Gratitude for the faith of those who came before us

LHS Community, 


Last month, Dr. Bernhardt and I had the privilege of joining many of our former school leaders—including Mr. Schlesselman, our former Executive Director, and Mr. Marty, our former Principal—along with several of the “founding” members of Lutheran High School, at the funeral of Mr. Harry Cromer, a member of our Hall of Honor. The service was held at Zion Lutheran Church, where Pastor Mark Rouland delivered a powerful message about Mr. Cromer’s leadership and stewardship in the early years of LHS. He reminded us how instrumental Mr. Cromer was in the founding of Lutheran High School, serving on building committees and helping to lay the groundwork for what our school is today. Did you know that some of our earliest leaders mortgaged their own homes to ensure payroll was met? Their faith and sacrifice were humbling reminders of how God has blessed LHS these past 40+ years. David Schlesselman even reflected that several members of our original “building committee” of Dave Wulff, Harry Cromer, and Al Mahnken (all Hall of Honor members) have now become the “built committee,” celebrating the fruits of their labor in heaven.


Pastor Rouland also shared a meaningful reminder of our mission by showing our school seal. That mission has never changed: to “Grow and Serve in Christ.”  The original seal of LHS, designed collaboratively by Mrs. Pat Biggers, Mrs. Carol Holtmeier, and Mrs. Sally Huber, embodies key elements of Lutheran identity and purpose. Its symbols tell the story of our faith:


The Flame: Representing the vitality of faith ignited by the Holy Spirit.
The Bible: Symbolizing the Word of God that empowers and sustains our community.
The Empty Cross: Reflecting Christ’s redemptive grace and the foundation of our salvation.
The Rose: Rooted in Martin Luther’s coat of arms, it honors the great reformer and his contributions to faith and education.
The Circle: Representing the eternal inheritance promised through faith in Christ.


Inspired by II Peter 3:18, the seal has served as a constant reminder of who we are and what we stand for as a Lutheran school.  Over the past 40 years, Lutheran High School has grown in size, facilities, and opportunities for students, but our commitment to “Grow in Grace” and “Grow and Serve in Christ” remains unchanged.  Even as our school has expanded in size, facilities, and opportunities, the essence of our mission remains the same. For more than four decades, LHS has been committed to academic rigor, spiritual maturity, and Christ-centered character. Today, this legacy continues through our four Core Values: Spiritual and Academic Growth, Servant Leadership, Building Character and Purpose, and Authentic Relationships.


As we reflect on our rich history, we also look toward the future. The same bold faith and vision that launched our school will guide us in the years ahead as we prepare students for Christ-centered lives of purpose and service. We remain dedicated to equipping each student to impact the world for Jesus Christ—just as our founders envisioned.


With gratitude for the faith of those who came before us, and with prayerful anticipation for what God has yet to do at LHS, we celebrate both the legacy and the vibrancy of our mission. Together, we will continue to grow in grace and serve faithfully, ensuring Lutheran High School remains a beacon of Christ-centered education for generations to come.

Grow and Serve in Christ,
Dr. Doug Kuhlmann