St. Croix TodayA l u m n i & A s s o c i a t i o n N e w s l e t t e r

SUMMER 2012Educating the total student. Spiritually, intellectually, physically.

Paths after Graduation

PAGE 2 n ST. CROIX LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOLSt. Croix Today nJUNE 2012

About the CoverInside this Issue

About the Cover 2Faculty Features 2

The 3,000th Graduate 3

A Bigger Plan 4

Alumni Around the World 5

Spring Sports Recap 6

Alumni News 7

Calendar at a Glance 8

Do you have questions about St. Croix Lutheran? Feel free to call 651.455.1521 with questions.

Or visit our website: www.StCroixLutheran.org.

Or connect with us at Facebook.com/StCroixLutheran

The St. Croix Lutheran High School graduating class of 2012 moved their tassles from right to left on Sunday, June 3, signifying the successful completion of their high school education and their progression into a new phase of life.

The graduating class, comprised of 102 students, was recognized by St. Croix staff as a group of strong leaders that will be missed.

Student speaker Jacob Mortell exhorted the group, thanking teachers and parents for their support on the journey and sending off the seniors, saying, “Being renewed in our faith each and everyday at St. Croix has been remarkable, and a lot of us won’t experience that blessing in our colleges next year. So keep renewing yourself in your faith. In the end, that is what matters most.” Jacob will be attending Wisconsin Lutheran College in the fall to study education.

Faculty FeaturesTeacher Anniversaries

Jonathan Harley celebrates his 40th year in the teaching ministry this year. Mr. Harley began teaching at St. Croix Lutheran High School in 1985. In his 40 years of teaching, Mr. Harley has had nearly 4,500 different students in his classes. He is thankful for the journey that God has brought him on.

“There is no doubt that God had a hand in guiding me to St. Croix. Every difficult decision along the way, every situation that came up and every person that God has put into my life, affected my voyage. How can anyone measure how humbling and satisfying it has been to spend 27 of my 40 years here in this ministry. Where else can a person ap-ply the gifts and talents God has given them teaching young men and women and also to be able to share with them the wonderful Gospel message of our Savior Jesus Christ.”

Jonathan Harley40 Year Anniversary

Brent Schacht25 Year Anniversary

Brent Schacht celebrates his 25th year in the teaching ministry this year. He received his call to St. Croix Lutheran High School in 1992, and has been teaching here since. He has also been the head coach for the boy’s track team at St. Croix Lutheran since 1993.

Maki Asano (Japan) and Sophia Bach-mann, honors students.

PAGE 3nEducating the total student. Spiritually, intellectually, physically. JUNE 2012

The 3,000th GraduateCelebrating the ongoing ministry of St. Croix Lutheran High School

On June 3, 2012, faculty, family, and friends gathered in the St. Croix Lutheran gymnasium to congratulate the 102 graduates of the class of 2012. It was a diverse class with students from 13 countries, 4 states and some 40 different communities.

And the class of 2012 was special for another reason. In it was the 3,000th graduate of St. Croix Lutheran High School. This milestone of St. Croix’s ministry is an exciting indicator of the school’s momentum. Since its humble begin-ning in 1958, St. Croix’s graduating classes have grown from the small size of only twenty-some students to consistenly over 100 students in recent graduating classes.

One could imagine the 3,000 graduates of St. Croix Lutheran out in the community, around the state of Minnesota, through-out the United States and literally spread around the entire world, serving Christ. In this year’s graduating class countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thai-land, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malaysia were represented. Such diversity and widespread impact is a testi-mony to St. Croix’s claim as “The Global Leader in Christian Education.”

St. Croix Lutheran has held steadfastly to its purpose and mis-sion since 1958. But it has been God who has sustained St. Croix through the years--using each graduating class for his sovereign purpose. It is for this reason that the 3,000th gradu-ate is a milestone. It is a time of rejoicing in God’s faithfulness in the lives of these 3,000 students. It is a milestone to remind us that God is being glorified at St. Croix Lutheran.

The 3,000th graduate of St. Croix Lutheran, Mary Wrightsman with her parents Mark and Jean and president, Dr. Gene Pfeifer. Mary’s brother David is also an alum of St. Croix (class of 2006). Mary will attend Minnesota State University Mankato this fall to study international business.

The 3,000th graduate of St. Croix Lutheran, Mary Wrightsman with her parents Mark and Jean and president, Dr. Gene Pfeifer. Mary’s brother David is also an alum of St. Croix (class of 2006). Mary will attend Minnesota State University Mankato this fall to study international business.

PAGE 4 n ST. CROIX LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOLSt. Croix Today nJUNE 2012

A Bigger PlanThe beginnings of St. Croix’s international program with former president Merlyn Kruse.

Merlyn Kruse, president of St. Croix Lutheran from 1984-2006, had a vision for the growth of St. Croix’s ministry. After St. Croix had been housed for three years in its 1200 Oakdale Ave. campus, Mr. Kruse initiated efforts to open the unused residence halls behind the school for students. Momentum toward Kruse’s idea was soon quelled for financial reasons. As explained in Ephesians 3:20, God had in mind a plan more exciting than Mr. Kruse could ask or imagine.

One morning, missionary pastor Loren Steele and Dr. Yue Him Tam, a professor at Macalester College, were discussing St. Croix’s dormitory dilemma, and God provided them with a new idea. They walked through Mr. Kruse’s office door and proposed that the dormitory effort be combined with the school’s effort to recruit international students. It took a nanosecond to adopt the idea. “We thought we were fulfilling God’s mission by including Christ in the center of our education program, and I think that is a portion of what God asks us to do, but to actually fulfill the Great Commission is much broader than just prop-ping up those who already know [about Jesus]. We moved the ministry to a new corner of the world. The mission statement became much broader,” Mr. Kruse said.

As Mr. Kruse took on the program, he was met with the task of not only recruiting students but also of renovating the dorms. They had no beds or pots and pans. The dorms were in need of new carpets and repainting. Once again, God provided more than St. Croix could imagine. An organization which remains anonymous contributed over $300,000 to prepare the dorms for the international students that Mr. Kruse planned to recruit.

After the program was officially launched, St. Croix was faced with the challenge of communicating to international families that their students were wel-come. Mr. Kruse felt they didn’t know how to attract students, saying, “We didn’t have a clue how to go about things. When you go to Hong Kong, what do you do?”

He remembers the early days of the program and crossing the border from Macau into China for the first time, later waiting outside the US Embassy in Hong Kong with prospective families praying that they would be allowed to come to the US to study at St. Croix. At times there were tears of joy and other times, tears of sadness.

While Mr. Kruse was working to recruit students, Tai-wanese residents Dr. Michael and Catherine Wong were searching for an American high school for their son, Philip. After seeing an ad for St. Croix in a local paper in Hong Kong, a connection was made. In the fall of 1995, St. Croix’s dorm program opened and the first international dorm student, Philip Wong (class of ’98), arrived on campus.

It took years for the program to grow to its current flourishing state. St. Croix is now home to 106 high school and middle school international students from 13 different countries. Mr. Kruse attributes all of the success to God’s faithfulness and provision and be-lieves that it is simply what St. Croix is called to do. “God, you are smarter than all of us put together,” Kruse exclaimed, “I praise him to this day because he had a much bigger plan that I never would have thought of.”

Philip Wong (left) and Merlyn Kruse reunited years later. Philip is now earning his Ph.D. in cardiology in Guangzhou, China, and plans to open a practice there.

PAGE 5nEducating the total student. Spiritually, intellectually, physically. JUNE 2012

International ReachSt. Croix Alumna Kitty Li now working in Hong Kong

Late February, former St. Croix president Merlyn Kruse and cur-rent president Dr. Gene Pfeifer traveled to Hong Kong to host a reception for St. Croix alumni now living there. Among those in attendence was Ms. Kitty Li (pictured above with Merlyn Kruse).

Ms. Li came to St. Croix Lutheran from China in 1998. During her time at St. Croix, she became involved in many of the school’s offerings. Ms. Li looks back on the experience as a good one, remembering how she enjoyed learning under teacher Mrs. Ellen Kuzniki on the speech team.

She also felt blessed by the support system that was set up for international students through the mentor program. Ms. Li believes that St. Croix taught her to have cultural awareness.

After graduating from St. Croix in 2000, Ms. Li earned her undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon in 2004 and completed her master’s degree in financial engineering at Columbia University in 2005. She then worked in New York for 2 years at Deutche Bank. For the last 5 years, Ms. Li has been excelling as an electronic trader of equities for UBS in Hong Kong.

Success after St. CroixRecent St. Croix graduate excells toward medical school

Mr. Jake Light graduated from St. Croix Lutheran in 2008, and immediately stepped into a bright future. He attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA on a full-ride scholarship. There he earned a double major in Italian Studies and Chemistry with a 4.0 GPA as part of his journey toward medical school. While earning his degree, Mr. Light studied in Italy for two summers, and spent a full semester in Rome.

Mr. Light believes that the variety of opportunities at St. Croix prepared him directly for his time in college. He enjoyed be-ing challenged by rigorous classes such as AP Calculus and Physics classes, and by studying Greek. Mr. Light also enjoyed the extracurricular activities at St. Croix, becoming involved in the Croixaliers, accompanying the choirs on piano, and spending time in musical theatre. This propelled him to join an a capella ensemble at Emory University.

Mr. Light is currently taking a “gap year” to work full-time in an ophthalmology laboratory for the Emory School of Medicine while he applies to medical schools. He hopes to be soon enrolled in medical school, working his way toward a career as a specializing physician.

Kitty LiClass of 2000

Jake LightClass of 2008

Alumni Around the World

PAGE 6 n ST. CROIX LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOLSt. Croix Today nJUNE 2012

Spring Sports Recap

Rookie of the Year: Jon TollefsonMost Improved Athlete: Jacob BullerCrusader Award: Jack BeiseWill to Win: Joe WerzMost Valuable Athlete: Ben UlrichSeason highlights include winning the Tri-Metro Conference Champi-onship, Subsection 4A, Section 3AA True Team and Section 4A.

Track and FieldBoys’

Rookie of the Year: Kat HillstromWill to Win: Jennie ScislowMost Improved: Kira GrevMost Valuable Athlete: Danielle MarzinskeCrusader Award: Maria GruetzmacherSeason highlights include winning the Tri-Metro Conference Champion-ship, Section 3AA True Team and placing second at Section 4A.

Track and FieldGirls’

Overall: 8-12

Season highlights include a no-hitter thrown by Matt Olson against Como Park in a 1-0 victory. Also, Jackson Goplen hit .498 on the season.

BaseballBoys’

Overall: 15-7Most Valuable Player: Kayla FogleSeason highlights include beating Concordia 1-0 in the bottom of the 9th in a Section game, Maddie Halverson’s Grand Slam vs. SPA in Sections and beating the #2 and #3 seeds to advance to the Section finals.

SoftballGirls’

GolfGirls’ and Boys’

Girls’ Overall: UndefeatedBoys’ Overall: 9-2Season highlights: Congratulations to Jenny Pederson who was ranked 2nd in 2AA in state and 8th overall in state. Congratulations also to the boys’ team for winning 4 2AA sections for the first time and to the girls’ varsity team for winning back to back conference and section titles. Both teams advanced to the state meet.

All ConferenceStudents

Jacob Buller TrackCrystal Carmichael GolfAlicia Chernohorsky TrackBraden Fischer TrackKayla Fogle SoftballMatt Hatzung Track Jackson Goplen BaseballSam Gostchock GolfKristi Grobe TrackEmma Groom GolfJacob Groom GolfDanielle Marzinske TrackEric Montgomery TrackEllyn Mortell GolfJacob Mortell GolfMatt Olson BaseballDaniel Pederson GolfJenny Pederson GolfJenna Privette SoftballJennie Scislow TrackKeegan Smith GolfAfton Sobasky TrackMeghan Springborn SoftballJon Tollefson TrackBen Ulrich TrackSabrina Warden SoftballChantelle Wendland GolfJoe Werz Track

Honorable Mention

Jack Beise Track Amara Biebert TrackSasha Bornschlegal Track Kira Grev TrackMaddie Halverson SoftballNate Haugen TrackKat Hillstrom TrackLincoln Hochmuth BaseballBecca Horzewski TrackAmanda Kittelson SoftballDana Matykiewicz GolfKari Marzinske TrackMatt McDermott Track Kara Plath TrackKarissa Plath TrackTori Rider TrackAlexis Sievert TrackJeremy Sievert TrackTyler Wood Golf

Alumni News

Please detach and return to: SCLHS, 1200 Oakdale Avenue, West St. Paul, MN 55118-2601, or e-mail us at: jhamre@StCroixSchools.org

ALUMNI NEWSWe would like to include an “Alumni News” page in each issue of St. Croix Today. Please send us your news — job accomplish-ments, weddings, births, educational achievements, etc. Feel free to attach additional pages if you need more space. In addition to these announcements, please keep us informed of any address changes so you can continue to receive news about SCLHS. Thank you.

NAME GRADUATION YEAR

ADDRESS PHONE

CITY STATE ZIP E-MAIL

NEWS UPDATE

PAGE 7nEducating the total student. Spiritually, intellectually, physically. JUNE 2012

Class of 1971On August 20, 2011 the class of 1971 had their 40th class reunion at the home of president Lynn Knutson. A good time was had by all with great food, yard games and a trivia contest. Thanks to Tim for providing a class t-shirt for everyone there. Those in attendance along with their spouses included the following: Tim Holen, Greg Krech, Nancy Roller(Mundt), Henry Reitsma, Roseanne Eastling (Gop-lin), Ed Matthees, Barb Leppla, Jim Bourman, Karen Collyard, Clark Rocheleau, Dale Meade and Lynn Knutson. We all look forward to the next reunion!

Class of 1999Admissions Director, Jeff Lemke (at right), earned his doctoral degree from Bethel University. Dr. Lemke studied education administration with several other public school principals and superintendents, but was able to focus his individual research on international education. The research project included interviews in five nations where St. Croix students come from and studied factors in the government, economy, society, and family that may influence students to study in the United States.

Dr. Lemke’s research also included a section on “Influencing Word of Mouth” that is practical for Christian schools as they thrive in the information age. He commented, “A strategic marketing plan along with active communication among caring parents, alumni, and staff multiplies the benefits that result from word of mouth connections. St. Croix will continue to grow as the global leader in Christian education as all stakeholders, especially those connected closely to their community and elementary school, remain informed and engaged.

Class of 2001God has recently blessed Scott (class of 2001), Anne and Alaina Gibson with a new family member. Ethan Michael Gibson was born April 6, 2012 and brought into God’s family through baptism on April 29, 2012. All are well. Scott is a billing and collec-tions specialist for the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC, and Anne provides in-home childcare for Alaina, Ethan and soon to be 2 more children.

Educating the total student

1200 Oakdale Avenue

West St. Paul, MN 55118-2601

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTWIN CITIES MNPERMIT NO. 5859

Calendar at a Glance2012-2013

August September October November

December January February March

April May June July

13: Fall sports begin Golf classic27: First day of class

3: Labor Day12: Parents’ night27-8: Grandparents’ Days

12: Homecoming game18-19: No school

2: No school22-23: Thanksgiving break

7: Crusader for a day21: Christmas concert24-31: Christmas break

1-4: Christmas break 18: End first semester 21: MLK holiday

4: No school13: Ash Wednesday18: Presidents’ day

8-22: Spring break29: Good Friday

1: No school7: Open House

27: Memorial Day29-31: Test days31: Spring concert

2: Graduation service No school

Join us for the 20th Annual Golf Classic on Monday, August 13, 2012 at the Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater, MN. Your $155 “All-In-One” admission includes a $35 charitable donation, green fees, cart rental, and driving range,

(3) Mulligans & games: (1) 50/50, (1) Beat the Prez, (1) Cooler Challenge, dinner, drink ticket, raffle ticket.

For more information, including registration forms, visit www.StCroixSchools.org/golfclassic or contact Robyn in the Mission Advancement Office at 651-455-1521 x 106 or by e-mail at rswiderski@stcroixschools.org.

Registration deadline is July 15. After July 15 the price goes up to $170.