A PUBLICATION OF MINNESOTA VALLEY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

Training students for Christian livesTraining students for Christian lives

JULY 2017

In This Issue:

• Grow in Grace through Christian Education

• Class of 2017

• Co-curricular Successes

• Alumni Association

2 mvl.org

To receive HiLites by mail or to change

your subscription, please contact

Kristin Matzke, 507.233.8662 or

kmatzke@mvlhs.org.

Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School uses God’s Word in a Christ-centered education to assist families in training students for Christian lives on earth and for eternity.

PRINCIPAL Tim Plath

DEAN OF STUDENTS Jim Buboltz

ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR Craig Morgan

REGISTRAR & TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR Heath Dobberpuhl

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR Deneal Sperle

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Sarah Grams

FINANCIAL SECRETARY Deb Kuck

MISSION ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR Jim Hahn

MISSION ADVANCEMENT COORDINATOR Valerie Holzhueter

MISSION ADVANCEMENT ASSISTANT Kristin Matzke

When the Apostle Paul talked to the Ephesian Christians about parenting and the importance of raising children in the “training and instruction of the Lord,” one can be relatively certain that he wasn’t thinking about the formal Christian education programs that we, as parents, have available to us. What a blessing this is and how fortunate we are!

The mission of Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School is

to “assist parents in training students for Christian lives on earth and for eternity.” MVL does not exist to supplant the training that Christian parents provide for their children. We are here to supplement the training that takes place in the home and in the church. We rely on and need the parents of our students to provide our students with a solid, Christian upbringing in the home. We need our association pastors to provide our students, before we get them as ninth grade students, the solid foundation of God’s Word in its truth and purity. Then, we as a Lutheran high school work with our students and encourage them

to grow in grace and grow as young Christians. Each day, we are blessed to be able to share God’s Word with our young people. Each day, too, our students (as well as teachers and staff) sin. We can’t overlook that fact. As a result, it’s important for our students to hear the Law and the Gospel as they are counseled about a specific sin. What a blessing it is to be able to tell a young person, “Jesus loves you and has forgiven your sin.”

We receive our incoming ninth grade students as young Christians. Four years later, these same individuals are still young Christians, but we hope and pray that they have matured and are ready to go out into the world and witness their faith.

It’s an awesome and humbling responsibility to be the caretakers for these young people for four years. But, it’s also a huge blessing. Continue to pray for our whole MVL family!

Grow in Grace through Christian Education

“It’s an awesome and humbling responsibility

to be the caretakers for these young people for

four years. But, it’s also a huge blessing.”

Tim Plath

MVLHS Principal

mvl.org 3

The Work Continues

Even during the summer months the MVL faculty and staff are working, studying, and preparing in order to give students the best education possible. From continuing education to classroom updates, the following are a few highlights happening this summer.

Mr. Heath Dobberpuhl (Registrar, Science, Technology) is replacing computers in the computer lab and putting together class schedules for the upcoming school year. He is also taking a course on science lab safety.

Mr. John Gunderson (Spanish, Novel) is in Vermont completing his Master’s Degree in Spanish Literature and Linguistics from Middlebury College.

Mr. Jon Hermanson (Choir, Religion) presented a choral music reading session at the WELS National Conference on Worship, Music and the Arts in June. He is on campus at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago working towards his advanced degree in choral music education.

Ms. Nicole Lehman (Math) is taking a class towards her Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis in Special Education.

Principal Tim Plath plans to finish his dissertation by September and graduate with an EdD in Educational Leadership from Concordia University in December.

Mr. Jeff Schoenherr (Math) is taking a course on math history.

Ms. Deneal Sperle (English, Guidance) is on campus at Concordia University Wisconsin to take classes towards her Master’s Degree in School Counseling.

Ms. Sperle shared, “The classes I've taken in my Master's program have transformed the way I teach and approach the students in my classroom. Having the support of our parents, Board, and the MVL community as a whole has been a wonderful blessing to the MVL faculty and staff in our ministries and work.”

MVL will continue to need your prayers and support now and in the coming years. Here’s why:

MVL has graduated over 1,900 young men and women since its founding 38 years ago. MVL graduates enter college, trade schools, Armed Forces, and the workforce well prepared to lead Christian lives on earth.

MVL assisted families by providing a Christ-centered

education to 197 students during the 2016-17 school year.

MVL enrollment projections forecast an opportunity to enroll 290 students in 2025-26.

MVL Administration, Board, and Association Delegates are carefully evaluating the impact these increased enrollment projections will have on the current facilities, faculty, and curriculum.

Fast Facts

4 mvl.org

God’s Blessings to the Class of 2017

Huiseon (Iris) Kim University of Minnesota

Twin Cities

Joel Koelpin Martin Luther College

Ryan Kuck South Central College

Zachary Kuebler South Central College

Cortnee Menk South Dakota

State University

Erica Hardtke South Central College

Paul Gullixson Bethany Lutheran

College

Brandon Karstens University of Minnesota

Morris

Benjamin Johnson Bethany Lutheran

College

Ruth Holten Concordia University

Wisconsin

Dominic Flunker Martin Luther College

Samuel Genelin South Central College

Taylor Glowicki Martin Luther College

Alec Gratz South Dakota

State University

Nicholas Fischer Gustavus Adolphus

College

Anthony Buboltz South Dakota

State University

Kyle Buch Wisconsin Lutheran

College

Callahan Diersen Martin Luther College

Seth Fenske Milwaukee School

of Engineering

Joseph Finken Bethany Lutheran

College

Amy Albrecht South Dakota

State University

Brynn Alfred Bethany Lutheran

College

Hannah Biedenbender University of Minnesota

Twin Cities

Samuel Boeder University of Minnesota

Twin Cities

Dylan Borchert South Dakota

State University

mvl.org 5

Matthew Sondag Workforce

Levi Stelljes Martin Luther College

Shasta Thomas Workforce

Brittany Thompson Winona State University

Brittany Vonderharr Undecided

Lewis Rygh North Iowa Area

Community College

Tatyana Soloviyov South Dakota

State University

Benjamin Smith Bethany Lutheran

College

Brittany Sanders Bethany Lutheran

College

Brianna Sanders University of Minnesota

Twin Cities

Ian Overn Bethany Lutheran

College

Lydia Petersen Bethany Lutheran

College

Abigail Pleiss University of Minnesota

Twin Cities

William Rauh Martin Luther College

Kaitlyn Roux Martin Luther College

Hannah Mohror Wisconsin Lutheran

College

David Moreno Martin Luther College

Jacob Mueller South Dakota

State University

Mariah Munsen Bethany Lutheran

College

Cham Omot University of Minnesota

Twin Cities

Don’t let anyone look down on you

because you are young,

but set an example for the believers

in speech, in conduct, in love,

in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

2017 Class Verse

Ryan Wendland South Central College

Taylor Wolf Bethany Lutheran

College

Hannah Zibrowski Winona State University

6 mvl.org

Campus News & Upcoming Events

Construction & Renovations are happening on campus this summer. A new storage/bus maintenance facility is being built in partnership with Palmer Bus Service. Additionally, the main school office is being renovated—the first in over twenty years—to better allocate space for staff members, as well as updating furniture, carpeting, and paint for an overall improvement in functionality and aesthetics.

Registration Night is Thursday, August 17 at MVL at 5:30 PM. All freshman and new student families will also have orientation that night, which will include a meal, family photos, locker assignments, advisor meetings, and other welcoming pieces.

Grandparents’ Days are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 21 and Friday, September 22. These days are a favorite time of the school year for students. All grandparents

(and honorary “grandparents”) are invited to spend a half-day experiencing life at MVL with their students. More details will be mailed out in the fall.

Homecoming & Post-Game Social will be taking place in New Ulm on Friday, September 29. Come cheer on the Chargers and then enjoy a free social afterwards at the New Ulm Community Center. Alumni, parents, and all supporters are warmly invited.

A special thank you to all who came out to the 2017 Golf Classic and Wine & Beer Tasting on July 10. Thousands of dollars were raised in support of tuition assistance for MVL families in the 2017-18 school year. Mark your calendars now for July 9, 2018!

More information about campus news and events can be found online at www.mvl.org or facebook.com/mvlhs or by calling the school office at 507.354.6851.

Alumni Association Calling all alumni! Whether it’s organizing a class reunion, attending an MVL event, or catching up through news outlets, you’re invited to reconnect with your alma mater. Simply contact the MVL Mission Advancement Office at kmatzke@mvlhs.org with information you need or want to share. Updates on addresses are always appreciated.

In September, you will have a free pass to the Homecoming game and social, all for being an alum! Also that weekend a golf outing will be held in Mankato. Watch your mail for more info. Check out the Minnesota Valley Lutheran Alumni Association group on Facebook. Visit facebook.com/groups/MVLAlumniAssociation to join.

mvl.org 7

Lois Sawatzky $ 25.00

Elsie Starke $ 5.00

Lucille Stolt $ 10.00

Allan Timm $ 10.00

Norbert Timm $ 10.00

Shirley Wilking $ 10.00

Kevin Woller $ 55.00

Elaine Zimmerman $ 25.00

In Loving Memory

The following memorials were received April 1 - June 30, 2017. Unless otherwise designated, memorial gifts to MVL are invested in the General Fund Endowment, which accrues earnings that are used for the operating budget.

Hilmer Abel $ 25.00

Stella Drill $ 20.00

Dianne Engholm $ 35.00

Mark Forbrook $ 10.00

Ag Gappa $ 5.00

LaVonne Gladitsch $ 10.00

Bernard Glienke $ 25.00

Gary Griebel $ 5.00

Laneta Havemeier $ 170.00

Lorna Havemeier $ 80.00

Edna & Gilbert Kalk $ 10.00

Gene Kiecker $ 20.00

Janice Krohn $ 90.00

Karen Koestler $ 55.00

Earl Lund $ 25.00

Orlyn Martens $ 125.00

David Morgan $ 60.00

Pamela Peterson $ 10.00

Julie Prahl $ 10.00

Lester Ring $ 10.00

Herman Rinne $ 25.00

Richard Salvati $ 20.00

MVL ASSOCIATION CHURCHES

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Arlington, Minnesota

Courtland Lutheran Church Courtland, Minnesota

St. John Lutheran Church Fairfax, Minnesota

Norwegian Grove Lutheran Church Gaylord, Minnesota

Immanuel Lutheran Church Gibbon, Minnesota

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church Mankato, Minnesota

St. Mark Lutheran Church Mankato, Minnesota

Zion Lutheran Church Morgan, Minnesota

St. John’s Lutheran Church New Ulm, Minnesota

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church New Ulm, Minnesota

Zion Lutheran Church New Ulm, Minnesota

Trinity Lutheran Church Nicollet, Minnesota

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church North Mankato, Minnesota

Peace Lutheran Church North Mankato, Minnesota

St. John Lutheran Church Redwood Falls, Minnesota

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church St. James, Minnesota

Norseland Lutheran Church St. Peter, Minnesota

St. Peter Lutheran Church St. Peter, Minnesota

Zion Lutheran Church Sanborn, Minnesota

St. John’s Lutheran Church Sleepy Eye, Minnesota

Zion Lutheran Church Winthrop, Minnesota

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. With this in mind, MVL’s 2017-18 school theme is based on the three Solas of the Reformation:

Grace. Faith. Scripture.

The passage for the year is from Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith.”

2017-18 School Theme

45638 451st Ave. New Ulm, MN 56073-5507

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID ABERDEEN, SD PERMIT #200

Co-curricular Successes

The 2016-17 school year saw many successes, including the following highlights, for the co-curricular activities available to MVL students. Congratulations to all students on an exciting year!

Baseball: Anthony Buboltz (St. Paul-New Ulm), Callahan Diersen (St. John-New Ulm), and Derek Weisensel (St. John-New Ulm) received Academic All-Conference awards, with a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Anthony Buboltz and Jordan Fischer (St. Paul-New Ulm) were awarded Conference Honorable Mention. Nick Fischer (St. John-New Ulm) and Alec Gratz (Mt. Olive-Mankato) received the All-Conference Award. Girls’ Basketball: Cham Omot (St. Mark-Mankato) was named to the Tomahawk Conference All-Conference team.

Knowledge Bowl: MVL won the Tomahawk Conference Meet for the 11th straight year. Four teams advanced to the Regional Meet. The MVL Cobalt team, made up of Samuel Boeder (St. John-New Ulm), Marshall Mohror (St. John-New Ulm), Ian Overn (Mt. Olive-Mankato), and Blake Fosburgh (Mt. Olive-Mankato), advanced to State where they took 5th place.

Speech: Six members went to Sections. Elizabeth Kassuelke (Peace-North Mankato) placed 6th in Poetry, Hannah Mohror (St. John-New Ulm) placed 5th in Extemporaneous Reading, and Abigail Pleiss (Mt. Olive-Mankato) placed 3rd in Extemporaneous Reading. Abigail subsequently went on to compete in the MSHSL state speech competition.

Symphonic Band and A Cappella Choir: Both received superior ratings at the MSHSL Large Group Music Competition.

Girls’ Track: Shylo Hilbert (St. Paul-New Ulm) and Abigail Nelson (St. John-Redwood Falls) shared conference honors as co-athletes of the Conference meet. Twelve events qualified for Sections. The 4x200 meter relay team of Shylo Hilbert, Lexi Fosburgh (Mt. Olive-Mankato), Hannah Marzinske (St. Paul-New Ulm), and Brittany Sanders (St. Paul-St. James) qualified for State, and they also set a new school record in doing so. Shylo Hilbert, Ingrid Anderson (Mt. Olive-Mankato), Hannah Marzinske, and Brittany Sanders also qualified for State in the 4x100 relay; they took 8th place at State.

SPEECH Back: Rachel Ruschmeyer, Hannah Mohror, Kincaid

Diersen, Ari Selvey Front: Nicole Tessmer,

Elizabeth Kassuelke, Abigail Pleiss, Brianna Sanders

KNOWLEDGE BOWL Samuel Boeder, Marshall Mohror,

Ian Overn, Blake Fosburgh

BASKETBALL Cham Omot

TRACK Lexi Fosburgh, Hannah Marzinske,

Brittany Sanders, Shylo Hilbert, Ingrid Anderson