forgiveness
which is given to us freely. This forgiveness
allows each of us to walk tall and speak loud-
ly as we proclaim Christ’s love for all. Wit-
nessing how sin, love, and forgiveness all
work together prepares students for their
world today, tomorrow’s world, and, of
course, eternal life with the saints. I have
often referred to our students as “achievers
and believers” because I know they know
their destiny is taken from His words. Jere-
miah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,
says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not
to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.” He has given His all for us so we
might now shine in His love and forgiveness.
That is what life is all about…and that is what
“The Knight Life” at LHSKC is all about today,
tomorrow, and forever.
On these pages, in these words (and a few
pictures) come to better understand what
Christian education can do for young people
who will touch and influence lives with
Christ’s Gospel today, tomorrow, and into
eternity. Blessings….
(An Executive Exhortation... continued from page 1)
Opening Knights
Beauty and the Beast and Outta Control
The 2013-14 school year witnessed
the LHSKC drama department pro-
duce two amazing and uniquely dif-
ferent plays. First the Fall musical
was Disney’s lovable Beauty and the
Beast. Directed by Lohren Meier,
the play featured lead performances
by Mason Dickhut (Calvary) as the
Beast, Rosie Hall (Hope) as Belle,
and Josiah Schultz (Beautiful Savior)
as Gaston.
The Spring production was a light-
hearted comedy about teenagers
who have a party without their par-
ents’ knowledge that leads to a vari-
ety of strange occurrences. Again
directed by Lohren Meier this perfor-
mance featured Mickie Klatt (Calvary), Katelyn Gloe (Beautiful Savior, Olathe),
Mark Buchholz (Christ, Platte Woods), and Elizabeth Rodriguez (St. Stephen).
Dates Set for the 2014 - 2015 Drama Season
November 14th and 15th
have been set as the dates
for this year’s Fall Musical.
The Spring Drama will be
held on April 10th and 11th.
Show titles will be an-
nounced at a later date.
Things get “outta control” when teenagers plan a party without their parents’ knowledge.
Among other
priorities, the 2014
Strategic Ministry
Plan establishes key
priorities, including:
Increasing enrollment to 175
students by fall 2019;
Increasing the breadth of
academic offerings particu-
larly in dual credit and AP
courses;
Development of a campus
master plan and the con-
struction of a regulation Field
House, locker rooms, and
concession to accommodate
basketball play and provide
a central convocation and
worship venue for associa-
tion congregations in the
greater Kansas City Metro
area;
Increasing the school’s en-
dowment fund in support of
scholarships and operations;
Technology upgrades to en-
sure students are equipped
with current learning and
research technology;
Developing closer working
relationships with area Chris-
tian Day Schools and
churches to ensure a strong
network of mutually benefi-
cial relationships.
Launching a major funding
initiative to build the new
field house and fund the
strategic priorities of the
2019 plan.
LHS Announces New Strategic Plan The Lutheran High School of Kansas City Board of Directors has adopted a
new strategic plan that defines strategic priorities and outcomes through
2019.
“I am truly excited by the new strategic plan and the thoughtful way that
members of the entire LHS family participated in the process, remarked
Lisa Terry, Board of Directors Chair and Chair of the Strategic Ministry
Planning Committee. “That so many voices were involved in shaping the
plan greatly enhances the likelihood that it will be implemented and have its
desired impact.”
Conducted over a six month period, the Strategic Ministry Planning process
involved over 82 people who participated in confidential interviews, focus
groups, surveys, and committees. The high point of the process was a two-
day retreat held in Lee’s Summit that involved board members and a cross-
section of the LHS family.
The Strategic Ministry Planning process was facilitated by Alan Zacharias,
President, Zacharias Advancement Consulting Group LLC, Wheaton, Illi-
nois. Also serving on the planning committee were Shelby Burris, Carl Butz,
Matt Chiapetta, Al Gehrt, David Goeglein, Rick Hanebutt, Paula Meier, Rev.
Joe Rodriguez, Evonne Shelly, James Thomas, and Eileen Vaitl.
Announcing the plan to faculty and staff, Dr. Cary Stelmachowicz, Principal
and Executive Director remarked, “This plan reflects aspirations of excel-
lence that our faculty manifest in the classroom in their work with students.
I am excited about the future of Lutheran High School and look forward to
working with the entire LHS community to bring our revitalized vision to
pass.”
The Lutheran High School of Kansas City sits in park-like surroundings in
southern Jackson County, Missouri
A Knightly
Achievement
Emily Hathhorn
Emily Hathhorn, class of 2014, achieved the Truman
Leadership Award from Truman State University in
Kirksville, Missouri. She will be entering Truman in
the fall of 2014. The Truman Leadership Award is
provided each year to a select group of students
who have excelled academically and demonstrated
significant leadership experience in high school. By
participating in the program, Truman Leadership
Scholars are prepared to take on significant leader-
ship roles and to create lasting change in their com-
munities. The scholarship pays for tuition as well as
room and board and is renewable for four academic
years.
Emily plans to obtain a Bachelor’s degree and then
a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders with
the intention of becoming a licensed Speech-
Language Pathologist specializing in pediatrics.
She is excited to use her talents to serve God by
helping others communicate effectively.
At Lutheran High School, Emily was active in
National Honor Society, Concert Choir, and Drama.
She appeared in numerous plays over the years.
Emily also maintained a 4.00 GPA in her years at
LHS. She is member of John Knox Presbyterian
Church. Congratulations, Emily for your outstanding
achievement.
Mrs. Potts and friends look on as Belle and the
Beast fall in love.
Gaston and his cronies plot against the
Beast
The 2013-14 school year was filled with outstanding achieve-
ments from our student body. Listing some of the more notable
accomplishments here by no means takes away from other ac-
complishments not listed. We thank God for the talented students
He given us.
Fall 2013—Cross Country Teams qualify for State.
A unique accomplishment occurred this past fall when BOTH girls
and boys cross country teams earned a berth in the State meet in
Jefferson City. The boys were led by sophomore Mark Buchholz,
Christ, Platte Woods as they finished a respectable 10th overall in
the State race.
The girls were led by senior Sierra Grimm, Calvary, and they
earned a 2nd place finish in the State meet. Sierra finished 6th
earning All-State honors. Others earning All-State honors were
Hayley Schroeder, Holy Spirit Catholic, 10th, and Whitney Ebert,
St. Matthew, 14th.
Congratulations to both teams and to coach Bud Yazel on their
outstanding accomplishments this season.
Senior Brennan Kane earns All-American
recognition for soccer.
Brenna Kane, Christ Community, earned 1st team honors on the
Lutheran High School All-American team as awarded by Concor-
dia University Wisconsin. Brennan led his team to an 11-13 rec-
ord in the Fall.
Girls’ volleyball records 20 win season on its way
to a #2 ranking in state.
The girls were led by seniors Lauren Hick, Messiah, Katelyn Gloe,
Beautiful Savior-Olathe, Abby Cambiano, Bethany, Amy Schnei-
der, Hope, and Allie Jewell, Bethany. 1st Team All-Region
honors were earned by Lauren Hick and Katelyn Gloe.
Girls’ basketball records 20 win season.
Led by seniors Sierra Grimm, Lauren Hick, Katelyn Gloe
and coach Chuck Pohlman the girls finished with a 20-8
record. Freshman Mickie Klatt, Calvary broke a school
record in 3 point goals made with 43. Congratulations on
a successful season.
Girls’ and Boys’ Track Teams head to state.
12 individuals qualified for the 2014 MSHSAA State Track
Meet and 9 earned medals for their efforts.
Those earning medals included the Girls’ 4x100 and 4 x
200 Relay Team (Emma Bearden, Bethlehem, Kaitlyn Bickel,
Calvary, Desirae Hunt, Jamison UME, and Mickie Klatt) and the
Boys’ 4x400 and 4x800 Relay Team (Kolin Burgess, Beautiful
Savior-Lee’s Summit, Aaron Boatman, Messiah, Sam Fritz, Christ
-Overland Park, and Zac Breitkreutz, Open Range Fellowship).
Kaitlyn Bickel (100 m) and Rebekah Hinrichs, King of Kings
(800m and 1600m) also received medals in their individual
events.
Senior Tyler Butterfield, Hope, earned All-State honorable
mention recognition for his efforts on this year’s baseball team.
Girls’ Soccer Team Earns Final Four Berth
Maybe the most exciting sports season of the year was left for
last. Compiling an unbelievable 20-3-1 overall record, the Knights
completed a fantastic unbeaten streak of 20 games including a
District championship and Final Four appearance. Senior Sierra
Grimm who earned 1st Team Lutheran High School All American
honors, scored a school record 198 goals in her four year career.
Joining her on the All-American 1st team were senior Lauren
Hick and junior Abby Benz. Katelyn Gloe received 2nd team hon-
ors. Congratulations to the team and head coach Oliseh Chuks
and assistant coach Susan Bennett on a fantastic season.
LHSKC Women’s Soccer following their District Championship win over Barstow
Starry, Starry
KNIGHTS!
Girls’ Cross Country on the podium at State
LHSKC Tours Tennessee On Thursday, March 13 eighty-four Lutheran High School students and eight
chaperones embarked on their 5-day Spring Music Tour. Boarding two motor
coaches, this year’s annual trip took them to Memphis and Nashville, TN with
stops to and from in Columbia, Cape Girardeau and Jefferson City, MO.
Guided by the tour theme “We walk by faith and not by sight” from 2 Corinthi-
ans 5:7, the concerts included selections from the LHS Choir, Band and Hand-
bell Choirs. During the 5 days, the groups performed four church concerts, two
school concerts and were privileged to play a short concert in the Grand Ole
Opry Pavilion, just prior to attending the evening Grand Ole Opry performance.
Other highlights of the trip included zip-lining in the Great Smoky Mountains,
visiting Graceland and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Nothing can compare, however, to the fun and fellowship of meeting the church
members and hosts each night and being the recipients of their hospitality.
The music students witnessed of their faith through song to over 700 people
while on tour. They performed beautifully and enthusiastically at every concert
and more importantly, represented their families, their school, and their God
well by their conduct and actions.
Band, Bells, and Choir Students on the steps of the Grand Ole Opry
Contact us:
Lutheran High School
12411 Wornall Rd
Kansas City , MO 64145
(815) 241-5478
Visit us on the web at
www.lhskc.com
The Lutheran High School of Kansas City wants to educate
every student possible. Through the opportunities listed here, we are able to remain financially
stable and keep our tuition rates affordable.
Sponsor Our Students - an
opportunity to financially support students who wish to attend LHSKC.
Memorial Golf Tournament
(October 4, 2014)- Proceeds benefit Financial Aid for
Qualifying Families.
Annual Affair of the Heart Auction (April 18, 2015) - last year’s auction raised a record
$70,000 for the budget and beyond.
Alpha 500 - become a mem-
ber by pledging a monthly donation to LHSKC.
Year End Appeal
Please pray about how God may want to use you in this ministry. Contact Dr. Stelmachowicz if you have any questions.