Lutheran High community,
As we approach the graduation of our Class of 2026 on Sunday, May 24, we are filled with gratitude. This time of year reminds us of why Lutheran High School exists and our mission: to walk alongside young men and women as they grow in faith, develop their gifts, and prepare to go out into the world equipped for lives of purpose and service.
As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” That promise is not something our graduates have to earn or achieve. It is theirs by grace, given freely by a God who claims them as His own. That is the heart of what we do here, and it is the foundation on which every brick of our LHS campus stands.
I am writing today with an update on our Empowered by Christ: Enriching Our Future campaign, because God is doing remarkable things, and we want you to know about it.
What Has Already Been Built
Over the past year, this vision has come to life in ways we could not have imagined without the faithfulness of so many. Students are now learning in seven new classrooms designed for collaboration and flexible learning, engaging in two new science labs, gathering in a reimagined Commons for worship, fellowship, and performances, and enjoying the Cougar Café as a daily hub of student life and community. Next year, the Café will expand to serve breakfast, meaning even more students will start their day fed, cared for, and ready to learn.
To date, nearly $4 million has been raised in gifts and pledges, with more than 255 families supporting this effort. These are ordinary moments of student life made possible by extraordinary generosity, and we are deeply grateful for every family and friend who has made this possible.
We Are So Close
The next major focus of the campaign is the Multi-Purpose Building, or “The Vondy” located on our south campus near the Rec Plex. This space will include a flexible practice gym, as well as a dedicated robotics training and competition area, expanding opportunities for athletics, engineering, and student activities. It will also relieve real scheduling pressure our students face daily, creating room for students to grow, collaborate, and compete in ways our current facilities simply cannot support.
The projected cost of this next phase is approximately $2.3 million, and the campaign has already been blessed with a $1 million lead gift from the Jeff & Sandy Von Deylen family. The City of St. Peters Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the site plan and building elevations, and the project team led by of two of our alumni from Droste Construction (Nate Droste) and Mission Architects (Carl Drafall), along with many other key contributors, is actively moving the design forward. “The Vondy,” along with our renovated baseball and softball field, restrooms, and gathering space will all come together as one connected anchor on our south campus.
We are close! What our community has started, we believe God is calling us to finish…together!
The Vondy
Blessed with a lead gift from the Jeff & Sandy Von Deylen family, The Vondy will create new dedicated and flexible space for LHS students to grow.
What You Will See on Campus Soon
Progress is already underway. Right after graduation this month, the parking lot will be repaved, a long overdue improvement that will make a real difference for everyone who visits campus. And this summer, we hope to begin the baseball and softball field project, with student athletes rolling up their sleeves to help with some of the early groundwork themselves. There is something deeply right about that!
How You Can Help
Prayer for our community! Or, whether through a gift, a pledge, or your continued prayers, every expression of support moves this mission forward for the students who walk these halls today and the generations who will follow. Again, these are not simply building projects. They are mission-driven investments in young people who will leave Lutheran High and carry their faith, their character, and their calling into the world for generations to come.
We have seen what this community can do when it rallies around its students. We believe the best is still ahead! As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” This vision is committed to Him, and we trust He will see it through. To God be the glory.
Grow and Serve In Christ,
Dr. Doug Kuhlmann, Head of School
