Here - West Lutheran High School

April/May/June 2013 Volume 52 

West Lutheran Graduates Class of 2013 

What’s Inside 

Alumni News 

Page 2 

Essay Contest Winners 

Page 3 

West Lutheran Serves 

Page 4 

Learning Outside 

Page 8 

Western Accents Tour 

Page 9 

Spring Sports Wrap-up 

Page 11 

On Saturday, May 25, West Lutheran High School honored its 32nd graduating class. The ceremony began 

as the thirty-one graduates marched into the gymnasium with the gold and black colored class banner hung 

over the door. The service opened with the graduating class singing their song selection, “The First Song of 

Isaiah.” Pastor Mark Nietzel served as the liturgist and Pastor Jonathan Ladner delivered the sermon with 

the message of “Plan to Say: ‘The Lord’s Purpose Always Prevails’.” The Concert Choir also performed the 

song “The Plans I Have For You.” 

After the worship service, class speaker Greyson St. Martin addressed the graduates during the commencement 

portion of the ceremony. After Principal Meitner addressed the class of 2013, the graduates received 

their diplomas from Board of Regents member David Wiechmann. The ceremony concluded with the traditional 

tossing of the caps and the graduates leaving the gymnasium holding a white rose, their class flower. 

Complete list of graduates can be found on page 6. 

May the Class of 2013 step into their future with the Lord and the abilities He has given them. 

August 5 

Calendar 

West Golf Tournament 

August 13-15 Football, Soccer, and 

Volleyball Camps 

August 14 

August 23 

August 26 

August 26 

Freshman Picnic 

First Day of School 

Freshmen 

Opening Day Service 

First Day of School 

Grades 10-12 

The News from West newsletter is 

dedicated in providing the good news 

about West Lutheran High School. 

If you have questions or comments 

about the newsletter, please contact 

Emily Shoop, West Lutheran Communications 

Director, at eshoop@wlhs. 

West Lutheran High School • 3350 Harbor LN N • Plymouth, MN 55447 • (763) 509-9378 • info@wlhs.net • www.wlhs.net

2 

Alumni News 

Grace Merchant (’10) recently co-wrote and produced the short 

film Enveloped, which won first place in student films at the 

Speechless International Film Festival. Both professional and 

student filmmakers participated, giving students opportunity to 

network with professionals in their field. 

Jolene (Pick) Tourville (‘94) 

received a Doctorate of Veterinary 

Medicine (DVM) from 

the University of Minnesota 

College of Veterinary Medicine 

on May 11th. She will 

be working as a part-time 

veterinarian for Barrington 

Oaks North Animal Clinic in 

Princeton, MN. 

Phillip Strong (‘06) will be part of a new WELS Kingdom Workers 

and Jesus Cares Ministries mission project in Malawi, Africa 

this summer. For more information about the mission project and 

how you can support the spread of God’s Word throughout the 

world, please go to http://t.co/Gc1va4KdWA. 

John Woodington (‘02) and Erin 

(Nord) Woodington (‘02) welcomed 

their son, Henry John Woodington, 

on February 8, 2013. Henry weighed 

8 lbs. 2 oz. and was 21 1/4 in. long. 

They reside in Brooklyn Park, MN 

and are members at King of Grace 

Lutheran Church in Golden Valley. 

Whitney Mornson (‘08) attended 

the 2013 Cannes International 

Film Festival in 

Nice, France in May. Whitney 

was accepted in the American 

Pavilion student film program 

and was the only student from 

MN who was accepted into 

the program. Her short film, 

White Rabbit was screened at 

the festival 

Asley Jensen (‘09) (left) and Aimie Wiechmann (‘12) (right) 

were key players on the Bethany Lutheran College Softball team that 

advanced to their first NCAA Division III national tournament. 

Ashley was named to the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference First 

Team for the fourth straight year. She also earned All-Defensive 

Team honors for the second straight year. This season, Jensen batted 

.377 with 3 HR, and 24 RBI. 

Aimie earned UMAC Academic All-Conference honors in both basketball 

and softball. 

New Teacher Susan Decker 

West Lutheran welcomes new teacher 

Susan Decker for the 2013-2014 

school year. A native of Eau Claire, WI, 

Miss Decker spent a week at West two 

years ago for her early field experience. 

She is very excited to begin her work 

teaching English and ESL. She also 

has interest in drama and journalism. 

Susan will be filling Emily Shoop’s position. 

Mrs. Shoop, who is expecting, will 

be taking time away from teaching to 

raise her family. 

God’s blessings to Susan and Emily as they move forward into a 

new chapter in their lives! 

West Lutheran Golf Tournament 

Save the Date! August 5 

The West Lutheran Golf Tournament will be held 

on Monday, August 5 at Wild Marsh Golf Course in 

Buffalo. The scramble (best 

ball) format will start 

at noon. The proceeds 

will go toward 

the West Lutheran 

athletic department. 

For 

additional information 

and registration, 

see the tournament 

brochure at http://wlhs. 

net/2013Golf.. 


3 

Memorials 

Thank you to the following people who directed their memorials for their loved ones to 

West Lutheran High School: 

In Memory of... 

Rodney Bjorlin 

Sandi Holan 

Larry & Katherine Cross 

Michael & Sandra Livermore 

Ronald Denney 

Donald & Marianne Vergin 

Florence Felber 

Scott & Lisa Anderson 

Don Freitag 

Dan & Bonnie Seichter 

Lois Hartwig 

Tim & Anne Bechtold 

Lowell Haugen 

Dennis & Merry Leerssen 

Bernice Hohenstein 

Gaylerd & Diane Lieder 

Doug & Deb Beise 

Alice Horn 

Sandi Holan 

Don Karpenko 


Eugene & Jan Nelson 

Darold & Beverly Marschel 

Marvin & Delyte Bursch 

Elaine Klatt 

Arnold & Gerane Strehler 

Ron Vollrath 

Eugene & Jan Nelson 


Robert & Dorothy Schindler 

Howard Kuns 


Norman Labitzky 

Ron Vollrath 

Leah Wandersee 

Grade School Essay 

Contest Winners 

The 2013 West Lutheran Essay Contest winners 

have been announced. This year’s theme was 

“Growing in Grace” based on 2 Peter 3:18 “But 

grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord 

and Savior Jesus Christ.” All the winners are 

from King of Grace except for Taylor Rau who 

is from Holy Trinity. Read the first place essay 

from each grade at http://wlhs.net/2013Essays. 

Congratulations to all of the winners! 

6th grade: 

1st Annika Richardson 

2nd Taylor Rau 

3rd Audrey Schumacher 

8th grade: 

1st Alaina Moeller 

2nd Lily Nelson 

3rd Annika Stensland 

7th grade: 

1st Colin Shanahan 

2nd Matthew Thomforde 

3rd Imani Jawando 

Agnes Landin 

Rueben Landin 

Arnold & Gerane Strehler 

Darlene Bechtold 

Wise Penny Thrift Shoppe 

Bob Matheson 

Chris & Cassandra Arnol 

Dave & Becky Klatt 

Dale Moberg 

Scott & Lisa Anderson 

Donna Oswald 

Bill & Audrey Reich 

Doug & Deb Beise 


Earl Paulsen 


Gene Sonnenfeld 

Sandi Holan 

Shirley VanBlarcom 

Donald & Marianne Vergin 

Schroeders Return 

to West Lutheran 

In April, students, faculty and staff 

were excited to welcome back former 

teachers, Howard and Rachel 

Schroeder, and their daughter Grace 

to West Lutheran. During chapel, 

Howard and Rachel described their 

mission work in Mexico and encouraged 

students to volunteer for the 

many Kingdom Worker projects 

there and in the United States. 

Association 

Congregations 

West Lutheran High School is 

blessed to have 20 association 

congregations that support the 

mission of the high school. These 

congregations include: 

• Abiding Savior – Elk River 

• Ascension – Plymouth 

• Brooklyn – Brooklyn Park 

• Christ – Eden Prairie 

• Cross – Rockford 

• Cross of Christ – Coon Rapids 

• Faith – Excelsior 

• Faith – Prior Lake 

• Holy Trinity – New Hope 

• Hope – Andover 

• Immanuel – Buffalo 

• King of Grace – Golden Valley 

• Mt. Olive – Delano 

• Mt. Olive – Shakopee 

• Redeemer – Maple Grove 

• Redeeming Grace – Rogers 

• Salem – Loretto 

• St. Paul’s – Montrose 

• St. Peter’s – Monticello 

• Timothy – St. Louis Park 

God’s Blessings to Howard, Rachel 

and Grace as they continue their 

mission work in Mexico! 


4 

Cheering Others with Cards 

Thirty-five students spent the afternoon on April 26 making greeting 

cards to bring cheer to shut-ins. The crafting supplies along with 

pizza and soda were provided 

by Thrivent Financial. 

The over 100 cards 

made will be delivered 

by grade school students 

to individuals in nursing 

homes as part of another 

Thrivent service project. 

Thank you Thrivent 

Financial! 

Packing Food at 

Feed My Starving Children 

On May 10, West Lutheran 

freshmen and sophomores 

spent the morning serving 

at Feed My Starving Children 

in Eagan. Eighty-one 

students, faculty and parent 

volunteers joined in to pack 

101 boxes filled with 3636 

meals. This was enough 

to feed 99 kids one meal a 

day for a year. The cost of 

boxing this food was over $4,000. The meals will be delivered to 

Haiti. Thanks to David Nelson, Susan Nelson, Andrea Lipovetz, Kim 

Studanski, Becky Clement, Amy Steinhauser, and Jen Brown for 

volunteering to chaperone and participate in our event. 

Maintaining the School 

On May 10, the freshmen and sophomores 

spent the afternoon working on 

various service projects in and around 

the school. Inside, students cleaned 

classrooms, dusted the trophy cases, 

scraped gum off the floors, and organized 

storage rooms. Outside, the 

students cleaned the pond, trimmed 

shrubs, cleaned around the baseball 

field, and cleaned the rain garden. 

Students also helped with the garage sale by greeting customers, 

straightening up tables and carrying out purchases. 

Supporting West and Tuition Assistance 

The 2013 West Lutheran Garage and Bake Sale, held on May 10 

and 11, was a huge success due to the planning of the garage sale 

committee and the hours and donations given by West students, 

friends and families. Starting the planning for the garage sale in 

February, the committee put in countless hours preparing for the 

sale including many 

late evenings. This 

year’s garage sale 

committee, consisting 

of alumni and current 

parents and students, 

included Lorraine 

Gerdes, Heather Herzig, 

Zoe Herzig, JoAnn 

Hinnenthal, Marianna 

McCrea, Denise Mueller, 

Carey Moss, Jill 

Rindt, Cathy Trebesch, and Paige Vollbrecht. Thank you for your 

expertise and love for West in producing a successful sale. 

West raised nearly $6200 including $750.00 from a Thrivent Financial 

match. Funds will go toward Tuition Assistance. Thank you 

everyone who contributed, whether it was with a donation, time 

working, or baking. 

Giving the Gift of Life 

On April 9, West Lutheran students, 

faculty and friends supported 

the importance of God’s 

gift of life with the spring blood 

drive. The West Student Council 

in partnership with Memorial 

Blood Centers hosted this annual 

event. 

With the tables and equipment 

setup in the West gym, donors 

watched movies while donating 

and enjoyed snacks and juice 

after. 

With nearly 50 units of blood 

donated, many individuals will 

be saved with these gifts. 

Cleaning Up Baseball Field 

On April 6, over 40 people took 

on multiple projects around the 

field including - batting cage 

set-up, brush clearing, windscreen 

installation, raking, field 

clean-up, flower bed cleaning 

and landscape rock removal. 

In addition, members of NHS 

installed (with difficult digging) 

a flagpole on the outer edge of 

center field. 


5 

Seniors Bond on Senior Trip 

As their days at West Lutheran were coming to an end, the senior 

class had one last opportunity to bond as a group and to 

make some lasting memories of their high school experience 

during the Senior Retreat May 9-12. The Seniors stayed at St. 

Andrew’s Village in Spicer, Minnesota where they enjoyed canoeing 

(not recommended in strong winds as Sarah Melott, Lauren 

Tripp, and Jordan Mutterer found out as they blew way down 

the shoreline and couldn’t get turned around) bonfires, and their 

favorite activity...seeing how many ways they could “prank” Mr. 

Jensen. 

During the afternoon on Friday, May 10, the class and chaperones 

went paint balling at the Crossfire Course in St. Cloud. Even 

though some of the girls were pretty nervous, everyone was entrenched 

in the paintball wars. Even Pastor Neitzel showed off 

his impressive duck and roll moves. 

The class participated in archery, rock climbing and cooperation 

programs at Prairie Woods Environmental Center on Saturday, 

May 11. Everyone was encouraging each other whether it was 

doing flying squirrels on high wires, shooting bow and arrows, 

or climbing the rock wall. Matt Egeberg and Greyson St Martin 

were the only two to make it to the top on the most difficult climb. 

The seniors enjoyed delicious meals at the camp, along with 

awesome popcorn and smores at night. After dinner the seniors 

often got together and played ping-pong, volleyball, or once 

again just scheming different pranks. One afternoon a huge water 

fight broke out and a certain chaperone (listed above) once 

again got soaked...of course he was an innocent by-stander. 

The retreat concluded with chapel. Greyson St. Martin gave a 

wonderful chapel devotion reminding seniors that friends and 

comforts will change, but Jesus will always be there. 

Photo courtesy of Joe Jiang 

Prom - A Masquerade in Paris 

On April 26, fifty-two students escaped to the City of Light during the 2013 West Lutheran 

Prom – “Masquerade in Paris.” Held at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth, MN, the 

prom festivities began with a social hour in the Regency room and professional photos 

in the lower level. The Regency room was beautifully decorated with a 12-foot Eiffel 

Tower, a serene park setting, lanterns and mask bouquet table centerpieces. After the 

social hour, the students enjoyed a delicious meal including salad, a choice of chicken 

or steak, and cheesecake. 

Once dinner was finished, the guests’ parents were welcomed to the festivities. In 

pre-Grand March tradition, the students posed with their dates, friends, grade school 

classmates and teams to the delight of the parent paparazzi. During the Grand March, 

prom committee advisor Sharon Gieseke introduced the prom guests as they walked 

through Arc de Triomphe. The evening concluded with a dance from 9 to midnight 

chaperoned by Joy and Nathan Veach, Susan and David Nelson, Melinda and Ted Ewing, 

and Tari Erickson and Mark Robbins. 

Thank you members of the prom committee for an elegant and romantic evening! 


6 

WEST LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING SENIORS 2013 

Student’s Name Parent’s Names Church Membership Future Plans 

Isaiah Arbogast Robert and Vicki Arbogast First Lutheran Church of Crystal Junior College – Sports Medicine 

Tural Asadov Fuad Asadov and Aliyeva Tofiq N/A North Hennepin Community College - International Business 

Dustin Barth Sheldon and Vicki Barth Golden Valley LCMS Bethel University – Engineering 

Morgan Barth Sheldon and Vicki Barth Golden Valley LCMS Bethel University – Engineering 

Morgan Boudreau David and Dayna Boudreau Cross WELS University of Wisconsin - Stout - Fashion Merchandising 

Matt Egberg Robert and Julie Egeberg New Hope Church Winona State University - Law Enforcement 

Michael Forsberg Steve and Roxane Forsberg Plymouth Covenant Church University of St. Thomas 

Zhengzeng Gao Dongya Ding and Lihua Gao N/A University of Minnesota - Duluth - Finance 

Emilie Giefer Dave and Beth Giefer St. John’s LCMS Hamline University - Mass Communications 

Alyssa Hamilton Dave and Sheila Hamilton Salem WELS Central Lakes College 

Marinda Hoffmann Mark and Linda Hoffmann Immanuel WELS Winona State University - Nursing 

Joe Jiang Shan Jiang and Hongqi Yan Cross of Christ WELS Wisconsin Lutheran College 

Carl Johnson Steven and Linda Johnson N/A Hennepin Technical College - Business 

Zandra Johnson Greg and Dawn Johnson Pilgrim WELS Bethany Lutheran College - Media Arts 

Ryan Kane Pat and Kim Kane Calvary Lutheran Winona State University - Law Enforcement 

Kaitlin Koester Wayne and Jean Koester Zion Lutheran Bethany Lutheran College - Biology/Pre-Physical Therapy 

Tim Kwon Hyun Sook Yoon N/A University of Missouri - Columbia 

Victor Macedo Tomas and Virginia Macedo New Hope Church North Hennepin Community College 

Sarah Melott Mike and Tammy Melott Ascension WELS Minnesota School of Business - Veterinary Science/Business 

Brian Merchant Curtis and Kathy Merchant King of Grace ELS Bethany Lutheran College - Pre-Law 

Jordan Mutterer Christine Mutterer Cross WELS University of Wisconsin- Superior 

Cassandra Pollard Jeff Pollard, Chrissy and Mike Kettenacker Cross WELS Concordia College - Moorhead - Pediatric Onocology 

Ross Robinson John and Mara Robinson St. John’s LCMS St. Olaf College - Political Science/Psychology 

Caleb Skorseth Eric and Katie Skorseth Bethlehem Baptist Church Bethel University 

Greyson St. Martin Kris and Kathleen St. Martin King of Grace ELS Carthage College - History/Political Science 

Aaron Stegman Loren and Charlotte Stegman Holy Trinity ELS Hennepin Technical College - Welding 

Nathan Studanski Tom and Kim Studanski King of Grace ELS University of Minnesota - Math or Computer Science 

Ronald Swift Ronald Swift and Kathleen Zirbes Ascension Lutheran WELS Hennepin Technical College - HVAC 

Lauren Kelly Tripp Mike and Jennifer Tripp Ascension Lutheran WELS Bethel University - Nursing 

Alexander Volberding Gary and Deb Volberding St. John’s LCMS University of North Dakota - Commercial Aviation 

Alexander Walton Leah Johnson and Mark Walton St. John’s LCMS Hennepin Technical College - Ford ASSET Program 


2013 Valedictorian and Salutatorian 

Based on the highest cumulative grade point average of 4.02, Nathan Studanski was named Valedictorian of the Class of 2013. Lauren Tripp was 

honored as Salutatorian with a GPA of 3.97. 

7 

Valedictorian: Nathan Studanski 

Nathan participated in golf and 

was the boys basketball manager 

throughout his years at West. He 

was on the Honor Roll all four 

years and a member of the National 

Honor Society his junior and 

senior years. He is a member at 

King of Grace Lutheran Church in 

Golden Valley. Nathan will attend 

the University of Minnesota, Twin 

Cities where he will study math or 

computer science. 

Salutatorian: Lauren Tripp 

Lauren participated in volleyball 

all four years at West. She was on 

the Honor Roll all four years and a 

member of the National Honor Society 

her junior and senior years. 

She is a member at Ascension Lutheran 

Church in Plymouth. Lauren 

will attend the Bethel University 

where she will study nursing. 

2013 Spirit Award 

Each year the 

faculty chooses 

a student to 

be the recipient 

of the Spirit 

Award. Each 

faculty member 

nominates 

two individuals 

they think 

are worthy of 

best exemplifying 

the kind 

of school spirit 

based on the 

following criteria: a positive Christian attitude, 

leadership, enthusiasm, dependability, 

and the “encouragement” of all. 

This year’s recipient is senior, Greyson St. 

Martin. 

Greyson is the son of Kris and Kathleen 

St. Martin. He attends King of Grace Lutheran 

Church in Golden Valley. While 

at West, Greyson participated in soccer, 

football, basketball, baseball, mock trial, 

Western Accents, and drama. Greyson 

was a member of student council where 

he served as Student Body President and 

was a member of the National Honor Society. 

Greyson will be attending Carthage 

College, in Kenosha, Wisconsin in the fall, 

where he will be majoring in history and 

political science. 

Congratulations, Greyson! 

Many are the plans in a person’s heart 

but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. 

- Proverbs 19:21 


8 

Learning Outside the Classroom 

Students Tour the Federal Reserve Bank 

In April, West Lutheran seniors, students 

from the AP US History 

and Economics 

classes, Mr. 

Bain and Mr. Veach 

toured the Federal 

Reserve Bank in 

downtown Minneapolis. 

The group learned 

about the purpose of the 

Federal Reserve Bank, 

saw awesome art and 

architecture, watched the 

vault robots in action, and 

received samples of shredded 

money. 

Students Experience Different Cultures 

On Friday, May 3, the freshman geography class participated 

in a field trip to the annual Festival of 

Nations World 

Culture Fair at 

the River Centre 

in St. Paul. 

Students experienced 

the 

many cultures 

by tasting of ethnic 

foods, viewing 

items in the 

country’s booths, 

and watching 

demonstrations of 

dance, games and 

crafts. With a mock- passport, the students also 

were assigned to collect country stamps and write 

a 2-page detailed report on their experience at the 

Festival of Nations. 

Chemistry Class Conducts a Stream Study 

On May 8, the Chemistry in the Community class met the HCCD 

field expert, Katie Farber, at the Crow River and spent the afternoon 

netting larva from the bottom of the 

river along with chemical 

testing. This is the 

17th year that students 

of West Lutheran 

have been 

a part of the River 

Watch Project of the 

Hennepin County 

Conservation District 

(HCCD). Their role 

in River Watch is to 

monitor the Crow River 

as it passes through 

Rockford, Minnesota. 

Each spring and fall the students complete a site analysis and 

collect macroinvertibrates (translation: bugs) samples from the 

river bottom in three riffle locations. Back in the classroom, 100- 

300 of the individual organisms are identified down to the family. 

By gauging the pollution tolerance of the identified bugs and 

looking at the site analysis, the quality of the stream is measured 

and compared to previous years. The fieldwork takes up most 

of an afternoon and four forty-minute class periods are spent on 

the lab work. 

Physics Students Study at ValleyFair 

On the last day of school the senior Physics 

students took a field trip to Valleyfair. Here 

the students used concepts and skills they 

acquired throughout the year to learn 

about the engineering required to keep 

the rides safe while still providing a thrill. 

The students made measurements 

from a number of rides using various 

home-made devices and then were 

required to answer a series of questions regarding 

the physics of the ride. Of course, they had 

a great deal of fun riding these rides too. What a great 

way to spend the last day of their high school career! 

Spring Awards 

Congratulations to all the students who received awards 

at the Spring Awards ceremony on Friday, May 17. The 

awards included: High Honors, Student Council, President’s 

Award For Academic Excellence, National Honor 

Society, American Math Competition, Perfect Attendance, 

Yearbook, Mock Trial, Fine Arts Letters and Sports Letters. 

See the complete list of awards and honorees at http:// 

wlhs.net/2013SpringAwards. 


9 

West Alumni and Mrs. Gieseke Part of 

Harvard University Research Project 

Harvard University started a research 

project in 2005 to determine the factors 

that best prepared students for success 

in college. They determined success in 

single variable college calculus to be a 

significant indicator for success in many 

areas beside math. In 2009 surveys were 

sent to colleges across the United States 

to find out what students in a freshman 

college Calculus I classes thought were 

the most helpful ways their high school 

teachers used to help them be prepared for such a class. Their professors also 

shared their grade earned at the end of Calculus I. 

From those students that were highly successful in Calculus I, the most frequent 

response was that their high school teacher required high conceptual understanding. 

From the Harvard surveys completed by Alumni of West Lutheran, 

that met all the above criteria, Mrs. Gieseke’s name was listed as someone who 

teaches in a way for them to develop this high level of understanding. She was 

recently contacted by Dr. Wade, project coordinator, and interviewed by phone 

on ways she uses her classroom throughout the high school years to help students 

visualize the concepts in mathematics and attain high levels of success in 

college Calculus I. 

Freshman Hands-on Electronics Project 

The ninth grade science class recently worked on 

an electronic engineering unit. The lab work included 

device building circuits using solderless testing 

boards; exploring advanced circuitry including using 

diodes, capacitors, resistors and circuit chips; soldering 

components onto integrated circuit boards; 

and for the ambitious: some simple robot building. 

Western Accents Tour Florida 

During the week of March 25 to April 1, the Western Accents experienced Holy Week and Easter in a unique way 

by touring three Florida churches. The Western Accents spent Maundy Thursday at New Hope Lutheran Church 

in Melbourne and King of Glory Lutheran Church in Orlando on Good Friday. The select choir celebrated three 

services on Easter at Risen Savior Lutheran Church in East Orlando - one of these services was even in Spanish. 

Besides singing for worship, each church also had mission 

work for the students - mainly door hangers and grounds 

cleanup. The Western Accents enjoyed this wonderful opportunity 

to meet, serve, and worship with other Christians. 

THANK YOU to the numerous individuals who gave monetary 

donations to help this trip happen. 


10 

Dickens of a Mystery Entertains 

with Humor and Intrigue 

By Brian Merchant 

This spring, more than 

a dozen students participated 

in the spring 

play, “A Dickens of a 

Mystery.” Mr. Baures 

followed through on 

his promise of a murder-mystery, 

pleasing 

many of the students, 

all while mixing it with 

one of the most classic author’s works. A humorous imagining of the possible 

“ever-after” of Dicken’s characters, this mystery added a new element 

to the theater of West, having the possible endings changing each 

night, with the murderer being based on audience response. While the 

students still enjoy the traditions passed down for years (Swedish Fish, 

Perkins), they also celebrated another year of theater, with new traditions 

and new students. 

Koinè Performed at West 

The Christian group Koinè performed their inspirational 

message for West Lutheran students, faculty 

and guests on April 29. 

Pops Concert Goes Back in Time 

West Lutheran went back in time during the Pops concert on May 17 with the Concert 

Band, Freshman Choir, Accents, and Concert Choir performing several hits from the 

60s and 70s. Some of the highlights from this lively end of the year concert were: 

• The Concert Band played a Beatles medley that featured nearly every instrument 

in the band. 

• The Freshman Choir “danced” to “Yellow Submarine.” 

• The Accents sang “Somebody to Love” by Queen accompanied by Mindy Hoffmann 

on piano, Andrew Stavig on guitar, and Nate Egeberg on drums. 

• The Concert Choir closed the concert with the ballad “Yesterday” as recorded 

by Boyz II Men. 

Along with other senior special awards, 

the Sousa Band Award and the National 

Choral Award were presented t 

to Senior Mindy Hoffmann. 


11 

Boys Served Up a Fantastic Season 

The West Lutheran boys varsity tennis team in their co-op with Southwest Christian had a 

great season with a match record of 5 wins and 6 losses. The West Lutheran players comprised 

of five of the seven full time players including Peter Carlson, Max Clement, Gonzalo 

Glagovsky, Ryan Hafften, Joe Lipovetz, and Rudy Lipovetz. The Southwest Christian/West 

Lutheran team was able to play half of their matches as a full team with the additional help 

from four part-time players. 

The season continued for doubles team of Rudy and Joe Lipovetz as they qualified for the 

state high school tournament on Friday, May 25 in the section 2A playoffs. The brothers took 

second place out of fifteen doubles teams. At their first state tournament appearance on June 

6th, Rudy and Joe lost in their first two rounds. 

Track Team Makes Strides This Season 

The 2013 track and field season came to an end with the section meet on June 1, 2013. Even 

though no one qualified for the state meet, Pastor Ladner thanks all of team members for their 

participation this year. 

After the conference meet on May 18th, team awards were presented. There were three awards 

for both the girls and guys: 1st in points accumulated, 2nd in points accumulated and most improved. 

The awards were given to these individuals: 

Girls 

• Most points accumulated – Irina Dehn - Excelling in the 800 and 1600 meter runs, Irina 

has led the girls in points accumulated for the past three years. 

• Second most points – Kari Preus - In her first year on the Warrior track team, Kari 

helped the team in the 3200 meter run, the triple jump and the 4 x 100 meter relay. 

• Most Improved – Alayna Dehn - Alayna won first in the 100 meter dash at the Faribault 

meet and at the conference meet. 

Boys 

• Most points accumulated - Andrew Stavig - Andrew performed well in the long jump, 

the 4 x 200 relay and the 4 x 400 meter relay. 

• Second most points – Victor Dickson - Victor participated in the 800 meter run, the 4 

x 800 meter relay and the 4 x 400 meter relay. 

• Most Improved – Noah Walton - Noah continued to improve all season, culminating with 

his best run in the mile at the section meet on June 1. 

Coach Ladner would also like to thank the captains Irina Dehn, AJ Volberding, Noah Ragone, 

and Victor Dickson. A special recognition is given to AJ Volberding who has served as a team 

member for four years and a captain for two years. 

Short Softball Season Showed Success 

With the record setting cold and snow this spring, the 

Warrior Fast Pitch Softball team started their season practicing 

indoors for the bulk of March and April. Waiting to 

play a game outdoors, the Warriors were able to play a 

scrimmage game against Hill City in the Plymouth dome 

and showed great promise, winning 12-4. 

The shortened season finally began on April 29 and consisted 

of four rapid weeks of play following, rain, cold, record 

heat, and yes some more rain. All in all, the Warriors 

were able to play 14 games including the section playoffs. 

The Warriors finished the regular season 5-6 with conference 

record of 4-4. The season came to an end with two 

losses in the section 4A playoffs and finishing the season 

with a record of 6-8. 

The highlight of the softball season was the game against 

Heritage Academy. During the game, the Warriors and 

the Eagles exchanged the lead several times. In the 7th 

inning, the Warriors were down by three with two outs and 

no one on base. The Warriors scrapped their way back 

scoring four runs to win, 11-10! 

Even though the Warrior softball team was very young, 

they showed great promise. A very late arrival to the roster 

was eighth grade St. John’s student Sydney Kappel. 

Sydney will be attending West next year and led the team 

with pitching appearances. Junior Abbie Westberg also 

shared the mound and was able to secure a couple of 

wins. The team was led by senior captains Jordan Mutterer 

and Morgan Boudreau. Coach Bill Vollbrecht and 

Bill Schendel salute the captains for their play and great 

team leadership! 

Sophomore Ashley Beise led the team with RBI’s. Sophomore 

Hailey Vollbrecht led the team with runs scored, 

and freshman Laura Studanski led the team in batting 

average. 

The following members were awarded letters for the 

2013 season; Seniors Jordan Mutterer and Morgan 

Boudreau. Juniors Abbie Westberg and Team Manager 

Katie Delano. Sophomores Ashley Beise, Hailey Vollbrecht, 

Sydney Bursch, and Stephanie Christofferson. 

Freshmen Laura Studanski, Sienna Bjorlin, and 

Maria Tripp. 8th grade student Sydney Kappel. 

The team and coaching staff thank all of the parents and 

fans for their support in the season and efforts! 


3350 Harbor Lane North 

Plymouth MN 55447 

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED 

Warrior Baseball Conference Champs, Struggle in Section Play 

The Warrior baseball team ended their short regular season with a record of 11-5 and won the 

MCAA conference title with a conference record of 9-0. The Warriors ended the season June 1 

with a loss to St. Agnes in the Section 4A playoffs. 

All eleven varsity players lettered in baseball this year including five seniors. Coach Marty 

Nelson thanks captains Dustin Barth, Morgan Barth, Connor Olson and Hans Alwin for all 

their time and efforts in leading the team. 

Individual and team awards went to the following: 

• Dustin Barth All-State, Academic All-State and MCAA All-Conference 

• Morgan Barth Academic All-State and MCAA All-Conference 

• Connor Olson MCAA All-Conference 

• Hans Alwin MCAA All-Conference 

The JV baseball team ended the season with a very successful 6-2-1 which holds well for next 

season’s varsity team. 

Coaches Nelson and Liberato would like to thank all the players for their hard work during a very trying year weather wise. 

NHS Honored West Lutheran Teachers 

As a part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the West Lutheran National 

Honor Society honored teachers with a breakfast buffet on May 7. In 

addition, Senior Brian Merchant delivered a moving speech at chapel 

detailing how teachers have inspired and made an impact on students 

at West Lutheran. Below is the content of that speech. 

1 Peter 5:2 says, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your 

care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you 

are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, 

but eager to serve.” 

This week is known across the nation 

as Teacher appreciation week, a time 

for us to celebrate all the hard work that 

our teachers put in, and how much they 

impact our lives, even more so for our 

teachers, who strengthen our faith. So, 

as I learned from one of our teachers, I’d 

like to tell you about three things; time, 

talents, and thankfulness. The first one 

is something we can all understand, every 

one of you finds yourself wishing for 

more hours in the day, for me, it’s more 

hours in the night. Put yourself in the shoes of a teacher for a second, 

and realize that in a single class period, their forty-five minutes are no 

longer their own. Every minute of that class is dedicated to teaching as 

many as fifty students the lesson. Even more so, teachers spend time 

out of class, willing to answer any cry for help on homework. Time isn’t 

something we can buy or trade, except in movies, and for one of our 

faculty to devote their hours to educating teenagers takes dedication. 

You often hear about talents in chapel or Bible class, but the discussion 

usually centers on how best to use your talents. This is going to get a little 

messy for a second, but try to follow. Our teachers have the incredible 

God-gifted talent to teach others how to use their talents to serve God. 

Many of our teachers inspire us to new aspirations, finding new abilities 

we never knew we had, and new ways to use old skills. As we get older, 

our teachers let us explore our new favorite field of study or work, giving 

us a passionate environment to inspire our curiosity. But at the end of 

the day, a faculty member’s talent, the ability to instruct, learn, create, 

inspire, listen, and encourage is summed up with the one word, “Teach.” 

Of course, God commands us to be thankful for all that we receive, both 

material blessings and spiritual blessings. The unique environment of 

West allows us to receive both these blessings at the same time in our 

education, both in the class room, and in extracurriculars. Being thankful 

can be as simple as voicing your happiness at having a certain class or 

simply participating in class. So, this week, on behalf of National Honor 

Society, I’d like to remind you to spend some of your time thanking your 

teachers for using their talents for you.

Here - West Lutheran High School

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