Greetings from Walther! It is 3:45 on a weekday afternoon. I am sitting at my desk after a walk around the school–and it is hard to be certain whether school really let out an hour ago! The girls’ basketball team meets in one classroom, eager to begin a new season. Another classroom hosts the Art Club with kids exploring their creative side. Down the hall the Mathletes prepare for competition. In the gym the girls’ volleyball team, fresh from winning the Regional Championship, sharpen up for the State Sectional tournament. In the Multipurpose Room, it is Tech Week: the Walther tradition continues as the fall play cast and crew assemble to live here at school every waking hour until the performances are complete. Next door in the music room the Gospel Choir learns a new song. Across the street the majority of the baseball team is trying out the new pitching machine–even though it is now November! The cafeteria is filled with students waiting for rides as Principal Swims sits among the students, getting to know each of them: their stories, their strengths, their fears. In nearly every classroom a teacher remains, some making lesson plans or grading papers, most with at least one student in the room getting extra help or just being in a space where they feel welcome. In fact, that is everyone. For these students, Walther is a second home. What a blessing it is to be part of the Walther family, a 72-year tradition of Christ-centered learning.
God Bless your autumn!
Tim Bouman
Head of School
Spiritual Family is the name we give to the groups, led by a teacher, that our students meet with a couple days each week for devotions. They also sit together for chapel each week, do a service project together, and design a Friday “Campfire” worship. I asked the students in a couple of our Spiritual Families to share what they are thankful for at Walther. Here are some of their responses:
When you give to Walther, you are making an impact on the lives of these students and hundreds more. Thank you to everyone who makes the Walther experience a reality for our students.
Bill Koehne ‘87
Director of Advancement
Walther Christian Academy
In Senora Szczesny’s Spanish classes, students are taking their language skills far beyond the classroom!
Utilizing Zoom, her classes have connected with special guests from around the world, practicing their Spanish and gaining firsthand cultural exposure. This year and last, students have met visitors joining us from Spain, Costa Rica, Argentina, Venezuela, and El Salvador.
Most recently, our AP Spanish class held a virtual session with two teachers in Spain. As part of their preparation for the challenging AP Exam, students engaged in in-depth conversations covering topics critical to the global curriculum including cultural values, national identity, Spain’s role in Europe, and the importance of multilingualism.
These enriching and invaluable connections are made possible through the Global Connect database. Through this program, thousands of U.S. students get the chance to “travel” internationally and meet professionals from over 150 countries.
Senora Szczesny added, “These experiences are more than just language practice; they are investments in our students’ ability to broaden their perspectives, understand diverse viewpoints, and grow into the compassionate, globally aware leaders of tomorrow.”
Fall Play – The Book Women
Christmas Concert
Bronco Benefit 2026 – Saturday, Feb 21
@ The Nineteenth Century Club, Oak Park IL
Daniel Saeedi, Walther Class of 2001, is a partner and Team Co-Lead of Blank Rome’s Biometric Privacy Team, an AM Law 100 firm. The Blank Rome website identifies Daniel as a nationally renowned attorney in biometrics, class action litigation, privacy law, information security, trade secrets, and employment law.
After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2005 with a BA in Political Science, Daniel earned his JD in 2008 from the UIC School of Law. While in law school he was the Executive Lead Articles Editor for The John Marshall Law Review and graduated magna cum laude. Daniel rose quickly through the ranks. In 2021 he was recognized as a Rising Star in Law by Crain’s Chicago Business and was named to the 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch, listed by Law Bulletin and Chicago Lawyer. In 2025, he was on the Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys list by Crain’s Chicago Business.
As a trial litigation lawyer who focuses primarily on privacy and technology, Daniel cites communication as what he enjoys most about the job. “Communication and dealing with people is so important in my role,” he shares. “Whether that is dealing with the issues and personalities of my clients, my team, opposing counsel, or judges, I always need to find the best means of communication to be successful.”
Daniel shared that a love of history and a like of arguing steered him towards his career path. He credits his parents for creating a home where free thinking and expressing one’s opinion was encouraged and seen as important.
Daniel did not hesitate when asked how his experience at Walther impacted him. “The teachers were excellent, especially in my areas of interest. Walther promoted being active in many things. That taught us how to juggle responsibilities based on our schedule and priorities. I am also thankful for the grounding Walther provided. A faith-based education provides an anchor. I lean on this often in my work. Walther also encouraged students to have a voice and express it. Learning how to analyze and then communicate my thoughts has carried me throughout my career.”
While at Walther, Daniel played football and baseball while also being a member of the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. His favorite memories surround the camaraderie of teams (sports and band) working towards a common goal. “There is nothing like it. And for most professions, you work in teams for the rest of your life.”
Daniel added, “High schoolers are at a very important developmental stage. You are either learning life lessons with mentors or without them. At Walther you are surrounded by people who really care about you and guide you through a faith-based lens. I donate to Walther so that the school can continue to put students in a position to succeed. Life is challenging, but it is even more difficult without the grounding that Walther provides.”
Girls Volleyball: The girls volleyball team completed their season this week after losing in the first round of Sectionals. The team ended their season 24-8, placing second in the Chicago Prep Conference and winning their Class 1A Regional tournament for the fourth time in the last five years. Their 24 wins ties the school record for most girls volleyball wins in a season. Seniors Nery Espinoza and Sarah Zaia were named to the All-Conference team, and Matt Escobedo was named Coach of the Year in the CPC.
Girls Flag Football: In it’s second season, our girls flag football team ended the year 5-6 (3-2 in the Chicago Private League). Earlier this week they won their Regional Quarterfinal game over Disney II (first state tournament win ever), but then lost to Maine South in the Semifinals.
Football: Despite having a roster made up mostly of freshmen and sophomores, the football team ended the season 3-6 with 2 wins coming on the field and one by forfeit. This marks the program’s best record since 2021.
Cross-Country: The cross-country team was also a young squad made up of 9 freshmen and sophomores. The team finished 4th at the conference meet and 9th at Regionals.
Do you live in the area? Are you willing to display a yard sign? We have new signs available. Stop by the school office M-F 9:00-3:00 to pick one up and then share your story when someone asks.
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.
Please email any death notices to Advancement@WaltherAcademy.org
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.
