Our Mission Statement:
Walther Christian Academy is a culturally diverse and inclusive Christian middle and high school, rooted in the Lutheran tradition. Walther nurtures and prepares learners to fulfill their unique
God-given potential through academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service,
leadership and enrichment opportunities.
From the desk of our Advancement Director.
|
|
Tim Bouman, Head of School |
|
 |
Greetings from Walther!
Here at the corner of 9th and Chicago we have successfully concluded another year, thanks to the grace of God! Our 43 graduates are off to some wonderful colleges and we anticipate welcoming another 70-plus freshmen in the fall.
The end of a school year is always incredibly busy, but full of so many wonderful and meaningful events and occasions. Let me share with you a "day in the life" of Walther just this past week. My day began by attending an Eagle Scout ceremony for one of our students, Nathan Lichucki. After graduating from Trinity Lombard, Nathan joined Walther as our only full-time virtual student this year due to some really challenging medical issues that keep him at home. In fact, he earned 77 merit badges virtually--and got all As at Walther! His medical team allowed him to take part in a moving outdoor ceremony I was blessed to attend together with our Counselor, Diane Palumbo.
After that I headed to Walther to host a gathering of Luther South alumni from across the decades. They had been looking for an adopted "home" to display some of their trophies and memorabilia, so Walther gladly gave them one of our trophy cases and a plaque in honor of the Braves--and hosted a wonderful reunion for our fellow Lutheran High School brothers and sisters in Christ.
Finally, I got to see our annual school musical that evening. Talk about talent! Our students performed Disney's High School Musical, and it was a top-rate production that will not soon be forgotten! What a great opportunity our students have to develop and display their God-given talents!
Have a blessed and peaceful summer; see you in the fall!
Tim Bouman
Head of School/Principal
|
|
|
|
Diane Palumbo, Nathan Lichucki and Tim Bouman |
|
Luther South Alumni meeting in Walther's library |
The cast of Disney's High School Musical |
|
Sally Ruecking, Director of Advancement
Dear Walther Friends,
Our Bucking Bronco 5K Run/Walk was held on June 4. Together with our runners and walkers, we had many people from the Walther family who volunteered. Staff, parents, students and alumni all made the event a success. We could not host a community event like this without the full support of the Village of Melrose Park, our mayor, members of the police force, as well as the civil defense. It really does take a village, and I am grateful! This year, it was especially fun to receive support from the Melrose Park Army Recruiting Center. Ten soldiers participated in our event, many who medaled in their age categories! GO ARMY!
More revenue was raised this year through sponsorships from a variety of supporters. In the non-profit world, sponsors are critical as they pay for the event essentials, assuring participants that their donation goes directly in support of the mission.
There are many reasons why Walther hosts events that go far beyond fundraising. Our events provide an opportunity to connect with the school, speak with others who have a similar connection, meet new Walther supporters, and finally, create a community that is wrapping its arms around the last Lutheran High School in Chicagoland. It's important to remember this as you make plans for the coming year. Please prioritize the few Walther events for the next school year and join us. Tuition alone doesn't cover the cost of providing an excellent education. We depend on your help to provide financial aid to so many students as well as impacting our budget so that we can grow our programs, ministry and more. Currently our semi-annual appeal has been mailed as well as e-mailed. Walther would be thrilled to accept your donation at any level. If you haven't given yet, please use the donation tab today and choose the semi-annual appeal drop-down button on our website. We depend on making our fundraising goals for every campaign that allows us to manage our budget. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support!
On a very personal note, I cannot express the waves of emotion I personally had saying goodbye to some very special seniors who were the foundation of the Aura Club. These students are curious, diligent, respectful and such a pleasure to know. Although my heart aches because I won't see them on a regular basis anymore, it also swells with pride knowing that their futures are bright. God speed to them all! It was a joy to know them and to see some of them in the recent production of High School Musical, directed by our talented and tireless Samantha Rose. The several Kleenex's I brought to the closing production were just not enough. Getting to know these students makes all the blood, sweat and tears associated with fundraising worthwhile. Thanks, students, for blessing my life!
Finally, our "We are Walther" newsletter will return when school starts again. I wish all of you a very happy and healthy summer, filled with new memories with your families!
Please continue to support Walther with your gifts and your prayers, and again, thank you for being part of our community. We are still here, thanks to all of you!
Yours in Christ,
Sally Ruecking
Director of Advancement
|
|
|
Meet: Jayson Devries, our new Facilities Director
I am the new Director of Facilities at Walther Christian Academy. I previously was the assistant manager at Grace Lutheran Church and School in River Forest, Illinois, where my wife, children and I attend church. Prior to that, I was a personal chef and caterer for a number of years, after having started out owning, managing and working in the dry cleaning and laundromat business. My wife, Melissa, is an estate planning attorney and partner in the law firm of Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP in Chicago. We have three boys: Logan - a junior high science teacher in Florida; Luke – who is helping me this summer at Walther but spends the rest of the year in Colorado; and Hendrik – a rising junior at Timothy Christian. I enjoy cooking and playing tennis, having won fourth place at Nationals with my 4.0 men’s team in 2019.
|
|
|
|
Summer is almost here, and that means another opportunity to leave a memory at Walther.
The time is NOW to become a permanent part of Walther by purchasing an engraved paver. You can purchase one on our website by choosing the paver purchase option to honor your time here at Walther, thank a parent for sending you here, thank a teacher or honor a memory.
Pavers are $200 each.
|
Please click on the link below to review our latest Annual Report! And enjoy our clean, professional new website! |
|
|
|
|
|
Walther would not exist without you!
To all ALUMNI: We are asking every one of you regardless of where you are in life, to consider including Walther Christian Academy in your will.
Leaving a legacy at Walther means that more students will experience the joy of attending a school that truly cares about them and that your legacy will be helping students tomorrow.
|
|
Walther Christian Academy | www.Walther.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
