1 Thessalonians 5:11

CRUSADER CONNECTION

David S. Burgess Executive Director-Principal

A member of the Class of 1955 called this week. She reported she and her Racine Lutheran High School classmates – people she has known for 70 years – still get together regularly. They share memories, pictures of grandchildren, and lots of laughs. I couldn’t help but smile as she spoke of her time at our school as if it was yesterday. My smile grew even bigger when she told me this group of graying graduates spends part of their time together in prayer for our school. They pray for our students, for our faculty, and for our leaders. They pray for those who have graduated and for those future Crusaders who have yet to step on campus. She assured me they will continue to pray for us!

Her words brightened my day, and her kindness reminded me of our school year theme from 1 Thessalonians 5:11 which reads “Encourage one another and build each other up.” Their prayers – and yours – help keep us focused on the plans we have for our school. We will always face challenges while we are on this earth. Yet, it is through the strength and peace we find in our Lord and Savior that we forge ahead, preparing our students for a life of service to God and man.

Please join the Class of 1955 and pray for Racine Lutheran High School and all who are called to serve here. We ask you to also consider prayerfully supporting the school in a multitude of ways – volunteering, attending events, donating goods, services, and funds, or enrolling your children or grandchildren here.

As 2022 begins, we need you to be part of the wonderful things happening here. You are a valued part of RLHS!

God’s Peace,

GREETINGS!

• Give easily and securely online or by using the enclosed remittance envelope • Donate monthly • Sponsor a student or event • Honor someone special through our brick program • Make a memorial donation • Utilize corporate matching gifts or payroll deduction • Include us in your planned giving • Direct your Thrivent Choice dollars to RLHS • Volunteer at school events and our Thrift Shops

TOUCHING LIVES

Visit RacineLutheran.org and click on the SUPPORT US tab for more information.

By giving to Racine Lutheran High School, you reap the reward of knowing your gift enables the lives of many generations to be touched. Also, because RLHS is a private, non-profit 501c3 organization, a qualified donation is tax deductible. Tuition is not sufficient to support the daily operations of RLHS, so the Development Office coordinates many channels in which to give to the school.

Future Crusaders took the next step in their high school journey when they attended the fall Open House. Dozens of Student Ambassadors, some pictured here, provided tours to our guests. Enrollment is underway for the 2022-2023 school year.

OPEN HOUSE

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STUDENT LIFE

Homecoming activities filled a fun week, and the students filled the nearby by food pantry. The food drive donations totaled 2,229 pounds of food for those in need.

HOMECOMING WEEK

Power Puff Football Throwback Day

Class Color DaySchool Spirit Day Pajama DayActivities Day

Mismatch Day

Under the direction of Tim Gullicksrud, the Fall Concert included the grade school Beginner and Symphonic bands plus the RLHS Concert Choir, Concert Band, and Handbell Ensemble.

FALL CONCERT

Valedictorian Natalie Shreck, Salutatorian Brady Wilks, and the Class of 2021 graduated on May 29, at the SC Johnson Sports Complex at Pritchard Park. The graduates’ future plans included pursuing higher education degrees from an array of universities, colleges, and technical schools. Some graduates enlisted with the United States Armed Forces, and others stepped directly into the workforce. The graduates were offered more than $4.1 million in scholarships and awards.

CLASS OF 2021

The Senior Leadership Retreat allowed members of the Class of 2022 to identify, develop, and practice leadership skills. The students enjoyed outdoor challenges as well as discussions and worship time.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP RETREAT

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Students are enjoying three new clubs: Book Club, Crusader Construction Club, and the Audio-Visual Club. Students in the Audio-Visual Club, under the guidance of Petr Jaros ’19, also launched “the 251” – the new platform for delivering the morning announcements and devotions. Jaros returned to his alma mater this year, bringing his artistic talents and vision to our students. Pictured in the 251 studio are broadcasters junior Kaleb Miller and senior Amelia Hansing.

NEW CLUBS

The curtain rose on a new era at RLHS, when actors took the stage under the direction of Petr Jaros ’19. The cast from “Anne of Green Gables” is pictured.

RLHS THEATRE

Senior John Hansen is a semifinalist in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program, due to his exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

“John epitomizes the ideal RLHS high-achieving student,” said Dave Burgess, executive director-principal. “He is a well-rounded person who contributes to his school, his church, and the Racine County community. We are very proud of John’s accomplishments and his recognition as a National Merit semifinalist.”

NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALIST

HOMECOMING COURTThe “Masquerade Ball” Homecoming festivities culminated with the crowning of the king and queen. The senior court members were (pictured L-R): Seth Hultman, Isabella Jaramillo, Jhaleo Burge, Nevaiah Bell-Tenner, Queen Le’Nya Cadd, King Julian Ramsey, Liliana Kading, Bennett Wilks, Haiden Kraus, Jaylin Pritchett. The class representatives (not pictured) were juniors Kaleb Miller and Isabella Wolf, sophomore Cameron Mitchell and Salma Ibarra, and freshmen Justin Petersen and Sofie Kading.

STUDENT LIFE

The fall sports season allowed us to return to having practices and games on campus. Plus, we were blessed to play several football and soccer games in the new stadium at Pritchard Park.

All home volleyball and basketball games are now livestreamed on the NFHS Network. Friends, relatives, and fans anywhere in the world can watch our games at nfhsnetwork.com. A subscription is required.

ATHLETICSAT

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Soccer

Cheer

Football

Volleyball

Cross Country

Cross Country

Football Cross Country Volleyball Tennis

ALUMNI SOCCEROn Aug. 20, Franksville Park welcomed back 11 alumni comprised of graduates from years ranging from 1987-2019 for the annual RLHS Alumni Soccer Game. Our current soccer team won a friendly, but hard-fought battle, by a score of 3-2. Thank you to all the students, players, parents, and fans that came out and supported this fun event! For more pictures from the game, visit our RLHS Athletic Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/rlhsathletics

If you are interested in getting an alumni game together for your sport or convening a reunion for one of your favorite clubs or activities, please reach out to KLong@RacineLutheran.org.

Pictured alumni L-R back: Chris Troop ‘17, Matt Gehne ’15, Reid Heinert ‘15, Austin Ortiz ‘19, Thomas Asher ‘19, Matt Patzke ‘08; front: Diego Bravo ‘17, Sam Theuer ‘16, Tom Hasko ‘87, Steven Theuer ‘89, Keegan Maher ‘17

ALUMNI HOMECOMING At the end of Homecoming week, RLHS alumni come together for the football game and festivities. This annual event features a free evening of fun for all our graduates. This year our alumni enjoyed complimentary food and beverages in the Pritchard Park Party Room (located in the end zone of the field). Some watched the game from there, and others made their way to the stands to join other Crusader fans. All left the game with a free gift and more RLHS memories! If your graduation year ends in a 2 or a 7, why not plan your reunion around Homecoming weekend next year?

Photo 1: Nick French ’99, his wife, Sahara, and their daughter, Hannah, (also pictured on the cover) traveled from North Carolina to attend the Homecoming game and reconnect with Nate and Julie Bickel.

Photo 2: The Class of 2010 gathered around our Crusader before the big game. Pictured L-R: Andrew Tague, Sara Petersen, Kate Christensen, Anni Prideaux, William Payne.

Photo 3: Our executive director-principal, Dave Burgess, posed for a picture with our Crusader and Faoen Lloyd Borgeson ’51 and her husband, Raymond.

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CLASSES OF 1965, 1966, 1967 CELEBRATE ALUMNI GENEROSITY A group of alumni from the Class of 1965 sent out a plea to their classmates asking them to help sponsor a hole for this year’s RLHS Golf Outing. They requested donations in denominations that ended in 65 (in honor of their graduation year). Word quickly spread, and alumni from the Classes of ’66 and ’67 joined them. The response was overwhelming. This group raised a grand total of $7,580! Several from their classes got together at Scores Sports Bar and Grill the night before the golf outing to celebrate their classmates’ generosity. (Pic 1) L-R: Roger Kamin ’65, Ruth Conradt Kamin ’65, Bob Wuerzberger ’65, Karen Wuerzberger, Kathy Bergant Vescova ’66, Jim Vescova ’65, Jim Henkel ’65, Karyn Kluge Schmidt ’65, Don Schmidt ’65, Bob Welch ’65 (Pic 2) L-R: Jane Kannenberg Boesch ’65, Debbie Oertel, John Henkel ’67, Jim Henkel ’65, Ted Oertel ’65

The Class of 1957 continues to meet annually in September. This year’s 64th reunion was on Sept. 18 at Joey’s Yardarm. Pictured L-R back: Janet Brown Exner, Mona Rubach Trecek, Geraldine Fiedler Ulcek, Ralph Bertermann, Don Riegelman, Harry Kitzmann, Ron Mau, Diane Pishny McCue, Joan Malone Scully, Connie Brodsko Lonergan; middle: Arlene Suban Cacciotti, David Lepow, Faye Vierk Witt, Shirley Tuinstra Verdoorn, Mary Ann Mitzenheim Kuhl, Carol Kralovetz Grundy, Ellyn Siehr Levell; front: Jim Roepke, Don Gifford, Jim Peterchak, Dorothy Jehn Fowles.

CLASS OF 1957 ANNUAL GATHERING

The Class of 1956 continues to meet annually in October. This year’s 65th reunion was on Oct. 2 at Joey’s Yardarm in Racine. Pictured L-R back: Neil Schmidt, Don Wiese, Dennis Johnson; middle: Patricia Amann, Betty Zimmerman Baumann, Gail Sorenson Gotch; front: Jerry Merrill, Sandy Eckert Sorensen, Diane Thomsen Yust.

CLASS OF 1956 ANNUAL REUNION

The Class of 1979 got together at Smolenski Park on Aug. 14 to celebrate their 60th birthdays. Picture L-R back: Dave Babel, Tom Davis, Shawn Voss, Fred Rose, Kert Acklam, Rich Konz, Rick Buehrens, Jolene Kindard Young ‘78, Val Long Brau, Lance Meinert; front: Sue Peel Gorman, Mavis Payton Rohling, Chris Leitzke, Kathy Prudhomme Strasser, Tom Wolff, Jeff Knott, Cindy Schultz Sharkey, Rhonda Lewis Lofton, Kevin Wanggaard, Craig Weidner.

“HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY” TO THE CLASS OF 1979

CLASS OF 1979

CLASS OF 1956

CLASS OF 1957

A MIXED BAG!

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BIRTHS: CRUSADER CREATIONS

RLHS teacher Stephanie Schulz and husband, Doug, welcomed their first child, Mason, in June.

Carly Kobriger Bogue ’07 and husband, William, welcomed their second son, Liam, on May 8.

Emily Boho Vander Berg ’13 and husband, Lucas, welcomed a son, Kade on Oct 6.

Niko Graf ’12 and wife, Tierney, welcomed a daughter, Nessa, on July 16.

NUPTIAL NEWS

Nathan Busarow ’16 married Kim Dahl ’16 on July 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Racine, Wis.

Maddie Richio ’17 married Ben Westra on Sept. 4 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hortonville, Wis.

The Meadows Family Restaurant in Franksville was the setting for the Class of 1955’s get-together this year. Pictured L-R: Dwaine Zamecnik, Avis Zamecnik, Faye Miller Boehler, Bob Boehler, Dick Gordon, Earl Hintz, Ron Schmidt, Rose Schmidt, Dale Ruth Thuriot Raboldt, Karen Schubert Wellna, Doris Hartwig Hintz, Bob Schroeder, Fred Lemke.

CLASS OF 1955 ANNUAL CELEBRATION

The Class of 1959 held their annual gathering at Thunder Bay Grille in Pewaukee on Oct. 14. This was a special year as they celebrated their 80th birthdays. Pictured L-R: Janice Butler Bertermann, Ken Luedtke, Bonnie Gildemeister Perkins, Jack Poulson, Jim Sheridan, Judy Kossow Conrad, Dennis Malone, Carol Rode, John Bertermann, Phil Pinnecker.

CLASS OF 1959 CELEBRATES 80TH BIRTHDAYS

CLASS OF 1955

CLASS OF 1959

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As alumni, you are still part of our large, extended family. Please share your latest news, engagements, marriages, births, and other updates with us at klong@RacineLutheran.org. We will happily include it on our social media pages and/or in the next edition of the Crusader Connection.

SHARE YOUR LIFE’S MILESTONES

We want to be sure our alumni contact information and communication preferences are correct, so you receive the latest school news, invitations to events and more. To notify us of any changes, please go to our website and click on the ALUMNI tab. Select UPDATE CONTACT INFO on the drop-down menu. We take precautions to protect your identity and do not share private information with any outside parties.

STAY CONNECTED

RLHS is currently seeking nominations for the 2023 Hall of Fame. Criteria for selection include displaying fine character and a commitment to the mission of RLHS. All nominated alumni must have graduated at least 10 years prior to selection and had noteworthy achievement during their high school careers and/or contributions in their chosen field. All nominated teachers, coaches or staff members must have an elapsed time of 5 years after active tenure at RLHS prior to selection. Nominees may be inducted in the areas of athletics, academics, humanitarianism, the arts, or service to the church. If you know of an individual who should be considered for induction, please visit the About Us section at RacineLutheran.org and use the nomination form provided. Any questions may be directed to Jason Block at jblock@RacineLutheran.org.

HALL OF FAME 2023 NOMINATIONS

Class of: 1951 – Richard Schultz 1955 – Richard Jacoby 1957 – Mary Merrill Fetzer 1957 – Donna Schattner Nelson 1959 – Royden Broski 1962 – Ronald Vyvyan 1962 – William Adams 1966 – Evelyn Dobrenz Torres 1963 – Steve Solar 1963 – Gerhardt Fregien 1971 – James Palmer 1972 – Dale Phillips 1977 – Rick Lindeman 1979 – Lori Zirkelbach Mattes 1982 – Judith “Judy” Smith Jurgens 1999 – Brian Lee Studey 1999 – Michael Miller *Correction: We apologize for the following typo in our 2021 Spring Crusader Connection Obituary – Class of 1967 - Donna Padala (Sara Keyes) should read Donna Papala (Sara Keyes).

OBITUARIESWe pay tribute to the following alumni who have recently passed away.

2022 HALL OF

FAME

The Racine Lutheran High School Hall of Fame recognizes former students, athletes, and faculty members who have shown a commitment to the school’s mission and have made outstanding contributions with their God-given gifts. Congratulations to the Hall of Fame Class of 2022 inductees:

• Dave Krause ’62 • Jeff Christensen ’72 • Kevin Christensen ’01

Please join us for the 2022 Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sat., Jan. 15. 6 p.m. – Pre-game Reception in Commons 6:30 p.m. – Induction Ceremony in Gym 7:15 p.m. – Boys’ Varsity Basketball Game Tipoff

HALL OF FAME 2022

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RLHS is hosting its 24th annual Grand Gala on Sat., Feb. 12, at Racine’s Roma Lodge. You are cordially invited to join us for An Enchanted Evening as we celebrate our future plans to grow together. This vital fundraiser is a wonderful evening during which alumni, parents, friends, and community leaders come together to lift up, showcase, and support our students. Guests are welcomed with complimentary beverages as they enjoy the silent auction, followed by a delightful dinner and voice auction. The remainder of the evening is spent dancing to the live music of Chicago’s High Society Orchestra.

GRAND GALA

The Rev. Amos Gray, a nationally renowned speaker and author, is partnering with RLHS students, families, faculty, and staff. He recognizes God has blessed our school in so many ways, and he joins us in embracing, educating, and celebrating all of us, as children of God. Max Knoell ’96, president of the RLHS Board of Directors, and faculty member Justin Hullum shared stories with Pastor Gray at a recent professional development session.

RLHS COMMUNITY

We are grateful for the RLHS supporters who participated in the 33rd annual Golf Outing at Meadowbrook Country Club. More than 135 participants enjoyed the camaraderie, friendly competition, beautiful golf course, and delicious food. Since its inception, this event has raised more than $460,000, with 100 percent of the proceeds directly benefiting the RLHS Athletic Department. Mark your calendars for next year’s outing on Aug. 1. Pictured father and son golfers are Peter Baylon ’79 and Alex Baylon ’07.

GOLF OUTING During the Aug. 25 weekly all-school worship, Julia Pedrosa ’17, was commissioned as a new LCMS teacher at RLHS. She teaches Spanish.

Justin Hullum joined the faculty as a teacher and resource coordinator. He holds a degree in urban education and is certified in alternative education. Additionally, Hullum is the new head coach of the boys basketball program.

Faculty members who began their roles over the past two years were installed at the Chapel service. Pictured L-R: Tracey Juga, Pedrosa, Mackenzie Meyers, Randy Henderson, Hullum, Rhonda Molbeck. Lori Storm is not pictured.

NEW FACULTY

OTHER NEWS

Connecting Past and Present Crusaders Who Value Faith, Learning, Character, and Leadership

MISSIONRacine Lutheran High School’s mission is to guide our youth in faith, learning, character, and leadership by nurturing their relationship with Jesus Christ and educating them for a life of service to God and man.

VALUESFaith, Learning, Character, Leadership.

SCHOOL YEAR THEMEEncourage one another and build each other up. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

251 Luedtke Avenue | Racine, WI 53405262.637.6538 – phone | 262.637.6601 – fax | RacineLutheran.org

PARENTSIf your son or daughter is no longer living at this address, please email his or her current address to klong@RacineLutheran.org.

We have an engaging and rich community on different social media networks that are waiting for you! Join us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date and connected to Racine Lutheran High School. All of our social media links can be found on our website at RacineLutheran.org.

SOCIAL SADERS

The Racine County Sports Hall of Fame exists to celebrate and showcase the remarkable achievements of Racine County individuals who have demonstrated athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and hometown pride. Tim Naegeli ‘83 was inducted, and the 1980-82 boys Track teams, led by Coach Dick Bode, received special recognition.

RACINE COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Tim Naegeli ’83 and Dick Bode

John Hansen and his parents, Jeff and Gretchen Demuth ‘96 Hansen

Kierra Mohalley

The Racine County Sports Hall of Fame 2021 Scholar Athletes is composed of students that demonstrate outstanding achievement in academics as well as athletics. They are recognized as leaders and are engaged in school and community activities. Kierra Mohalley and John Hansen represented RLHS.