Greetings here is your monthly
G ROWING Campaign: E-Update
Note : this combined October/November update will allow us to move to an E-update that comes out near the beginning of each month.
Musings from the Development Director
Since celebrating Groundbreaking on September 14th, I have been excitedly awaiting the start of construction (I'm certain I'm not the only person). Every day, I've looked for some visible representation of the G ROWING Campaign's progress.

As September turned into October, and then October rolled into November, I found myself frequently looking out the windows. And, I found myself becoming increasingly anxious and impatient. However, during this time, I made an important realization. I realized I was looking in the wrong place.

Don't get me wrong, I can't wait for holes to be dug and new walls to begin going up. I'm beyond excited about the additions, improvements, and positive impact the G ROWING Campaign will have on the Valley experience.

But, as much as I and many others will enjoy watching this building project take shape, it is important to remember that the most important work is actually taking place inside the building. The real power and excitement of VLHS can be seen in the classrooms, during chapels, at practice, in the hallways, and around the lunch tables. Its an educational environment with the invitation to abide in Christ, experience His love and grace, and then "pass it on" to those whom we interact with on a daily basis.

The opportunity to educate minds, cultivate leaders, and nurture faith in an environment with Christ as the foundation, is what makes Valley Lu special (Phil. 2:1-2). And that is the most important work taking place on campus. Just as the church is more than a building, so Valley Lutheran High School is more than a building.

I'm grateful to have had this gentle reminder. And I'm grateful for the many blessings God has given this school to even get to this point.

... also, dirt has started flying around here. Which humbles me and makes me happy.

Thanks be to God.

-Kyle-

Valley Lutheran Recognized as a "School of Distinction"
Michigan District Superintendent Mr. Travis Grulke (left) presented Executive Director John Brandt (center) with a plaque recognizing Valley Lutheran High School's recent School of Distinction status as determined by the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation (NLSA) Commission.

Leading Valley's accreditation process was the team of Mrs. Barb Doyle (right), along with Dr. Lisa Meyers and Mr. Heath Vincent (not pictured).
Building Progress
"Site prep" continues and some heavy machinery has shown up at Valley Lutheran. And, as of Monday morning, there is dirt being moved. This is really happening!

(If its going to be removed anyway, curbs don't matter when unloading!)
G ROWING Campaign News Coverage
Valley Lutheran receives grant from Saginaw Community...

Valley Lutheran campaign Co-Chairs Dr. Dwight McNally (far left) and Gene Pickelman (far right) met recently with Saginaw Community Foundation representatives Kendra Kempf and President Renee Johnston to say thank-you.SAGINAW TWP. - Valley...

Read more
townshipview.mihomepaper.com
Cabinet's Corner

Cabinet members have been invited to share their thoughts on the G ROWING Campaign and their experience as a Cabinet member.

This month, Katrina Kaschinske (VL '97) shares about her experience on the Campaign Cabinet and why she is excited about the growth at Valley Lutheran.

Why did you join the Campaign Cabinet?
I joined the Cabinet because I was excited about about the opportunity to help and contribute to this amazing undertaking. I have benefited greatly from VLHS, so it’s my turn to give back.

What do you think is the most exciting impact of the Growing Campaign?
It’s hard to pick one thing!! As a former choir member, I’m very excited for the students to have a fantastic place to rehearse music. Both the band and choir will benefit so greatly from not only the practice space, but storage!! But, I’m also thrilled for the overall expansion and improvements to the physical space. I respect the fact that these plans have been put on hold in the past (certainly a smart decision), but I’m glad we’re moving forward now. The additions and updates will benefit students greatly!!

What is your favorite memory since you began serving on the cabinet?
By far my most memorable moment was the Summit Dinner last spring. The entire evening was incredible!! To look around the room at a sea of both familiar faces and so many new, was heartwarming! To hear both students and faculty speak with such passion and gratefulness for our school was touching. To acknowledge donors who were part of the “$5 a month club” have been supporting VLHS for 40+ years — and still are —was astounding! And, finally, to raise over $800,000 in one evening from God’s generous people, was downright humbling and thrilling! 


Katrina Kaschinske
Cabinet Member

Fundraising Update
Raised to date:
$7.41M

Total goal:
$10M


"' Though the mountains be shaken
     and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
     nor my covenant of peace be removed,'
     says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Valley Lutheran High School
3560 McCarty Rd
Saginaw, MI 48603
989-790-1676