June 2015

KML Class of 2015

Kettle Moraine Lutheran High

School held its graduation

service for the class of 2015 on

Saturday, May 23, at 10:30 am.

Pastor Charles Raasch of

Morning Star in Jackson was the

guest preacher, and Pastor Philip

Malchow of KML was the

liturgist. Class speakers were

Joseph Loescher of David’s Star,

Jackson, and Samantha Paton of

St. John’s, Lannon.

Congratulations and God’s

blessings to the newest graduates

of KML!

Thoughts From the Class of 2015

What KML Has Meant to Me Joseph Loescher, David’s Star, Jackson

In four short years, friendships have been formed, milestones have been

reached, and incredible memories were made. It’s hard to imagine my life

without many of the things that have grafted themselves into my life.

However, I am confident that I am ready to move on. The academic and

extracurricular rigors have readied me for success in college life. The

situations I encountered along the way with my fellow brothers and sisters in

Christ gave me experience in managing conflicts in a Christian manner.

Finally, learning leadership skills and inspiring confidence in my faith has

prepared me for a life of service in the church as a teacher, to others as a

Christian, and to my Lord as a son of the Almighty God.

How KML Has Impacted My Faith Macy Moldenhauer, Peace, Hartford

Looking back at my four years here at KML, I’ve learned what faith in Jesus

Christ truly means and how easy it is to slip away from God during the lowest

points in your everyday life.

It finally hit me during these past years at Kettle how valuable my faith is.

When I was younger and in grade school, I never fully understood what faith

in Jesus meant, but then at the end of my senior year, I finally realized what a

great feeling it is to know that I have my Savior watching over me each and

every day of life.

Throughout my four fast years at KML, I faced so many troubles and hardships, big and small and too

numerous to count. I’ll admit that it was very easy to forget about God and doubt that he would ever get

me through those tough times. But now that I’ve reached the end of my time here at Kettle and can look

back at everything I’ve had to go through, I can happily say that every single hardship God put before

me only made me a stronger person. The countless nights I was up late finishing that five page

Haferman paper or the days my friends would get mad at me only gave me more perseverance that, with

the help of God, I would finally get through all of those low points.

The friends I’ve made here and the teachers I’ve gotten to know better have only made my journey here

at KML more memorable. Next to trusting in God that he would get me through my hard times, they

were the ones who encouraged me and gave me such great advice to keep fighting through my hard

times because, in the end, everything would work out for the best. Without my religion classes, I would

not have the knowledge of God’s Word that I have today. The teachers were always great supporters

and guides when it came to studying the Scriptures, and I feel that they have beyond prepared me for my

future outside KML.

As I walk out the doors at KML, I am confident in saying that there is nothing I can’t do because I know

that God will always be with me wherever I go and that he will always have a plan in store for me.

A Foundation of Faith Samantha Stohlman, Bethlehem, Menomonee Falls / Germantown

Forty years ago my grandpa’s company started the foundation for this school.

Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine his grandchildren coming here. He

knew he would send his kids here, but he didn’t expect that a second generation

would come, too.

More than just a foundation of cement was built 40 years ago. With the work

of the Holy Spirit, a foundation of faith was built and continues to inspire

students every day here at KML. These walls have done more than educate.

They have established and embellished Christ’s love.

I can’t picture my high school life being anywhere else. From the teachers who motivate you to learn

and care about you personally, who pray for your success, to the friends who share a deeper connection

than just a Friday night hangout or a Saturday morning football game, I will always remember and

cherish my four years at KML, and honestly, I would do them all over a second time. The unity we

share in Christ resonates every chapel service and brings me chills on every Song Service Wednesday as

the entire student body joins in rejoicing through music.

You can see the pride and love for this school in the halls and on the bleachers at games. The colors

green and white hold lasting memories like Homecoming Week, big state games, and the school song

written on the walls of our gym. They have become a necessity in my wardrobe, and I know it’s going

to be difficult transitioning to another school’s colors.

God’s Word is vital during this time in life, and KML has prepared me for my future—to go out and

shine my light in the world as we are “Saved to Serve.” I don’t doubt that the friends I’ve made and

lessons I’ve learned will stay with me, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to be a second

generation student because KML is more than just a school—it’s a part of my history and a part of who I

am.

The Impact of KML Chloe Preston, St. John’s, Newburg

The past four years at KML have helped me grow, not only spiritually, but as a

person as well. My faith life has grown more than I thought it would be able to

as I was able to solidify my beliefs and become more comfortable sharing that

faith with others, as well as being able to see the importance of staying

connected to Christ after I leave Kettle. I know that I am prepared to not only

go and talk to others about my faith but show what I believe in my daily life.

I am grateful for all of the opportunities that I had to become involved in my

school in a multitude of ways. Cross Trainers, specifically New Friends, has

had such a large impact on my life. I was able to help others become closer to their Savior and have fun

while doing that. I pray that the group continues to grow stronger each year.

I thank God for this school and how he has blessed me throughout all four years.

The KML Difference Reilly Paine, Peace, Hartford

I believe that my educational background has played a central role in my

identity and has shaped me to be the kind of person I am today and will be in

the future.

I attended Peace Lutheran Grade School for my preschool through 8th grade

years. Attending a parochial school taught me to be respectful to my teachers

and fellow classmates. There was a family atmosphere in my grade school

because we all had the same values and beliefs.

After 8th grade I went on to Hartford Union High School. I had to make many adjustments when I

started high school I went from a class size of 17 at Peace to over 400 students in my grade at Hartford.

Students at my grade school were more well behaved, and I had never experienced the kind of behavior

at a public high school. I liked the personal attention I received from my teachers at Peace, and that is

harder to get in a larger school. Also, at Hartford I struggled to find a group of friends who had the same

morals and beliefs as I had, and the environment was not always positive to be around. The friends I did

make did not always have the best influence on me, and there was a lot of peer pressure. I found out that

it is very true if you are exposed to people who have a bad influence, you will eventually start to act like

them.

When I had the courage to stand up for my morals and my beliefs, I was made fun of. In my biology

class my freshman year, we had an assignment that required us to answer questions about evolution. I

decided to answer the questions from a creation perspective. I received a zero on that assignment, and

my teacher called me out in front of the class for not following directions. The teacher announced to the

class that he used to be religious, but he finally came to his senses to believe in evolution. This was very

humiliating for me, and it made me not want to express my faith anymore.

I was challenged by another teacher in my sophomore English class at Hartford. We were each given a

question on which to give an impromptu speech in front of the class. My question read, “Which came

first, the chicken or the egg?” I used the argument that the chicken came first because God created

“every winged bird according to its kind.” (Genesis 1:21) My teacher then told me I could not use that

as an argument because it created a bias in a public school. I did not feel comfortable in my own school,

and all these negative factors led me to the decision to transfer to Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School.

My current high school is the perfect fit for me. Everyone was welcoming since the first day, and it is

incredible to be able to go to school with people who share my same religious beliefs and values. My

new friends are encouraging and only lift me up. The decision to switch schools made it clear to me

how valuable school and friendships are. I am also appreciative of my parents because they supported

my decision to transfer to Kettle Moraine Lutheran, and they also want to see me excel at a private

college.

2015 Graduate

Scholarships & Plans

Scholarships:

$750,000 awarded for the first year of college

More than $2.5 million when renewable

scholarships added 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

PrivateCollege

PublicCollege

2 YearCollege

TechCollege

Military Work

2015 Graduate Plans

Farewell to Faculty Members

Mr. Dave Deibert has

served as a teacher in

the English department

at KML since 2000 and

is retiring at the end of

this school year. The

high writing and

language standards to

which he held his

pupils are legendary

and much appreciated

by former students once they enter college and

the workforce.

Mr. Tom Mellon is

retiring after 44 years in

the public teaching

ministry. Since 1992,

he spent 23 of those

years sharing his love

of biology with the

students at KML. His

many contributions are

evident all over our

campus, from the solar

panels to the “Green Machine” wastewater

treatment system to the environmental classroom.

We thank the Lord for the many years of faithful service of these men, and we wish Mr. Deibert and Mr.

Mellon God’s richest blessings in their retirements.

Cross Trainers Mission Trips

In the weeks leading up to Easter, 17 Cross Trainers and their

chaperones embarked on a journey to help our congregations in

Texas, South Carolina, and Alabama. It was once again amazing

to see how God used our KML students to help share the message

of our risen Savior. All the teams did quite a bit of canvassing

and engaged people in conversations about Jesus. Some also

helped organize and run Easter for Kids outreach programs at

their congregations.

The Holy Spirit greatly impacted our teams as they were

strengthened in their faith as well as empowered to boldly tell

others of Jesus. We pray that they will be able to take this strengthened faith and continue to positively

impact people throughout our communities with the wonderful message of our loving Savior.

Educate ~ Encourage ~ Equip This is the third of a three-part series over the 2014-2015 school year to emphasize key components of

the Kettle Moraine Lutheran mission statement.

If you haven’t noticed, this edition of the Caring begins with reflections of

some of the members of the class of 2015. With these new alumni, KML

proudly has 2,825 graduates now serving their

homes, churches, and communities. It is our

mission to equip our graduates to serve as

Christians in any vocation that God has prepared for

them. The following two stories are a small

representation of how God is using his people. We are encouraged in our

work to be an excellent school that equips its graduates with discernment. In

every step we are to reflect the great love of Jesus in all we do.

Equip

Equipped for Life’s Challenges Dr. Jessica (Bartelt) Fazendin, KML Class of 2003

Surgical Resident at Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

As a surgical resident, my work life centers around long hours, stressful

scenarios, challenging academic problems, and life and death issues. There

are days when I don’t think I can get out of bed due to exhaustion. Decisions

can be difficult to make because of the potential consequences for my

patients if I’m wrong. Each time I tell a family member that their loved one

may die, I think, “How am I going to do this?” But when I say my daily

prayers, I am reminded of the answer: God has prepared me for this.

Each of us faces distinct challenges in our daily lives. We are all called to

serve in different ways. But God has prepared each of us in a unique way for

such vocations.

Looking back at the various experiences and challenges with which I have

been faced, it’s clear what purpose they have served. God has used athletics

and music to show me what it means to work with a team, to rely on others

to achieve a shared goal. Without these lessons, a physician cannot function

as the leader of a healthcare team to provide the best care. Advanced science

classes and teachers who challenged me prepared me to excel in college and

eventually medical school. Daily Word of God classes and chapel at KML

gave me my spiritual foundation, the strength to face life and death issues as

a physician, and the steady reminder that God is in control of all things.

When reflecting on what has prepared me to be a physician, I realize that God taught me all of these

lessons from a young age through Christian education. My years at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High

School played a pivotal role preparing me for my profession as a physician. Not only did KML equip me

to face my challenges from a Christian perspective, but more importantly, it gave me the experience and

the tools to be there for my patients and their families.

I know that I can make the right decisions because God is in control, and his will is be done. I can

witness to my co-workers and to my patients because I am confident in the message of the cross. I can

help patients and their families face life and death issues because our God has prepared me for eternity.

pic

Dr. Fazendin working with a

child (above) and in surgery

(below)

Class of 2015

73% to 4-year college

(7% into the ministry)

20% to 2-year or tech

college

4% to military service

3% to work force

An Education That Equips for Life Mr. Justin Liepert, KML Class of 2007

Technology Coordinator & English Teacher

at Winnebago Lutheran Academy, Fond du Lac, WI

As I write this, Teacher Appreciation Week is winding up across the

country. It's a week in America where many students and parents take a

moment to show gratitude for all that teachers and schools do. As I reflect

back on my time at KML, it is very easy to appreciate what the faculty and

staff at KML provided - an education that equips for life. I can't help but

think of the countless hours that the faculty put in to not only the school day, but outside of the school

day in various clubs, athletics, and activities. They did all of that to help equip my classmates and me

for a life of service. It is one of the reasons that I eventually decided to become a teacher myself in my

senior year of high school. Now I teach just 40 miles up the road at Winnebago Lutheran Academy – a

school that shares the same faith, the same ideals, and the same goals as the high school that I attended.

Very rarely does a week go by where I am not reminded of my time at KML. I appreciate my time there,

for it was there that I saw teachers who cared for their students ... Teachers who were concerned by more

than grades or assignments; they also cared about the person who was sitting in the desk … Teachers

who not only cared about a student’s presence in the classroom, but what that student did outside of the

classroom … Teachers who not only preached the Word of God in their classrooms and lessons, but

showed that same Word in their lives. One of the most interesting things about where I teach now is that

I still encounter many of my former teachers on a regular basis at athletic events, performances,

conferences – and they still know who I am, ask how I am doing, and are there for me to ask questions

and provide advice.

Even though I have “left” Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, the lessons that I learned there have

stuck with me. I feel equipped because of my experience there as I attempt to emulate those teachers that

left a lasting impression on me as both educators and as Christians. It feels like a lofty goal at times, but

I am glad that I have been given an opportunity to do so.

So as Teacher Appreciation Week gears up and winds down, I can say that I appreciate those teachers

that I had in my life. They helped equip me for what I do, not only as a teacher, but as a Christian. And

that is what is truly important.

Mr. & Mrs. Justin Liepert

The KML Foundation is Growing! Mr. Paul Snamiska

The KML Foundation is a separate entity that exists to support the high school

through a special endowment fund. The KML Foundation board meets quarterly

to evaluate the status of the fund, to plan promotional events for the Foundation,

and to distribute money for student assistance and various projects.

Over the past six years, the Foundation has done some great things that are

worth sharing:

The endowment fund has grown from $490,000 to nearly $750,000.

The Foundation has distributed an increasing amount of student assistance each year as the fund has

grown; last year the Foundation awarded $36,000 in assistance to KML families.

People who name KML or the KML Foundation in their estate plans become members of the

Heritage Society. Over the past five years, the Heritage Society has grown from 49 members to 89

members.

The Foundation sponsors the annual Charity Golf Outing and Dinner in September which raises

money for the school and the endowment fund.

The Foundation has certainly grown and continues to move forward in positive ways. If you would like

to learn more about the Foundation or would like to designate an estate gift for the endowment fund,

contact me (262-677-4051 x1116; paul.snamiska@kmklhs.org). I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank You for Making a Joyful Noise!

Many thanks for responding to the Make a Joyful Noise Building Campaign. Since we launched

the building campaign in 2012, the Lord has blessed KML with $2,890,963 in gifts and

pledges. Many of those gifts have come through our Builders program. We thank the Lord

for your support. You can still Make a Joyful Noise when you join our

Builders program by setting up an auto-withdrawal. Your gift of $5, $50, or

$500 per month will qualify for an additional donor gift of $500 to KML! It’s

really simple. Just go to www.kmlhs.org/autogift, and sign up online or print

the form and mail it in. The Joyful Noise of your support is building a strong

ministry and helping KML students build their Christian faith.

Have You Received a Text From KML?

Your high school would love to stay in touch with you! We recently launched a program

that will allow us to take advantage of new technology, provide new opportunities, and

share with you the blessings of what is happening at your high school. In order to receive

these updates, please be sure KML has your current contact information on file, including

your cell phone number. If you choose at any time not to receive a text from KML,

simply text STOP to unsubscribe.

17th Annual Dinner Auction

The Auction Committee would like to extend a note of thanks to all those who attended and helped make

this year’s event a great success. Thank you also to the many sponsors and donors who contributed such

a wonderful variety of items to the silent and live auctions. More than $112,000 was raised! The

Tuition Assistance Program will benefit by receiving 20% of the proceeds, and multiple projects for the

athletic department will be funded with the proceeds’ remaining 80%.

Plans are already in the making for 2016! If you

would like to be part of the auction excitement,

contact Geoff Ziesemer, KML

Auction Chair at geoff.

ziesemer@yahoo.com or

414-397-4550.

Save the Date for Next Year’s Dinner Auction:

Friday, April 15, 2016

Upcoming Events

Visit the event links for more information and/or registrations forms. Registration forms are also

available from the KML main office.

July 20: Kettle Golf Open at Scenic View Golf Course

August 15: 4th Annual Kettle Klomp 5K Race/2 Mile Walk

September 14: Charity Golf and Dinner Auction

October 10: KML Homecoming

October 15-16: Grandparents’ Days at KML

Every 15 Minutes at KML

Every 15 Minutes is a program sponsored by the Washington County Sheriff’s Dept. and the Coalition.

These members partner with a school, and over the course of a year, they plan and organize an event that

impacts students and teaches them not to drink and drive.

In our KML mock scenario, there were students drinking at a senior bonfire. The students overslept and

arrived at school late the next morning. In the process of texting and under the influence on the way to

school, they hit and killed a teacher, Mr. Jerry Zeamer, and a student, Jared Henning. They paralyzed

another student, Kari Schneiss.

The program goes through all the realistic steps in a crash. The paramedics, fire dept., sheriff’s dept.,

and even Flight for Life are all involved. The accused goes through a trial with the D.A., judge, and

prosecuting attorney. A student video team captures pictures and videos of each step and turns the

storyline into a short video. About 30 students are involved during this process, and the Coalition

sponsors a one-night training exercise at one of the local motels for those students and teachers involved

with production of the presentation. Presenters on the second day included parents, students, and a guest

speaker who lost his daughter in an alcohol-related accident which is shared in somewhat graphic detail

to make an impact on students.

As a Christian high school, we were able to customize our program to include not only the law, but the

Gospel, giving hope for those who suffer a tragic loss. On each of the two days the program was

presented to the student body, WLCFS provided trained counselors to discuss how to cope or work

through grief after a tragic loss.

Overall, the feedback was only positive, and many students asked if

KML could repeat this program in a few years. If you haven’t

seen the small video portion of our program which our students

produced, you can view it at www.youtube.com/kmlhsvideo.

We pray that this and other training pieces will positively

impact our students both while in high school and long after

their graduation.

Moved? New Email? Married?

Child? New Job?

Please send your current information to

KML so that we can update our alumni

database. Don’t miss out on reunions or

other information from your alma mater.

Let us know what is happening in your life,

and with your permission, we will publish it

in the Caring.

Updates and information for the Caring can

be sent to KML using the Alumni Online

Submission Form found at www.kmlhs.org/

about_kml/alumni.

Alumni News

1996

Elizabeth (Borgwardt) Koester graduated with

her Masters degree in Education / Special

Education from Martin

Luther College on May

17, 2014. Liz was the

resource teacher at

Kennedy-Powell

Global Tech Academy

in Temple, TX, and

had previously taught

kindergarten at K-2

Life Skills at Reeces Creek Elementary in

Killeen, TX. In January 2015 Liz and her family

moved to Omaha, NE, where her husband Jon

accepted a call to be the associate pastor at

Gethsemane Lutheran Church.

2013

Cadet Colonel Scott Steele has earned Civil Air

Patrol’s

highest cadet

honor, the

General Carl

A. Spaatz

Award. He is

the 1,974th

CAP cadet to

earn the

honor since

the award’s

creation in 1964. Approximately one out of every

200 CAP cadets earn this prestigious award.

Steele joined the Civil Air Patrol in 2008. During

his time as a CAP cadet, Steele has had a number

of unique experiences. In 2011 he attended

CAP’s premier leadership school, the National

Cadet Officer School, at Maxwell AFB in

Alabama, where he earned recognition as a

Distinguished Graduate. That same summer he

spent ten days at Kirtland AFB in New Mexico,

learning about Air Force pararescue operations.

In 2012 he was then selected to attend the

advance pararescue course, this time in Arizona at

Davis-Monthan AFB. In 2013 he served as the

cadet commander for Wisconsin Wing’s annual

summer encampment. In this role he oversaw the

training and development of more than 100 other

cadets and managed a staff of more than 30.

Cadets who earn the Spaatz Award must pass a

rigorous four-part exam, which includes a

challenging physical fitness test, an essay testing

the candidate’s moral leadership, and

comprehensive exams on leadership and

aerospace. The award honors General Carl

“Tooey” Spaatz, the first Chief of Staff of the

United States Air Force and the first Chairman of

the Civil Air Patrol National Board. During

WWII, Spaatz commanded the allied air campaign

against Nazi Germany.

Steel currently attends Winona State University

and is in his sophomore year. After graduation he

hopes to enlist in the Air Force and pursue a

career in pararescue.

Here Am I. Send Me! KML Alumni Enter the Public Ministry Martin Luther College Teaching Assignments:

Hillary Beyer (2010) to Zion Lutheran School,

Rhinelander, WI

Jacob Geidel (2010) to Zion Lutheran School,

Rhinelander, WI

Melissa Mittelstadt (2010) to Faith Lutheran

School, Anchorage, AK

Valarie Tharman (2011) to Trinity Lutheran

School, Jenera, OH

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Vicar

Assignments:

Philip Loescher (2009) to Hope Lutheran

Church, Irmo, SC

Benjamin Rusch (2009) to Good Shepherd

Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac, WI

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KML as it is published, but in convenient electronic format.

Follow the links below to e-subscribe!

Caring (this publication)

For alumni and friends of KML

Published three times per year

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caring

Communique

For all friends of KML

E-newsletter published electronically two times per month

beginning in August 2015

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communique

Re-Charger

Recap of weekly KML events and activities for friends of KML

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