LHS Community,
What an incredible evening for Lutheran High! The 2025 LHS Auction, A Night for Blue & White, brought together more than 275 guests at Old Hickory Golf Club—our largest crowd since before COVID! Between the Live and Silent Auctions, fun games, and special event activities, we raised over $75,000, along with an additional $115,000+ for Fund the Future. These generous gifts will help furnish and equip the final five classrooms in our new academic wing—creating flexible, faith-filled spaces where students can learn, grow, and serve in Christ each day. Your support continues to make a lasting difference through our Empowered by Christ: Enriching Our Future campaign and the mission we share at Lutheran High.
I want to offer my sincere thanks to our auction committee, led by co-chairmen Josh Kainady, and Russ Schindehette and our Event Coordinator, Brent Hickenbottom, along with our team of volunteers, donors, sponsors, and guests who made the evening such a joyful celebration of faith and community. The energy in the room and the outpouring of support remind me once again how blessed we are by the people who believe in the mission of LHS. For those of you who were able to join us, you experienced firsthand how God is working through our school and our students. We asked each student to reflect on how their time at LHS has prepared them to serve and grow, as they wind down high school and serve beyond these walls in their future. Each perspective was unique, showcasing different ways God works through our faculty and staff. We are excited to see what God has in store for them, knowing they are ready to step forward in faith. Here are some excerpts from our student speakers:
“A Family Who Cares” — Why We Do What We Do at LHS
Senior Dane Tallent shared his story; one that captures what makes LHS such a special place. Dane transferred to LHS after what he described as “a rough freshman year” and admitted he wasn’t sure what to expect. But that changed the day he shadowed a friend at LHS. “Even though his classes were filled with juniors while I was a freshman, they were all super welcoming to me — and I still consider a lot of the people I met that day my friends.” Dane spoke honestly about what makes LHS different: “Coming to Lutheran High, I truly didn’t know what to expect. I found amazing friends that I will cherish forever, and I feel like I actually have a family here who cares about my opinions and cares about how I feel — and more importantly, why I feel how I do.” He also shared gratitude for the teachers and mentors who’ve helped him grow: “I feel like I can talk to any of them if I’m having a hard time in classes or just in general to get life advice. Laughing in the halls, learning in the classroom, or cheering on my classmates and friends, I always feel like I have a home and a place I can feel safe to return to here at Lutheran.”
One Love. One Faith. One Family in Christ.
Junior Bella Frame shared a reflection on how God’s love is at the center of everything we do. Bella began by sharing, “When I started writing this speech, I did exactly what every high school student does when they need inspiration — I scrolled on Instagram. I came across a Bible verse that stopped me — 1 John 4:16…immediately I thought, that’s exactly what Lutheran High feels like. Everything we do here, every classroom and hallway, every game or performance, you can really feel that love. It’s not just talked about — it’s lived out.” She went on to share how “God is working in and through this community, especially through the teachers.” Bella spoke with gratitude for teachers who have impacted her life: “Mr. Kreienkamp has helped me grow not just academically, but in spirituality and even inspired my own career path… Mrs. Rueckert radiates genuine kindness and joy… Mr. Scheller has encouraged me to stay involved and active not just in sports but in the arts… and Mrs. Mooney always has a listening ear and reminds us what optimism really looks like.” And while she acknowledged the role of her teachers, Bella also reminded us that “God’s love doesn’t stop with the teachers — it’s overflowing in the students. We all represent a piece of God’s love in our own God-given ways. That is what makes Lutheran High so special — that we are one. One love, one faith, one family in Christ.”
From Uncertainty to Belonging: Finding Faith, Family, & Purpose
Senior Santana Barnes shared a message full of honesty, humor, and gratitude as he reflected on his journey to LHS. Santana talked about the uncertainty he felt coming from public school; leaving the friends he had grown up with, wondering if he’d be judged or pushed away, and questioning if teachers and classmates would truly care about him. “I was just a nervous freshman, trying to fit in, heading down a path I didn’t want,” he recalled. But God placed the right people in his life at the right time. Santana expressed deep gratitude for the teachers at LHS who never give up on their students, recalling how his English teacher, Mrs. Sides, created the now-famous “Santana Pass” just to help him succeed. He also reflected on how Lutheran has shaped him beyond academics, through serving the community, building faith at Senior Retreat, and discovering that this school is not just a building, but a family. “Lutheran High helps you understand why faith matters,” he shared. “Here, I feel seen, respected, and accepted for who I am.” He also shared how Coach Bethany became a role model and mentor, teaching him “life through football,” and how Mrs. Mooney showed unconditional support and became “like a second mom,” always pushing him to rise to who he was called to be. Santana closed by celebrating how LHS has shaped him into “a positive young man with purpose,” ready to serve God and others. “Lutheran is nurturing and understanding, and I couldn’t think of any other high school that can grow you like this one,” he said. “No matter where I go, I’ll always be a Cougar!”
The words from our students are a beautiful reminder of the incredible work God is doing at Lutheran High School.
We are grateful to walk this journey with you, our community, and to see our students grow in their faith, character, and commitment to serving others.
Scripture reminds us, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3). As we head into Thanksgiving break next week, I just want to say how grateful I am for our LHS community. God continues to bless our ministry in so many ways: through our students, our staff, our families, and this community that shows up time and time again with love and support Happy Thanksgiving, and God’s blessings to you and your family!
