Introducing

Winter 2010 • Volume 72 • Number 1

A MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF HILLCREST ACADEMY

CONNECTION

SO

MUCH

MORE

THAN A DIPLOMALIVE. LEARN. GO.

I’ve been sharing some exciting

news in recent weeks with alumni

and friends of HLA. Here’s pretty

much how the conversation goes:

(Me) “Hillcrest is working on a

5 million dollar campaign that I

thought you’d like to hear about.”

(Friend) “Whoa…that’s pretty ambitious. Doesn’t sound

like a good time with the economy and all.”

(Me) “I know. It’s the largest campaign Hillcrest has ever

had. And it does come in a challenging time economically.

But here’s the funny thing. We’ve already raised 67% of

the goal. Over $3.3 million has been committed to the

“Fresh Breeze” Campaign since it was planned a couple

of years ago.”

(Friend) “What? You’re kidding. Seriously? That’s

unbelievable. That’s amazing!”

(Me) “It is! God’s already blessed this effort with a

number of lead gifts, and now only 33% of the goal is

left. We’ve just launched what’s called the Public Phase

so that everyone can now hear about it and be part of

meeting the goal.”

This issue of the Hillcrest Connection introduces to

the entire Hillcrest family an exciting adventure for

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy! Knowing that God’s hand

of blessing has been on the mission of HLA since it

began over 90 years ago, the time is right to advance

and build on this great history. We are ready to move

the school forward boldly to impact future generations

for Christ.

I hope that you will be inspired by the success thus far

and interested to know more about the Fresh Breeze

Campaign in the pages that follow.

Trusting the Lord, and looking forward,

Steven J. Brue, HLA President

Dear Alumni and Friends,

GREETING2

CONTENTS

4

10

12

HillcrestCONNECTION

FeatureIntroducing Fresh Breeze

Campaign Banquets

FinanceFresh Breeze Gift Table

HLA Heritage Society

Club Members

Campus News Homecoming 2010

Spiritual Formations Week

Science & Athletic News

New Faces at HLA

19 Alumni News 2010 Memorial Gifts

Alumni Updates

HILLCREST ACADEMY BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

DWIGHT SCHMIDT | Chair

Jamestown, ND

DAVE EGGE | Vice Chair

Alexandria, MN

ROD SCHEEL | Secretary

Fergus Falls, MN

RICH IVERSONBarnesville, MN

ANNIE JACOBSENSuccasunna, NJ

KATHY JOHNSONFergus Falls, MN

J. BURDEAN ROGNESSEden Prairie, MN

LISA SCHULTZ-FREDFergus Falls, MN

OLAV SANDNESMt. Bethel, PA

HILLCREST ACADEMY PARENT ADVISORY TEAM

LISA SCHULTZ-FRED | Board Rep

CARLA BJORNLIELORI HESTENESANDY LACEYLESLIE JENNEN

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Hillcrest

Lutheran Academy is to equip

students in a Christ-centered,

Bible-based environment for a

life of signifi cance.

Winter 2010Hillcrest Connection is published

quarterly by Hillcrest Academy.

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy

610 Hillcrest Drive

Fergus Falls, MN 56537

STEVE BRUE | President

Editor-in-Chief

sbrue@ffhillcrest.org

RYAN ERICKSONManaging Editor/Graphic Design

rerickson@ffhillcrest.org

LINDA PATCH

Alumni Relations

lpatch@ffhillcrest.org

HLA TODAY STAFFContributing Writers

DAVID LISTOR

Feature Photography

“God’s hand of blessing has been on the mission of

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy since it began over 90

years ago. The time is right to advance and build on

this great history. We are ready to move forward

boldly to impact future generations for Christ.”Steven J. Brue, HLA President

A fresh breeze blows on the campus of

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy...

It’s a breeze that carries with it the optimism

of a strong future. It carries the clear message

that teenagers thrive in body, mind, and

spirit within the context of a caring Christian

community. It’s a breeze that carries the

message of countless young voices sharing the

same testimony, “I changed!”

It was this same breeze that gave life to an

idea at the turn of the 20th Century, over 100

years ago in Wahpeton, North Dakota, that a

Lutheran Bible School be founded. The Bible

school was led to incorporate a high school

curriculum 15 years later, in its new location in

Grand Forks, North Dakota. Then, seventeen

years later in 1935 the school moved to its

current location in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

The stately red-brick building (formerly Park

Region Luther College) that has been home to

tens of hundreds of students, continues as a

familiar symbol of a caring Christian community

that takes a high-quality, college-preparatory

education seriously.

There is no doubt that alumni and students point

to their Hillcrest years as defi ning moments in

their spiritual and personal growth. They too

felt the fresh breeze. Maybe it was on choir

tour, or while attending a Mission Conference,

or through memorable chapel presentations

and peer group Bible studies. In recent years,

alumni point to a short term mission trip to

Mexico as a defi ning spiritual experience.

Our vision for Hillcrest Academy has remained

unchanged: to provide a quality academic

environment in a spiritual setting. This is a

place where matters of intellect and faith are

explored each day and where the Word of God

enables life-changing discoveries. It is also a

place where students live their faith, not only on

the campus, but as they go into communities

and different cultures to experience and to

share the life-changing message of Jesus

Christ with a needy world. The school’s mission

to equip students for a life of signifi cance is

authenticated by testimonies of those who

have felt the impact of Hillcrest alumni around

the world. What a joy it would be to hear the

stories of the untold number of individuals who

have come to Christ because of the lives and

witness of Hillcrest alumni.

4 FEATURE

5FEATURE

Our calling is to continue this focus. Our challenge

is to gather and distribute our gifts wisely,

providing our students and staff with all that they

need to equip themselves for productive lives of

Christian service in a world that so desperately

needs each of them. We like the feel of the fresh

breeze. It energizes. It invigorates. It stirs vision.

And the vision that is being shaped is a vision for

students to thrive in a school which witnesses to

the presence of Christ in its midst. Foremost in

our desire is to eliminate those discouraging areas

that would make that fresh breeze feel stale.

This breeze is affecting how we view our

campus, showing areas of need that will make

Hillcrest a stronger and more vital institution.

The scope of the campaign is fi ve million dollars.

It includes retiring the remaining one million dollar

debt on the Student Activities Center. It includes

the renovation of the Classroom Section in the

Hillcrest building, and installing a new heating and

air conditioning system in that area, as well as in

the entire Hillcrest building. It includes adding

endowments for ongoing student scholarships,

academic programs, and facility costs.

It includes funding for professional development

of staff, salary increases, and curriculum

development. And it includes the Annual Fund,

the gifts each year that subsidize the operations

of the school to help keep tuition costs affordable.

It is very clear to the leadership and staff of Hillcrest

Academy that the fresh breeze we’ve experienced is

none other than the gracious presence and movement

of God’s Spirit. We humbly and gratefully acknowledge

the source. And we want God’s Spirit to continue

to bless the mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.

6 FEATURE

The scope of the campaign is $5 million.

Capital Projects $2,900,000

Phase 1 HVAC update @ $975,000

Academic Center Renovation @ $475,000

Phase 2 HVAC update @ $350,000

Eliminate Debt on the Student Activities Center @ $1,100,000

Endowment $300,000 +

Student Scholarships

Academic Programs

Facility Costs

Academic $200,000

Professional Development

Salary Increases

Curriculum Development

Annual Fund $1,600,000

Five Year Annual Fund Reserve @ $320,000/year

67% Received in

Cash and Pledges

$3.3 Million

$1.7 Million

33% Remains

The fresh breeze has already begun to blow

across the Hillcrest campus.

You can be part of a chain of signifi cant

blessings that will keep the momentum going

until the $5 million goal is met. Your gift at

this time demonstrates your partnership and

investment in advancing the mission of Hillcrest

Lutheran Academy, allowing more students to

be part of the Hillcrest experience. You can be

part of something that is much bigger and more

powerful than we could possibly imagine.

What part will you play in this campaign? Can

you provide a one time gift, join one of the HLA

Giving Clubs to support the Annual Fund, or make

a fi ve-year pledge as you invest in the ministry

of Hillcrest? Prayerfully consider your role. God’s

hand of blessing is on this exciting adventure!

A response envelope is included in this

publication for your gift to the Fresh Breeze

campaign. Please use it as an end-of-year

donation to HLA, or to indicate

your ongoing participation

in this exciting campaign.

God bless you!

7FEATURE

Introducing Fergus Falls to

8 FEATURE

A “Fresh Breeze” banquet to kick off the public phase

of Hillcrest’s capital campaign was held in the HLA

Student Activities Center on Saturday evening of

Homecoming weekend. About 125 guests enjoyed an

Italian buffet of pastas and sauces, with Caesar salad

and breadsticks, prepared by Chef Heath Stocks and

the A'viand’s Food Service staff. Hillcrest students

served as waiters and waitresses.

Nearly all HLA Board members and Campaign Cabinet

members attended the banquet to celebrate a successful

quiet phase of reaching over 60% of the campaign goal,

and to begin informing the general public of the Hillcrest

needs that will be met as a result of this new campaign.

President Brue introduced the Campaign Co-chairs, Olav

and Gina Sandnes, as well as the other members of the

Campaign Cabinet.

Following a video presentation of last year’s mission trip

highlights in the Dominican Republic, Mr. Gregg Preston,

HLA History and Bible Instructor shared how these

annual student mission experiences tie in so well with

the mission statement of the school, equipping students

for a life of signifi cance.

Guests received Fresh Breeze brochures and pledging

opportunities as President Steve Brue explained the

campaign process, identifi ed the 5 major initiatives of

the campaign, and gave a progress report to date on the

campaign’s success. A full screen audio/visual backdrop

managed by Ryan Erickson, HLA Graphics Director and IT

Director Jason Walkup greatly enhanced the presentation.

Response to the Fresh Breeze appeal was very positive.

Over $63,000 was added in cash and pledges

to the campaign effort.

Special thanks to Linda

Patch, banquet coordinator

and banquet committee

members Kathy Johnson,

Linda Brue, Gina Sandnes,

Grace Kvamme, Missi Isaac,

Debbie Crabtree and Sheri

Hohncke. Praise God for

adding His blessing to this

kick-off event!

The Fresh Breeze

campaign was featured

prominently on the front

page of the Sunday,

September 19 issue of the

Fergus Falls Daily Journal.

A Fresh Breeze celebration event took place on a

warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, October 10th at

the farmhouse of Olav and Gina Sandnes of Mt. Bethel,

PA. Over 30 guests enjoyed a delicious barbeque

on the patio, following a Fresh Breeze campaign

presentation by Hillcrest President Steve Brue in

the Sandnes’ beautifully remodeled barn. Guests

received brochures and pledging opportunities, with

a generous response of over $36,000 from those

invited to participate.

Special thanks to Olav and Gina Sandnes, Co-chairs

of the Fresh Breeze campaign for their generosity in

hosting this very enjoyable event.

Fresh Breeze Introduced

at Pennsylvania Event

9FEATURE

LegacyHLAHLHLHLHLH AAAAAAAHLHLHLLLHLHLLLAAAAAAAAHHHLLLAA

clublllllllllububububububububbbbcccccccccccccc bbbbbbbbb

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

HeritageHLAHLHLHLHLH AAAAAAAHLHLHLLLHLHLLLAAAAAAAAHHHLLLAAA

societyooooooooocicicicicicicicic etetetetetetetete yyyyyyyyysosososossososososssss yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Stanley Arlton Estate

Kenneth & Mavis Austin

John & Cheryl Backstrom

Steve Benjamin

Irv & Kay Bergsagel

Steve & Linda Brue

Keven & Debbie Crabtree

Evelyn Ebner Estate

Edward D. Jones & Co.

David & Val Egge

Joel & Barbara Egge

Marian Egge Estate

Lori Fedje

First State Bank of Alex-Carlos

Mabel L. Foss Estate

Agnes Freeland Charitable Trust

Adleide Gunhus

G. T. & Ann Gunhus

Elling & Barbara Halvorson

Richard & Linda Heggland

Roy & Barbara Heggland

Hillside Lutheran Brethren Missions

Interstate Inc.

Gladys Jensen

Minnie Nelson

Nordic Contracting Co, Inc.

Olsoe Charitable Remainder Trust

Clara Olsoe

John & Donna Olson

Wesley & Ruth Orrestad

Otter Tail Power Company

Ron Powell

Donald & Marie Roberts

Charitable Foundation

J. Burdean & Kay Rogness

LaWayne & Bev Rogness

Olav & Gina Sandnes

Security State Bank

Dwight & Gwen Schmidt

Ewald & Alice Sems

Norma Senum

Eleanor Sollie

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Victory Lutheran Brethren Church

Viking Construction Corporation

The Fresh Breeze campaign provides an opportunity for

friends of Hillcrest to name the school as a benefi ciary

in their estate plans. This is one of the ways that donors

may participate in the campaign, through a deferred gift.

While estate amounts that are designated for Hillcrest

are not included in the campaign goal, a record of these

future gifts helps to ensure future support for the school.

It also gives Hillcrest the opportunity to thank families

who choose to name Hillcrest in their estate planning.

Already, the Fresh Breeze campaign has on record over

$1 million that will be gifted through estate plans. Families

who have identifi ed these plans to the school are listed in

the HLA Heritage Society. The next issue of the Hillcrest

Connection will publicly acknowledge those who have

named Hillcrest as a benefi ciary in their estate plans.

We would love to include any who have named Hillcrest

in their estate plans. Please contact President Steve

Brue at 218-739-3371 to discuss this further.

The HLA Legacy Club acknowledges individuals

and groups whose accumulative giving reaches

$25,000 or above.

The HLA Heritage Society acknowledges those who have named Hillcrest in an

estate gift.

Five Million - An Attainable GoalThe magnitude of a campaign goal can seem overwhelming at the outset. Campaigns seek to secure a

number of lead gifts during the quiet phase. A model gift table was presented to HLA by the consultant

to guide the campaign process. Below shows categories of gifts/pledges received in the Fresh Breeze

campaign as of November 2010, and a template of remaining gifts/pledges to demonstrate the attainability

of the campaign goal.

*Remaining 33% to complete campaign goal.

Gift Received Needed Cumulative Total$1,000,000 1

$500,000 1 1 $500,000

$250,000 1 1 $750,000

$100,000 1 3 $1,050,000

$75,000 1 2 $1,200,000

$50,000 3 5 $1,450,000

$25,000 9 6 $1,600,000

$10,000 18 6 $1,660,000*Under $10,000 Many Many

FINANCE10

Anonymous (3)Geroge & Alice Aase Fergus Falls, MNPeter & Katie Aasness Fergus Falls, MNKathi Abel Fergus Falls, MNGuy & Beth Adams Lexington, KYErik & Janet Ambjor Succasunna, NJHans & Kari Andersen East Wenatchee, WARoy & Marie Barsness Kirkland, WAJoseph & Susan Battillo Mount Bethel, PAIrv & Kay Bergsagel Minnetonka, MNTim & Mary Bigelow Erhard, MNEthan & Carla Bjornlie Fergus Falls, MNOlive Blikstad Fergus Falls, MNJoyce Boehland Arvada, CORoger & Kay Borowski Campbell, MNDoug & Nancy Bounds Jamestown, NDHarold & Cathy Brokke Minneapolis, MNNick & Dahlia Brue St. Paul, MNCharlie & Carrie Brue Fergus Falls, MNBenjamin Brue Vadnais Heights, MNMatthew & Faith Brue St. Louis Park, MNLindsey Brue Fergus Falls, MNSteve & Linda Brue Fergus Falls, MNTom & Kari Brue Bloomington, MNTitus Brue Vadnais Heights, MNThor & Edna Bugge Willow Street, PALorraine Burt Chicago, ILJohn & Larissa Campbell Edmonton, OKDavid & Dagney Christenson Lynnwood, WAScott & Val Christenson Fergus Falls, MNJoel & Liz Christenson Fergus Falls, MNLane & Lori Christopherson Everett, WAKeven & Debbie Crabtree Fergus Falls, MNDan & Lita Crowley Marysville, WADave & Vicki Crowser Fergus Falls, MNSharon Daines Bozeman, MTLeif & Sonja Dalen Mt. Bethel, PAThelma P. Dalene East Hartland, CTSteve & Kathy Doering Fergus Falls, MNDavid & Val Egge Alexandria, MNJoel & Barbara Egge Fergus Falls, MNChuck & Penny Eidem Altadena, CASpencer Endrud Buxton, NDJohn Endrud Loves Park, ILRich & Jeanene Engebretson Edina, MNGerald & Sheri Erickson Mukilteo, WAElroy & Judy Erickson Vancouver, WARyan & Kristin Erickson Fergus Falls, MNMicah Erickson Banning, CAGary & Cynthia Erickson Dalton, MNEric Ewan Fergus Falls, MNCarol Featherstone New Hope, MNLori Fedje Beaverton, ORLawn Pro of Fergus Falls Fergus Falls, MNAllan Fischer Hillsboro Beach, FLMark & Joan Folden San Jose, CAGay & Carol Folden Fergus Falls, MNDavid & Ruthann Forland Huntington, NYE. Thor & Lillian Foss Southold, NYMark & Joanne Foss Glastonbury, CTAllen & Goldie Foss Everett, WAMasson Family Foundation Laguna Beach, CAKevin & Lisa Fred Fergus Falls, MNSharon Fuhrman Joice, IAWayne & Ruth Goats Scottsdale, AZGT & Ann Gunhus Underwood, MN

Richard & Diane Gunhus Blue Earth, MNAdleide Gunhus Blue Earth, MNVictoria Hackett San Francisco, CARoy & Heather Haegeland Lake Stevens, WAElling & Barbara Halvorson Woodinville, WAEvelyn Hansen Snohomish, WATore & Vivian Hansen Mount Bethel, PALuke & Angela Hansen Edina, MNGreg & Rita Hayek Fergus Falls, MNKim Hazel Eden Prairie, MNJoy Headrick Denver, CODavid & Beverly Heggen Rothsay, MNRich & Linda Heggland New Port Richey, FLAmanda Heggland Farmington, CTPaul & Sheri Hohncke Fergus Falls, MNDiane Ihrke Fergus Falls, MNGary & Renee Isaac Denver, COJeff & Missi Isaac Fergus Falls, MNRich & Karen Iverson Barnesville, MNMartha Jacobs Seatonville, ILHerb & Helen Jacobsen Mt. Bethel, PAElizabeth Jacobsen Minnetonka, MNJohn & Annie Jacobsen Succasunna, NJKen & Ann Jensen Huntington, NYGladys Jensen Staten Island, NYEdgar & Myrtle Jensen Mt. Bethel, PATim & Karen Johnson Little Falls, MNFred & Elsie Johnson Boone, IADennis & Kathleen Johnson Fergus Falls, MNBrent & Ruth Juliot Fergus Falls, MNElmer & Julia Kaardal Saint Paul, MNCurtis & Elaine Kavlie Richville, MNVaughn & Deb Kavlie Eden Prairie, MNJohn & Janet Kilde Fergus Falls, MNKermit & Grace Kvamme Fergus Falls, MNKevin Kvamme Williston, NDScott & Becky Kvamme Fergus Falls, MNPhilip & Marilyn Labrosse Saint Paul, MNAndy & Brenda Lacey Wendell, MNJack & Sharon Lacey Wendell, MNPaul & Jane Langseth Fergus Falls, MNMorris & Myrt Larsen Fergus Falls, MNJosiah Larson Minneapolis, MNVictory LB Church Jamestown, NDHillside LB Missions Succasunna, NJMatthew & Sue Leach Omaha, NEFrank & Elaine Legerat Fairbanks, AKBrian & Jennifer Leivestad Loveland, COCarol & Michael Lewin Keizer, ORPatricia Linson Fargo, NDLloyd & Thelma Listor Brooklyn, NYSteve & Heidi Listor Mt. Bethel, PAHarry Ludvigsen Kerhonkson, NYJoel & Alice Lunde Fergus Falls, MNDennis & Dorothy Madsen Fergus Falls, MNJeffrey & Eileen Mahn Albuquerque, NMBrad & Trena Martinson Fergus Falls, MNLuther & Adeline Mathison Maddock, NDJohn & Lisa McAteer Mt. Bethel, PABruce & Irene Miller Jr. Mt. Bethel, PATom & Gladys Moline Erhard, MNTom & Bobbi Monacelli Mt. Arlington, NJAlice Monsen Richfi eld, MNWallace & Audrey Ness Fergus Falls, MNWilliam & Marcia Nilsen East Hartland, CTPeter & Lillian Nilsen Brewster, NY

Clara Olsoe Seattle, WAManley & Janet Olsoe Fergus Falls, MNJohn & Donna Olson Fergus Falls, MNWesley & Ruth Orrestad Bellevue, WAGraham & Priscilla Parker Richland, WAKevin & Linda Patch Fergus Falls, MNRollin & Beverly Pederson Billings, MTKenneth & Norma Peeders Richville, MNFrank & Karen Pellegrino Mt. Bethel, PAIrv & Helen Peterson Menomonie, WIEd & Elaine Peterson Wahpeton, NDWayne & Diane Preston Chippewa Falls, WIGregg & Marie Preston Fergus Falls, MNLowell & Paula Quam Fergus Falls, MNLeRoy & MaryAnn Quernemoen Fergus Falls, MNNick & Leann Roberts Houlton, WIDonald & Marie Roberts Trust White Bear Lake, MNLes & LeAnn Rogness Fergus Falls, MNDarren Rogness Moorhead, MNLoran & Lois Rogness Fergus Falls, MNBurdean & Kay Rogness Eden Prairie, MNLaWayne & Bev Rogness Fergus Falls, MNKevin & Brooke Rogness Fergus Falls, MNGlenn & Vonnie Rogness Underwood, MNEugene & Rhoda Rubey Eugene, ORRon & Barbara Samuelsen East Hartland, CTDee Sanberg Fergus Falls, MNJack & Rochelle Sand Moorhead, MNWill Sandnes Mt. Bethel, PAOlav & Gina Sandnes Mt. Bethel, PALavona Sather Los Angeles, CALynn & Matthew Scarfo Island City, ORRod & Jo Scheel Fergus Falls, MNErnie & Cathie Scheid Fargo, NDNick & Danielle Schmidt Jamestown, NDDwight & Gwen Schmidt Jamestown, NDEwald & Alice Sems Lehigh Acres, FLPaul Senum Brooklyn, NYNorma Senum Mt. Bethel, PAArlen & Julianne Severson Esko, MNJane Shulstad Pelican Rapids , MNLeland Sjule Springfi eld, MOEd & Shirley Smith Laquey, MOJohn & Tess Soholt Golden Valley, MNAlf & June Soholt Minneapolis, MNEleanor Sollie Brooklyn, NYPauline Stalsberg Viroqua, WISecurity State Bank Fergus Falls, MNArna Stedjan Fergus Falls, MNWayne & Nancy Stender Fergus Falls, MNDoug & Carol Stender Fergus Falls, MNDan & Eleanore Stenoien Minneapolis, MNDean & Doreen Stoutland Northridge , CARobert & Lorrette Strack Rochester, MNShawn & Amy Stroud Moorhead, MNCarol & Aaron Stucker Paradise Valley, AZWai Nam Tam Flanders, NJGuy & Amy Taylor Fergus Falls, MNJustin & Phyllis Thompson Antler, NDGary & Dorinne Thompson Fergus Falls, MNBorgny & Stan Thompson East Hartland, CTNancy Thompson Boca Raton, FLRosemary Traina Wharton, NJRandy & Diane Trettevik Mill Creek, WAGrande Lake Trust Lake Park, MNMark & Cathy Tungseth Fergus Falls, MNRoger & Amy Twedt Fergus Falls, MNLois Tweten Helena, MTBruce & Lori Tysver Fergus Falls, MNMarvin & Opal Undseth Salem, ORSteve & Lois Undseth Fergus Falls, MNMarty & Mim Valder Everett, WARuth Vall Aitkin, MNJames & Lucinda VerSteeg Richfi eld, MNDavid & Lynn Vettrus Watertown, MNShawn Veum Fergus Falls, MNJason Walkup Fergus Falls, MNLes Watson Fergus Falls, MNArthur & Marion Wickstrom Fergus Falls, MNRosalie Williamsen Medical Lake, WAJim & Cheryl Wold Fergus Falls, MNRichard & Oddny Wolderich Bangor, PABette Woodburn Rolling Hills, CA

Club|120

Club Membership

Club|500 Club|1000

Club|2500 Club|5000 Club|10000

75 Club Members 83 Club Members37 Club Members

12 Club Members 7 Club Members 3 Club Members

A wonderful way to participate in Fresh Breeze is by joining a Hillcrest giving

club. Club members support the school's annual fund, a vital initiative of the

$5 million Fresh Breeze campaign.

FINANCE 11

SNAPSHOTSOF SPIRITHOMECOMING 2010

Fun Colors, Wacky Wigs, and Crazy StylesHillcrest shows spirit during Homecoming week. By Annalise Boyum

If a visitor were to have walked through the halls of

Hillcrest during homecoming week, they would have

thought Hillcrest students were a bit, shall we say--

Strange? Different? A bit odd? Whatever the word

might be, the bizarre outfi t choices would defi nitely

require an explanation.

Junior Heidi Christofferson thought it was fun to walk

down the halls and hear people yell “Hannah Montana!”

as she passed by in her shiny shirt and long blonde wig.

Each day of the week the students and faculty had

a different theme to follow. Monday was the day to

choose between hick and nerd, and those that couldn’t

choose one or the other became both! Tuesday was the

day to choose a future career, like trucker, mom,

or doctor. Wacky Wednesday was the day for

wackiness—hence the title! Thursday was decades

day. Each grade was to dress up in the styles

associated with different decades. The Seniors

had the 80s, the Juniors-70s, Sophomores-60s,

Freshmen-50s and the Junior High and Faculty

had the future. As always, Friday was the day to

dress in all the red and white you had for School

Spirit Day!

(Top to Bottom) Taylor Isaac shows his best

"nerd" impression; Zach Nersten and Matthew

Fox dress for success on 'future career day';

Lisa Bjorvatn sports a wacky hot dog outfi t.

Levi Ell gets painted up for Spirit Day.

(L-R) Andrea Christenson, Taylor Brue,

Anna Saufferer and Heather Furuseth

prepare for a workout -- 80's style.

CAMPUS NEWS12

(L-R) Chloe Ell, Cat Jacoby,Carley

Fabian and Talia Pearson watch from

the sidelines during the Powder Puff

tournament.

Let’s Make Some MusicHomecoming ends on a musical note. By Annalise Boyum

Closing out each homecoming week is the all-school

concert. With feelings of butterfl ies fl uttering in their

stomachs, many Hillcrest students got dressed up in

their concert best, ready for the show to begin at eight

o’clock on Saturday evening.

The night began strong with the concert band leading the

way. After conducting the concert band, Band Director

Mr. Doering led the Jazz Band in their performance,

including a piece that featured several unique solos. To

show off what the band had been learning about jazz

improvisation, each soloist made up their solo on the fl y

with the rest of the band following along. Mr. Doering

said, “Everyone did a great job! The homecoming

concert is always more challenging because

it comes very early in the school year. Many

students have only been playing together for a few

weeks. The concert band and jazz ensemble both

performed their pieces with precision and style,

and it will be fun to start preparing for upcoming

concert events…”

Once the band fi nished their performance,

Vocalize took the stage. Vocalize is a small, select

ensemble that specializes in vocal jazz. Following

their pieces, Mr. Strom led the concert choir in the

night’s fi nal performance. Mr. Strom thought the

concert went well. He anticipated that everyone

would be excited to perform and that’s always

fun for him to see. He added, “It’s always great to

do the fi rst performance…then you always know

what to try differently in future concerts.”

Painted FacesHillcrest girls exchange their makeup for war paint to play

in the Powder Puff tournament. By Chris Christenson

Hollywood has taught us that girls only play football in movies. Here

at Hillcrest, however, that’s proven not to be the case.

Following tradition, the girls had their annual Homecoming Powder

Puff competition on Friday, October 1. The tournament was held after

the Pep Fest, and heightened the anticipation for the Homecoming

football game to be held later that night.

Teams were formed by grade, and class rivalry made for some tough

playing. In the end though, the seniors came out on top with a well-

deserved win. “Our practice paid off,” said senior Heather Frustol,

“[it was] a good victory.”

CAMPUS NEWS 13

To start the year on a spiritual note, Campus

Ministries invited Axis to come speak to the

students during the fi rst three days of school.

“The Axis group was a great way to start off the

year,” said Student Life Director Wayne Stender.

Axis is a group of college grads who have created

a ministry for teens based on the theory that

“ideas have consequences.” Their goal: to prepare

students to “grapple with some of the most

infl uential ideas [on the] planet.”

The program they have created is split into

six sections (two a day), and is designed to

accommodate the short attention-spans of the

Facebook generation. The worldviews of post-

modernism, Islam, and Christianity were presented

in two minute bites, with speakers from the team

constantly handing off to one another. Plenty of

props and pop-culture references were used to

drive the points home.

Outside of the sessions, Axis members hung

out with students, discussing deep theological

questions or just getting to know them. Many

enjoyed their easy-going, approachable manner.

Stender said that Axis does the best job of meeting

students out of any group he’s seen.

From Apathy to ActionAxis sets the spiritual tone for the year.

By Chris Christenson

David Eaton of AXIS (www.axiswworldview.com) speaks

to students in the Chapel.

CAMPUS NEWS14

Mission Minneapolis, a group of

teens that help a sister church in

Minneapolis, went on their fi rst

trip to the cities over the weekend

of October 16-17. Early Saturday

morning eight students and Wayne

Stender, who organized the event,

left Fergus Falls and arrived in

Minneapolis at the Ebenezer

Lutheran Church at 9am.

After arriving, the team met up with

the Ebenezer youth group and were

told the events for the day. They

set off around ten o’clock to fi ll the

doors of the nearby neighborhoods

with hundreds of fl yers telling about

Ebenezer’s upcoming Trunk or

Treat, which the Hillcrest students

returned to help with on Halloween.

Amanda Lundeen said, “I think it

was cool how we handed out fl yers

to so many people for the Ebenezer

outreach.” After handing out around

2,500 fl yers, it was time to fi ll their

stomachs with a noontime meal

prepared by some women from the

Ebenezer Church.

Following lunch, Matt Oxendale,

Ebenezer’s youth pastor, showed

the team their next project: Making

“My Fun Fall” coloring booklets for

the little children that will attend

Trunk or Treat. Next they took a

stroll through the park picking up

leaves to press for another one of

Ebenezer’s Trunk or Treat projects.

After walking the sidewalks of

homes and parks, the Ebenezer

youth group invited the Hillcrest

team to join them for a fun event at

an apple orchard.

To end the day, Pastor Todd

Mathison, of Ebenezer Church, and

his wife Anne joined the Hillcrest

team for a fl avorful dinner at Hamdi,

a Somalian restaurant.

Sunday, the team attended services

at Ebenezer and afterwards gave

their farewells until seeing them

again in two weeks. The team

returned to Fergus Falls later in the

night after visiting a market and the

Mall of America.

Hannah Brandon and Sadie Ouse

both though it was fun to go and

experience so many different

cultures and be able to share Christ

with them.

"It's so simple". A quote from one of our Mission Minneapolis students on Sunday following a Gospel presentation as part of our debriefi ng session. This simple quote chalked up a successful mission project where our students were able to understand the Gospel in a real way. Our students had the opportunity to be "pipe-line builders" for the Gospel as they worked with this weekend's Mission Minneapolis.

Mission Minneapolis is a monthly trip offered to Hillcrest students. This trip is part of a joint effort with Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. Students get

to join with the congregation in outreach to the community surrounding Ebenezer. The outreach consists of working at the ground-level of church ministry, helping with simple tasks like passing out fl iers and befriending people in the community. Students also get to join the church as they worship on Sunday mornings, participating in the service by leading the worship time and engaging in conversation during the adult Bible-study and fellowship times.

This past weekend students had the opportunity to work behind the scenes of a large outreach for the

church. Students passed out fl iers and met with people on the street to communicate the safe-and-free trunk-or-treat opportunity.

One of the students commented to me, "It's so simple" after we had gone over the Gospel as part of our debriefi ng session. This comment has been ringing in my ears as I've been processing what it means for me to communicate this simple message to those God has brought me in contact with.

See the video that sparked the "It's so simple" reaction at www.ffhillcrest.org/simple

Shining and Sharing Jesus in MinneapolisBy Annalise Boyum

It's So SimpleBy Wayne Stender, Excerpted from the Campus Ministries blog at www.ffhillcrest.org

CAMPUS NEWS 15

Rise of the MachineBy Chris Christenson

Brandon Doering, Aeron Jahr, Cody

Joy and Luke Joy work on their robot.

(Left) Hillcrest Pre-Engineering class

poses outside of the competiton hall.

(Right, Top to Bottom) Joakim Tafjord

launches his award-winning catapult;

Students review their work in preparation

for launch; Joakim Tafjord and Amalie

Breck hold their fi rst-place plaque.

Fifty-four participants, 37 opposing

teams of two, one catapult to rule

them all! Mr. Jahr’s pre-engineering

class went to Saint Cloud Cathedral

High School on Friday, Oct 29 for

a toothpick catapult competition.

The class, consisting of 20 students,

had four weeks to create a catapult

out of toothpicks, glue and dental

fl oss capable of launching a small

steel ball. “I had a lot of fun making

the catapult! Grant Stroud and I got

done pretty quickly, and we took

third in the competition”, said junior

Morten Reksten.

How do tooth pick catapults fi t

into engineering? “The toothpick

catapult teaches the design obstacle,

gives you an objective, and teaches

you how to interpret the alternate

design possibilities that all engineers

are faced with,” said Mr. Jahr. He

went on to say that he really enjoys

his fi rst pre-engineering class and he

has a lot of fun with them.

Hillcrest took home fi rst, second and

third place plaques: First Joakim

Tafjord, Amalie Breck; Second Ju

Chan Kim, Jaeheum Hwang; Third

Morten Reksten, Grant Stroud.

Fire the Catapults!Hillcrest pre-engineering students bring home top honors in regional competition.

By Frankie Sandnes

Early in the morning on Saturday,

October 30, the members of science

teacher Mr. Jahr’s Robotics team

gathered and loaded six weeks of

work into their car. The robot that

they had been working on for the

past month-and-a-half was fi nally

about to take the spotlight, in a

competition in Fargo.

“We’d actually been there the night

before to check the robot in and

to go through some compliance

checks,” said Mr. Jahr. It had turned

out that there were some things

they needed to fi x, “We had to

shorten the arms because our robot

was too big. We [also] had to put

our name on it, ‘Hillcrest.’”

The competition started at 9:00 AM,

once all 24 teams had assembled.

“Each round was about three

minutes,” said Jahr. “They had to

carry out certain objectives. For

instance, they had to collect various

soccer cones, tip them upside-down

and insert them into holes.”

The fi rst few rounds didn’t go so

well for the Hillcrest team, and they

found they were quickly dropping in

the rankings. However, after lunch

the group changed their strategy

and rose steadily to thirteenth

place, where they fi nished the day.

With the experience from this

competition under their belt, the

Robotics team looks forward to next

year when they plan to enter again.

“It was a very thrilling thing to be

a part of,” said Jahr, “[to see] that

the guys were able to come through

with it.”

CAMPUS NEWS16

Short. That was what the Bertha-Hewitt kick was Saturday night. The Comets football team fought off their fears that night with the win over the Bears. The trepidation of the team was palpable on the fi eld. They feared losing to the same team as last year by a fi eld goal. The anxiety of the fi nal seconds of the game came to an end when the ball hit the ground several yards short of the goal post.

“I was nervous as they started to drive down the fi eld,” said Coach Brue, “and I had forgotten all about their ability to kick a fi eld goal. When they lined up to kick, I thought, ‘Oh no, this is just like last year.’ But this was different; he was farther out. I didn’t think he could make the kick, and when it went up, I was sure it was good. My heart sank. But the kick was short, and it was just an awesome experience…”

It’s been four years since HLA football has made it to a section championship. The last time the Comets played in the Fargodome was in 2001, and the last section championship they went to was in 2006 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.

“Six months ago if you would have asked me if we were going to the section championship, I would have probably said no since we lost so many key players from last year. But the returning players have stepped up to the plate, and the new players have been playing very well,” Coach Brue said.

About the opportunity to play their long-time rival, Underwood in the

section championship, Coach Brue said, “They are a motivated team because of [our] earlier victory during the regular season. It’s a fantastic chance for our speedy team to play on the turf, but because it’s such a big stadium, we’re gonna need loud fans.”

Almost the entire school was present at the Fargodome on Friday, Nov. 5, along with many other Comet fans. Although the team fought hard, their season ended in the dome with a 27-14 loss to Underwood.

Season Finishes Strong With a Trip to Section ChampionshipBy Wil Twedt

Morten Reksten's kick to end the fi rst half turned out to be the winning score as

the Comets defeated the Bertha-Hewitt Bears 24-22.

CAMPUS NEWS 17

NEW FACESAT HLA

THE HILLCREST FAMILY

CONTINUES TO GROW. MEET

SEVERAL NEW STAFF MEMBERS

JOINING THE TEAM THIS YEAR.

BEN BAKER

RUTH JULIOT

MEGHAN BERGE

SETH KINRADE

BECKY BRANDON

LISA SEVETZ

KRISTIN ERICKSON

LAURA SKARET

Resident Assistant

Ben is an AFLBS graduate

from Bloomington, MN. He

is working as a resident

assistant in the HLA men's

dorm while pursuing his

Seminary education.

School Counselor

Formerly a familiar face

behind the main offi ce

desk, Ruth has returned to

Hillcrest as school counselor.

A '79 graduate, Ruth is also

the mother of 2 alumni and

one current student at HLA.

Resident Life Assistant

Meghan is a '99 graduate

of Hillcrest and lives in

Fergus Falls with her

husband, Daniel, and their

four children.

Resident Life Assistant

Seth is from DeWitt, IA.

He serves as an assistant

in the men's dorm at HLA

in addition to working

for Inspiration Point Bible

Camp.

Resident Assistant

Becky is the mother of 3

current students at HLA and

an '08 graduate. In addition

to her role as a resident

assistant, Becky works in

the Hillcrest Kitchen for

A'viands food service.

Resident Assistant

Lisa comes to Hillcrest

from East Hartland, CT.

While serving as a resident

assistant in the women's

dorm, Lisa is pursuing her

education for a career in

nursing.

Resident Director

Kristin is returning to

Hillcrest as women's dorm

resident director after

serving in an assistant

capacity during the 07-08

school year. She is an '02

alumna of HLA.

Resident Assistant

Laura is an '02 graduate of

HLA from East Hartland,

CT. She has worked for

several years as a dental

hygienist in Connecticut,

but felt called to return to

HLA to serve in the dorm.

CAMPUS NEWS18

Hillc

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Basketball Tournament HIT 2011HIT 201145 th Year

ALUMNI UPDATES

1940'sEdna Bugge sends these photos of her husband, Thor Bugge (H'43) and "school buddy" Dave Christenson (H'44, S'53). They are still friends after nearly 70

years. Dave came to visit Thor and Edna recently at

their home in Willow Street, PA.

1960’sLuther Frette (H'65) writes: After teaching high

school English for forty years in the Grand Forks

(ND) Public Schools, I retired in 2009. In October,

2010 I was honored to be inducted into the local

teacher hall of fame. I regard this distinction as a

defi nite blessing from the Lord following a rewarding

career. In retirement, I continue to be active in the

music ministry of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church.

I certainly have great memories of my three years at

Hillcrest and our memorable Class of 1965!

2000’sLiz (Barton H'00) Lund writes: Todd Lund and

I were married on May

22nd, 2010 in West

Fargo, ND and live in his

hometown of Roseau, MN

(northern Minnesota, by

Lake of the Woods). If

you are ever in the area,

please look us up!

WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!Send your updates to connection@ffhillcrest.org or

submit them online at www.ffhillcrest.org/update

2010 Memorial GiftsDuring the 2010 calendar year, Hillcrest Lutheran

Academy was honored to receive many gifts in

memory of alumni and friends.

Gifts were received in the name of:David Christenson of Fergus Falls, MN

Judy Egstad of Aitkin, MN

Grant Hammond of Minneapolis, MN

Herman Hanson of Fergus Falls, MN

Selma Langeland of Sparta, NJ

Ole Myhre of Mount Bethel, PA

Orville Norby of Princeton, NJ

Eline Paulson of Temple City, CA

Joseph Rangen of Fergus Falls, MN

Dean Seaver of LeSueur, MN

Ruth Spidahl of Fergus Falls, MN

James Stalsberg of Viroqua, WI

James Stay of Olympia, WA

Lief Sunwall of Fergus Falls, MN

Lenore Tonneson of Fergus Falls, MN

Ellsworth Torgerson of Fergus Falls, MN

Melvin Underdal of Helena, MT

Joseph Undseth of Fergus Falls, MN

Richard Walvatne of Rochester, MN

Julian Wold of Fergus Falls, MN

April 8-9, 2011If your church team is interested in participating

in HIT 2011, pleace contact Charlie Brue at

218.737.6424www.ffhillcrest.org/HIT

Alumni Brunch

May 28, 2011

10 am

ALUMNI NEWS 19

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Upcoming EventsDec. 17 - Jan. 2 Christmas Vacation

January 3 School Resumes

March 14 Band Concert 7pm @ Bethel

April 8-9 HIT Basketball Tournament

April 8-24 Concert Choir Tour

April 11-25 Easter Vacation

April 26 School Resumes

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Ways to participate in Fresh Breeze

I. GIVE TO THE ANNUAL FUND

Give in support of the annual fund over fi ve years or join a Hillcrest giving

club. Club membership benefi ts the annual fund and counts towards your

total campaign pledge.

II. GIVE TO THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

A gift in support of one or more of the campaign initiatives or a general gift.

III. INCLUDE HILLCREST IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN

A deferred gift in support of the future of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.

All campaign gifts will be acknowledged appropriately through Hillcrest publications,

including naming in the HLA Legacy Club (accumulative giving that reaches $25,000 or

above) and the HLA Heritage Society (estate gifts).

Fresh Breeze Campaign Cabinet

Olav & Gina SandnesCampaign Co-Chairs

Elling & Barbara HalvorsonHonorary Co-Chairs

Dwight SchmidtHLA Board Chair

Lisa FredHLA Board Member

Burdean RognessHLA Board Member

Steve BrueHLA President

Nick RobertsAlumni ‘05

Carol StuckerAlumni ‘81

Dean StoutlandAlumni ‘76

Randy TrettevikAlumni ‘76

Keven CrabtreeBusiness Leader

Kermit KvammeAlumni Parent

Steve UndsethFaculty Representative