Greetings

Today, Walther Lutheran eNews & Notes presents a guest devotion, written by Walther Scholar Caitlin Smith, a senior from Itasca...

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:29-31

When I recall this verse I think of my grade school graduation, and looking back now as a senior, I think about all that has happened since I've come to Walther. As a timid freshman, I did not know the person I would become or the people I would meet, but ever since I have been at Walther, I've come to know myself and myself in Christ. Walther values its Christian roots, and we learn here so many valuable lessons that will carry us through life. Walther doesn't just teach us textbooks; it prepares us for the real world. When we leave here I know that we will all have a stronger faith.

I think it's hard to define Walther without thinking about its relationships. At such a small school, you build relationships that will last a lifetime. Everyone knows everybody, and even though we may not like this, it is a great part of what makes Walther so unforgettable. Here at Walther, we have a foundation in Christ, and that's not what makes us so prepared for the real world. I might go out into the world and discover life isn't as simple as high school makes it. I won't always have everything I want, I may not be the best or the brightest any longer, but what I will always have is my faith. Christ is the only thing that we can truly hope in, for Christ is the one who will never fail us.

I hope that as we go out into the real world, we not only value our faith, but we value that Walther had taught us well. I will never forget this place, or these people, and I know that with my faith I can go out into the real world, facing any challenge with God at my side. He put me at Walther for a purpose, and the people here have helped me to grow stronger in my faith. I know that with Him and what He has provided me I will never have to doubt. God is always there and in that fact, I don't just have to have faith, I can be sure. I will take my faith out with me into this world, conquering all that comes my way, and I only hope that you cherish the blessing that Walther has been to all of us in our lives, and live your life everyday in Christ.

Click here to read more devotions written by this year’s Walther Scholars.

School News

Now that the primary elections are over in Illinois we can start to focus on what our current elected officials are doing for us. When is the last time you had a member of the State Legislature in your house? State Senator Don Harmon and State Representative Dorothy Graham will be in “our house” on Saturday, February 23, and we would like you to be there too. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Signs will direct you to the meeting location.

The Roman Emperors distracted their people with “bread and circuses.” At Walther we amuse ourselves during the winter months with games and Booster snacks. This has been a good season for the Broncos. The Girls’ Basketball team has won both the Private School League conference regular season and the PSL Tournament Championships. The Boys’ Basketball team has clinched at least a tie for the regular season PSL title, with the PSL Tourney yet to come. This past Saturday Walther Wrestling fans witnessed two firsts: the school hosted an IHSA Regional Tournament and, more importantly, won the whole thing. Congrats to all involved. You can get specific results and info on players if you click here to visit Walther.com

One highlight of our winter musical calendar occurred on Thursday of this week. On that day we saw the future of Walther’s instrumental program as 180 young students gathered for our Grade School Instrumental Festival. Professional musicians joined Walther’s music department staff to provide sectional instruction for our 1st through 8th grade instrumentalists. The event culminated with a combined concert in our gymnasium.

A select number of Walther band members had a big adventure this past weekend when they traveled to Wartburg College, in Waverly, Iowa for 38th Annual Meistersinger Honor Band Festival. On the return trip the weather proved so bad that the sponsor of the trip, Ms. Samantha Rose, had to pull out the credit card and find rooms at a roadside inn. These students will have stories to tell: Megan Childs, Emme Abbe, Erica Bredehoft, Meredith Schaefer, Giancarlo Segreti, Steven Fritz, Steve White and Justin Romano. Seven of these players are products of our grade school program. Erica earned her trip to Iowa during her freshman year which is quite an accomplishment.

Alumni News

Roger Kruel ’74 was present at round two of the girls’ PSL tournament last week. Roger coached our girls to a 3rd place finish at the IHSA tourney in 1983.

Armond Clauss of Maywood passed away in late December at the age of 87. He was the father of four Walther graduates: Dennis ‘64, Susan ‘67, Timothy ‘72, and Kevin ‘76; and grandfather of graduates: Kim ’02, Kyle ‘05 and Lindsay Clauss’07. The Clauss Family Scholarship at Walther was established by Tim Clauss in honor of his parents, Armond and Lorraine, who have been long-time supporters of Walther and its mission since its early days. We praise God for the lives of all of the people who had the vision to see the impact that Walther could have on their families and on community and church.

Mr. Wally Schmitz, Lutheran teacher for 40 years and father of Julie ‘80, Dan ‘81, David ‘84, is now enjoying his heavenly reward. Many members of the Walther Family were able to be at the wake and memorial service held for him on February 2.

God’s blessings

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