Greetings, Friends!
We are now officially in the beginning of the end of the school year. While there is still much work to do, final exams to take, and rites of passage ceremonies to enjoy, it is evident on campus that spring is in the air and summer is soon to follow, closing out our 69th year. This feeling was punctuated by our recent National Honors Society and National Junior Honors Society inductions, in which we celebrated our newest inductees for scholarship, service, leadership, and character (see photos below). This wonderful event, led by teachers Malory Mack and Stephanie Hegarty, gave some of our highest achieving students a chance to shine (and to show off that Broncos know how to dress up!) as their proud families looked on.
I’ll take this opportunity now to say how proud I am of ALL of our students. Being a teenager in 2024 is not an easy job. Yet we have 285 of them who come to Walther every day and grow academically and spiritually under the guidance of our amazing faculty. As our year comes to an end, I am thankful for each and every one of our students that God has placed in our care and I ask you to join me in praying for a safe and restorative summer for all.
Yours in Christ,
Tim Bouman
Head of School/Principal
Weekly Wednesday chapel services remain a core
element of the Walther experience. Most weeks, that takes the form of a
traditional Lutheran liturgy led by one of our Association pastors and
supplemented by our student Praise Band. However, this past week we switched
things up after we received a heart-felt letter from a recent alumnus who
wanted to share a testimonial. Bennett Eichert ‘21 was part of one of our
“Covid classes,” returning home to end his junior year through remote learning
in the Spring of 2020 and experiencing a challenging and uncertain senior year.
Bennett struggled at Walther. An intelligent young man who excelled at
wrestling and baseball, he faced anxiety and depression. It was a great
testament to his resilience that he received his diploma on Graduation Day. In
a recent email, he wrote, “After I graduated
high school, I really got the chance to focus on my relationship with Lord and
He has completely changed my life!“ He asked if he could share his
experience with our current students, alongside his youth pastor, Matthew Good
from Free Church, Oak Park. A date was set, and this past Wednesday we all were
moved and inspired by his story of how his faith walk has radically changed his
life for the good. He thanked his teachers, singling out Mrs. Holliday, Ms.
Rose and Ms. Micko in particular, for showing him patience, encouragement and
love in his time at Walther, and credited Walther for planting seeds of faith
and getting him through a rough time. It was wonderful to see Bennett so self-assured,
confident, and happy. After he spoke, Pastor Matthew gave additional
encouragement to our students, reminding them that a life in Christ is a joyful
one. I think it’s safe to say everyone left chapel on Wednesday filled with a
bit more of the Holy Spirit than when it began. Thank you, Bennett!
Spend the weekend of October 25 and 26 with Walther Christian Academy. On Friday, October 25 we will be hosting our annual Alumni Dinner at the school. You will be treated to a tour of Walther, a great dinner, and an alumni concert featuring…you? Private reunion classrooms are also available to kick off your reunion weekend, including the Class of 1974’s 50th. On Saturday, October 26, join us for an alumni Chapel service and our Erin Stanley memorial softball game. Then cheer on the Broncos as Coach Hyt leads them against Westmont. Stay tuned for more details…
Do you want to support Walther and leave your mark? Or, purchase a gift for someone you love?
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, honor a memory, or give recognition to your business!
The pavers are $200 each.
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Walther Christian Academy is operated for the purpose of providing Christian Education at the secondary level for the families of Lutheran congregations. However, it admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, and religion to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin and religion in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
