Dear friends,
The new school year is underway. Our theme verse this year is 1 Corinthians 16:14 “Let all that you do be done in love.” On the surface, it is a good reminder to our students–and faculty–to be intentional about acting in love. You know, it’s treating one another as we’d like to be treated, being kind, being patient with one another: even the student who knows how to get under your skin. And that is certainly something to strive for. But as Christians, it is also an acknowledgement that God’s love for us knows no bounds. Jesus stretched out his arms to give his life for us. And his last commandment to us? Love each other. This year our whole Walther community will strive to better know God’s love–and, in turn, to show love to one another. We also know, as educators, that sometimes what love requires is not always easy or pleasant. For example, to really love our students, we sometimes need to show that love by holding them accountable for poor choices or by pushing towards a higher standard of excellence. I know our Dean of Students shows “tough love” daily–and our students are better for it. Please keep Walther in your prayers as we strive to go about our school year, doing everything in love.
As you’ll see below, there are some exciting things afoot here at Walther: our 70th birthday, our Athletic Hall of Fame, and Homecoming weekend among them. We hope to see you and hear from you soon.
Yours in Christ,
Tim Bouman
Head of School/Principal
Happy Birthday to Walther!
September 12th marks the 70th anniversary of the first day of classes for Walther Christian Academy. On September 12, 1954, Walther students began receiving instruction over at Grace Lutheran, River Forest because construction of the new building was behind schedule. About two months later, on November 8, 1954, instruction began on the campus in Melrose Park.
One way we are honoring this historic date is with our inaugural Day of Giving. On September 12, alumni, parents, and friends of Walther will come together to support the school in thanks for the blessings received through this place.
Enrollment currently stands at 310, up nearly 9% from last year and the highest it has been in 12 years! Funds raised on our Day of Giving will be used to support the higher enrollment through additional financial assistance and more resources for our teachers. Please join us on September 12 as we say thanks to God for 70 years of faith-filled educational excellence with a gift to Walther Christian Academy!
Bill Koehne ‘87
Director of Advancement
Walther Christian Academy
Calling all Walther Alumni! Join us October 25-26. We have a weekend full of events for you.
Friday, October 25
5:00pm Alumni reception including tours of the school and museum of archives
6:00pm Alumni Dinner. Tickets are just $21
7:00pm Alumni Concert. Alumni join current members of the A Capella Choir and Wind Ensemble for a fun evening of music.
Saturday, October 26
9:00am Chapel service
10:00am Erin Stanley Memorial softball game on the athletic field
10:30am Athletic Hall of Fame brunch and induction ceremony. Tickets are $10
1:00pm Homecoming Football game vs. Westmont
As part of our 70th Anniversary celebration, and as a way to preserve the historical achievements of Walther Christian Academy and Walther Lutheran High School, the Walther Athletic Hall of Fame is being reactivated.
Congratulations to the Hall of Fame induction Class of 2024!
1984 Boys Track Team – Only State Championship in school history
2011-2013 Girls Track Teams – 2nd place at State for 3 consecutive years
Don Schafer – Class of 1984 Track & Field and Cross-Country
David Washington – Class of 1984 Track & Field
Andrew Amaya – Class of 1989 Basketball
Bo Flowers, Jr. – Class of 2002 Football, Basketball, & Baseball
MaShayla Kirksey Green – Class of 2013 Track & Field
Anna Strong – Class of 2013 Track & Field
Arra Strong – Class of 2013 Track & Field
Coach Warren G. Hoger Football, Wrestling, Track & Field
The induction ceremony and brunch will take place on Saturday, October 26 at Walther at 10:30am (note the new time). Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased using the button below. Ticket sales end Friday, October 18.
Induction classes may consist of individual athletes, teams, coaches, or supporters of the athletic program. Each year there will be a maximum of 10 inductees. Anyone nominated but not elected will continue to be considered for induction in the years to come.
A full list of all Hall of Fame members is available here.
Allen Schiefelbein, Class of ’62, passed away on June 18, 2024. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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.
