Concordia Alumni Connection

Concordia Lutheran

Schools of Omaha

Alumni Newsletter

October 2025

Class of 2010 Reunion: A Joyful Return to Where it All Began

When the Class of 2010’s President, Audrey (Holmes) Yapor, and Vice President, Kjirsten (Gedwillo) Abkes, began planning their 15-year class reunion, they reached out to the school to see if it could serve as an afternoon meeting place. Since Audrey now resides in El Paso, TX, Kjirsten enlisted the help of Molly (Muldoon) Fisher. With Molly’s assistance, the reunion became a joyful event—held right back where it all began.

“Hosting the reunion at the school was an easy choice,” Kjirsten said. “It was simple, inexpensive, and fun.” Although she admits she was a little nervous beforehand, Kjirsten—who now lives in Shawnee, KS—said, “As soon as I walked in, I knew it was going to be great. It felt so natural—like picking up right where we left off.”

Returning after fifteen years gave the Class of 2010 a chance to see how much the school has grown. Attendees admired the additions and improvements made over the years, especially the Main Gym (built in 2013) and the Nancy Griffith Performing Arts Center (completed in 2024). Amid laughter and conversation, one alum was overheard joking, “No dirt floors!” Kjirsten also noted that the new Main Gym is “big and beautiful. The Aux Gym was our main gym, and we couldn’t host anything!” She added, “The stage area [in the Performing Arts Center] would have been awesome to have. That’s a game changer.”

As classmates toured both the familiar hallways and the newly added spaces, they reminisced about conversations, events, and inside jokes shared years ago. Yet the reunion was more than just a nostalgic walk down memory lane—it was a celebration of enduring friendships and reconnections with those who shaped their formative years. Kjirsten especially loved catching up with Rachael Vacanti, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time, and meeting Rachael’s fiancé. She was also thrilled that Emma (Bray) Hintz traveled from Colorado with her four children to join the celebration.

One emotional and meaningful surprise was the attendance of Gabe Rademacher’s father, Glen. The Class of 2010 remembers Gabe lovingly; he tragically passed away just two days after graduation. A beautiful garden, created by Gabe’s classmates and parents, has since been relocated due to Concordia’s growth. Kjirsten recalled standing in the garden, surrounded by Gabe’s plaque, his father, and former classmates, saying it brought back strong memories. “Even though it has moved, Gabe’s dad did such a good job putting it back together,” Kjirsten said, adding how grateful everyone was to see Glen. “Gabe is still part of our class. We just love him a lot.”

Class of 2010 visiting the recently relocated Gabe’s Garden with Glen Rademacher, honoring their friend.

Gabe Rademacher’s commemorative plaque, honoring his memory in Gabe’s Garden.

While the class of 33 graduates has now scattered across the country, the reunion reminded attendees of the lasting bonds formed at Concordia. “Our class has always stayed in touch, including with Gabe’s parents—even if we don’t see each other all the time,” Kjirsten shared.

As a lifelong student of Lutheran schools and now a teacher at Maranatha Christian Academy in Kansas, Kjirsten credits former Religion teacher Mrs. Karen Reynolds for making Bible classes meaningful. “Mrs. Reynolds was really formational in my faith,” Kjirsten reflected. “I came into my own with my faith when I was in high school at Concordia.” Inspired by her teachers, Kjirsten knew that as an educator in a Christian school, she could now be that same influence for her students. Her words of advice for current Concordia students: “Pursue Jesus above all else. You will never regret obeying Jesus—that takes priority over everything.”

When asked whether she would recommend other Concordia alumni consider hosting future reunions at the school, Kjirsten didn’t hesitate: “We would do it again. It was just so easy, inexpensive, and fun. The school was so flexible with us—I’d definitely recommend it.”

Remember When?

The Class of 2010 celebrated their commencement at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in La Vista, with Kjirsten Gedwillo and Audrey Holmes serving as Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively. They made history by delivering Concordia’s first combined commencement address, a heartfelt tradition that continues to this day—15 years later. Their speech reflected on the lessons learned during their years at Concordia and was accompanied by a silent video montage capturing the moments of everyday life that made their time together so memorable.

Honoring Our Veterans

As part of our observance, we are creating a Veterans Honor Slide Show, and we would love to include our alumni veterans!

Please share:

A photo
Your name and graduation year
Branch of service

Email your submissions to Mr. Senechal by November 5.

Alumni Spotlight: Bailey Klanderud

Bailey Klanderud, Class of 2021, recently graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with degrees in Business Administration and Communication Studies. She is currently teaching English in Japan through the JET Program, sharing her love of learning and adventure across the globe.

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Around Campus: Alumni Edition

Spotting Concordia graduates making an impact on campus and in the community.

Michael Ersland, 2011, returned to Concordia to share his missionary experiences with Mrs. Wood’s Spanish class, inspiring students with his story of faith and service.

Ryan Sanchez, 2015, and Tommy Mollak, 2014, stopped by the Alumni tent during the Homecoming game to celebrate with fellow Mustangs!

Nick Christensen, 2018, joined the 2025 Varsity football team as one of the game’s officiants, bringing energy and support to the field.

Maddie Hansen, 2021, visited Concordia for a business meeting and enjoyed reconnecting with former teachers while touring the school’s new additions. She also took a photo with Principal Amy Schwarting to commemorate her visit.

Generations of Mustang spirit: Taylor (Srygley) & Ethan Domsch, 2020, and Ellie Domsch & Adam Sucha, 2025, cheer on Concordia at the homecoming game.

Jim Thomson, Jacky Gao, Jarek Petersen, Brayden Alejandre, Thomas Pratt, Guy Patton, and Jackson Shepherd, 2025, posed with Mr. DeBoer during the Homecoming game, showing their Mustang pride.

Save the Date for the 20th Annual Kingdom Leaders Gala!

Stay Connected — Give Back to Concordia!

As a valued member of the Concordia alumni family, you know the lasting impact of a Christ-centered education and community. There are many meaningful ways to give back — from supporting athletics and fine arts to helping fund mission trips and student activities.

Visit concordiaomaha.org/give to explore how you can make a difference today, and check back regularly for new opportunities to support the next generation of Concordia students!

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