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Dear Classmates, 

     The CLHS school year is almost over with graduation ceremonies scheduled this Sunday at the Embassy Theater in downtown Fort Wayne - no more outdoor graduation ceremonies at Zollner as there were for so many years. This year's senior class is rather small with only around 130 students while next year's freshman class will have closer to 190-200 students. This obviously means some substantial growth potential for next year. Growth has positive financial implications and also results in the need for more teachers. 

     Staff Changes - Three teachers are retiring this year, and three more are leaving for other positions. Almost all of the teachers who will replace them are graduates of our Synodical colleges which means they will all have extensive theological training in addition to their subject-matter capabilities. This further means that teachers in academic areas will also be well-qualified to incorporate the teaching of the faith into their secular subjects. One of the most important positions is that of choir director. Our band director had to fill both positions this past year which meant a lot of extra work for her. She will now be able to return to her position of band director only. The new choir director is a graduate of our Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, in the spring of 2024.

     Spring Sports - CLHS had a very successful spring in many of the spring sports. Relay teams and individuals from both the boys' and girls' track teams will be going to the state meet this coming Saturday. CLHS has become quite a power in distance running for both teams in the past several years. The baseball team made it to the sectional final, losing to Dwenger for the championship. Girls' tennis may have had one of the best teams in CLHS history. They won the SAC championship for the second year in a row and also the sectional championship. They won their first regional match but lost to Carroll 4-1 in the regional finals. Unfortunately, there were 12 seiniors on the team so next year may be a rebuilding year. 

     Capital Campaign - Those of you who are on CLHS's mailing list are probably aware that the capital campaign that has been needed for so many yars is now about to start. Many areas of the building are the same as they were when the school opened in the fall of 1963. (Yes, we were supposed to be the first class to graduate from the new school. I know, I know) They are obviously in great need of repair. If you are so moved, please be willing to contribute in some way to this worthwhile project. If you are not able to contribute financially, please pray for the success of the project.

     Death of Spouse - Five years ago our classmate Tom Staak died. He and his wife Sharon were both suffering from cancer at the time of his death. I just received word from their daughter Allison that Sharon has also died. She fought for many years with the ravaging effects of the disease spending the last few years using a feeding tube. She moved to California after Tom's death to live with Allison. Tom and Sharon were strong believers in Jesus and will be reunited with Him in the heavenly realms as will all of us who have faith in Him. 

     May all of you have a blessed summer. Our family only has three weddings, three high-school graduations, and an ordination for our granddaughter's husband who will be serving in Fremont, IN, where the illustrious Ron Oldsen, Ralph Traycoff, and Karen(Cookie) Hausmann Dalrymple are members. There may be even more classmates who are members there for all I know since several other classmates live in the lake area up there.