MLHS Alumni News – February 2026
Upcoming Events and News
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WINTERFEST IS COMING!! – February 14, 2026
Alumni, plan now to attend this special event on February 14, 2026! There is so much that we want to share with you!
Morning events for all of you who want to relive a few moments on the court
Afternoon events include the 50th Anniversary of Lady Titan Hoops at halftime of the girls’ varsity gam,e which starts at 3:30
A special gathering place (with food) for alumni to reconnect, get tours, and update contact information. (The first 50 to come will receive a gift card compliments of the Alumni Association.)
See the work done in the gym, which includes a 15′ cross built by a class of 1989 graduate (check this month’s trivia contest), which will be dedicated at halftime of the boys’ game in honor of a former, beloved faculty member by your Alumni Association. You’ll have to wait to see who it will be!
CAN YOU HELP PLAN THIS SPECIAL DAY? Join the Alumni Association at 2:00 pm on February 8 at ML to finalize the details for this special event. Can’t make it in person, we will have a Zoom meeting available. Email alumni @michiganlutheran.org to get the link.
Distinguished Alumni – 2026
Thank you to everyone who nominated an alumnus of ML for the Distinguished Alumni Award for 2026. The committee is excited to announce that Abigail (Schneider) Polzin, MD, a 2002 graduate of MLHS, has been selected for this year’s award. Dr. Polzin will join us at this year’s Gala on April 18, 2026, to accept the award. You can read her bio at the link below.
Class of 1976 – 50 Year Reunion
Class of 1976, you are up! We are excited to welcome you and your spouse back for a celebration of 50 years since walking the stage at ML to get your diploma.
Come May 22 for a dinner at ML, time to reconnect, and a presentation and tour of the school. It will begin at 6:00 pm. We also ask you to consider returning for the graduation ceremony at 10 am on May 23 to lead the processional and be recognized as one of the founding classes of your high school.
Please RSVP to Matt Herbst by emailing at mherbst@michiganlutheran.org so that we can plan accordingly.
Are you an alumnus, current/former parent, or supporter of MLHS who owns a business? Fill out this form to add your information to our business directory! ADD YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICE HERE
Email any of your milestones or newsworthy items to alumni@michiganlutheran.org so that we can celebrate together!
Stork Award Recipient – Debra Chapman (1994)
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and Central Dispatch proudly recognized Dispatcher Deb Chapman, (1994) with a Stork Award for her outstanding professionalism and calm response during a critical emergency call. Read more On December 9, 2025, at approximately 6:36 a.m., Dispatcher Chapman received a 911 call from a female in Waverly Township who was in active labor. After quickly assessing the situation, Deb determined the delivery was imminent and immediately began providing medically established childbirth instructions over the phone. Dispatcher Chapman’s professionalism, decisive actions, and compassionate support were key factors in ensuring a smooth delivery and a positive outcome for both mother and child. Her ability to remain composed during such a high-stress and joyful moment reflects the exceptional standard of service provided by our 911 dispatchers.
Another Child of God – Josiah Stejskal = Grace (Barner) Stejskal
God’s Blessings to alumna Grace Braner Stejskal (2016) and her husband, Cory on the birth of their son Josiah. Josiah was baptized at St. Paul, South Haven in December and was counted as one of God’s own dealy loved children.
God’s Blessings to your family!
Alumni Trivia Contest!
Congratulations to Brooke Gerlace – Class of 2022, for correctly guessing that the picture was (Olivia Gallagher) Scherer and Hailey Maas!
Here are some throwbacks from the 90’s to enjoy. Send any pictures to alumni@michiganlutheran.org!
CONNECT WITH US – Follow us on our socials below. Email – secretary@michiganlutheran.org to receive the weekly MLHS Newsletter.
https://www.facebook.com/mlhsalumni
Help your Alumni Association
The Alumni Association has an aggressive plan to positively impact MLHS again during the 2025-2026 school year. Their plans are dependent on others joining in to help carry these events out! See the timeline below. Each of the quarterly meetings will have a Zoom option available.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BUDGET AND EVENTS FOR THE YEAR
| February 8, 2026 | Quarterly Alumni Meeting – 2:00 pm |
| Week of February 9, 2026 | Online Alumni Spirit Week Challenge |
| February 14, 2026 | Winterfest (AKA Homecoming) – Alumni Games and come back to ML to cheer on the Titans…and see the updated gym! |
| April 18, 2026 | Annual Gala |
| May 3, 2026 | Quarterly Alumni Meeting |
| May 13, 2026 | Class of 2026 Luncheon |
| May 22, 2026 | Class of 1976 Dinner |
| June, 2026 | Annual Goals Meeting and Plan for Summer Mailing |
Alumni Association Committee
Jeremy Barbott – 269-588-2153 – jbarb1312@gmail.com
Becky (Biedenbender) Briney – 269-358-2998 – bbriney@michiganlutheran.org
Julie Duensing – 269-930-7542 – julieduensing@gmail.com
Beth (Bomke) Anderson – 269-313-3014 – Bbomke@hotmail.com
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