Preparing students for lives of service and for eternity

Thank you for over 120 years of teaching service

Table of Contents

spring 2014

Table of Contents

Out of Control? – “I Quit”My wife is very nervous when I leave home. Guess what worries her most? Well, one concern is “How do I turn on the TV?” At our house, we’ve got 6 remotes that all operate some portion of the television, cable box, streaming video and recorded TV pro-gram signal. “I just don’t get it,” she complains. Why can’t this just be easier?” Right remote; wrong device. Lights are blinking, but nothing is happening. Where’s the sound? Now this is on, but that just turned off. Why did the garage door just go up?

We are a society that has become used to controlling almost everything with the push of a button and a flick of the switch. Per-sonal activity and thought have been removed from the process to make life easier for us. That’s great . . . until the technology doesn’t work. Then life just doesn’t make sense. We become frustrated. We don’t know where to go for answers. “Where’s the manual?” “Oh, I threw that away. Did you need it?”

In 2014, we’ll all experience those frustrating “I quit” type days. Some troubles will come from small things like the electronics we use. Some will come from more serious issues like repairing damaged relationships. The devil, the world and our own sinful flesh want us to think that life is broken or the batteries are bad or the manual is lost.

Fortunately for us, they aren’t in charge. The manual for life hasn’t been lost or thrown away. Our loving God has given us the instructions for living a God-pleasing life as well as the good news that our Savior Jesus was crucified to pay the price for our failures.

God loves each of us. God loves us today and forever. He wants us all in heaven with Him when we die. That is God’s uncondi-tional love for each of us. With that guarantee, we never have to give up! Thank God for His grace and mercy!

And thank you for your prayers and gifts which allow us to share that Good News with the students in our care uncondi-tionally each and every day. May God continue to bless the work He has given us to do together here at FVL.

Director of Mission Advancement

Legacy is published three

times annually. Our goal is to

inform and inspire FVL gradu-

ates and supporters with news

about our teen ministry and

the FVL family at large.

Legacy is an official publica-

tion of . . .

Fox Valley Lutheran H.S.

5300 N. Meade Street

Appleton, WI 54913-8383.

For further information, con-

tact the FVL Communications

Office at (920) 739-4441.

Editor-in-Chief

Robert Fischer

Content Editor

Dave Payne

Layout & Design Editor

Sharon Ragner

On the web at www.fvlhs.org

Submit story ideas

or comments to:

phartwig@fvlhs.org

rfischer@fvlhs.org

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

we

Lco

me

Table of Contents

2 Pay it Forward with Service Alum Joel Schmidt is thankful for those who have been and continue to be examples of faithful service to the Lord.

4 Know Where You are Going It’s easy for life to be distracting and to get us off-course. Daniel Kaniess (Class of ‘74) is a prime example of keeping proper focus.

6 Real-Life Applications New this year, the Business Marketing class offers students the opportunity to research, plan, and present information to local businesses.

8 Christ-Centered Ministry The end of the 2013-14 school year marks the retirement of three dedicated FVL leaders. A service of recognition will be held on May 18.

12 Positive Influence of Peers FVL’s Peer Leadership Group works from within to have a supportive influence on the student body.

14 Leadership Senior Willie Penterman shares his speech from the National Honor Society Induction.

16 Legacy Project / FVL News1

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

spring 2014legacylegacyfox valley lutheran high school

magazinemagazine

8

12

6

2

During the recent Christmas season with all of the special worship services and children’s programs, I was reminded once again of the amazing number of people volunteering and serving our FVL Federation churches & schools. From talented musicians to smiling greeters and ushers, along with those who prepare the services, fold the bulletins and clean the worship facilities, there are so many people willing to put their gifts & talents into use for the benefit of God’s Kingdom.

Similarly, as I consider the football, basketball, volleyball & cheer teams that my children are a part of, I am overwhelmed by the number of parents willing to volunteer their time as coaches, score keepers, concession stand workers, hall monitors and cleaning crews.

As a child attending Bethel church and school and later as a teen attending FVL, I was deeply impacted by many Christian leaders who gave their time in order to teach me and mold me into the person I am. Today, as a husband, father and disciple of Christ, it is my privilege to pay this forward as I serve as a worship leader at Eternal Love Lutheran Church on Appleton’s south side and as a member of the FVL Mission Advancement board.

Within our congregations there are many ways for each of us to use our unique gifts to glorify God and advance His Kingdom. In 1 Peter, 4:10 we are reminded “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” As I attend worship services,

Blessings of Service

BasketballCoach

CanteenWorker Usher

Organist

CleaningCommittee

Table of ContentsLe

ga

cy

SP

RIN

g 2

014

w

ww

.fv

LhS.

oR

g

3

concerts, sporting events and other activities at my church, my children’s elementary school, and FVL, I see God’s people at work, exercising Christian love and leading by example as they serve. I am extremely grateful for the blessings God has poured out on His people through this. So I say thank you to all of you teachers, coaches, musicians, committee members & “behind-the-scenes” volunteers who have and are touching many lives, including those of my children who are learning from many wonderful Christian role models as they progress through Lutheran elementary school and FVL.

It is my prayer that they, too, will one day have the opportunity to pay this forward, and that our churches & schools continue to prepare our youth for lives of Christian service and for eternity. May God continue to bless FVL and our congregations with godly leaders and faithful workers.

Consider the words of this inspiring Christian hymn penned by Jon Mohr. O may all who come behind us find us faithful;May the fire of our devotion light their way.May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe,And the lives we live inspire them to obey.O may all who come behind us find us faithful.

—Joel Schmidt Class of 1988

Blessings of Service

Musician

ChoirDirector

ScoreKeeper

Greeter TheatreHelper

Table of Contents

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

4

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

I’m on my way to see Jesus, Gonna be with my LordI’m on my way to see Jesus, My place with Him is assured.

If the road be rocky, and the ditch be deepHe will guard and protect me, until our home we reachI’m on my way to see Jesus, Gonna be with my LordI’m on my way to see Jesus, My place with Him is assured.

Though the world distract me, and the wind deter,He will guide me and direct me, on a path this is sureI’m on my way to see Jesus, Gonna be with my LordI’m on my way to see Jesus, My place with Him is assured.

It’s that time again. Another school year is drawing to a close. And our young people know what that means. Eighth graders are going through Confirmation while prepar-ing for their Graduation in just a few weeks. High school seniors are excited, yet a bit fearful, as they ponder their own “com-mencement exercises” that send them off into the “real world” of finding a job or finding the right fit for college to prepare for a career. College seniors are in the middle of exams, wondering what the job market will be like and what the future holds.

So many questions. So few answers. Each step of their lives is important. Decisions are crucial. So much is at stake. So many graduates and confirmands before them have been in the very same position – and failed. No, I don’t mean they have ended up unemployed and homeless with no friends. Where so many have failed is in their perspective and goals for their life. In other words, they forgot where they are

going. Often they mistakenly think they are on their way to let loose, have fun and get a usable degree from college; and be on their way to get the job, spouse and house of their dreams like everybody else in this world.

But that’s wrong.

It reminds me of a confirmand/graduate who got it right. His perspective was “spot on” and never seemed to waver. He knew where he was going all along–through every episode and phase of his life. He even wrote a song about it. I’d like to share it with you because it is my prayer that every confir-mand and graduate would take the same approach to the past, present and future.

The song’s title is “I’m On My Way to See Jesus.” The song writer’s name might be very familiar to all of us. His name is Daniel Kaniess — a Christian husband, father, friend and Elder in our church who now en-joys the glories of heaven. Here is his song:

I'm On My Way

Background photo courtesy of Colin Brough

Table of Contents

5

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

Dan wrote those words after he was di-agnosed with liver cancer, but it was my observation that he simply lived those words for all his life. From the time that the Holy Spirit brought him to faith at his baptism, he was never on his way “to get his confirmation over with” or to primarily get the dream job or the best house. He made it his business — first and foremost — to always be on his way to see Jesus.

He was careful not to let the bad things of this life make him despair of his faith. Nor was he going to allow the success of this life convince him that he didn’t need God. He knew where he was going. Always. He was on his way to see Jesus. After all, he had a reservation. Jesus won forgiveness for him and reserved a

spot in heaven just for him. No career path, no earthly award ceremony, and certainly no cancer was going to change that or cause him to veer off that path toward heaven, led by his Savior. It was a mindset that he and his family shared and lived together.

So graduates as you move forward to the next stage of your life: ALWAYS KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING!

You are all . . .On your way to see Jesus,

Gonna be with my LordI’m on my way to see Jesus,

my place with Him is assured.

May we all arrive safely as we follow our Savior — always!

This article was written by Rev. Mark Kom (pic-tured) in May of 2012 and is reprinted with his per-mission. He is the pastor at Crown of Life Evangeli-cal Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, Minnesota. He wrote this article at the passing of his member, Daniel Kaniess, son of Jerry and Ruth Kaniess.

If my body be broken, and my steps be slow,And the darkness o’er take me, I see the home fires glow.I’m on my way to see Jesus, Gonna be with my LordI’m on my way to see Jesus, My place with Him is assured.

Standing at the threshold I hear my loved ones call.I step into the doorway, into His arms I fall.I’m on my way to see Jesus, Gonna be with my LordI’m on my way to see Jesus, My place with Him is assured.

Daniel Kaniess Class of 1974

Table of Contents

Working as a team and coming up with ideas to generate growth in business is a skill that can be used in many aspects of life. That type of education is what we want to pass on to students at FVL that are interested in studying business. That was the genesis — or beginning point — for a new class established this year at FVL called Business Marketing.

This “hands-on” class is designed to help students learn more than just the topic of marketing. They actually develop a marketing plan for a local business and then present their ideas in person.

The Marketing class is divided into groups of 3-5 students. Each group chooses a business in the community to market. The group then does market research for their business by handing out surveys, conducting focus groups and researching new trends that should be watched. The students make advertisements

6

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg Business Marketing

provides hands-onOPPORTUNITIES

Table of Contents

7

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

in the form of print ads, radio ads, and TV commercials. They also research the costs for those types of ads. They put up a display in the owner’s store and also look into ways to use all the social media tools that are available.

After students compile conclusions and suggestions for the business owner, they put together a binder for the owner with all of the information that they have worked on throughout the semester. The students then give a formal business presentation to the owner in the classroom.

According to instructor Brenda Mears, “What I love about this class is that it takes what students learn in a textbook and puts it in a real-life setting. So often in business, work is done in teams and delegated out. The team needs to

come together to get the project done. Students who have taken this class will have actually experienced this project-based learning model firsthand instead of simply hearing or reading about it.”

Mears asserts that in this first offering her marketing students have truly flourished. Many have gone above and beyond what she had envisioned. Her hope is that they keep in touch so that they can tell her about how this high school experience has impacted their future career path. She also finds comfort in knowing that along with teaching her students valuable business lessons for the workforce, she can reinforce even more valuable spiritual lessons for eternity.

Business Marketing provides hands-onOPPORTUNITIES

• Stephen Niu — I learned the whole process of how to do marketing. I learned how to design logos, make surveys, conduct focus groups, prepare print ads, make displays and make a radio and TV commercials. It was really helpful.

• Dario Niederprum — I had a nice experience doing all of the marketing work. It’s amazing that I went through all the steps in marketing. Great class!

• Zoe Nie— In this class, I didn’t just learn theoretical processes, but I learned also about the process in the real business world.

— Brenda Mears Family and Consumer

Education Instructor

Table of Contents

8

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

3Thank you Lord, for

Name that Servant…1. Who coached girls basketball for

9 years?2. Who coached girls and boys tennis?3. Who coached track for 11 years?4. Who served as editor of the

FVL Beacon?5. Who tutored at Northwestern

Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, South Dakota?

6. Who traveled to the Ukraine for his class?

7. Who taught typing?

8. Who taught reading basics?9. Who taught religion?10. Who headed the FVL Regional

Computer Service Center in the 1980’s and 1990’s?

11. Who was a leader in the merger of WISAA and WIAA?

12. Who started the FVL forensics program?

13. Who taught FVL’s first CAPP class?

Read to find the answers!

Gene Strusz Robert Becker Paul Hartwig

Men Men Dedicated to the Teaching Ministry

Table of Contents

9

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

Gene grew up in Minnesota and after graduating from DMLC was assigned to FVL in 1971. Over the years he has taught math, phy ed, and reading skills. He served as FVL’s Athletic Director for 38 years before stepping down last year. He coached football for 32 years, serving for 21 years as varsity head coach. He also was an assistant track coach for 11 years. He is especially fond of pointing out that Christian education does not take place only in the classroom, but that some of the most impor-tant learning takes place in the locker room and the athletic fields.

As FVL Athletic Director, Gene was highly involved in conference and athletic associa-tion leadership. He was an important voice in the merger of the WISAA and WIAA state high school athletic organizations.

In 2007 he was named Wisconsin Athletic Director Association District AD of the Year. He was also honored in 2001 as the Milwau-kee Journal/Sentinel State Football Coach of the Year after the Foxes earned their first state football championship. In 2005, he was named to the Wisconsin Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

In reflecting on his ministry at FVL, Strusz notes that he enjoyed “working every day at a school where the Word of

The end of this school year will mark the retirement of three men with over 120 years of teaching experience. For all, the majority of those years were spent in leadership at FVL. Mr. Robert Becker, Mr. Paul Hartwig, and Mr. Gene Strusz have all been instrumental in FVL’s teen ministry since the 1970’s. Their retirements will be marked by a special gather-ing on the afternoon of May 18 at the high school. (See the bottom of page 11 for details). Many aspects of ministry at Fox Valley Lutheran High School have changed in the past forty years. What has not changed is the focus on Jesus Christ as the center of our teen ministry in the classroom, athletic field, and community.

Gene Strusz

Dedicated to the Teaching Ministry

continued on page 10

Table of Contents

10

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

Bob grew up in Fond du Lac and, after graduating from UW-Oshkosh, spent several years in his family shoe busi-ness before accepting his Call to FVL in 1971. Over the years he has taught accounting, typing, business, economics, and computer courses. He has served as FVL’s Business Manager since the 1970’s, working with FVL Prinicipals Warnke, Borgwardt, Plitzuweit, and Hartwig. He chaired the Business Department for many years and established the FVL Forensics program in the 1970’s. He also taught the first FVL CAPP course – Economics – beginning in the 1980’s. In 2001, he had the opportunity to travel to Ukraine to visit 12 schools in 14 days on a trip sponsored by the US Department of Education and the National Council for Economic Education.

In the 1980’s, Bob’s role expanded as FVL became the site of a regional computer service center funded with a grant from AAL, processing data for 6 Lutheran high schools, 20 churches, and 2 nonprofits. Bob also coached girls’ basketball for 9 years. He has served as an elected member of the FVL Founda-

tion for many years. He has also as-sisted FVL by serving on the Skyward

Steering Committee for Wisconsin since 1993. Bob especially remembers all the wonderful people he has been able to work with over the years – maintenance staff, secretaries, bookkeepers, pastors, congregation leaders, vendors, bankers, and attorneys. He especially remembers his chance to testify in Madison to get the state law changed to allow FVL to finance its long term debt with munici-pal bonds.

In reflecting on his years at FVL, Becker writes “over my 43 years at FVL, I have been witness to God’s grace and miracles as he has guided our Federation and school according to His plan despite our human failings. It is so easy to look back and see the hand of God in everything that has happened even if we didn’t see it at that time. The miracle of moving to and financing our new campus still makes me wonder in amazement at all the pieces of the puzzle that God put together.”

Bob and his wife Mary are active mem-bers at Riverview-Appleton.

Robert Becker

God rules us all.” Another highlight for him is attending church where a former football player of his serves as the pastor. He says that his greatest pleasure is when “former students who now are church workers tell him that he helped them become workers for the Lord. Almost every time, I had no idea what I did, but yet they hold a special place in their hearts for me. It brings tears to my eyes.” He sums up his future plans as “enjoying being a child of God.” He and his wife Marilyn are active members at St. Peter-Freedom.

Gene Strusz continued from page 9Table of Contents

11

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

Paul HartwigPaul spent his early years in New Ulm, graduating from DMLC in 1973. His first assignment was as a tutor/in-structor and coach at Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, South Dakota. In 1974, he was called as a Minister of Education to Immanuel-Greenville where his respon-sibilities included teaching and coaching at Mount Olive-Appleton for three years and then establishing Immanuel Lutheran School and serving as its first principal. He accepted the Call to FVL in 1979 to teach English and religion classes and to coach tennis and basketball. Over the years he also served as the editor of the FVL Beacon and a class coordinator.

Hartwig’s ministry at FVL has been multi-faceted. From 1985-1991 he served as the school’s Assistant Principal. He received his Masters in Education Administra-tion from UW-Madison in 1988. He has served as Principal since 1991 – the longest term of any FVL principal. In addition, he has been involved with many community, conference, and denomina-tional roles during those years. Some of those include Fox Valley Unites, Appleton Educator Leaders Consortium, Wiscon-

sin Association of Lutheran Educators President, Association of Lutheran High Schools President, Wisconsin Lutheran College Board of Regents, WELS Com-mission of Lutheran Schools, and WELS school consultant. Beginning in the late 1980’s, he was a leader in the FVL Fresh Start effort to revitalize the high school ministry. This work led into the capital campaign and building effort for the new FVL campus from 1998-2000. He also led the accreditation effort in the 1990’s cul-minating with FVL’s accreditation in 1998.

His plans for the future include assisting FVL Schools to continue to become more unified and to serve in school consultant work for the WELS. He also is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren, traveling and enjoying his hobbies of fishing and golfing. Thinking back on his ministry, Hartwig reflects that his joys included “working with a talented faculty of life-long learners, a hard-work-ing and skilled support staff, and thou-sands of wonderful Christian students.” He will also remember the “many dedicated laymen and women who volunteered on boards and committees and the thousands of friends of FVL who support our minis-try with their financial gifts.”

He and his wife Carie are active members at Immanuel-Greenville.

A special service marking the retirements of Mr. Robert Becker, Mr. Paul Hartwig, and Mr. Gene Strusz will be held on Sunday, May 18 at 2:30 pm in the FVL auditorium. A social and light supper will follow the service. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend this service.

Table of Contents

12

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

Table of Contents

How often have you heard the truism: “Don’t give in to peer pressure”? Often, Satan uses the influence of those around us to lead us into sin. Resisting negative peer pressure is sound advice for teenagers. However, what about the concept of positive peer pressure?

One of the great blessings of FVL is that both teachers and students

are blessed to be surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ. God can use these people to influence us in positive ways and lead us closer to Him. Several years ago, we as teachers asked, “Can we do more to train our students to be positive Christian leaders among their peers?” With this in mind, in 2008 FVL sent a group of students to attend a leadership training seminar, with the

Positive Peersin Action

PLG

13

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

goal of developing these students to be leaders at FVL. This was the beginning of FVL’s Peer Leadership Group (PLG).

Since then, PLG has grown in size and refined its mission. Initially, defining an identity and purpose was a challenge. Many would ask, “What is PLG about?” In some ways, this question reflects the PLG’s behind-the-scenes role at FVL. It is not necessarily to organize activities or take formal leadership roles; that is what the Student Council does. Rather, the PLG hopes to train young men and women to lead from within the student body. For some, it might be encouraging a struggling classmate; for others, leading cheers at athletic events to increase school unity and pride. For all, it is setting a Christian example by living their faith.

A typical monthly PLG meeting begins with a Bible study. Our Peer Leaders understand that in order to be effective Christian leaders, they must be rooted in Christ and His Word. This leads into Christ-centered leadership training. In the past we have used book The Student Leadership Challenge as a tool, studying lessons such as how to encourage and inspire others, how to challenge the status quo, and how to lead by example. Currently, we are using the StrengthsFinder program, which helps

students to use the unique gifts and talents God has given them to lead in their own unique ways.

Regardless of the program, what defines the PLG’s leadership at FVL is the focus on Jesus. Christian leadership is about leading others to Him. PLG member Jon Goss says, “We are not just learning how to be better leaders. We are brothers and sisters growing together in faith.” PLG member Hannah Ihlenfeldt adds: “PLG has helped me grow as a leader and especially as a Christian leader, following Christ’s perfect example of leadership. The lessons I learned will stick with me for the rest of my life.”

These statements clearly reflect FVL’s mission, and we ask God’s continued blessing on the PLG as we prepare teens for lives of service and for eternity.

—Isaiah DegnerFVL Peer Leadership Group Advisor

Table of Contents

14

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

Table of Contents

A young enthusiastic man once stood before an Italian nation that chanted: “Il Duce! Il Duce!” A heroic young woman led hundreds of French warriors into battle against the English. A man, beaten and bloody, tries but fails to carry his own cross to his execution. All three of these individuals have something very similar in common. Benito Mussolini, Joan of Arc, and Jesus Christ are all well-known leaders. As is known from history, some were better than others. Some sought after glory and personal gain, while some put others first and led through a servant’s role.

One fact is true about all leaders; they did not become leaders the day they were elected, promoted, or first recognized. Leaders become leaders through the experiences they have and through the actions in their lives.

The day you were accepted into the National Honor Society was not the day you became a leader. You were chosen because you already exhibit good qualities of leadership, character, service, and scholarship.

Leadership starts with, continues from, and comes back to the heart. You may have great ideas, charisma, or skill, but if your motivation is not pure and in the best interest of others, then your leadership is flawed. Leaders need to be able to practice what they preach. A very talented individual named Michael Jackson once wrote a song about making the change inside . . . the lyrics are still meaningful. Michael Jackson: “I’m starting with the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways.”

One of the most important aspects of leadership is the ability to make real connections with others. These connections are the core of being a successful leader. In these connections with others,

leaders must first listen with an open mind to what others have to say. It is difficult to get people to listen to you if you are

the only one ever doing the talking. However, when that time does come for you to say something,

speak gently and caringly. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. It will help

Leadership

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

Table of Contents

you to better understand where that indi-vidual is coming from. We are all in this one gigantic boat called “life.” Everyone can help make the ride a whole lot easier by simply listening to one another.

Today, our world is filled with leaders who are flawed, make poor decisions, and are motivated out of selfish ambition. However, in this dark world, we have someone who models perfect leadership for us. His name is Jesus. Jesus never did anything out of selfish-ness or desire for personal gain. He always took it upon himself to put others first and led by his perfect example. He truly made a difference for us undeserving sinners.

It seems like in today’s “Hollywood” world of popularity that it’s only the “big” stars or politicians who are seen as leaders. This can appear rather daunting and leave us feeling unimportant or not useful. Be as-sured, nonetheless, that all leaders make a difference, great or small. It doesn’t matter if it’s one person, one hundred people or a hundred thousand people that you impact. Leaders do make a genuine impact on oth-ers. Leadership is everyone’s business, and while we can’t all be superstars or politi-cians, you can still make a difference.

Let me ask you a question: Is leadership ever easy? Shake your heads intelligently, for you already know the answer. NO! Noth-ing worthwhile in life will ever be easy... let alone standing up for your beliefs and val-ues. Remember those three leaders I men-tioned in the beginning? All three of them

were executed because they led the people the way they best saw fit. I’m not saying that leadership is going to be fatal, but you will face persecution. Going against the wrongs you see in society or everyday life is going to be difficult. There’s no sugar-coating it.

There may be times when you do fail; it’s going to happen. Consider this quote by one of the most inspirational leaders of the 20th century: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal, but it is the courage to continue that counts.” That leader--Winston Churchill--faced a host of adversaries during his lifetime, yet he still made a difference.

Although leadership may seem like a daunt-ing task, know that you have friends who you can turn to... be reassured that you have the perfect, wise, kind, heavenly friend who will never leave you or forsake you. Christ made a difference for us. He already took care of our biggest need, so he will always be able to help you with whatever challenges you face.

While on this side of heaven, God has given each and every one of you the ability to do extraordinary deeds and be Christ-like lead-ers. Use your gifts to make a difference, for you are the next generation of leaders. It’s as the words of the famous hymn “Come, Fol-low Me, the Savior Spake” remind us: “Take my [Jesus’] example for your guide.”

—Willie Penterman, Class of 2014(adapted from his December 2013 NHS

Induction Ceremony speech on Leadership)

Leadership 15

16

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

The Legacy Project was begun in March of 2013 to increase the assets of the FVL Foundation to $5 million by the end of the 2018 school year. In a little less than a year, 265 donors have gifted $302,000 to say “thank you” to the Lord for His blessings to them. The Foundation is very thankful for that support. To God be the glory! Current Foundation assets are $3.4 million.

The FVL Foundation was established with a special gift of $124,000 in 1967. Over the past 45 years, many generous gifts have allowed the Foundation to distribute $2,500,000 in tuition assistance from the growth of the fund to assist in FVL’s teen ministry. Those are amazing blessings, yet requests for tuition assistance have grown beyond the Foundation’s ability to provide. For the 2012-13 school year, FVL received requests for over $400,000 in tuition assistance. From its fund growth, the Foundation was able to grant $150,000

of the $362,000 promised to families. The difference is made up by individual gifts to the annual assistance campaign.

By increasing the assets to $5M, the Foundation will have more dollars from annual market growth to help keep Christian education affordable for the families of the FVL Federation. Your gift to the Foundation will be “endowed.” Your gift will “keep on giving” for generations to come.

For calendar year 2014, a couple has agreed to match up to $100,000 in gifts given by individuals. As you consider your thank offering gifts to the Lord, please consider joining the Legacy Project with a one-time gift, annual gift or estate plan gift. The Lord will use your gift to change the lives of the teens served by FVL’s ministry.Mr. Bob Fischer, the FVL Director of Mission Advancement, would be happy to visit with you about the best way to make your gift. You can email him at rfischer@fvlhs.org or call his office directly at 920-560-5107.

May the Lord continue to bless the work that He has given us to do together at FVL.

Legacy Project Update

SUPPORTING TEEN MINISTRY SINCE 1967

Table of Contents

— Robert Fischer

FVL

New

s FVL SCHOOLS COMMUNITY PARENTS NIGHT “Combating Social Media at Home” will be the topic of the FVL Schools Community Parents Night on April 1. How can parents make wise decisions about the social media choices in their family? Our panel will include local psychologist Dr. Brandon Hayes on the psychological aspects, FVL teachers Alan and Nathan Nolte on the technology aspects, and Appleton Police School Liaison Officer Katie Bohren on the legal aspects of this far-reaching topic. The presentation will run from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the FVL auditorium. Time is planned for questions from the audience. Parents are invited to bring their middle school and high school children with them to the presntation.

SCHOOL CHOICE FVL has applied to join the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program in 2014-15. This program will be a great way to assist WELS families who wish to provide a Christian high school education for their teen but may be financially unable to do so. It may also open doors to share Jesus with new families. Qualifying parents need apply before the deadline closes on April 20th. Income guidelines and the online application link is found on the FVL website. Questions can be directed to Mr. Paul Hartwig (739-4441) or phartwig@fvlhs.org.

17

Leg

ac

y S

PR

INg

201

4

ww

w.f

vLh

S.o

Rg

WPCP at

FVL

WPCP at

FVL

WPCP at

FVL

The FVL Robotics Team recently participat-ed in the State VEX Championships. They performed well in Programming Skills, posting the 3rd highest score of the day. FVL was chosen as one of the state’s ten World Championship Qualifiers. The VEX World Championship Tournament is April 23-26, in Anaheim, California, where the 400 best teams from around the world will compete. Congratulations to the team and advisor Mr. Nathan Nolte.

ROBOTICS TEAM QUALIFIES FOR WORLD COMPETITION

Table of Contents

lega

cyle

gacy

fox

valle

y lu

ther

an h

igh

scho

ol

mag

azin

em

agaz

ine

Table of Contents

Fox

Vall

ey L

uth

eran

H. S

.5300 N

ort

h M

ead

e S

tree

tA

pp

leto

n, W

I 5

4913-8

383

AD

DR

ES

S S

ER

VIC

E R

EQ

UE

STE

D